Resemiotising concerns from constituencies in the South African parliament
- Siebörger, Ian, Adendorff, Ralph D
- Authors: Siebörger, Ian , Adendorff, Ralph D
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/385362 , vital:68011 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.2989/16073614.2015.1061892"
- Description: Members of Parliament (MPs) in South Africa represent different constituencies across the country. In this article, we report on how MPs resemiotise concerns from their constituencies in spoken discourse in a parliamentary committee, and on the effectiveness with which this informa- tion is in turn resemiotised into a written committee report. Both resemiotisations form part of a genre chain which we investigated while conducting a linguistic ethnography of the communica- tion difficulties which occur in parliament's committee process. We use a multi-stranded theoretical foundation, including tools from Systemic Functional Linguistics, Interactional Sociolinguistics and Legitimation Code Theory to analyse MPs’ ability to communicate concerns from their constituen- cies in parliamentary discourse. We conclude that the success of MPs’ resemiotisations of these concerns depends on their ability to rescale them as relevant on a national level, and on their ability to negotiate the power relations at play in parliament.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
- Authors: Siebörger, Ian , Adendorff, Ralph D
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/385362 , vital:68011 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.2989/16073614.2015.1061892"
- Description: Members of Parliament (MPs) in South Africa represent different constituencies across the country. In this article, we report on how MPs resemiotise concerns from their constituencies in spoken discourse in a parliamentary committee, and on the effectiveness with which this informa- tion is in turn resemiotised into a written committee report. Both resemiotisations form part of a genre chain which we investigated while conducting a linguistic ethnography of the communica- tion difficulties which occur in parliament's committee process. We use a multi-stranded theoretical foundation, including tools from Systemic Functional Linguistics, Interactional Sociolinguistics and Legitimation Code Theory to analyse MPs’ ability to communicate concerns from their constituen- cies in parliamentary discourse. We conclude that the success of MPs’ resemiotisations of these concerns depends on their ability to rescale them as relevant on a national level, and on their ability to negotiate the power relations at play in parliament.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
An investigation of how newly appointed team leaders in an automotive manufacturing organisation experience the role transition from specialists to team leaders
- Authors: Mzelemu, Patrick Sbusiso
- Date: 2022-10-14
- Subjects: Leadership , Automobile industry executives , Role expectation , Identity (Psychology) , Personnel management , Organizational behavior
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/403036 , vital:69916
- Description: The purpose of this study is to investigate and understand how specialists who are newly appointed team leaders in an automotive manufacturing organisation experience the transition from specialists to team leaders. The role of leading others in an organisation is linked to human resource leadership. The human resource is highlighted as a valuable resource as it is the only thinking resource in an organisation. It also influences cost and quality and it is central to the organisation's competitive advantage. Consequently, any interruptions or lack of effective management of the human resource will result in a loss of value that the human resource brings into the organisation since they maximise the use of all other resources. The role transitioning process takes place in three phases. These are the separation, transitioning and incorporation phases. In the separation phase, the transitioning individuals have difficulty detaching from their previous role; the individuals still having the urge to do the work for their subordinates instead of delegating illustrate this. In the transition phase, the individuals in the study experienced the anxiety of wanting to make the new role a success whilst experiencing a sense of lack of belonging due to not being in the familiar old role and not entrenched in the new role. In the incorporation phase, the transitioning individuals experience a sense of stability where they are comfortable acting in the new role. Problem: This study aims to answer the question of how newly appointed team leaders in an automotive manufacturing organisation experience role transition from specialists to team leaders Method: The study will be employing the qualitative thematic deductive method. The target population consists of team leaders who have transitioned into the team leader position in the past two years in different departments. The data was collected by way of face-to-face semistructured interviews with a sample size of seven participants. Data analysis was conducted with a method that is consistent with thematic analysis. 3 Key Findings: Individuals transitioning have urgencies to perform their previous roles in the early phase; during the transition phase, they have anxiety because they are not yet successful in the new role, and in the final phase, they have become comfortable with their new roles and their new identities. Implications: The study's outcome is to identify insights and resultant recommendations for non-leading specialists transitioning into roles where they have to lead others. The study will add to the research in the field of leadership behaviour and organisational behaviour. , Thesis (MBA) -- Faculty of Commerce, Rhodes Business School, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-10-14
- Authors: Mzelemu, Patrick Sbusiso
- Date: 2022-10-14
- Subjects: Leadership , Automobile industry executives , Role expectation , Identity (Psychology) , Personnel management , Organizational behavior
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/403036 , vital:69916
- Description: The purpose of this study is to investigate and understand how specialists who are newly appointed team leaders in an automotive manufacturing organisation experience the transition from specialists to team leaders. The role of leading others in an organisation is linked to human resource leadership. The human resource is highlighted as a valuable resource as it is the only thinking resource in an organisation. It also influences cost and quality and it is central to the organisation's competitive advantage. Consequently, any interruptions or lack of effective management of the human resource will result in a loss of value that the human resource brings into the organisation since they maximise the use of all other resources. The role transitioning process takes place in three phases. These are the separation, transitioning and incorporation phases. In the separation phase, the transitioning individuals have difficulty detaching from their previous role; the individuals still having the urge to do the work for their subordinates instead of delegating illustrate this. In the transition phase, the individuals in the study experienced the anxiety of wanting to make the new role a success whilst experiencing a sense of lack of belonging due to not being in the familiar old role and not entrenched in the new role. In the incorporation phase, the transitioning individuals experience a sense of stability where they are comfortable acting in the new role. Problem: This study aims to answer the question of how newly appointed team leaders in an automotive manufacturing organisation experience role transition from specialists to team leaders Method: The study will be employing the qualitative thematic deductive method. The target population consists of team leaders who have transitioned into the team leader position in the past two years in different departments. The data was collected by way of face-to-face semistructured interviews with a sample size of seven participants. Data analysis was conducted with a method that is consistent with thematic analysis. 3 Key Findings: Individuals transitioning have urgencies to perform their previous roles in the early phase; during the transition phase, they have anxiety because they are not yet successful in the new role, and in the final phase, they have become comfortable with their new roles and their new identities. Implications: The study's outcome is to identify insights and resultant recommendations for non-leading specialists transitioning into roles where they have to lead others. The study will add to the research in the field of leadership behaviour and organisational behaviour. , Thesis (MBA) -- Faculty of Commerce, Rhodes Business School, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-10-14
The Effect of training and development on employee performance in the Buffalo City Municipality in the Eastern Cape of South Africa
- Authors: Adom, Richard Kwame
- Date: 2019-09
- Subjects: Employees -- Training of , Performance -- Management , Employees -- Rating of
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/20153 , vital:45377
- Description: Training and development are regarded as significant tools for any organisation to achieve the target goals and objectives. These goals and objectives are heavily and highly dependent on its workforce. In the literature, it is well documented that many organisations invest in employees’ training and development to enhance their performance and the growth of the organisation. Many organisations, however, including the Buffalo City Municipality, regard training and staff development as needless expenditure, and always do little, or make no effort to improve employees’ technical know-how. Such actions incapacitate staff to adapt to the ever-changing working environment and rapid technological innovation. This study employed purposive sampling technique to draw a sample of 70 employees from a total of 150, through structured interviews and a self-administered questionnaire, to examine the effect of training and development on employees’ performance in the Buffalo City Municipality, situated in the Eastern Cape of South Africa. The findings of the study generally revealed that training and development does not only increase employees’ performance, but assists in developing the overall personality of employees by making them more productive through building their senses of teamwork, boosting the attitude of staff which is the most critical component in attaining profit, and developing a cordial relationship and connectivity between management and the workforce. The study, therefore, recommended that the municipality, as a matter of urgency, earmarks a certain percentage of its resources for employees training and development, based on identified skills gaps to sharpen employees’ skills, competencies, capabilities and technical know-how, to capacitate them to cope with the ever-changing working environment and innovations, and to enhance their motivation, satisfaction and performance. , Thesis (MPA) -- Faculty of Management and Commerce, 2019
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019-09
- Authors: Adom, Richard Kwame
- Date: 2019-09
- Subjects: Employees -- Training of , Performance -- Management , Employees -- Rating of
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/20153 , vital:45377
- Description: Training and development are regarded as significant tools for any organisation to achieve the target goals and objectives. These goals and objectives are heavily and highly dependent on its workforce. In the literature, it is well documented that many organisations invest in employees’ training and development to enhance their performance and the growth of the organisation. Many organisations, however, including the Buffalo City Municipality, regard training and staff development as needless expenditure, and always do little, or make no effort to improve employees’ technical know-how. Such actions incapacitate staff to adapt to the ever-changing working environment and rapid technological innovation. This study employed purposive sampling technique to draw a sample of 70 employees from a total of 150, through structured interviews and a self-administered questionnaire, to examine the effect of training and development on employees’ performance in the Buffalo City Municipality, situated in the Eastern Cape of South Africa. The findings of the study generally revealed that training and development does not only increase employees’ performance, but assists in developing the overall personality of employees by making them more productive through building their senses of teamwork, boosting the attitude of staff which is the most critical component in attaining profit, and developing a cordial relationship and connectivity between management and the workforce. The study, therefore, recommended that the municipality, as a matter of urgency, earmarks a certain percentage of its resources for employees training and development, based on identified skills gaps to sharpen employees’ skills, competencies, capabilities and technical know-how, to capacitate them to cope with the ever-changing working environment and innovations, and to enhance their motivation, satisfaction and performance. , Thesis (MPA) -- Faculty of Management and Commerce, 2019
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019-09
Backpack carriage and musculoskeletal pain among primary school learners in King Williams Town, South Africa
- Authors: Moni, Busisiwe
- Date: 2022
- Subjects: Backache -- Prevention , Pediatric rheumatology , Pain -- Treatment
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/26984 , vital:66208
