Assessment of the prevalence of faecal coliforms and Escherichia coli o157:h7 in the final effluents of two wastewater treatment plants in Amahlathi Local Municipality of Eastern Cape Province, South Africa
- Authors: Ajibade, Adefisoye Martins
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Sewage disposal plants , Escherichia coli -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Escherichia coli O157:H7 , Escherichia coli , Effluent quality -- Testing , Whole effluent toxicity testing , Water -- Purification
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc (Microbiology)
- Identifier: vital:11283 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1016166 , Sewage disposal plants , Escherichia coli -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Escherichia coli O157:H7 , Escherichia coli , Effluent quality -- Testing , Whole effluent toxicity testing , Water -- Purification
- Description: The production of final effluents that meet discharged requirements and guidelines remain a major challenge particularly in the developing world with the resultant problem of surface water pollution. This study assessed the physicochemical and microbiological qualities of two wastewater treatment works in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa in terms of the prevalence of faecal coliforms and Escherichia coli O157:H7 over a five month period. All physicochemical and microbiological analyses were carried out using standard methods. Data were collected in triplicates and analysed statistically using IBM SPSS version 20.0. The ranges of some of the physicochemical parameters that complied with set guidelines include pH (6.7 – 7.6), TDS (107 – 171 mg/L), EC (168 – 266 μS/cm), Temperature (15 – 24oC), NO3- (0 – 8.2 mg/L), NO2- (0.14 – 0.71 mg/L) and PO4 (1.05 – 4.50 mg/L). Others including Turbidity (2.64 – 58.00 NTU), Free Cl (0.13 – 0.65 mg/L), DO (2.20 – 8.48 mg/L), BOD (0.13 – 6.85 mg/L) and COD (40 – 482 mg/L) did not comply with set guidelines. The microbiological parameters ranged 0 – 2.7 × 104 CFU/100 ml for FC and 0 – 9.3 × 103 for EHEC CFU/100 ml, an indication of non-compliance with set guidelines. Preliminary identification of 40 randomly selected presumptive enterohemorrhagic E. coli isolates by Gram’s staining and oxidase test shows 100% (all 40 selected isolates) to be Gram positive while 90% (36 randomly selected isolates) were oxidase negative. Statistical correlation between the physicochemical and the microbiological parameters were generally weak except in the case of free chlorine and DO where they showed inverse correlation with the microbiological parameters. The recovery of EHEC showed the inefficiency of the treatment processes to effectively inactivate the bacteria, and possibly other pathogenic bacteria that may be present in the treated wastewater. The assessment suggested the need for proper monitoring and a review of the treatment procedures used at these treatment works.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
- Authors: Ajibade, Adefisoye Martins
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Sewage disposal plants , Escherichia coli -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Escherichia coli O157:H7 , Escherichia coli , Effluent quality -- Testing , Whole effluent toxicity testing , Water -- Purification
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc (Microbiology)
- Identifier: vital:11283 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1016166 , Sewage disposal plants , Escherichia coli -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Escherichia coli O157:H7 , Escherichia coli , Effluent quality -- Testing , Whole effluent toxicity testing , Water -- Purification
- Description: The production of final effluents that meet discharged requirements and guidelines remain a major challenge particularly in the developing world with the resultant problem of surface water pollution. This study assessed the physicochemical and microbiological qualities of two wastewater treatment works in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa in terms of the prevalence of faecal coliforms and Escherichia coli O157:H7 over a five month period. All physicochemical and microbiological analyses were carried out using standard methods. Data were collected in triplicates and analysed statistically using IBM SPSS version 20.0. The ranges of some of the physicochemical parameters that complied with set guidelines include pH (6.7 – 7.6), TDS (107 – 171 mg/L), EC (168 – 266 μS/cm), Temperature (15 – 24oC), NO3- (0 – 8.2 mg/L), NO2- (0.14 – 0.71 mg/L) and PO4 (1.05 – 4.50 mg/L). Others including Turbidity (2.64 – 58.00 NTU), Free Cl (0.13 – 0.65 mg/L), DO (2.20 – 8.48 mg/L), BOD (0.13 – 6.85 mg/L) and COD (40 – 482 mg/L) did not comply with set guidelines. The microbiological parameters ranged 0 – 2.7 × 104 CFU/100 ml for FC and 0 – 9.3 × 103 for EHEC CFU/100 ml, an indication of non-compliance with set guidelines. Preliminary identification of 40 randomly selected presumptive enterohemorrhagic E. coli isolates by Gram’s staining and oxidase test shows 100% (all 40 selected isolates) to be Gram positive while 90% (36 randomly selected isolates) were oxidase negative. Statistical correlation between the physicochemical and the microbiological parameters were generally weak except in the case of free chlorine and DO where they showed inverse correlation with the microbiological parameters. The recovery of EHEC showed the inefficiency of the treatment processes to effectively inactivate the bacteria, and possibly other pathogenic bacteria that may be present in the treated wastewater. The assessment suggested the need for proper monitoring and a review of the treatment procedures used at these treatment works.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
Attitudes, knowledge and behaviour of HIV positive pregnant women attending antenatal care in Buffalo city metropolitan district East London towards prevention of mother to child transmission (PMTCT)
- Matroshe, Florence Nozakhe Skoti
- Authors: Matroshe, Florence Nozakhe Skoti
- Date: 2014
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc (Nursing Science)
- Identifier: vital:11915 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1016150
- Description: The National HIV and AIDS and STI strategic plan for South Africa, 2007-2011 aims to reduce the rate of mother to child transmission to less than 5% by 2011. On the World Aids day in 2009, the Honorable President Jacob Zuma announced the intervention to improve antiretroviral therapy (ARV), access to priority group’s in order to decrease the disease burden, to address maternal and child mortality, and to improve life expectancy (PMTCT Guidelines: 2010). According to the literature reviewed, accepting attitudes may indicate better knowledge and understanding of HIV and AIDS. Marking a change in South Africa’s history of HIV the South African Government launched a major HIV Counseling and Testing program campaign (HCT) in 2010. For the PMTCT program to work and be acceptable, it needs to be known by its clients. It helps the individual to know about their status so that they make important choices for self and others. Amongst the important choices, medications for opportunistic medications, ARV’S, behavior change, etc, are included (Project Literacy 2006:40). Aim and Objectives: The study assessed the knowledge that the pregnant women have towards the prevention of mother to-child transmission which includes HIV testing, antiretroviral prophylaxis during pregnancy, labour, and post natal and feeding options. Methods: A quantitative descriptive method was used for this study. The questionnaires developed by the researcher were used for data collection. The items on the questionnaire were divided into four (4) subsections. The questionnaire was administered to all positive pregnant women coming for follow up visit and those available at the time of data collection. Conclusion: In this study evaluation of the level of knowledge and attitude of positive pregnant women with regard to PMTCT in 5 Buffalo City Municipality clinics was conducted. It was found that some of positive pregnant women have better knowledge about PMTC though there were still those that need further education. Recommendations: The service providers, who are the professional nurses, should be provided with proper training on PMTCT program to improve their standard of service delivery and to capacitate them with knowledge and skills. Integration of HIV related health aspects during assessment and treatment of pregnant women should be strengthened, as the purpose of implementation of PMTCT was to reduce mortality rate by 50%, and also to reach the 4th Millennium Development Goal of reducing these deaths by two-thirds by 2015.east london towards prevention of mother to child transmission (pmtct)