- Description: BACKGROUND: There is rising concern that kids are walking to school with too much weight on their backs. The weight of schoolchildren's backpacks is a persistent and divisive topic in the fields of education and health. Children who carry heavy backpacks are more likely to have back discomfort and musculoskeletal pain, which raises their risk of developing chronic back pain as adults. There is little research on this topic among South African school-age youngsters. The goal of the study was to find out how common low back and other musculoskeletal complaints were among primary school students who used a school bag. RESEARCH AIM: The purpose of the study was to identify the prevalence and location of musculoskeletal discomfort in primary school students in King William's Town, South Africa, and describe their link with backpack use. METHOD: In King Williams Town, Eastern Cape, South Africa, a descriptive cross-sectional survey was conducted among elementary school students between the ages of 9 and 14 years old. A systematic questionnaire and the Cornell Musculoskeletal Questionnaire were used to gather the data (body chart). Age, gender, and schoolbag details (style of backpack, carrying technique, and carrying time) were collected. The learner's waist, hip, and bag circumferences were all measured. On the data, descriptive and interferential statistics were used. FINDINGS: The study's conclusions showed that students' musculoskeletal pain was brought on by the weight of their backpacks or school bags. The majority of the students (89.8percent) complain about the difficulty they experience when lugging their heavy backpacks to class. In addition, 83.4percent of the students had bags that weighed more than 10percent of their body weight. Additionally, a sizable percentage of students (89.8percent) carry a hefty bag to school every day and report feeling fatigued while doing so (90.8percent). 90percent of the students reported feeling discomfort before, during, or after carrying their schoolbags. This pain is related with carrying a schoolbag. The majority of students (53.5percent) felt that their daily pain interferes with their ability to study. In order of severity, the majority of students report having discomfort in their shoulders (82.7percent), lower back (59.9percent), neck (47.0percent), upper back (40.7percent), and upper arm (16.4percent). CONCLUSION: According to the study, there is a link between students' musculoskeletal pain and carrying hefty backpacks or school bags. The shoulders are where musculoskeletal discomfort is most frequently felt. The study supported the findings of the majority of studies cited in the literature that most schoolchildren suffer from musculoskeletal pain because the weight of their backpacks is excessive compared to their size, weight, and age. RECOMMENDATIONS: The study produced a number of recommendations, including that the Department of Basic Education inform teachers, students, parents, guardians, and other key stakeholders about the effects of heavy backpacks or schoolbags on students' musculoskeletal pain. For students' convenience and to lighten the load on their school bags, locker rooms should be available. Teachers, parents, and guardians should also pay attention to the school bags that students are using to make sure that the weight is appropriate for their age and body size. , Thesis (MPA) -- Faculty of Health Sciences, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022
- Authors: Moni, Busisiwe
- Date: 2022
- Subjects: Backache -- Prevention , Pediatric rheumatology , Pain -- Treatment
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/26984 , vital:66208
- Description: BACKGROUND: There is rising concern that kids are walking to school with too much weight on their backs. The weight of schoolchildren's backpacks is a persistent and divisive topic in the fields of education and health. Children who carry heavy backpacks are more likely to have back discomfort and musculoskeletal pain, which raises their risk of developing chronic back pain as adults. There is little research on this topic among South African school-age youngsters. The goal of the study was to find out how common low back and other musculoskeletal complaints were among primary school students who used a school bag. RESEARCH AIM: The purpose of the study was to identify the prevalence and location of musculoskeletal discomfort in primary school students in King William's Town, South Africa, and describe their link with backpack use. METHOD: In King Williams Town, Eastern Cape, South Africa, a descriptive cross-sectional survey was conducted among elementary school students between the ages of 9 and 14 years old. A systematic questionnaire and the Cornell Musculoskeletal Questionnaire were used to gather the data (body chart). Age, gender, and schoolbag details (style of backpack, carrying technique, and carrying time) were collected. The learner's waist, hip, and bag circumferences were all measured. On the data, descriptive and interferential statistics were used. FINDINGS: The study's conclusions showed that students' musculoskeletal pain was brought on by the weight of their backpacks or school bags. The majority of the students (89.8percent) complain about the difficulty they experience when lugging their heavy backpacks to class. In addition, 83.4percent of the students had bags that weighed more than 10percent of their body weight. Additionally, a sizable percentage of students (89.8percent) carry a hefty bag to school every day and report feeling fatigued while doing so (90.8percent). 90percent of the students reported feeling discomfort before, during, or after carrying their schoolbags. This pain is related with carrying a schoolbag. The majority of students (53.5percent) felt that their daily pain interferes with their ability to study. In order of severity, the majority of students report having discomfort in their shoulders (82.7percent), lower back (59.9percent), neck (47.0percent), upper back (40.7percent), and upper arm (16.4percent). CONCLUSION: According to the study, there is a link between students' musculoskeletal pain and carrying hefty backpacks or school bags. The shoulders are where musculoskeletal discomfort is most frequently felt. The study supported the findings of the majority of studies cited in the literature that most schoolchildren suffer from musculoskeletal pain because the weight of their backpacks is excessive compared to their size, weight, and age. RECOMMENDATIONS: The study produced a number of recommendations, including that the Department of Basic Education inform teachers, students, parents, guardians, and other key stakeholders about the effects of heavy backpacks or schoolbags on students' musculoskeletal pain. For students' convenience and to lighten the load on their school bags, locker rooms should be available. Teachers, parents, and guardians should also pay attention to the school bags that students are using to make sure that the weight is appropriate for their age and body size. , Thesis (MPA) -- Faculty of Health Sciences, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022
Synthesis, photophysical and photochemical properties of tetra-and octa-substituted gallium and indium phthalocyanines
- Durmus, Mahmut, Nyokong, Tebello
- Authors: Durmus, Mahmut , Nyokong, Tebello
- Date: 2007
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/271276 , vital:54529 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.poly.2007.03.007"
- Description: The synthesis, photophysical and photochemical properties of the tetra- and octa-[4-(benzyloxyphenoxy)] substituted gallium(III) and indium(III) phthalocyanines are reported for the first time. The new compounds have been characterized by elemental analysis, IR, 1H NMR spectroscopy and electronic spectroscopy. General trends are described for quantum yields of photodegredation, fluorescence quantum yields and lifetimes, triplet lifetimes and triplet quantum yields as well as singlet oxygen quantum yields of these compounds in dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO). Substituted indium phthalocyanine complexes (7b–9b) showed much higher quantum yields of triplet state and shorter triplet lifetimes, compared to the substituted GaPc derivatives due to enhanced intersystem crossing (ISC) in the former. The gallium and indium phthalocyanine complexes showed phototransformation during laser irradiation due to ring reduction. The singlet oxygen quantum yields (ΦΔ), which give an indication of the potential of the complexes as photosensitizers in applications where singlet oxygen is required (Type II mechanism) ranged from 0.51 to 0.94. Thus, these complexes show potential as photodynamic therapy of cancer.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2007
- Authors: Durmus, Mahmut , Nyokong, Tebello
- Date: 2007
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/271276 , vital:54529 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.poly.2007.03.007"
- Description: The synthesis, photophysical and photochemical properties of the tetra- and octa-[4-(benzyloxyphenoxy)] substituted gallium(III) and indium(III) phthalocyanines are reported for the first time. The new compounds have been characterized by elemental analysis, IR, 1H NMR spectroscopy and electronic spectroscopy. General trends are described for quantum yields of photodegredation, fluorescence quantum yields and lifetimes, triplet lifetimes and triplet quantum yields as well as singlet oxygen quantum yields of these compounds in dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO). Substituted indium phthalocyanine complexes (7b–9b) showed much higher quantum yields of triplet state and shorter triplet lifetimes, compared to the substituted GaPc derivatives due to enhanced intersystem crossing (ISC) in the former. The gallium and indium phthalocyanine complexes showed phototransformation during laser irradiation due to ring reduction. The singlet oxygen quantum yields (ΦΔ), which give an indication of the potential of the complexes as photosensitizers in applications where singlet oxygen is required (Type II mechanism) ranged from 0.51 to 0.94. Thus, these complexes show potential as photodynamic therapy of cancer.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2007
The implications of ortho-, meta-and para-directors on the in-vitro photodynamic antimicrobial chemotherapy activity of cationic pyridyl-dihydrothiazole phthalocyanines
- Magadla, Aviwe, Openda, Yolande Ikala, Nyokong, Tebello
- Authors: Magadla, Aviwe , Openda, Yolande Ikala , Nyokong, Tebello
- Date: 2022
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/295875 , vital:57386 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pdpdt.2022.103029"
- Description: Cationic Zn phthalocyanine complexes were derived by alkylation reaction of tetra-(pyridinyloxy) phthalocyanines (Pcs) at the ortho, meta, and para positions to form Zn (II) tetrakis 3-(4-(2-pyridin-1-ium-1-yl) butyl)-2-mercapto-4,5-dihydrothiazol-3-ium phthalocyanine (2), Zn (II) tetrakis 3-(4-(3-pyridin-1-ium-1-yl) butyl)-2-mercapto-4,5-dihydrothiazol-3-ium phthalocyanine (4) and Zn (II) tetrakis 3-(4-(4-pyridin-1-ium-1-yl) butyl)-2-mercapto-4,5-dihydrothiazol-3-ium phthalocyanine (6). The photophysicochemical behaviors of the Pc complexes were assessed. The meta and para-substituted complexes gave high singlet oxygen quantum yields. The cationic Pcs demonstrated good planktonic antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli with the high log reduction values of 9.29 and 8.55, respectively. The cationic complexes also showed a significant decrease in the viability of in vitro biofilms after photo-antimicrobial chemotherapy at 100 µM for both Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli biofilms.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022
- Authors: Magadla, Aviwe , Openda, Yolande Ikala , Nyokong, Tebello
- Date: 2022
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/295875 , vital:57386 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pdpdt.2022.103029"
- Description: Cationic Zn phthalocyanine complexes were derived by alkylation reaction of tetra-(pyridinyloxy) phthalocyanines (Pcs) at the ortho, meta, and para positions to form Zn (II) tetrakis 3-(4-(2-pyridin-1-ium-1-yl) butyl)-2-mercapto-4,5-dihydrothiazol-3-ium phthalocyanine (2), Zn (II) tetrakis 3-(4-(3-pyridin-1-ium-1-yl) butyl)-2-mercapto-4,5-dihydrothiazol-3-ium phthalocyanine (4) and Zn (II) tetrakis 3-(4-(4-pyridin-1-ium-1-yl) butyl)-2-mercapto-4,5-dihydrothiazol-3-ium phthalocyanine (6). The photophysicochemical behaviors of the Pc complexes were assessed. The meta and para-substituted complexes gave high singlet oxygen quantum yields. The cationic Pcs demonstrated good planktonic antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli with the high log reduction values of 9.29 and 8.55, respectively. The cationic complexes also showed a significant decrease in the viability of in vitro biofilms after photo-antimicrobial chemotherapy at 100 µM for both Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli biofilms.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022
BODIPY dyes for use in nonlinear optics and optical sensing
- Authors: Kubheka, Gugu Patience
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Uncatalogued
- Language: English
- Type: thesis , text , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/163352 , vital:41032 , doi:10.21504/10962/163352
- Description: Thesis (PhD)--Rhodes University, Faculty of Science, Department of Chemistry, 2020.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
- Authors: Kubheka, Gugu Patience
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Uncatalogued
- Language: English
- Type: thesis , text , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/163352 , vital:41032 , doi:10.21504/10962/163352
- Description: Thesis (PhD)--Rhodes University, Faculty of Science, Department of Chemistry, 2020.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
The power dynamics between traditional leaders and councillors: implications for development at Tyolomnqa- Ncera in the Eastern cape
- Khowa, Thandeka https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4561-2994
- Authors: Khowa, Thandeka https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4561-2994
- Date: 2013-12