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
- Authors: Matroshe, Florence Nozakhe Skoti
- Date: 2014
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc (Nursing Science)
- Identifier: vital:11915 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1016150
- Description: The National HIV and AIDS and STI strategic plan for South Africa, 2007-2011 aims to reduce the rate of mother to child transmission to less than 5% by 2011. On the World Aids day in 2009, the Honorable President Jacob Zuma announced the intervention to improve antiretroviral therapy (ARV), access to priority group’s in order to decrease the disease burden, to address maternal and child mortality, and to improve life expectancy (PMTCT Guidelines: 2010). According to the literature reviewed, accepting attitudes may indicate better knowledge and understanding of HIV and AIDS. Marking a change in South Africa’s history of HIV the South African Government launched a major HIV Counseling and Testing program campaign (HCT) in 2010. For the PMTCT program to work and be acceptable, it needs to be known by its clients. It helps the individual to know about their status so that they make important choices for self and others. Amongst the important choices, medications for opportunistic medications, ARV’S, behavior change, etc, are included (Project Literacy 2006:40). Aim and Objectives: The study assessed the knowledge that the pregnant women have towards the prevention of mother to-child transmission which includes HIV testing, antiretroviral prophylaxis during pregnancy, labour, and post natal and feeding options. Methods: A quantitative descriptive method was used for this study. The questionnaires developed by the researcher were used for data collection. The items on the questionnaire were divided into four (4) subsections. The questionnaire was administered to all positive pregnant women coming for follow up visit and those available at the time of data collection. Conclusion: In this study evaluation of the level of knowledge and attitude of positive pregnant women with regard to PMTCT in 5 Buffalo City Municipality clinics was conducted. It was found that some of positive pregnant women have better knowledge about PMTC though there were still those that need further education. Recommendations: The service providers, who are the professional nurses, should be provided with proper training on PMTCT program to improve their standard of service delivery and to capacitate them with knowledge and skills. Integration of HIV related health aspects during assessment and treatment of pregnant women should be strengthened, as the purpose of implementation of PMTCT was to reduce mortality rate by 50%, and also to reach the 4th Millennium Development Goal of reducing these deaths by two-thirds by 2015.east london towards prevention of mother to child transmission (pmtct)
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
Audience observations of art, identity and schizophrenia : possibilities for identity movement
- Authors: Farquharson, Kirsten Leigh
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Mental illness -- Social aspects , Stigma (Social psychology) , Identity (Psychology) , Schizophrenia -- Treatment , Art therapy -- Research , Art, South African -- 21st century -- Exhibitions
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:3223 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1012992
- Description: This research situates itself in the study of stigma in mental illness. In particular, the aim is to explore the potential that art making and exhibiting has in reducing stigma for those with a diagnosis of schizophrenia. The research explores one aspect (the exhibition stage) of an "art as therapy" project. The exhibiting of one’s artwork aims to counter limiting "patient" identities by allowing those labelled as psychiatric patients to extend their self-identity to an alternative identity of the "artist". However, this idea only stands strong if the artwork created is not discriminated against as "naïve art" and is accepted or at least considered for acceptance as legitimate nonprofessional artwork. This research explores the ways in which art created by inpatients with a diagnosis of schizophrenia is received by the general art-viewing public at the National Arts Festival in Grahamstown, South Africa. The study uses a discourse analytic framework to analyse the interviews of members of the public who attended the art exhibition of patient artwork. It will examine the ways in which the public construct the artworks and how they position the makers of this art across a continuum, from patient to artist. The results of this thesis have implications for rehabilitation practices for people with a diagnosis of schizophrenia particularly with regard to opportunities to "perform" alternative identities in public spaces.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
- Authors: Farquharson, Kirsten Leigh
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Mental illness -- Social aspects , Stigma (Social psychology) , Identity (Psychology) , Schizophrenia -- Treatment , Art therapy -- Research , Art, South African -- 21st century -- Exhibitions
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:3223 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1012992
- Description: This research situates itself in the study of stigma in mental illness. In particular, the aim is to explore the potential that art making and exhibiting has in reducing stigma for those with a diagnosis of schizophrenia. The research explores one aspect (the exhibition stage) of an "art as therapy" project. The exhibiting of one’s artwork aims to counter limiting "patient" identities by allowing those labelled as psychiatric patients to extend their self-identity to an alternative identity of the "artist". However, this idea only stands strong if the artwork created is not discriminated against as "naïve art" and is accepted or at least considered for acceptance as legitimate nonprofessional artwork. This research explores the ways in which art created by inpatients with a diagnosis of schizophrenia is received by the general art-viewing public at the National Arts Festival in Grahamstown, South Africa. The study uses a discourse analytic framework to analyse the interviews of members of the public who attended the art exhibition of patient artwork. It will examine the ways in which the public construct the artworks and how they position the makers of this art across a continuum, from patient to artist. The results of this thesis have implications for rehabilitation practices for people with a diagnosis of schizophrenia particularly with regard to opportunities to "perform" alternative identities in public spaces.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
Autonomous guided vehicle for agricultural application
- Authors: Chikosi, Gerald
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Autonomous vehicles , Farm equipment
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEngineering (Mechatronics)
- Identifier: vital:9652 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1016164
- Description: With the world's population expected to reach nine billion by 2050, agricultural production will have to double to meet this growing demand. Hence, a need for better infrastructure to enhance farming efficiency becomes apparent. There are a number of solutions that have been developed to date that are commercially available. They range from genetically modified seeds and bio/green fertilizers to advanced farming machinery amongst others. However most of the farming equipment developed has drawbacks such as: heavy weight – this leads to reduced yields due to soil compacting; human dependency – constant monitoring and controlling is needed; light dependency – excludes usage during the night or when visibility is poor. Therefore, a possible solution will be researched to enhance the evolution of farming equipment. Furthermore, a model will be developed for testing and verifying the research.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
- Authors: Chikosi, Gerald
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Autonomous vehicles , Farm equipment