- Subjects: Tribal government , Political leadership -- Africa , Local government -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/26775 , vital:66000
- Description: This research study examined the extent to which the Eastern Cape local government has succeeded in integrating the institutions of traditional leadership into the existing structures of local government and the nature of relations between the traditional leaders and ward councillors and its impact on the delivery of development services. The study further examined the allocation of roles and responsibilities between the two categories of authority. The was conducted in the East London village of Tyolomnqa-Ncera in the Eastern Cape Province.The data for study was collected through focus group discussions with community members; in-depth interviews with the two Traditional leaders and the ward Councillor of the studied area; and key informant interviews with the Speaker of the Council and the Deputy Director of (South African Local Government Association (SALGA).The main findings of the study are that there is still a great deal of confusion regarding the different roles and functions of traditional leaders versus those of ward councillors particularly with regard to co-operation in the delivery of development services. The study further reveals that persistent power struggles among the officials of the two institutions are the order of the day as both sides clamor for recognition, relevance and operational space. The underlying factor behind these power struggles tends to be a lack of policy that clearly defines the roles and functions of each institution with the result that development services and processes are hindered. Based on the findings of the study, recommendations are made that concern among others, the development of a policy framework that will clearly outline the roles and functions of each of the two institutions and hopefully bring an end to the destructive competition and hostile relations between the two interest groups. , Thesis (MSoc) -- Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, 2013
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013-12
- Authors: Khowa, Thandeka https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4561-2994
- Date: 2013-12
- Subjects: Tribal government , Political leadership -- Africa , Local government -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/26775 , vital:66000
- Description: This research study examined the extent to which the Eastern Cape local government has succeeded in integrating the institutions of traditional leadership into the existing structures of local government and the nature of relations between the traditional leaders and ward councillors and its impact on the delivery of development services. The study further examined the allocation of roles and responsibilities between the two categories of authority. The was conducted in the East London village of Tyolomnqa-Ncera in the Eastern Cape Province.The data for study was collected through focus group discussions with community members; in-depth interviews with the two Traditional leaders and the ward Councillor of the studied area; and key informant interviews with the Speaker of the Council and the Deputy Director of (South African Local Government Association (SALGA).The main findings of the study are that there is still a great deal of confusion regarding the different roles and functions of traditional leaders versus those of ward councillors particularly with regard to co-operation in the delivery of development services. The study further reveals that persistent power struggles among the officials of the two institutions are the order of the day as both sides clamor for recognition, relevance and operational space. The underlying factor behind these power struggles tends to be a lack of policy that clearly defines the roles and functions of each institution with the result that development services and processes are hindered. Based on the findings of the study, recommendations are made that concern among others, the development of a policy framework that will clearly outline the roles and functions of each of the two institutions and hopefully bring an end to the destructive competition and hostile relations between the two interest groups. , Thesis (MSoc) -- Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, 2013
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013-12
The silent patient: a consideration of Gendlin's recommendations in the treatment of a silent adolescent
- Authors: Le Roux, J D
- Date: 1990
- Subjects: Uncatalogued
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/193054 , vital:45294
- Description: This study comprises a dialogue between Gendlin's recommendations on the treatment of the silent patient and case-material taken from 39 sessions of psychodynamic psychotherapy with a 16 year old adolescent. The most characteristic feature of the therapy with this young person, was her pattern of silence and unresponsiveness. The aim of this study is to ascertain the usefulness of Gendlin's recommendations in the therapy of this category of patient. The dialogue between the suggested recommendations and the case- material served to illustrate the point that Gendlin's recommendations are of great value in the treatment of the silent adolescent. The value of these recommendations lie in their ability to comment meaningfully on the process of therapy with the silent patient by providing not only skills and techniques, but also a conceptual framework within which to contextualize the therapy. The recommendations were also found to be sensitive to some of the key issues of relevance to adolescence as a developmental phase. The case-study method was deemed an appropriate structure within which to conduct this examination. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Humanities, Psychology, 1990
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1990
- Authors: Le Roux, J D
- Date: 1990
- Subjects: Uncatalogued
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/193054 , vital:45294
- Description: This study comprises a dialogue between Gendlin's recommendations on the treatment of the silent patient and case-material taken from 39 sessions of psychodynamic psychotherapy with a 16 year old adolescent. The most characteristic feature of the therapy with this young person, was her pattern of silence and unresponsiveness. The aim of this study is to ascertain the usefulness of Gendlin's recommendations in the therapy of this category of patient. The dialogue between the suggested recommendations and the case- material served to illustrate the point that Gendlin's recommendations are of great value in the treatment of the silent adolescent. The value of these recommendations lie in their ability to comment meaningfully on the process of therapy with the silent patient by providing not only skills and techniques, but also a conceptual framework within which to contextualize the therapy. The recommendations were also found to be sensitive to some of the key issues of relevance to adolescence as a developmental phase. The case-study method was deemed an appropriate structure within which to conduct this examination. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Humanities, Psychology, 1990
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1990
Evolutionary robotics controllers with location perception facilitated by neural network-based simulators
- Authors: Phillips, Antin Paul
- Date: 2021-04
- Subjects: Grahamstown (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , Neural networks (Computer science) -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/52137 , vital:43444
- Description: Humans impressively maintain a real-time approximation of their bodily form. For instance, one knows where one’s arm is, relative to the body, without needing to directly observe it. This ability, in part, allows humans to interact with the environment without direct observation. This bodily sense is referred to as ”proprioception“. The human body contains various proprioceptors, sensory neurons which provide information about the physical state of the body. This information, along with internal body representations that humans develop over time, allows one to maintain an approximation of their bodily form. Humans also possess an impressive sense of direction and navigation ability. For instance, a blindfolded human can move around a familiar environment and maintain an approximate sense of where they are within that environment. This ability is, in part, enabled by proprioception as it provides one with an approximation of the effects their actions have on their body. The field of Evolutionary Robots (ER) makes extensive use of robotic simulators to carry out simulated robotic evaluations. Research has been conducted into alternate forms of simulation and Simulator Neural Networks (SNNs) were subsequently developed. The speed and accuracy of these SNNs, relative to more typical simulation techniques, is what inspired the approach explored in this research. Robots do not necessarily possess the appropriate hardware to sense their position within an environment. Thus, it was proposed that SNNs could be incorporated into ER controllers to approximate the position of the robot. These SNNs would be executed in parallel to the robot and provide a constant approximation of the robot’s position. This would provide controllers with information that they would not otherwise have, albeit approximate information. Various experiments were carried out which examined both typical ER controllers as well as those which were augmented in the proposed fashion. The augmented controllers were found to outperform typical controllers as well as develop more advanced and efficient behaviours. Furthermore, the augmented controllers demonstrated the ability to solve tasks that regular controllers could not. A potential criticism of the approach suggested in this research is that ER controllers could hypothetically be trained in such a way that the proposed augmentation would be unnecessary. This possibility was investigated and it was found that successfully training controllers in such a manner would be unlikely. Furthermore, the effort involved in fine-tuning this training process would be greater than simply following the approach suggested in this research. Another potential drawback of the suggested approach involved the accuracy of the information that SNNs could provide to controllers. The approximated information was found to diverge over time and negatively affected controller performance. A method to address this issue was proposed and subsequently implemented. This method was demonstrated to be an effective means of reducing the divergence of the SNNs outputs and, in turn, improved controller performance. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, School of Computer Science, Mathematics, Physics and Statistics, 2021
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2021-04
- Authors: Phillips, Antin Paul
- Date: 2021-04
- Subjects: Grahamstown (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , Neural networks (Computer science) -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/52137 , vital:43444
- Description: Humans impressively maintain a real-time approximation of their bodily form. For instance, one knows where one’s arm is, relative to the body, without needing to directly observe it. This ability, in part, allows humans to interact with the environment without direct observation. This bodily sense is referred to as ”proprioception“. The human body contains various proprioceptors, sensory neurons which provide information about the physical state of the body. This information, along with internal body representations that humans develop over time, allows one to maintain an approximation of their bodily form. Humans also possess an impressive sense of direction and navigation ability. For instance, a blindfolded human can move around a familiar environment and maintain an approximate sense of where they are within that environment. This ability is, in part, enabled by proprioception as it provides one with an approximation of the effects their actions have on their body. The field of Evolutionary Robots (ER) makes extensive use of robotic simulators to carry out simulated robotic evaluations. Research has been conducted into alternate forms of simulation and Simulator Neural Networks (SNNs) were subsequently developed. The speed and accuracy of these SNNs, relative to more typical simulation techniques, is what inspired the approach explored in this research. Robots do not necessarily possess the appropriate hardware to sense their position within an environment. Thus, it was proposed that SNNs could be incorporated into ER controllers to approximate the position of the robot. These SNNs would be executed in parallel to the robot and provide a constant approximation of the robot’s position. This would provide controllers with information that they would not otherwise have, albeit approximate information. Various experiments were carried out which examined both typical ER controllers as well as those which were augmented in the proposed fashion. The augmented controllers were found to outperform typical controllers as well as develop more advanced and efficient behaviours. Furthermore, the augmented controllers demonstrated the ability to solve tasks that regular controllers could not. A potential criticism of the approach suggested in this research is that ER controllers could hypothetically be trained in such a way that the proposed augmentation would be unnecessary. This possibility was investigated and it was found that successfully training controllers in such a manner would be unlikely. Furthermore, the effort involved in fine-tuning this training process would be greater than simply following the approach suggested in this research. Another potential drawback of the suggested approach involved the accuracy of the information that SNNs could provide to controllers. The approximated information was found to diverge over time and negatively affected controller performance. A method to address this issue was proposed and subsequently implemented. This method was demonstrated to be an effective means of reducing the divergence of the SNNs outputs and, in turn, improved controller performance. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, School of Computer Science, Mathematics, Physics and Statistics, 2021