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEngineering (Mechatronics)
- Identifier: vital:9652 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1016164
- Description: With the world's population expected to reach nine billion by 2050, agricultural production will have to double to meet this growing demand. Hence, a need for better infrastructure to enhance farming efficiency becomes apparent. There are a number of solutions that have been developed to date that are commercially available. They range from genetically modified seeds and bio/green fertilizers to advanced farming machinery amongst others. However most of the farming equipment developed has drawbacks such as: heavy weight – this leads to reduced yields due to soil compacting; human dependency – constant monitoring and controlling is needed; light dependency – excludes usage during the night or when visibility is poor. Therefore, a possible solution will be researched to enhance the evolution of farming equipment. Furthermore, a model will be developed for testing and verifying the research.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
Bacterial degradation of waste coal
- Authors: Madikiza, Lwazikazi
- Date: 2014
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/54576 , vital:26590
- Description: As an energy source coal has one of the largest agglomerations in the world. Consequently mining of coal creates large volumes of waste in the form of low ranks coals. The complex structure of coal makes it difficult for the microorganisms to degrade and relatively few bacteria and fungi have been shown to break down coal. This study aimed to investigate bacteria not previously known to degrade coal. In this study bacteria were isolated from hydrocarbon contaminated sites and inoculated in coal medium where coal served as the only carbon source. Three strains produced a yellow – brown supernatant after 14 d of incubation at 30 °C. Bacteria generating a yellow – brown coloured supernatant were presumed to possess coal degrading capabilities and the best performing of these bacterial species was identified using 16s rDNA as Bacillus flexus. Scanning electron microscopy showed that there was a close association between the bacterium and substrate coal. The close association of bacteria to substrate suggested that these organisms were able to maximize solubilisation. FT-IR spectroscopic analysis demonstrated the addition of single bonded compounds COOH, OH, CN and CH that were absent prior to bacterial interaction. The increase in oxygen rich regions indicated degradation of the coal substrate. Elemental analysis showed that there was a decrease in carbon content from 47 % to 24 % during the 14 day incubation period. Reduction in coal carbon content was assumed to be due to bacterial utilization for metabolism and growth particularly as untreated coal substrate showed minimal loss of carbon. Analysis of the residual culture medium revealed that there was a linear increase in humic-like substance concentration for 8 d, coincident with increased coal biosolubilisation and colour change. Laccase activity was insignificant, and at 13 d enzyme activity was only 5×10-3 U/L suggesting that B. flexus may use a different mechanism to degrade coal. Residual culture medium remaining after bacterial action on the coal substrate appeared to possess plant growth promoting activity. This soluble biodegradation product with characteristics similar to humic acid-like substances was shown to impact growth of radish cotyledons. Expansion of isolated radish cotyledons was enhanced by 140% when incubated in coal biodegradation product. In conclusion, this study has yielded B. flexus and two other unidentified bacteria, isolated from polyaromatic hydrocarbon contaminated soils, and demonstrated the ability of these microorganisms to degrade waste coal. Further studies to elucidate the mechanism of coal breakdown by B. flexus, synergies with other coal degrading microorganisms, and incorporation of bacterium into Fungcoal bioprocess technology is imminent.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
- Authors: Madikiza, Lwazikazi
- Date: 2014
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/54576 , vital:26590
- Description: As an energy source coal has one of the largest agglomerations in the world. Consequently mining of coal creates large volumes of waste in the form of low ranks coals. The complex structure of coal makes it difficult for the microorganisms to degrade and relatively few bacteria and fungi have been shown to break down coal. This study aimed to investigate bacteria not previously known to degrade coal. In this study bacteria were isolated from hydrocarbon contaminated sites and inoculated in coal medium where coal served as the only carbon source. Three strains produced a yellow – brown supernatant after 14 d of incubation at 30 °C. Bacteria generating a yellow – brown coloured supernatant were presumed to possess coal degrading capabilities and the best performing of these bacterial species was identified using 16s rDNA as Bacillus flexus. Scanning electron microscopy showed that there was a close association between the bacterium and substrate coal. The close association of bacteria to substrate suggested that these organisms were able to maximize solubilisation. FT-IR spectroscopic analysis demonstrated the addition of single bonded compounds COOH, OH, CN and CH that were absent prior to bacterial interaction. The increase in oxygen rich regions indicated degradation of the coal substrate. Elemental analysis showed that there was a decrease in carbon content from 47 % to 24 % during the 14 day incubation period. Reduction in coal carbon content was assumed to be due to bacterial utilization for metabolism and growth particularly as untreated coal substrate showed minimal loss of carbon. Analysis of the residual culture medium revealed that there was a linear increase in humic-like substance concentration for 8 d, coincident with increased coal biosolubilisation and colour change. Laccase activity was insignificant, and at 13 d enzyme activity was only 5×10-3 U/L suggesting that B. flexus may use a different mechanism to degrade coal. Residual culture medium remaining after bacterial action on the coal substrate appeared to possess plant growth promoting activity. This soluble biodegradation product with characteristics similar to humic acid-like substances was shown to impact growth of radish cotyledons. Expansion of isolated radish cotyledons was enhanced by 140% when incubated in coal biodegradation product. In conclusion, this study has yielded B. flexus and two other unidentified bacteria, isolated from polyaromatic hydrocarbon contaminated soils, and demonstrated the ability of these microorganisms to degrade waste coal. Further studies to elucidate the mechanism of coal breakdown by B. flexus, synergies with other coal degrading microorganisms, and incorporation of bacterium into Fungcoal bioprocess technology is imminent.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
Balanced scorecard components as predictors of service performance management in first bank Nigeria plc 2009 – 2014
- Authors: Agomuonso, Clara Udochi
- Date: 2014
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD (in Public Administration)
- Identifier: vital:11721 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1017866
- Description: Many institutions and organizations are set up to with a right motive but fail to actualize their vision. This cuts across both public and private institutions across the globe. A financial institution is selected for this research because of its sensitivity; hence getting it right with a delicate institution like a financial organization will assist usage of this monitoring system by other institutions. Modern banking in Nigeria started in 1892 with the free banking era which ended when the Banking Ordinance of 1952 was promulgated. First Bank was the pioneer bank that was established in Nigeria in 1894 as the Bank of British West Africa. The establishment of the First Bank of Nigeria predates the birth of the Nigerian nation as a sovereign entity. The bank which was registered as the bank of British West Africa in 1894 has therefore evolved along the path of political, social and economic changes and developments of Nigeria from the colonial period to independence and the experience of post-independence. It thus shared, in the process of its growth, the tidal experiences of the nation which, in retrospect, were sources of strength (Ndekwu, 1994).