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2021-04
Schema therapy for anorexia nervosa: an intensive systematic individual case study
- Authors: Alexander, Graham
- Date: 2021-10-29
- Subjects: Eating disorders , Anorexia nervosa , Anorexia nervosa Treatment , Anorexia nervosa Case studies , Schema-focused cognitive therapy , Anorexic overcontroller , Interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA)
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/196082 , vital:45724 , DOI https://doi.org/10.21504/10962/196082
- Description: Developed more than three decades ago, schema therapy (ST) was born out of a need for a more effective way of working with difficult and challenging cases where patients were clearly unresponsive to the existing short-term cognitive therapies. While anchored in the primary theoretical orientation of cognitive therapy, ST has carefully integrated techniques and principles from attachment and object-relations therapies, as well as humanistic, gestalt and experiential therapies. The mode model emphasises the concept of “multiplicity” in terms of which the self is functionally divided into parts or schema modes. For a little more than a decade there has been growing interest amongst researcher-clinicians in the application of ST for the treatment of eating disorders (EDs) (Waller, et al., 2007; Simpson, 2012; Edwards, 2015; Munro et al., 2016; Simpson, 2016; Munro et al., 2016). While multivariate studies can provide quantifiable evidence for the efficacy of ST for treating EDs, systematic case-based research offers a means of engaging in an intensive analysis and description of the complex and subtle processes that unfold over time in a real-life therapeutic environment (Edwards et al., 2004; Yin, 1994). This research method also provides an opportunity for the refining of the clinical treatment model as well as its testing. Ten participants were assessed and treated with schema therapy. However, because of the large amount of data gathered, a decision was made to write up only one as an intensive systematic individual case study. Alison, an elderly woman with a longstanding history of AN who had been largely unresponsive to considerable previous therapies, received 100 ST sessions over a two-year period and showed a very positive response. The many challenges that arose and the way these were addressed within the ST framework provide an in-depth account of the application of the ST mode model for the treatment of AN. This is presented in a detailed therapy narrative. After results of the quantitative measures are provided, the next three chapters address three interpretative questions pertaining to the Healthy Adult/Vulnerable Child dyadic relationship, the processes of working with the Angry Child mode, and the conceptualising of an AN-specific coping mode. Several conclusions are drawn about the strengths of the schema therapy model and its particular application to AN. Amongst these is the importance of having a comprehensive case conceptualisation that serves as a collaborative “road map” with which to negotiate the unfolding collaborative therapeutic process. Another is the identifying of the “Anorexic Overcontroller” as a stand-alone coping mode that clarifies the functions of AN to hinder schema-based emotional injury, but paradoxically, still denies the individual’s basic core needs being met. Such a conceptualisation significantly assisted in the suspension of anorexic behaviour. A further significant observation is how emotion-focused work (especially within the context of chair work and imagery) brought therapy to life and was particularly effective in mobilising the conflict between internal voices. Another outstanding feature is how the building of a strong Healthy Adult mode proved vital in the healing process and the development of patient autonomy. Finally, therapy revealed how central the establishment of a sturdy, warm and loving therapeutic relationship is, and how influential the resonance between the therapist and patient is in the outcome of treatment. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Humanities, Psychology, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-10-29
- Authors: Alexander, Graham
- Date: 2021-10-29
- Subjects: Eating disorders , Anorexia nervosa , Anorexia nervosa Treatment , Anorexia nervosa Case studies , Schema-focused cognitive therapy , Anorexic overcontroller , Interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA)
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/196082 , vital:45724 , DOI https://doi.org/10.21504/10962/196082
- Description: Developed more than three decades ago, schema therapy (ST) was born out of a need for a more effective way of working with difficult and challenging cases where patients were clearly unresponsive to the existing short-term cognitive therapies. While anchored in the primary theoretical orientation of cognitive therapy, ST has carefully integrated techniques and principles from attachment and object-relations therapies, as well as humanistic, gestalt and experiential therapies. The mode model emphasises the concept of “multiplicity” in terms of which the self is functionally divided into parts or schema modes. For a little more than a decade there has been growing interest amongst researcher-clinicians in the application of ST for the treatment of eating disorders (EDs) (Waller, et al., 2007; Simpson, 2012; Edwards, 2015; Munro et al., 2016; Simpson, 2016; Munro et al., 2016). While multivariate studies can provide quantifiable evidence for the efficacy of ST for treating EDs, systematic case-based research offers a means of engaging in an intensive analysis and description of the complex and subtle processes that unfold over time in a real-life therapeutic environment (Edwards et al., 2004; Yin, 1994). This research method also provides an opportunity for the refining of the clinical treatment model as well as its testing. Ten participants were assessed and treated with schema therapy. However, because of the large amount of data gathered, a decision was made to write up only one as an intensive systematic individual case study. Alison, an elderly woman with a longstanding history of AN who had been largely unresponsive to considerable previous therapies, received 100 ST sessions over a two-year period and showed a very positive response. The many challenges that arose and the way these were addressed within the ST framework provide an in-depth account of the application of the ST mode model for the treatment of AN. This is presented in a detailed therapy narrative. After results of the quantitative measures are provided, the next three chapters address three interpretative questions pertaining to the Healthy Adult/Vulnerable Child dyadic relationship, the processes of working with the Angry Child mode, and the conceptualising of an AN-specific coping mode. Several conclusions are drawn about the strengths of the schema therapy model and its particular application to AN. Amongst these is the importance of having a comprehensive case conceptualisation that serves as a collaborative “road map” with which to negotiate the unfolding collaborative therapeutic process. Another is the identifying of the “Anorexic Overcontroller” as a stand-alone coping mode that clarifies the functions of AN to hinder schema-based emotional injury, but paradoxically, still denies the individual’s basic core needs being met. Such a conceptualisation significantly assisted in the suspension of anorexic behaviour. A further significant observation is how emotion-focused work (especially within the context of chair work and imagery) brought therapy to life and was particularly effective in mobilising the conflict between internal voices. Another outstanding feature is how the building of a strong Healthy Adult mode proved vital in the healing process and the development of patient autonomy. Finally, therapy revealed how central the establishment of a sturdy, warm and loving therapeutic relationship is, and how influential the resonance between the therapist and patient is in the outcome of treatment. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Humanities, Psychology, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-10-29
Citizenship, social capital and HIV/AIDS: a sociological analysis derived from the experience of the Umkhanyakhude district community, Kwazulu-Nata
- Nyawasha, Tawanda Sydesky https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4854-9989
- Authors: Nyawasha, Tawanda Sydesky https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4854-9989
- Date: 2009-02
- Subjects: Social capital (Sociology) , AIDS (Disease) -- Social aspects -- South Africa , AIDS (Disease) -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/26208 , vital:64965
- Description: This thesis is a multi-level analysis that seeks to examine the utility of applying the concept of social capital in dealing with a complexity of challenges and problems caused by HIV/AIDS in areas of social marginality. It examines social capital in the context of rurality and how its usage can successfully mediate on the effects of all structural factors fuelling the HIV/AIDS epidemic including poverty and social marginality. It does this against the background of scholarly research findings on the relevance of community or neighbourhood social structure in resolving a host of issues affecting its citizens. The study establishes that the ‘public benefit’ of social capital lies in resource connectivity, meso-level interactions and reciprocal transactions useful for HIV/AIDS prevention. Social capital is therefore identified in this study as civic engagement, neigbourliness, voluntary association or civic membership and collective action. The central thesis or argument advanced by this study is that community or village level interactions and associations among people and groups can greatly influence community cohesion and action towards HIV/AIDS prevention, avoidance and mitigation. In its pursuit of a deeper enquiry and understanding of the most often misunderstood concept or rather elusive in both the social science and public health lexicon, the thesis identifies the major sources of social capital as voluntary civic membership or associations in community groups, local village or community assemblages, exchanges of HIV/AIDS specific information, public discussions and other social spaces useful in helping community citizens to get an awareness of HIV/AIDS thereby making them adopt an HIV/AIDS protective behaviour. In this thesis, community or village-level social capital is seen as having a significant effect on household and HIV/AIDS. The study establishes that the prevalence of norms of ‘civicness’ and the vibrancy of horizontal ties at the community or village level generates the needed stocks of social capital for poverty reduction and HIV/AIDS mitigation.Building on Habermas’s(1992) theories of the ‘public sphere’ and ‘communicative action’ andthe Freirian(1996) discourse of ‘dialogue and praxis’, the study highlights the need for social for communication and dialogue in order to break the silence around HIV/AIDS in rural societies. Deliberative discussions or community conversations are suggested to build a critical awareness and consciousness on HIV/AIDS within the community or village context. In this study, quantifiable evidence tends to suggest that there is a strong correlation between lack of HIV/AIDS specific knowledge and HIV/ AIDS vulnerability. The study underscores the need forpublic communication on HIV/AIDS through community-level dialogues and conversations.Community dialogues and conversations are suggested to be active forms of interaction generating significant levels of social capital in the form of public knowledge on HIV/AIDS. This form of public knowledge is perceived as generating action oriented towards HIV/AIDS prevention and fostering the adoption of safer behavioural practices. The thesis also highlights the often muted link or correlation between human capital in the form of education and social capital. In several instances, the study has proven that human capital and education in particular helps in the creation of high stocks of social capital that can be applied to counteract both household and village level HIV/AIDS. The research further establishes the need for citizenship education which is more contextual and calls for critical enquiry, reflection and thinking on the part of all citizens or villagers. All in all, the research extends the existing knowledge on collective efficacy, village or neighbourhood advantage, associational or group membership, village governance and HIV/AIDS in the developing economies. It sheds more light on how village-level processes, interactions and exchanges within the ‘public sphere’ can be streamlined to deal with issues of marginality and rural HIV/AIDS. These study findings on social capital contribute to the ongoing debate about social capital, its relevance and applicability, in solving public health issues and challenges in developing societies. , Thesis (MSoc) -- Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, 2009
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009-02
- Authors: Nyawasha, Tawanda Sydesky https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4854-9989
- Date: 2009-02
- Subjects: Social capital (Sociology) , AIDS (Disease) -- Social aspects -- South Africa , AIDS (Disease) -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/26208 , vital:64965