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
- Authors: Agomuonso, Clara Udochi
- Date: 2014
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD (in Public Administration)
- Identifier: vital:11721 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1017866
- Description: Many institutions and organizations are set up to with a right motive but fail to actualize their vision. This cuts across both public and private institutions across the globe. A financial institution is selected for this research because of its sensitivity; hence getting it right with a delicate institution like a financial organization will assist usage of this monitoring system by other institutions. Modern banking in Nigeria started in 1892 with the free banking era which ended when the Banking Ordinance of 1952 was promulgated. First Bank was the pioneer bank that was established in Nigeria in 1894 as the Bank of British West Africa. The establishment of the First Bank of Nigeria predates the birth of the Nigerian nation as a sovereign entity. The bank which was registered as the bank of British West Africa in 1894 has therefore evolved along the path of political, social and economic changes and developments of Nigeria from the colonial period to independence and the experience of post-independence. It thus shared, in the process of its growth, the tidal experiences of the nation which, in retrospect, were sources of strength (Ndekwu, 1994).
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
Balancing legislative and contractual obligations with government policy objectives and the commercial and economic sustainability of the Amathole Forestry Company (Pty.) LTD: a community benefit model designed for implementation by Amathole Forestry Company (Pty) Ltd
- Authors: Swift, Davron
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Community development -- South Africa -- Amathole District Municipality , Economic development -- South Africa -- Amathole District Municipality -- Citizen participation , Forests and forestry -- Social aspects -- South Africa -- Amathole District Municipality
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/3185 , vital:20409
- Description: The fundamental objective of this research is to design and propose an appropriate community benefit model that can be implemented by a forestry company in the Eastern Cape of South Africa. De Beer, Rutsch and Eliffe (1998) describe community benefits as a collection of social and economic opportunities through which people are able to improve the quality of their lives or the lives of others. This study proposes a model that can be implemented in a manner that is mutually beneficial to the forestry company concerned and its community stakeholders.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
- Authors: Swift, Davron
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Community development -- South Africa -- Amathole District Municipality , Economic development -- South Africa -- Amathole District Municipality -- Citizen participation , Forests and forestry -- Social aspects -- South Africa -- Amathole District Municipality
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/3185 , vital:20409
- Description: The fundamental objective of this research is to design and propose an appropriate community benefit model that can be implemented by a forestry company in the Eastern Cape of South Africa. De Beer, Rutsch and Eliffe (1998) describe community benefits as a collection of social and economic opportunities through which people are able to improve the quality of their lives or the lives of others. This study proposes a model that can be implemented in a manner that is mutually beneficial to the forestry company concerned and its community stakeholders.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
Barriers and incentives to potential adoption of biofuel crops by smallholder farmers in selected areas in the Chris Hani and O.R. Tambo district municipalities, South Africa
- Authors: Cheteni, Priviledge
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Renewable energy sources -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Energy crops industry -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Farms, Small -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc Agric (Agricultural Economics)
- Identifier: vital:11225 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1020182 , Renewable energy sources -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Energy crops industry -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Farms, Small -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Description: Since the launch of the Biofuels Industrial Strategy in 2007 by the South African government, only a few smallholder farmers have adopted biofuels for production. The government hopes to stimulate economic development and alleviate poverty by targeting areas that were previously neglected for agriculture by the apartheid government. However, there still appears to be a lack of a clear and comprehensive policy framework for the development of a South African biofuel industry, because the proposed initiatives have not been implemented to date. There are also concerns among stakeholders that government policy is taking too long to formulate, compounding existing uncertainty in the industry. This study therefore aims to identify barriers and incentives that influence the potential adoption of biofuel crops in selected areas in the Eastern Cape Province, South Africa. The study utilised a semi-structured questionnaire to record responses from 129 smallholder farmers that were identified through a snowballing sampling technique. Descriptive statistical analysis and a Heckman two-step model were applied to analyse the data. Analysis was done using SPSS 21 and EViews 8. Results obtained showed that the variables: arable land, incentives offered, challenges faced, labour source and farm experience were statistical significant at 5 or 10 percent p value to awareness of farmers to biofuel crops. Adoption of biofuel crops was statistically related to gender, qualification, membership to association and household size. The study recommends that the Biofuels Industrial Strategy Policy be revisited in order to have a mechanism of including smallholder farmers that it aims to empower with employment and improvement in their livelihoods. The government can help smallholder farmers by addressing the challenges they face in improving their output. Furthermore, it recommends that a national study on barriers and incentives that influence the adoption of biofuel crops be carried out in order to identify other factors that may hinder the Biofuels Strategy Policy aims in empowering the disadvantaged farmers.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
- Authors: Cheteni, Priviledge
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Renewable energy sources -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Energy crops industry -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Farms, Small -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc Agric (Agricultural Economics)
- Identifier: vital:11225 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1020182 , Renewable energy sources -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Energy crops industry -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Farms, Small -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Description: Since the launch of the Biofuels Industrial Strategy in 2007 by the South African government, only a few smallholder farmers have adopted biofuels for production. The government hopes to stimulate economic development and alleviate poverty by targeting areas that were previously neglected for agriculture by the apartheid government. However, there still appears to be a lack of a clear and comprehensive policy framework for the development of a South African biofuel industry, because the proposed initiatives have not been implemented to date. There are also concerns among stakeholders that government policy is taking too long to formulate, compounding existing uncertainty in the industry. This study therefore aims to identify barriers and incentives that influence the potential adoption of biofuel crops in selected areas in the Eastern Cape Province, South Africa. The study utilised a semi-structured questionnaire to record responses from 129 smallholder farmers that were identified through a snowballing sampling technique. Descriptive statistical analysis and a Heckman two-step model were applied to analyse the data. Analysis was done using SPSS 21 and EViews 8. Results obtained showed that the variables: arable land, incentives offered, challenges faced, labour source and farm experience were statistical significant at 5 or 10 percent p value to awareness of farmers to biofuel crops. Adoption of biofuel crops was statistically related to gender, qualification, membership to association and household size. The study recommends that the Biofuels Industrial Strategy Policy be revisited in order to have a mechanism of including smallholder farmers that it aims to empower with employment and improvement in their livelihoods. The government can help smallholder farmers by addressing the challenges they face in improving their output. Furthermore, it recommends that a national study on barriers and incentives that influence the adoption of biofuel crops be carried out in order to identify other factors that may hinder the Biofuels Strategy Policy aims in empowering the disadvantaged farmers.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
Barriers to employment in Nelson Mandela Bay
- Authors: Frank, Virginia
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Unemployment -- South Africa -- Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality , Labor market -- South Africa -- Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality , Poverty -- South Africa -- Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9258 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1021230
- Description: Unemployment is a huge challenge for the South African government and it has been identified as an important variable in the fight against poverty and inequality in the country. The unemployment rate in the Eastern Cape Province is higher than the national unemployment rates in the country and the unemployment rate in the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality is higher than the provincial average. The purpose of this study is to uncover the barriers to employment in Nelson Mandela Bay. Chapter one presents the rationale and background to the study including the research aims, objectives and the scope of the research. Chapter two provides an extensive literature review about the major factors that influence unemployment rates, the government inititiatives that were deployed to reduce unemployment rates in the country and the impact of labour market inflexibility on employment outcomes. Chapter three provides the research methodology followed in this study and chapter four includes an analysis and discussions of the questionnaire data. Chapter five concludes the research report with recommendations for policymakers.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
- Authors: Frank, Virginia
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Unemployment -- South Africa -- Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality , Labor market -- South Africa -- Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality , Poverty -- South Africa -- Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9258 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1021230
- Description: Unemployment is a huge challenge for the South African government and it has been identified as an important variable in the fight against poverty and inequality in the country. The unemployment rate in the Eastern Cape Province is higher than the national unemployment rates in the country and the unemployment rate in the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality is higher than the provincial average. The purpose of this study is to uncover the barriers to employment in Nelson Mandela Bay. Chapter one presents the rationale and background to the study including the research aims, objectives and the scope of the research. Chapter two provides an extensive literature review about the major factors that influence unemployment rates, the government inititiatives that were deployed to reduce unemployment rates in the country and the impact of labour market inflexibility on employment outcomes. Chapter three provides the research methodology followed in this study and chapter four includes an analysis and discussions of the questionnaire data. Chapter five concludes the research report with recommendations for policymakers.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
Basin analysis of the Soutpansberg and Tuli Coalfields, Limpopo Province of South Africa
- Authors: Malaza, Ntokozo
- Date: 2014
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD (Geology)
- Identifier: vital:11531 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1021279
- Description: The Soutpansberg and Tuli Coalfields are both hosted in the Karoo Basin, Limpopo Province of South Africa. The Soutpansberg Coalfield is situated north of the Soutpansberg Mountain Range and has a strike length of about 200 km and width of about 80 km which is fault controlled and extends from Waterpoort in the west to the Kruger National Park in the east. The Tuli Coalfield occurs in a small intracratonic, east-west trending fault-controlled sedimentary basin with a preserved width of 80 km and length of 120 km. The east to west trend of the Tuli Coalfield parallels that of the Soutpansberg Coalfield further east, and the two coalfields link up with the north-south trending Lebombo Basin. The Tuli Coalfield occurs in the Tuli Basin, while the Soutpansberg Coalfield occurs in the Soutpansberg Basin. The two basins preserve a heterogeneous succession of the Upper Paleozoic to Lower Mesozoic sedimentary and volcanic rocks of the Karoo Supergroup. Because the area is largely covered by the Quaternary Kalahari Group sands, the stratigraphy of the succession is not as well understood as the Main Karoo Basin in South Africa. This study deals with the intra-basinal stratigraphic correlation, facies and depositional environments, petrography, geochemistry, provenance, geophysics, structural geology, diagenesis of sandstone, subsidence history and coal quality in the Soutpansberg and Tuli Coalfields. Based on the field work and detailed sedimentological analyses of over 2000 borehole data, seven facies associations (FAs) comprising sixteen major lithofacies were identified. The facies associations are: Glacial diamictite and sandstone (FA 1), Clast supported conglomerate and sandstone (FA 2), Tabular cross-bedded sandstone (FA 3), Trough and planar cross-bedded sandstone (FA 4), Fine calcareous and micaceous siltstone and mudstone (FA 5), Sandy shale/mudstone (FA 6), Laminated or thin-bedded Carbonaceous shale/mudstone and coal (FA 7). The facies associations (FA 1 to FA 7) correspond to the lithostratigraphic sub-divisions of the Tshidzi, Madzaringwe and Mikambeni Formations. The Madzaringwe Formation in this study is informally sub-divided into the Lower, Middle and Upper Members while the Mikambeni Formation is informally sub-divided into the Lower and Upper Members. Sedimentological characteristics of the identified facies associations indicate the following depositional environments: Fluvioglacial (braided streams) depositional environment (FA 1, Tshidzi Diamictite Formation); Floodplain ponds, lakes, marshes and backswamps (FA 6 and FA 7, Lower Member of the Madzaringwe Formation); Meandering and braided channels, crevasse splays, levees and crevasse channels (FA 2, FA 3, FA 4 and FA 5, Middle Member of the Madzaringwe Formation); Floodplain ponds, lakes and backswamps (FA 6 and FA 7, Upper Member of the Madzaringwe Formation); Meandering and braided channels, crevasse splays, swamps and shallow lakes (FA 5, FA 6 and FA 7, Lower Member of the Mikambeni Formation) and lastly braided channels, meandering channels, levees and crevasse channels (FA 2, FA 3, FA 4 and FA 5, Upper Member of the Mikambeni Formation). Paleocurrent directions were measured using directional structures (cross-bedding and asymmetric ripple marks). The paleocurrent analysis shows that the direction of the channels was from south-west to north-east in both coalfields. Based on the structural study and geophysical interpretations, the structural and tectonic settings of the two coalfields have been revealed, both coalfields are normal fault-bounded. The geological evolution of the Karoo strata, at least since the Upper Carboniferous, essentially follows the type model for passive continental margin terrain. Paleostress inversion techniques have been employed to interpret the stress regime of the two coalfields. The Soutpansberg Basin is characterised by W-E to ENE-WSW extension and N-S to NNW-SSE compression. The Tuli Basin is characterised by N-S to NNW-SSE compression and W-E to ENE-WSE extension. This stress field reflects the established structural trend of the two shear belts (the Tshipise and Siloam shear zones) bounding