- Description: This thesis is a multi-level analysis that seeks to examine the utility of applying the concept of social capital in dealing with a complexity of challenges and problems caused by HIV/AIDS in areas of social marginality. It examines social capital in the context of rurality and how its usage can successfully mediate on the effects of all structural factors fuelling the HIV/AIDS epidemic including poverty and social marginality. It does this against the background of scholarly research findings on the relevance of community or neighbourhood social structure in resolving a host of issues affecting its citizens. The study establishes that the ‘public benefit’ of social capital lies in resource connectivity, meso-level interactions and reciprocal transactions useful for HIV/AIDS prevention. Social capital is therefore identified in this study as civic engagement, neigbourliness, voluntary association or civic membership and collective action. The central thesis or argument advanced by this study is that community or village level interactions and associations among people and groups can greatly influence community cohesion and action towards HIV/AIDS prevention, avoidance and mitigation. In its pursuit of a deeper enquiry and understanding of the most often misunderstood concept or rather elusive in both the social science and public health lexicon, the thesis identifies the major sources of social capital as voluntary civic membership or associations in community groups, local village or community assemblages, exchanges of HIV/AIDS specific information, public discussions and other social spaces useful in helping community citizens to get an awareness of HIV/AIDS thereby making them adopt an HIV/AIDS protective behaviour. In this thesis, community or village-level social capital is seen as having a significant effect on household and HIV/AIDS. The study establishes that the prevalence of norms of ‘civicness’ and the vibrancy of horizontal ties at the community or village level generates the needed stocks of social capital for poverty reduction and HIV/AIDS mitigation.Building on Habermas’s(1992) theories of the ‘public sphere’ and ‘communicative action’ andthe Freirian(1996) discourse of ‘dialogue and praxis’, the study highlights the need for social for communication and dialogue in order to break the silence around HIV/AIDS in rural societies. Deliberative discussions or community conversations are suggested to build a critical awareness and consciousness on HIV/AIDS within the community or village context. In this study, quantifiable evidence tends to suggest that there is a strong correlation between lack of HIV/AIDS specific knowledge and HIV/ AIDS vulnerability. The study underscores the need forpublic communication on HIV/AIDS through community-level dialogues and conversations.Community dialogues and conversations are suggested to be active forms of interaction generating significant levels of social capital in the form of public knowledge on HIV/AIDS. This form of public knowledge is perceived as generating action oriented towards HIV/AIDS prevention and fostering the adoption of safer behavioural practices. The thesis also highlights the often muted link or correlation between human capital in the form of education and social capital. In several instances, the study has proven that human capital and education in particular helps in the creation of high stocks of social capital that can be applied to counteract both household and village level HIV/AIDS. The research further establishes the need for citizenship education which is more contextual and calls for critical enquiry, reflection and thinking on the part of all citizens or villagers. All in all, the research extends the existing knowledge on collective efficacy, village or neighbourhood advantage, associational or group membership, village governance and HIV/AIDS in the developing economies. It sheds more light on how village-level processes, interactions and exchanges within the ‘public sphere’ can be streamlined to deal with issues of marginality and rural HIV/AIDS. These study findings on social capital contribute to the ongoing debate about social capital, its relevance and applicability, in solving public health issues and challenges in developing societies. , Thesis (MSoc) -- Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, 2009
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009-02
Socioeconomic and geographic variations in antenatal care coverage in Angola: further analysis of the 2015 demographic and health survey
- Shibre, Gebretsadik, Zegeye, Betregiorgis, Idriss-Wheeler, Dina, Ahinkorah, Bright Opoku, Oladimeji, Olanrewaju, Yaya, Sanni
- Authors: Shibre, Gebretsadik , Zegeye, Betregiorgis , Idriss-Wheeler, Dina , Ahinkorah, Bright Opoku , Oladimeji, Olanrewaju , Yaya, Sanni
- Date: 2023
- Subjects: Prenatal care , Mothers -- Mortality , Health surveys
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/11260/4489 , vital:44125 , https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-020-09320-1
- Description: In African countries, including Angola, antenatal care (ANC) coverage is suboptimal and maternal mortality is still high due to pregnancy and childbirth-related complications. There is evidence of disparities in the uptake of ANC services, however, little is known about both the socio-economic and geographic-based disparity in the use of ANC services in Angola. The aim of this study was to assess the extent of socio-economic, urban-rural and subnational inequality in ANC coverage in Angola. We analyzed data from the 2015 Angola Demographic and Health Survey (ADHS) using the World Health Organization (WHO) Health Equity Assessment Toolkit (HEAT) software. The analysis consisted of disaggregated ANC coverage rates using four equity stratifiers (economic status, education, residence, and region) and four summary measures (Difference, Population Attributable Risk, Ratio and Population Attributable Fraction). To measure statistical significance, an uncertainty interval (UI) of 95% was constructed around point estimates. The study showed both absolute and relative inequalities in coverage of ANC services in Angola. More specifically, inequality favored women who were rich (D = 54.2, 95% UI; 49.59, 58.70, PAF = 43.5, 95% UI; 40.12, 46.92), educated (PAR = 19.9, 95% UI; 18.14, 21.64, R = 2.14, 95% UI; 1.96, 2.32), living in regions such as Luanda (D = 51.7, 95% UI; 43.56, 59.85, R = 2.64, 95% UI; 2.01, 3.26) and residing in urban dwellings (PAF = 20, 95% UI; 17.70, 22.38, PAR = 12.3, 95% UI; 10.88, 13.75). The uptake of ANC services were lower among poor, uneducated, and rural residents as well as women from the Cuanza Sul region. Government policy makers must consider vulnerable subpopulations when designing needed interventions to improve ANC coverage in Angola to achieve the 2030 Sustainable Development Goal of reducing global maternal mortality ratio to 70 deaths per 100,000 live births.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023
- Authors: Shibre, Gebretsadik , Zegeye, Betregiorgis , Idriss-Wheeler, Dina , Ahinkorah, Bright Opoku , Oladimeji, Olanrewaju , Yaya, Sanni
- Date: 2023
- Subjects: Prenatal care , Mothers -- Mortality , Health surveys
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/11260/4489 , vital:44125 , https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-020-09320-1
- Description: In African countries, including Angola, antenatal care (ANC) coverage is suboptimal and maternal mortality is still high due to pregnancy and childbirth-related complications. There is evidence of disparities in the uptake of ANC services, however, little is known about both the socio-economic and geographic-based disparity in the use of ANC services in Angola. The aim of this study was to assess the extent of socio-economic, urban-rural and subnational inequality in ANC coverage in Angola. We analyzed data from the 2015 Angola Demographic and Health Survey (ADHS) using the World Health Organization (WHO) Health Equity Assessment Toolkit (HEAT) software. The analysis consisted of disaggregated ANC coverage rates using four equity stratifiers (economic status, education, residence, and region) and four summary measures (Difference, Population Attributable Risk, Ratio and Population Attributable Fraction). To measure statistical significance, an uncertainty interval (UI) of 95% was constructed around point estimates. The study showed both absolute and relative inequalities in coverage of ANC services in Angola. More specifically, inequality favored women who were rich (D = 54.2, 95% UI; 49.59, 58.70, PAF = 43.5, 95% UI; 40.12, 46.92), educated (PAR = 19.9, 95% UI; 18.14, 21.64, R = 2.14, 95% UI; 1.96, 2.32), living in regions such as Luanda (D = 51.7, 95% UI; 43.56, 59.85, R = 2.64, 95% UI; 2.01, 3.26) and residing in urban dwellings (PAF = 20, 95% UI; 17.70, 22.38, PAR = 12.3, 95% UI; 10.88, 13.75). The uptake of ANC services were lower among poor, uneducated, and rural residents as well as women from the Cuanza Sul region. Government policy makers must consider vulnerable subpopulations when designing needed interventions to improve ANC coverage in Angola to achieve the 2030 Sustainable Development Goal of reducing global maternal mortality ratio to 70 deaths per 100,000 live births.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023
An evaluation of the socio-economic costs and benefits of the invasive Rubus (Blackberry/Bramble) genus at selected sites in South Africa
- Authors: Mason, Brett Anthony
- Date: 2021-10-29
- Subjects: Rubus South Africa Cost effectiveness , Invasive plants South Africa Cost effectiveness , Rubus Economic aspects South Africa , Ecology Economic aspects South Africa , Rubus Ecology South Africa , Environmental economics South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/191931 , vital:45180
- Description: Rubus L. (brambles, blackberries, raspberries, or dewberries) are a globally recognised genus due to the edible fruit and negative impacts they can have as invasive species. There are at least 23 species of Rubus subgenus Rubus in South Africa. These include native, alien, naturalised alien, and invasive alien species. The invasive Rubus species are becoming an increasing problem in South Africa with experts in invasion biology urging caution regarding the genus (Henderson, 2011). The taxonomy of indigenous, alien and alien invasive species of Rubus are poorly understood and therefore efforts to understand the genus, the impacts and solutions to those impacts have been very limited (Stirton, 1981; Henderson, 2011; Sochor et al., 2018a). There has also been little research conducted on the economic or ecological impacts on the species or genus of species in South Africa (du Plessis et al., 1984; Botha, 2005), and yet species in the genus have been earmarked for prioritization by invasive species legislation. The potential value of certain species as well as the cost associated with their impacts could potentially create a complex conflict of interest scenario which has not been investigated. This study is an effort to inform future policy decisions regarding this suite of species by investigating the economic impacts of the invasive Rubus species. A method was developed unique to the study that incorporated research tools from environmental economics and geography to identify the nature of interactions between economic agents, experts, and alien and invasive Rubus species in South Africa. Two questionnaires were developed to generate economic data and ground proofing was used to develop geographic data. One questionnaire was directed specifically at researchers and academics that attended the 46th National Symposium on Biological Invasions that took place between 15–17 May 2019, at Waterval Country Lodge, Tulbagh and the other an economic agent questionnaire for economic agents that met strict and selective criteria relating to the impact of the six invasive Rubus species on their economic activity. Both questionnaires were designed with a mixed methods approach in mind. The ground proofing was aimed at understanding the composition and distribution of Rubus species at the selected sites: Cathcart and Hogsback (The Eastern Cape Province), Clarens (Free State Province), and Underberg (KwaZulu-Natal Province). The study established that all economic impacts of invasive Rubus species at selected sites are externalities. Invasive Rubus species in South Africa can be attributed as (i) harbouring vermin, (ii) impeding human and animal livestock, (iii) reducing crop yields, (iv) encroaching on grazing land, (v) presenting fire hazards, and (vi) negatively impacting fire regimes. These species also (i) provide berries that are retailed on a commercial level, or have been, (ii) that are utilized for personal consumption, (iii) provide an ingredient for alcohol brewing processes, and (iv) could potentially facilitate forest regeneration. The invasive species are infrequently browsed by certain livestock and far as we could ascertain do not provide ingredients for anti-inflammatory drugs or modern cosmetics in South Africa, as they do in other regions of the globe. The costs associated with the invasive species can be presented dichotomously; the estimated private cost-benefit ratio, for costs and benefits incurred or enjoyed by 18 private economic agents, stands at 0.33:1. A private-public benefit-cost ratio, that incorporates both private and public costs and benefits, stands at 13,5:1. The private-public benefit-cost includes public expenditure, or government control measures, directed at invasive Rubus and shifts the benefit-cost ratio so that costs now markedly dominate the estimated benefits. The benefits per hectare uncovered in this study stand at R13.14/ha. The private costs stand at R4.32/ha and a holistic cost, including both private and public expenditure, stands at R177,43/ha. The monetary values, when expressed per hectare, are misleading. This is due to a large standard deviation in the spread of benefits received. The benefits are enjoyed by a small number of the already small sample of respondents. The costs and benefits are not uniformly distributed across regions assessed. All benefits in this study accrue to economic agents in the Free State Province, whilst most of the costs accrued to economic agents in KwaZulu-Natal Province. The benefits appear to be primarily derived from an alien species, Rubus sect. Arguti. Management of the 6 species of invasive Rubus could be optimised by the prioritisation of those regions that incur the highest cost and derive the lowest benefit, in this case KwaZulu-Natal Province. Likewise, those regions with the highest benefits and lowest costs, the Free State Province, could provide sites for increased use and beneficiation of berries from invasive species. Management of individual species may prove difficult, given the similar morphologies, and thus, (i) either specialised training for those engaged in control must be instituted, (ii) all species of alien Rubus should be earmarked for management, or (iii) highly specific biocontrol agents for the most problematic species must be found. , Thesis (MEcon) -- Faculty of Commerce, Economics and Economic History, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-10-29
- Authors: Mason, Brett Anthony
- Date: 2021-10-29
- Subjects: Rubus South Africa Cost effectiveness , Invasive plants South Africa Cost effectiveness , Rubus Economic aspects South Africa , Ecology Economic aspects South Africa , Rubus Ecology South Africa , Environmental economics South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/191931 , vital:45180
- Description: Rubus L. (brambles, blackberries, raspberries, or dewberries) are a globally recognised genus due to the edible fruit and negative impacts they can have as invasive species. There are at least 23 species of Rubus subgenus Rubus in South Africa. These include native, alien, naturalised alien, and invasive alien species. The invasive Rubus species are becoming an increasing problem in South Africa with experts in invasion biology urging caution regarding the genus (Henderson, 2011). The taxonomy of indigenous, alien and alien invasive species of Rubus are poorly understood and therefore efforts to understand the genus, the impacts and solutions to those impacts have been very limited (Stirton, 1981; Henderson, 2011; Sochor et al., 2018a). There has also been little research conducted on the economic or ecological impacts on the species or genus of species in South Africa (du Plessis et al., 1984; Botha, 2005), and yet species in the genus have been earmarked for prioritization by invasive species legislation. The potential value of certain species as well as the cost associated with their impacts could potentially create a complex conflict of interest scenario which has not been investigated. This study is an effort to inform future policy decisions regarding this suite of species by investigating the economic impacts of the invasive Rubus species. A method was developed unique to the study that incorporated research tools from environmental economics and geography to identify the nature of interactions between economic agents, experts, and alien and invasive Rubus species in South Africa. Two questionnaires were developed to generate economic data and ground proofing was used to develop geographic data. One questionnaire was directed specifically at researchers and academics that attended the 46th National Symposium on Biological Invasions that took place between 15–17 May 2019, at Waterval Country Lodge, Tulbagh and the other an economic agent questionnaire for economic agents that met strict and selective criteria relating to the impact of the six invasive Rubus species on their economic activity. Both questionnaires were designed with a mixed methods approach in mind. The ground proofing was aimed at understanding the composition and distribution of Rubus species at the selected sites: Cathcart and Hogsback (The Eastern Cape Province), Clarens (Free State Province), and Underberg (KwaZulu-Natal Province). The study established that all economic impacts of invasive Rubus species at selected sites are externalities. Invasive Rubus species in South Africa can be attributed as (i) harbouring vermin, (ii) impeding human and animal livestock, (iii) reducing crop yields, (iv) encroaching on grazing land, (v) presenting fire hazards, and (vi) negatively impacting fire regimes. These species also (i) provide berries that are retailed on a commercial level, or have been, (ii) that are utilized for personal consumption, (iii) provide an ingredient for alcohol brewing processes, and (iv) could potentially facilitate forest regeneration. The invasive species are infrequently browsed by certain livestock and far as we could ascertain do not provide ingredients for anti-inflammatory drugs or modern cosmetics in South Africa, as they do in other regions of the globe. The costs associated with the invasive species can be presented dichotomously; the estimated private cost-benefit ratio, for costs and benefits incurred or enjoyed by 18 private economic agents, stands at 0.33:1. A private-public benefit-cost ratio, that incorporates both private and public costs and benefits, stands at 13,5:1. The private-public benefit-cost includes public expenditure, or government control measures, directed at invasive Rubus and shifts the benefit-cost ratio so that costs now markedly dominate the estimated benefits. The benefits per hectare uncovered in this study stand at R13.14/ha. The private costs stand at R4.32/ha and a holistic cost, including both private and public expenditure, stands at R177,43/ha. The monetary values, when expressed per hectare, are misleading. This is due to a large standard deviation in the spread of benefits received. The benefits are enjoyed by a small number of the already small sample of respondents. The costs and benefits are not uniformly distributed across regions assessed. All benefits in this study accrue to economic agents in the Free State Province, whilst most of the costs accrued to economic agents in KwaZulu-Natal Province. The benefits appear to be primarily derived from an alien species, Rubus sect. Arguti. Management of the 6 species of invasive Rubus could be optimised by the prioritisation of those regions that incur the highest cost and derive the lowest benefit, in this case KwaZulu-Natal Province. Likewise, those regions with the highest benefits and lowest costs, the Free State Province, could provide sites for increased use and beneficiation of berries from invasive species. Management of individual species may prove difficult, given the similar morphologies, and thus, (i) either specialised training for those engaged in control must be instituted, (ii) all species of alien Rubus should be earmarked for management, or (iii) highly specific biocontrol agents for the most problematic species must be found. , Thesis (MEcon) -- Faculty of Commerce, Economics and Economic History, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-10-29
An assessment of the key factors that may impact the future demand for red meat in South Africa
- Authors: Pearce, Nathan
- Date: 2021-04
- Subjects: Gqeberha (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/53019 , vital:44887
- Description: The global human population is estimated to be in excess of nine billion by the year 2050, and the added population is expected to put further pressure on already over- extended resources such as food and water. Increased demand, positive growth and record high prices should be encouraging for the red meat industry. Despite all the positives such as the growth in the world population and the consumer’s ability to spend, the popularity of red meat around the world and in South Africa is continually declining in favour of white meat and other non-meat proteins. Although red meat will often be the most expensive component of any diet, the nutritional value that red meat offers as part of a healthy and balanced eating plan, should not be understated. This study intends to identify and assess factors that may impact on the future sustainable demand for red meat. Sixty-two adults were surveyed through an electronic questionnaire to assess their views on red meat consumption in South Africa. A set of 52 questions were deduced from the main focus and objectives. The data was analysed and conclusions derived from it. The results show that the demand for red meat is sustainable if outlets selling red meat are accessible and the preference for red meat remains, even with stiff competition from substitutes like pork, chicken and vegetables. , Thesis (MBA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, NMU Business School, 2021
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2021-04
- Authors: Pearce, Nathan
- Date: 2021-04
- Subjects: Gqeberha (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/53019 , vital:44887
- Description: The global human population is estimated to be in excess of nine billion by the year 2050, and the added population is expected to put further pressure on already over- extended resources such as food and water. Increased demand, positive growth and record high prices should be encouraging for the red meat industry. Despite all the positives such as the growth in the world population and the consumer’s ability to spend, the popularity of red meat around the world and in South Africa is continually declining in favour of white meat and other non-meat proteins. Although red meat will often be the most expensive component of any diet, the nutritional value that red meat offers as part of a healthy and balanced eating plan, should not be understated. This study intends to identify and assess factors that may impact on the future sustainable demand for red meat. Sixty-two adults were surveyed through an electronic questionnaire to assess their views on red meat consumption in South Africa. A set of 52 questions were deduced from the main focus and objectives. The data was analysed and conclusions derived from it. The results show that the demand for red meat is sustainable if outlets selling red meat are accessible and the preference for red meat remains, even with stiff competition from substitutes like pork, chicken and vegetables. , Thesis (MBA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, NMU Business School, 2021
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2021-04
Top-down control by grapsoid crabs in South African estuarine salt marshes
- Authors: Smith, Leigh-Ann
- Date: 2023-04
- Subjects: Salt marsh ecology – South Africa , Crabs --South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/61223 , vital:69807
- Description: Salt marshes are one of the most productive ecosystems globally. These ‘blue carbon’ habitats are in many respects resilient to climate change effects, able to track sea level rise and act as carbon sinks. Since salt marshes are economically and ecologically essential habitats (for example providing foraging grounds for invertebrates, fish, birds and humans), understanding the processes that control their structure is crucial to best maintain ecosystem services provided by these habitats. For decades the importance of top-down forces, such as grazing, has not been recognised as being important in controlling salt marsh plant productivity. Rather, bottom-up forces, such as the availability of oxygen, was thought to be the main constraint to primary production. Therefore, a better understanding of salt marsh ecosystem dynamics and whether grazer control exists is needed. Although grazer top-down control has been demonstrated in salt marshes in locations such as the United States, this has not been investigated in South Africa. This is a crucial knowledge gap locally considering the importance of salt marsh ecosystems. The aim of this study was therefore to determine what role consumers play in structuring South Africa’s estuarine salt marsh vegetation, thereby also contextualising this process internationally. In order to achieve this, the abundance of grapsoid crabs was estimated and related to key salt marsh features, such as Spartina maritima stem height and stem density, which was quantified from observational surveys. Sampling took place at the beginning and end of the early-spring and late-summer growth period (September 2021 and April 2022) in the Knysna, Kromme and Swartkops estuaries. If a correlation was observed between crab density and salt marsh features, it was important to determine whether they consume the salt marsh vegetation or if the effect was due to their burrowing activities. Hence, the diet of grapsoid crabs was investigated using stable isotope and gut content analysis. To examine the importance of crab grazing in controlling the growth of salt marsh vegetation, crab abundance was manipulated in situ by means of exclusion cages. This experiment ran for five months in the Kromme Estuary, from November 2021 to March 2022 over the salt marsh growing season. An ex situ feeding experiment was also conducted on 30 crab specimens collected from the Kromme Estuary, during May 2022. These crabs were starved for 48 hours and thereafter fed different components of Spartina (growing and dead blades, and roots and rhizomes). The food consumed was quantified as the change in plant length and dry weight after 48 hours, which gave a maximum grazing rate for the different food sources. It was found that crabs are having a minimal impact on the salt marsh vegetation structure. Spartina maritima does form an important component of the diet of grapsoid crabs, however, this is not their only source of food, and possibly not their preferred source of food. They are however contributing to sediment properties through their burrowing activities. The iii ex situ feeding experiment showed that grapsoid crabs can consume all vegetative components of Spartina, with a significantly greater amount of roots and rhizomes consumed. There was no consistent effect in terms of the exclusion of grazers, indicating that other mitigating factors could be reducing the impacts of grapsoid exclusion in situ. Together, these findings contribute knowledge that can be used to inform conservation by quantifying what the salt marsh risks losing in the absence or overabundance of crabs, as has occurred elsewhere globally. These results influence how salt marshes are managed, and highlight how not recognising the importance of consumers, such as crabs, could misalign management objectives. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, School of Environmental Sciences, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-04