the Central Zone of the Limpopo Mobile Belt. The geophysical interpretations were focused on outlining structures, contacts and on the delineation of gravity, magnetic and radiometric signatures in areas defined as anomalous. The magnetic, gravity and radiometric data showed low amplitudes in the sedimentary strata compared to the surrounding and basement geological bodies. The E-N-E fault system has a notable signature, defining two magnetic domains on both southern and northern sides of the Soutpansberg Coalfield. The intrusive emplacements are mainly fault controlled and they trend in the same direction as the two fault systems. Jurassic volcanics (Letaba and Jozini Formations) follow a SW-NE trend, outcropping in the east (Soutpansberg Basin), producing a strong magnetic response in this area, and partly buried in the west, where magnetic intensity tends to be reduced. Petrographic and geochemical analyses of the Soutpansberg sandstones revealed immature sub-litharenite, sub-arkose and minor arkosic arenites in nature, dominated by sub-angular to rounded detrital grains, sourced from recycled orogens, craton interior to transitional continental. The sandstones of the Tuli Coalfield are classified as sub-arkoses and minor sub-litharenites and sourced from the craton interior and recycled orogen provenances. Both petrographic and geochemical results suggest a passive continental margin source. Petrographic and geochemical results of the samples of the Soutpansberg Coalfield suggest uplifted basement source areas dominated by sedimentary rocks with minor granite-gneiss rocks. The petrography and geochemistry of the Tuli sandstones suggest source areas dominantly composed of plutonic (granites) and metamorphic (gneisses and schists) rocks with a component from a sedimentary (quartz-arenites, quartzites, shales, arkoses and meta-arkoses) rocks. Diagenetic features of Mikambeni and Madzaringwe sandstones are subdivided into early, middle and late stages. Time is relative with the earliest diagenetic event occurring shortly after deposition and the latest occurring up until present time. The main diagenetic processes that have affected the sandstones include mechanical compaction, cementation and the dissolution of framework grains and cements. Early diagenetic processes include mechanical compaction, silica and calcite cementation, clay minerals (pore lining and pore-filling kaolinite, illite and smectite), feldspar authigenesis and the formation of hematite cements and coatings. Late diagenesis includes quartz and feldspar overgrowths, seritisation, chlorite alteration, grain deformation, pressure-solution and fracturing and albitisation. The subsidence of the basins is believed to be initiated and thermally controlled by tectonics (i.e. faults of basements blocks) rather than sedimentary burial. The subsidence within the basins supports the primary graben system which must have been centered within the present basins, and later became a region of major faulting. This gave way to the Late Carboniferous rapid subsidence, with areas of greater extension subsiding more rapidly. The Early Permian (last phase) is characterised by a slow subsidence representing the post-rift thermal subsidence. The rift flanks were gradually uplifted and, and then generally subsided as a results of thermal contraction after the extension terminated. Based on the coal analysis, both coalfields are characterised by coking bituminous coal. The study has revealed that the eastern Soutpansberg Coalfield is likely to present better opportunities for identification of potentially exploitable coal deposits as compared to the Tuli Coalfield.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
- Authors: Malaza, Ntokozo
- Date: 2014
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD (Geology)
- Identifier: vital:11531 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1021279
- Description: The Soutpansberg and Tuli Coalfields are both hosted in the Karoo Basin, Limpopo Province of South Africa. The Soutpansberg Coalfield is situated north of the Soutpansberg Mountain Range and has a strike length of about 200 km and width of about 80 km which is fault controlled and extends from Waterpoort in the west to the Kruger National Park in the east. The Tuli Coalfield occurs in a small intracratonic, east-west trending fault-controlled sedimentary basin with a preserved width of 80 km and length of 120 km. The east to west trend of the Tuli Coalfield parallels that of the Soutpansberg Coalfield further east, and the two coalfields link up with the north-south trending Lebombo Basin. The Tuli Coalfield occurs in the Tuli Basin, while the Soutpansberg Coalfield occurs in the Soutpansberg Basin. The two basins preserve a heterogeneous succession of the Upper Paleozoic to Lower Mesozoic sedimentary and volcanic rocks of the Karoo Supergroup. Because the area is largely covered by the Quaternary Kalahari Group sands, the stratigraphy of the succession is not as well understood as the Main Karoo Basin in South Africa. This study deals with the intra-basinal stratigraphic correlation, facies and depositional environments, petrography, geochemistry, provenance, geophysics, structural geology, diagenesis of sandstone, subsidence history and coal quality in the Soutpansberg and Tuli Coalfields. Based on the field work and detailed sedimentological analyses of over 2000 borehole data, seven facies associations (FAs) comprising sixteen major lithofacies were identified. The facies associations are: Glacial diamictite and sandstone (FA 1), Clast supported conglomerate and sandstone (FA 2), Tabular cross-bedded sandstone (FA 3), Trough and planar cross-bedded sandstone (FA 4), Fine calcareous and micaceous siltstone and mudstone (FA 5), Sandy shale/mudstone (FA 6), Laminated or thin-bedded Carbonaceous shale/mudstone and coal (FA 7). The facies associations (FA 1 to FA 7) correspond to the lithostratigraphic sub-divisions of the Tshidzi, Madzaringwe and Mikambeni Formations. The Madzaringwe Formation in this study is informally sub-divided into the Lower, Middle and Upper Members while the Mikambeni Formation is informally sub-divided into the Lower and Upper Members. Sedimentological characteristics of the identified facies associations indicate the following depositional environments: Fluvioglacial (braided streams) depositional environment (FA 1, Tshidzi Diamictite Formation); Floodplain ponds, lakes, marshes and backswamps (FA 6 and FA 7, Lower Member of the Madzaringwe Formation); Meandering and braided channels, crevasse splays, levees and crevasse channels (FA 2, FA 3, FA 4 and FA 5, Middle Member of the Madzaringwe Formation); Floodplain ponds, lakes and backswamps (FA 6 and FA 7, Upper Member of the Madzaringwe Formation); Meandering and braided channels, crevasse splays, swamps and shallow lakes (FA 5, FA 6 and FA 7, Lower Member of the Mikambeni Formation) and lastly braided channels, meandering channels, levees and crevasse channels (FA 2, FA 3, FA 4 and FA 5, Upper Member of the Mikambeni Formation). Paleocurrent directions were measured using directional structures (cross-bedding and asymmetric ripple marks). The paleocurrent analysis shows that the direction of the channels was from south-west to north-east in both coalfields. Based on the structural study and geophysical interpretations, the structural and tectonic settings of the two coalfields have been revealed, both coalfields are normal fault-bounded. The geological evolution of the Karoo strata, at least since the Upper Carboniferous, essentially follows the type model for passive continental margin terrain. Paleostress inversion techniques have been employed to interpret the stress regime of the two coalfields. The Soutpansberg Basin is characterised by W-E to ENE-WSW extension and N-S to NNW-SSE compression. The Tuli Basin is characterised by N-S to NNW-SSE compression and W-E to ENE-WSE extension. This stress field reflects the established structural trend of the two shear belts (the Tshipise and Siloam shear zones) bounding the Central Zone of the Limpopo Mobile Belt. The geophysical interpretations were focused on outlining structures, contacts and on the delineation of gravity, magnetic and radiometric signatures in areas defined as anomalous. The magnetic, gravity and radiometric data showed low amplitudes in the sedimentary strata compared to the surrounding and basement geological bodies. The E-N-E fault system has a notable signature, defining two magnetic domains on both southern and northern sides of the Soutpansberg Coalfield. The intrusive emplacements are mainly fault controlled and they trend in the same direction as the two fault