- Authors: Smith, Leigh-Ann
- Date: 2023-04
- Subjects: Salt marsh ecology – South Africa , Crabs --South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/61223 , vital:69807
- Description: Salt marshes are one of the most productive ecosystems globally. These ‘blue carbon’ habitats are in many respects resilient to climate change effects, able to track sea level rise and act as carbon sinks. Since salt marshes are economically and ecologically essential habitats (for example providing foraging grounds for invertebrates, fish, birds and humans), understanding the processes that control their structure is crucial to best maintain ecosystem services provided by these habitats. For decades the importance of top-down forces, such as grazing, has not been recognised as being important in controlling salt marsh plant productivity. Rather, bottom-up forces, such as the availability of oxygen, was thought to be the main constraint to primary production. Therefore, a better understanding of salt marsh ecosystem dynamics and whether grazer control exists is needed. Although grazer top-down control has been demonstrated in salt marshes in locations such as the United States, this has not been investigated in South Africa. This is a crucial knowledge gap locally considering the importance of salt marsh ecosystems. The aim of this study was therefore to determine what role consumers play in structuring South Africa’s estuarine salt marsh vegetation, thereby also contextualising this process internationally. In order to achieve this, the abundance of grapsoid crabs was estimated and related to key salt marsh features, such as Spartina maritima stem height and stem density, which was quantified from observational surveys. Sampling took place at the beginning and end of the early-spring and late-summer growth period (September 2021 and April 2022) in the Knysna, Kromme and Swartkops estuaries. If a correlation was observed between crab density and salt marsh features, it was important to determine whether they consume the salt marsh vegetation or if the effect was due to their burrowing activities. Hence, the diet of grapsoid crabs was investigated using stable isotope and gut content analysis. To examine the importance of crab grazing in controlling the growth of salt marsh vegetation, crab abundance was manipulated in situ by means of exclusion cages. This experiment ran for five months in the Kromme Estuary, from November 2021 to March 2022 over the salt marsh growing season. An ex situ feeding experiment was also conducted on 30 crab specimens collected from the Kromme Estuary, during May 2022. These crabs were starved for 48 hours and thereafter fed different components of Spartina (growing and dead blades, and roots and rhizomes). The food consumed was quantified as the change in plant length and dry weight after 48 hours, which gave a maximum grazing rate for the different food sources. It was found that crabs are having a minimal impact on the salt marsh vegetation structure. Spartina maritima does form an important component of the diet of grapsoid crabs, however, this is not their only source of food, and possibly not their preferred source of food. They are however contributing to sediment properties through their burrowing activities. The iii ex situ feeding experiment showed that grapsoid crabs can consume all vegetative components of Spartina, with a significantly greater amount of roots and rhizomes consumed. There was no consistent effect in terms of the exclusion of grazers, indicating that other mitigating factors could be reducing the impacts of grapsoid exclusion in situ. Together, these findings contribute knowledge that can be used to inform conservation by quantifying what the salt marsh risks losing in the absence or overabundance of crabs, as has occurred elsewhere globally. These results influence how salt marshes are managed, and highlight how not recognising the importance of consumers, such as crabs, could misalign management objectives. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, School of Environmental Sciences, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-04
The effects of external shocks on economic growth in South Africa
- Authors: Mzayidume, Lonwabo
- Date: 2022-04
- Subjects: Economic development , South Africa -- Economic conditions
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/58024 , vital:58499
- Description: External shocks are defined as unexpected changes in an economic variable which can influence economies either positively or negatively. Examples of such shocks can include oil price and terms of trade shocks. Globalisation has increased the susceptibility of economies worldwide to economic shocks emanating from developed countries, due to the existing trade and financial links between various countries around the world. The objectives of this study are to investigate the effects of external shocks on economic growth in South Africa and to develop policies which could be used to prevent or soften the negative effects of external shocks in South Africa. Since the beginning of democracy in 1994, the South African economy has been opened to the world market. However, there have not been substantial gains in terms of economic growth. A possible explanation for this is that the dynamics of large economies influence the average demand, average supply, economic activities, and price changes in small open economies. South Africa’s dependence on foreign trade and attracting foreign savings to drive domestic investment increases the country’s vulnerability to the effects of external shocks. In this study, the South African economy is proxied by one key measure of economic performance, economic growth rate. The purpose of the study is to advance the understanding of the effects of external shocks on economic growth in South Africa. The study uses the structural VAR model. As South Africa is a relatively small open economy, the structural VAR model is theoretically consistent with countries of similar ilk. This study concludes that South Africa’s economic growth is significantly affected by commodity price index, U.S. GDP, and oil rents. In addition, this study concludes that South Africa is contemporaneously and positively affected by oil rents shocks and terms of trade shocks. Furthermore, it shows that economic growth in South Africa is contemporaneously and negatively affected by capital inflow shocks, nominal vi exchange rate shocks, and CPI shocks. Further SVAR estimates support the finding that capital inflows adversely affect South African economic growth. A possible reason for this outcome is that the number of domestic producers is reduced as a result of domestic producers being negatively affected by the capital inflow shocks. To combat the adverse effects of capital inflows, the study recommends that South Africa enforces more measures to protect domestic producers. The implementation of protectionist policies is one way in which this could be accomplished. These policies would promote domestic producers and ensure the production of domestic goods and services is increased. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic science, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-04
- Authors: Mzayidume, Lonwabo
- Date: 2022-04
- Subjects: Economic development , South Africa -- Economic conditions
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/58024 , vital:58499
- Description: External shocks are defined as unexpected changes in an economic variable which can influence economies either positively or negatively. Examples of such shocks can include oil price and terms of trade shocks. Globalisation has increased the susceptibility of economies worldwide to economic shocks emanating from developed countries, due to the existing trade and financial links between various countries around the world. The objectives of this study are to investigate the effects of external shocks on economic growth in South Africa and to develop policies which could be used to prevent or soften the negative effects of external shocks in South Africa. Since the beginning of democracy in 1994, the South African economy has been opened to the world market. However, there have not been substantial gains in terms of economic growth. A possible explanation for this is that the dynamics of large economies influence the average demand, average supply, economic activities, and price changes in small open economies. South Africa’s dependence on foreign trade and attracting foreign savings to drive domestic investment increases the country’s vulnerability to the effects of external shocks. In this study, the South African economy is proxied by one key measure of economic performance, economic growth rate. The purpose of the study is to advance the understanding of the effects of external shocks on economic growth in South Africa. The study uses the structural VAR model. As South Africa is a relatively small open economy, the structural VAR model is theoretically consistent with countries of similar ilk. This study concludes that South Africa’s economic growth is significantly affected by commodity price index, U.S. GDP, and oil rents. In addition, this study concludes that South Africa is contemporaneously and positively affected by oil rents shocks and terms of trade shocks. Furthermore, it shows that economic growth in South Africa is contemporaneously and negatively affected by capital inflow shocks, nominal vi exchange rate shocks, and CPI shocks. Further SVAR estimates support the finding that capital inflows adversely affect South African economic growth. A possible reason for this outcome is that the number of domestic producers is reduced as a result of domestic producers being negatively affected by the capital inflow shocks. To combat the adverse effects of capital inflows, the study recommends that South Africa enforces more measures to protect domestic producers. The implementation of protectionist policies is one way in which this could be accomplished. These policies would promote domestic producers and ensure the production of domestic goods and services is increased. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic science, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-04
An evaluation of synergistic interactions between feruloyl esterases and xylanases during the hydrolysis of various pre-treated agricultural residues
- Authors: Mkabayi, Lithalethu
- Date: 2021-04
- Subjects: Esterases , Xylanases , Hydrolysis , Agricultural wastes -- Recycling , Enzymes , Lignocellulose -- Biodegradation , Escherichia coli , Oligosaccharides , Hydroxycinnamic acids
- Language: English
- Type: thesis , text , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/178224 , vital:42922 , 10.21504/10962/178224
- Description: Agricultural residues are readily available and inexpensive renewable resources that can be used as raw materials for the production of value-added chemicals. The application of enzymes to facilitate the degradation of agricultural residues has long been considered the most environmentally friendly strategy for converting this material into good quality value-added chemicals. However, agricultural residues are typically lignocellulosic in composition and recalcitrant to enzymatic hydrolysis. Due to this recalcitrant nature, the complete degradation of biomass residues requires the synergistic action of a broad range of enzymes. The development and optimisation of synergistic enzyme cocktails is an effective approach for achieving high hydrolysis efficiency of lignocellulosic biomass. The aim of the current study was to evaluate the synergistic interactions between two termite metagenome-derived feruloyl esterases (FAE6 and FAE5) and endo-xylanases for the production of hydroxycinnamic acids and xylo-oligosaccharides (XOS) from model substrates, and untreated and pre-treated agricultural residues. Firstly, the two fae genes were heterologously expressed in Escherichia coli, and the recombinant enzymes were purified to homogeneity. The biochemical properties of the purified recombinant FAEs and xylanases (XT6 and Xyn11) were then assessed to determine the factors which influenced their activities and to select suitable operating conditions for synergy studies. An optimal protein loading ratio of xylanases to FAEs required to maximise the release of both reducing sugar and ferulic acid (FA) was established using 0.5% (w/v) insoluble wheat arabinoxylan (a model substrate). The enzyme combination of 66% xylanase and 33% FAE (on a protein loading basis) produced the highest amounts of reducing sugars and FA. The enzyme combination of XT6 (GH10 xylanase) and FAE5 or FAE6 liberated the highest amount of FA while a combination of Xyn11 (GH11 xylanase) and FAE5 or FAE6 produced the highest reducing sugar content. The synergistic interactions which were established between the xylanases and FAEs were further investigated using agricultural residues (corn cobs, rice straw and sugarcane bagasse). The three substrates were subjected to hydrothermal and dilute acid pre-treatment prior to synergy studies. It is generally known that, during pre-treatment, many compounds can be produced which may influence enzymatic hydrolysis. The effects of these by-products were assessed and it was found that lignin and its degradation products were the most inhibitory to the FAEs. The optimised enzyme cocktail was then applied to 1% (w/v) of untreated and pre-treated substrates for the efficient production of XOS and hydroxycinnamic acids. A significant improvement in xylanase substrate degradation was observed, especially with the combination of 66% Xyn11 and 33% FAE6 which displayed an improvement in reducing sugars of approximately 1.9-fold and 3.4-fold for hydrothermal and acid pre-treated corn cobs (compared to when Xyn11 was used alone), respectively. The study demonstrated that pre-treatment substantially enhanced the enzymatic hydrolysis of corn cobs and rice straw. Analysis of the hydrolysate product profiles revealed that the optimised enzyme cocktail displayed great potential for releasing XOS with a low degree of polymerisation. In conclusion, this study provided significant insights into the mechanism of synergistic interactions between xylanases and metagenome-derived FAEs during the hydrolysis of various substrates. The study also demonstrated that optimised enzyme cocktails combined with low severity pre-treatment can facilitate the potential use of xylan-rich lignocellulosic biomass for the production of valuable products in the future. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Science, Biochemistry and Microbiology, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-04