systems. Jurassic volcanics (Letaba and Jozini Formations) follow a SW-NE trend, outcropping in the east (Soutpansberg Basin), producing a strong magnetic response in this area, and partly buried in the west, where magnetic intensity tends to be reduced. Petrographic and geochemical analyses of the Soutpansberg sandstones revealed immature sub-litharenite, sub-arkose and minor arkosic arenites in nature, dominated by sub-angular to rounded detrital grains, sourced from recycled orogens, craton interior to transitional continental. The sandstones of the Tuli Coalfield are classified as sub-arkoses and minor sub-litharenites and sourced from the craton interior and recycled orogen provenances. Both petrographic and geochemical results suggest a passive continental margin source. Petrographic and geochemical results of the samples of the Soutpansberg Coalfield suggest uplifted basement source areas dominated by sedimentary rocks with minor granite-gneiss rocks. The petrography and geochemistry of the Tuli sandstones suggest source areas dominantly composed of plutonic (granites) and metamorphic (gneisses and schists) rocks with a component from a sedimentary (quartz-arenites, quartzites, shales, arkoses and meta-arkoses) rocks. Diagenetic features of Mikambeni and Madzaringwe sandstones are subdivided into early, middle and late stages. Time is relative with the earliest diagenetic event occurring shortly after deposition and the latest occurring up until present time. The main diagenetic processes that have affected the sandstones include mechanical compaction, cementation and the dissolution of framework grains and cements. Early diagenetic processes include mechanical compaction, silica and calcite cementation, clay minerals (pore lining and pore-filling kaolinite, illite and smectite), feldspar authigenesis and the formation of hematite cements and coatings. Late diagenesis includes quartz and feldspar overgrowths, seritisation, chlorite alteration, grain deformation, pressure-solution and fracturing and albitisation. The subsidence of the basins is believed to be initiated and thermally controlled by tectonics (i.e. faults of basements blocks) rather than sedimentary burial. The subsidence within the basins supports the primary graben system which must have been centered within the present basins, and later became a region of major faulting. This gave way to the Late Carboniferous rapid subsidence, with areas of greater extension subsiding more rapidly. The Early Permian (last phase) is characterised by a slow subsidence representing the post-rift thermal subsidence. The rift flanks were gradually uplifted and, and then generally subsided as a results of thermal contraction after the extension terminated. Based on the coal analysis, both coalfields are characterised by coking bituminous coal. The study has revealed that the eastern Soutpansberg Coalfield is likely to present better opportunities for identification of potentially exploitable coal deposits as compared to the Tuli Coalfield.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
Becoming and being: a critical realist study into the emergence of identity in emergency medical science students, and the construct of graduate attributes
- Authors: Millar, Bernadette Theresa
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Critical realism , Emergency medical personnel -- Psychology , Emergency medical services
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: vital:1327 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1013175
- Description: This critical realist thesis seeks to understand how student, graduate and professional identities emerge in Emergency Medical Science (EMS) students at a South African University of Technology (UoT) as well as in professional paramedics in the Emergency Medical Care Services (EMCS). It further considers the construct of graduate attributes (GAs) and its relationship to emergence of identity and influence on curriculum design. The research design is that of a case study. The theoretical framework is critical realism whose depth ontology posits three domains of reality. Causal powers and generative mechanisms exist in the Real domain which cause events or phenomena to emerge in the Actual domain that are experienced in the Empirical domain. Using retroduction one may come to explore some of the causes for the event. Using Bhaskar’s concepts of identity, the self, absence and emergence, ontology and four-planar social being, a Bhaskarian explanatory framework of identity to explore the emergence of identity has been created. In exploring graduate attributes, a critical realist question is posed: “What must the world be like for GAs to exist” to explore the possibilities of the existence of GAs. It was found that student identity emerges diachronically in three moments, while professional paramedic identity starts to emerge during the third year of study mainly through the structure, culture and agency of workplace-based learning. In answer to the critical realist question it was found that GAs emerge from the neoliberalist commodification of universities. In seeking an alternative to GAs, traits and attitudes were explored. It was found that these emerge from curriculum, interplay of departmental structure, culture and agency of and from students’ being which makes them ontologically radically different from GAs. This study concludes that student, graduate and professional identities emerge from a person’s core constellational identity diachronically within four-planar social being and the interplay of structure, culture and agency. GAs cannot be related to the emergence of identity and curriculum design because of their ontology; however, if traits and attitudes are substituted for GAs, a close relationship does exist between emergence of identity, traits and attitudes and curriculum design.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
- Authors: Millar, Bernadette Theresa
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Critical realism , Emergency medical personnel -- Psychology , Emergency medical services
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: vital:1327 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1013175
- Description: This critical realist thesis seeks to understand how student, graduate and professional identities emerge in Emergency Medical Science (EMS) students at a South African University of Technology (UoT) as well as in professional paramedics in the Emergency Medical Care Services (EMCS). It further considers the construct of graduate attributes (GAs) and its relationship to emergence of identity and influence on curriculum design. The research design is that of a case study. The theoretical framework is critical realism whose depth ontology posits three domains of reality. Causal powers and generative mechanisms exist in the Real domain which cause events or phenomena to emerge in the Actual domain that are experienced in the Empirical domain. Using retroduction one may come to explore some of the causes for the event. Using Bhaskar’s concepts of identity, the self, absence and emergence, ontology and four-planar social being, a Bhaskarian explanatory framework of identity to explore the emergence of identity has been created. In exploring graduate attributes, a critical realist question is posed: “What must the world be like for GAs to exist” to explore the possibilities of the existence of GAs. It was found that student identity emerges diachronically in three moments, while professional paramedic identity starts to emerge during the third year of study mainly through the structure, culture and agency of workplace-based learning. In answer to the critical realist question it was found that GAs emerge from the neoliberalist commodification of universities. In seeking an alternative to GAs, traits and attitudes were explored. It was found that these emerge from curriculum, interplay of departmental structure, culture and agency of and from students’ being which makes them ontologically radically different from GAs. This study concludes that student, graduate and professional identities emerge from a person’s core constellational identity diachronically within four-planar social being and the interplay of structure, culture and agency. GAs cannot be related to the emergence of identity and curriculum design because of their ontology; however, if traits and attitudes are substituted for GAs, a close relationship does exist between emergence of identity, traits and attitudes and curriculum design.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