- Authors: Mkabayi, Lithalethu
- Date: 2021-04
- Subjects: Esterases , Xylanases , Hydrolysis , Agricultural wastes -- Recycling , Enzymes , Lignocellulose -- Biodegradation , Escherichia coli , Oligosaccharides , Hydroxycinnamic acids
- Language: English
- Type: thesis , text , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/178224 , vital:42922 , 10.21504/10962/178224
- Description: Agricultural residues are readily available and inexpensive renewable resources that can be used as raw materials for the production of value-added chemicals. The application of enzymes to facilitate the degradation of agricultural residues has long been considered the most environmentally friendly strategy for converting this material into good quality value-added chemicals. However, agricultural residues are typically lignocellulosic in composition and recalcitrant to enzymatic hydrolysis. Due to this recalcitrant nature, the complete degradation of biomass residues requires the synergistic action of a broad range of enzymes. The development and optimisation of synergistic enzyme cocktails is an effective approach for achieving high hydrolysis efficiency of lignocellulosic biomass. The aim of the current study was to evaluate the synergistic interactions between two termite metagenome-derived feruloyl esterases (FAE6 and FAE5) and endo-xylanases for the production of hydroxycinnamic acids and xylo-oligosaccharides (XOS) from model substrates, and untreated and pre-treated agricultural residues. Firstly, the two fae genes were heterologously expressed in Escherichia coli, and the recombinant enzymes were purified to homogeneity. The biochemical properties of the purified recombinant FAEs and xylanases (XT6 and Xyn11) were then assessed to determine the factors which influenced their activities and to select suitable operating conditions for synergy studies. An optimal protein loading ratio of xylanases to FAEs required to maximise the release of both reducing sugar and ferulic acid (FA) was established using 0.5% (w/v) insoluble wheat arabinoxylan (a model substrate). The enzyme combination of 66% xylanase and 33% FAE (on a protein loading basis) produced the highest amounts of reducing sugars and FA. The enzyme combination of XT6 (GH10 xylanase) and FAE5 or FAE6 liberated the highest amount of FA while a combination of Xyn11 (GH11 xylanase) and FAE5 or FAE6 produced the highest reducing sugar content. The synergistic interactions which were established between the xylanases and FAEs were further investigated using agricultural residues (corn cobs, rice straw and sugarcane bagasse). The three substrates were subjected to hydrothermal and dilute acid pre-treatment prior to synergy studies. It is generally known that, during pre-treatment, many compounds can be produced which may influence enzymatic hydrolysis. The effects of these by-products were assessed and it was found that lignin and its degradation products were the most inhibitory to the FAEs. The optimised enzyme cocktail was then applied to 1% (w/v) of untreated and pre-treated substrates for the efficient production of XOS and hydroxycinnamic acids. A significant improvement in xylanase substrate degradation was observed, especially with the combination of 66% Xyn11 and 33% FAE6 which displayed an improvement in reducing sugars of approximately 1.9-fold and 3.4-fold for hydrothermal and acid pre-treated corn cobs (compared to when Xyn11 was used alone), respectively. The study demonstrated that pre-treatment substantially enhanced the enzymatic hydrolysis of corn cobs and rice straw. Analysis of the hydrolysate product profiles revealed that the optimised enzyme cocktail displayed great potential for releasing XOS with a low degree of polymerisation. In conclusion, this study provided significant insights into the mechanism of synergistic interactions between xylanases and metagenome-derived FAEs during the hydrolysis of various substrates. The study also demonstrated that optimised enzyme cocktails combined with low severity pre-treatment can facilitate the potential use of xylan-rich lignocellulosic biomass for the production of valuable products in the future. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Science, Biochemistry and Microbiology, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-04
Working inside Bank 4.0: analysing the impact of the 4IR on the organization of work in the banking sector of South Africa
- Authors: Moshime, Kabelo Katlego
- Date: 2021-10-29
- Subjects: Industry 4.0 South Africa , Banks and banking South Africa , Banks and banking Technological innovations South Africa , Organizational change South Africa , Bank employees South Africa , Job security , Labour process theory
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/192386 , vital:45221
- Description: The main objective of the study is to analyse the impact of the 4IR on the organization of work processes in the banking sector of Pretoria, South Africa. The Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) is an extension of the digital revolution based on the interconnectedness of machinery and cyber- physical systems that intelligently produce and control production. The South African banking sector has not been immune to the changes brought on by the 4IR in other sectors, as many financial institutions in the country have digitized the bulk of their services, in order to make banking quicker and more efficient. Additionally, the latest COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated the emergence of digital solutions and e-commerce across different sectors worldwide, thus showing that 4IR is here to stay. On the surface, the adoption of various technological innovations within the banking sector seems like a logical step towards building a more efficient banking system, with minimal deficiencies and upskilling opportunities for banking employees, thus providing an improved and convenient banking experience for customers. On the other side, however, one can see general trends that may not be in the best interest for people employed within the banking sector. For example: the introduction of new technologies has reduced the number of employees in banks; the skills upgrade that some bankers have experienced as a result of new technologies, have come at the cost of the many job losses in the sector; also, the control methods in the banks have become more centralised, thus ensuring extreme monitoring of staff. Additionally, new technologies have eliminated the spaces for deficiencies, and have given consumers a greater role in their banking experiences, instead of being assisted from a-z in their local branches. In light of these changes, one has to question the real impact of these changes on the people that have chosen banking as a career, as ‘machines’ have taken over their banking institutions. Using the Labour Process Theory (LPT), this study examined the impact of the 4IR processes on the organization of work and the general employment experiences of employees in the banking sector of Tshwane, in the Gauteng province, of South Africa. This study found the following outcomes: technologies facilitate greater monitoring of the workplace, enable flexible specialisation for workers, reduces foot-flow in bank branches, and shifts the bankers’ work into the hands of the customers. , Thesis (MSocSci) -- Faculty of Humanities, Sociology, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-10-29
- Authors: Moshime, Kabelo Katlego
- Date: 2021-10-29
- Subjects: Industry 4.0 South Africa , Banks and banking South Africa , Banks and banking Technological innovations South Africa , Organizational change South Africa , Bank employees South Africa , Job security , Labour process theory
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/192386 , vital:45221
- Description: The main objective of the study is to analyse the impact of the 4IR on the organization of work processes in the banking sector of Pretoria, South Africa. The Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) is an extension of the digital revolution based on the interconnectedness of machinery and cyber- physical systems that intelligently produce and control production. The South African banking sector has not been immune to the changes brought on by the 4IR in other sectors, as many financial institutions in the country have digitized the bulk of their services, in order to make banking quicker and more efficient. Additionally, the latest COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated the emergence of digital solutions and e-commerce across different sectors worldwide, thus showing that 4IR is here to stay. On the surface, the adoption of various technological innovations within the banking sector seems like a logical step towards building a more efficient banking system, with minimal deficiencies and upskilling opportunities for banking employees, thus providing an improved and convenient banking experience for customers. On the other side, however, one can see general trends that may not be in the best interest for people employed within the banking sector. For example: the introduction of new technologies has reduced the number of employees in banks; the skills upgrade that some bankers have experienced as a result of new technologies, have come at the cost of the many job losses in the sector; also, the control methods in the banks have become more centralised, thus ensuring extreme monitoring of staff. Additionally, new technologies have eliminated the spaces for deficiencies, and have given consumers a greater role in their banking experiences, instead of being assisted from a-z in their local branches. In light of these changes, one has to question the real impact of these changes on the people that have chosen banking as a career, as ‘machines’ have taken over their banking institutions. Using the Labour Process Theory (LPT), this study examined the impact of the 4IR processes on the organization of work and the general employment experiences of employees in the banking sector of Tshwane, in the Gauteng province, of South Africa. This study found the following outcomes: technologies facilitate greater monitoring of the workplace, enable flexible specialisation for workers, reduces foot-flow in bank branches, and shifts the bankers’ work into the hands of the customers. , Thesis (MSocSci) -- Faculty of Humanities, Sociology, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-10-29
Folic acid-modified phthalocyanine-nanozyme loaded liposomes for targeted photodynamic therapy
- Nwahara, Nnamdi, Abrahams, Garth, Prinsloo, Earl, Nyokong, Tebello
- Authors: Nwahara, Nnamdi , Abrahams, Garth , Prinsloo, Earl , Nyokong, Tebello
- Date: 2021
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/231369 , vital:49881 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pdpdt.2021.102527"
- Description: The hypoxic tumour microenvironment and poor spatiotemporal localization of photosensitizers are two significant obstacles that limit practical applications of photodynamic therapy. In response, a biocompatible, light-activatable liposome integrated with both a zinc phthalocyanine photodynamic component and Pt nanoparticles-decorated with MnO2 catalase-mimicking component are engineered. This multifunctional system was rationally designed using unsaturated phospholipids to achieve on-demand drug release following light irradiation. Specificity was achieved by folic acid functionalization resulting in folate-modified liposomes (FTLiposomes). We demonstrated its specific uptake by fluorescence imaging using folate receptor (FR) overexpressing HeLa and MCF-7 cells as in vitro models. This multifunctional liposome exhibits superior hypoxic anti-tumour effects and holds the potential to reduce side effects associated with untargeted therapy. Fluorescence of the constituent ZnPc and folate-receptor targeting could enable tracking and permit spatiotemporal regulation for improved cancer treatment.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021
- Authors: Nwahara, Nnamdi , Abrahams, Garth , Prinsloo, Earl , Nyokong, Tebello
- Date: 2021
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/231369 , vital:49881 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pdpdt.2021.102527"
- Description: The hypoxic tumour microenvironment and poor spatiotemporal localization of photosensitizers are two significant obstacles that limit practical applications of photodynamic therapy. In response, a biocompatible, light-activatable liposome integrated with both a zinc phthalocyanine photodynamic component and Pt nanoparticles-decorated with MnO2 catalase-mimicking component are engineered. This multifunctional system was rationally designed using unsaturated phospholipids to achieve on-demand drug release following light irradiation. Specificity was achieved by folic acid functionalization resulting in folate-modified liposomes (FTLiposomes). We demonstrated its specific uptake by fluorescence imaging using folate receptor (FR) overexpressing HeLa and MCF-7 cells as in vitro models. This multifunctional liposome exhibits superior hypoxic anti-tumour effects and holds the potential to reduce side effects associated with untargeted therapy. Fluorescence of the constituent ZnPc and folate-receptor targeting could enable tracking and permit spatiotemporal regulation for improved cancer treatment.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021