Behavior of palladium nanoparticles in the absence or presence of cobalt tetraaminophthalocyanine for the electrooxidation of hydrazine
- Maringa, Audacity, Nyokong, Tebello
- Authors: Maringa, Audacity , Nyokong, Tebello
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/189796 , vital:44932 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1002/elan.201400028"
- Description: We report on the electrodeposition of palladium nanoparticles (PdNPs) on a glassy carbon electrode (GCE) and onto a poly-CoTAPc-GCE (CoTAPc=cobalt tetraamino phthalocyanine) surface. The electrodes are denoted as PdNPs-GCE and PdNPs/poly-CoTAPc-GCE, respectively. PdNPs/poly-CoTAPc-GCE showed the best activity for the oxidation of hydrazine at the lowest potential of −0.28 V and with the highest currents. The results were further supported by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) which showed that there was less resistance to charge transfer for PdNPs/poly-CoTAPc-GCE compared to PdNPs-GCE. The catalytic rate constant for hydrazine oxidation was 6.12×108 cm3 mol−1 s−1 using PdNPs/poly-CoTAPc-GCE.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
- Authors: Maringa, Audacity , Nyokong, Tebello
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/189796 , vital:44932 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1002/elan.201400028"
- Description: We report on the electrodeposition of palladium nanoparticles (PdNPs) on a glassy carbon electrode (GCE) and onto a poly-CoTAPc-GCE (CoTAPc=cobalt tetraamino phthalocyanine) surface. The electrodes are denoted as PdNPs-GCE and PdNPs/poly-CoTAPc-GCE, respectively. PdNPs/poly-CoTAPc-GCE showed the best activity for the oxidation of hydrazine at the lowest potential of −0.28 V and with the highest currents. The results were further supported by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) which showed that there was less resistance to charge transfer for PdNPs/poly-CoTAPc-GCE compared to PdNPs-GCE. The catalytic rate constant for hydrazine oxidation was 6.12×108 cm3 mol−1 s−1 using PdNPs/poly-CoTAPc-GCE.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
Behavior of Palladium Nanoparticles in the Absence or Presence of Cobalt Tetraaminophthalocyanine for the Electrooxidation of Hydrazine
- Maringa, Audacity, Nyokong, Tebello
- Authors: Maringa, Audacity , Nyokong, Tebello
- Date: 2014
- Language: English
- Type: Article
- Identifier: vital:7305 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1020382
- Description: We report on the electrodeposition of palladium nanoparticles (PdNPs) on a glassy carbon electrode (GCE) and onto a poly-CoTAPc-GCE (CoTAPc=cobalt tetraamino phthalocyanine) surface. The electrodes are denoted as PdNPs-GCE and PdNPs/poly-CoTAPc-GCE, respectively. PdNPs/poly-CoTAPc-GCE showed the best activity for the oxidation of hydrazine at the lowest potential of −0.28 V and with the highest currents. The results were further supported by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) which showed that there was less resistance to charge transfer for PdNPs/poly-CoTAPc-GCE compared to PdNPs-GCE. The catalytic rate constant for hydrazine oxidation was 6.12×108 cm3 mol−1 s−1 using PdNPs/poly-CoTAPc-GCE. , Original publication is available at http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/elan.201400028
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2014
- Authors: Maringa, Audacity , Nyokong, Tebello
- Date: 2014
- Language: English
- Type: Article
- Identifier: vital:7305 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1020382
- Description: We report on the electrodeposition of palladium nanoparticles (PdNPs) on a glassy carbon electrode (GCE) and onto a poly-CoTAPc-GCE (CoTAPc=cobalt tetraamino phthalocyanine) surface. The electrodes are denoted as PdNPs-GCE and PdNPs/poly-CoTAPc-GCE, respectively. PdNPs/poly-CoTAPc-GCE showed the best activity for the oxidation of hydrazine at the lowest potential of −0.28 V and with the highest currents. The results were further supported by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) which showed that there was less resistance to charge transfer for PdNPs/poly-CoTAPc-GCE compared to PdNPs-GCE. The catalytic rate constant for hydrazine oxidation was 6.12×108 cm3 mol−1 s−1 using PdNPs/poly-CoTAPc-GCE. , Original publication is available at http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/elan.201400028
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2014
Behaviour-based health and safety management in construction: a leadership-focused approach
- Authors: Okorie, Victor Nnannaya
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Construction industry -- Safety measures , Construction industry -- Accidents -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DPhil
- Identifier: vital:9676 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1021034
- Description: The construction industry remains a pillar in the South African economy, generating employment and wealth. Nonetheless, the industry is reportedly bedevilled by a high rate of accidents and serious injuries that often lead to permanent deformation and fatalities among workers and the general public. These accidents and injuries manifest due to poor construction health and safety (H&S) performance that is often related to poor H&S leadership of the key project leaders involved in the construction business. Shortcomings pertain to client leadership in terms of involvement and commitment to H&S and project H&S related decisions of professionals (designers, project managers, quantity surveyors and engineers). They also pertain to contractor related aspects such as H&S management systems and leadership at all levels of management. In addition, contractors’ inadequacies of H&S management relative to workplace planning and materials related issues have continued to marginalise H&S performance in construction. The H&S leadership of key project leaders is very important in creating a culture of H&S in the workplace. This study examined the H&S management practices and leadership of the key project leaders that contribute to at-risk work practices or unsafe behaviour of workers. Presently, there is limited or no research in South African construction on how the H&S leadership of the key project leaders contributes to at-risk work practices or unsafe behaviour of workers. The methodology employed in the study included an extensive review of relevant literature, which enabled the field work to proceed unhindered. The quantitative survey and qualitative inquiry was conducted with the key construction participants in South African construction. Focus group discussions and interviews were used in a complementary manner. Accordingly, the sampling technique for the study comprised simple random and purposive sampling. The study revealed apparent poor leadership and lack of involvement and commitment to workers’ H&S by the key project leaders. Notably, there is statistical evidence of poor H&S management practices among contractors in terms of top management commitment to and involvement in project H&S. This statistical evidence includes poor H&S education and training of workers and lack of workers’ involvement and participation in H&S matters, which is the tenet of behaviour-based H&S anagement. The model of leadership influence on worker H&S behaviour developed in this research constitutes an innovative contribution to construction H&S performance improvement through a leadership-focused approach. The study has established a basic level of awareness and understanding among key project leaders in that their upstream decisions during the project planning and construction phases have significant influence on workers’ safe or unsafe behaviour or at-risk work practices. The study strongly advocates transparent leadership, ethical behaviour among clients in public and private sectors, designers’ critical H&S decisions, project managers’ and quantity surveyors’ commitment towards project H&S and contractors’ adoption and implementation of behaviour-based H&S management systems. The developed leadership influence model of worker H&S behaviour in the study provides a useful guide for the key project leaders to realise the desired H&S performance improvement in the South African construction industry.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
- Authors: Okorie, Victor Nnannaya
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Construction industry -- Safety measures , Construction industry -- Accidents -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DPhil
- Identifier: vital:9676 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1021034
- Description: The construction industry remains a pillar in the South African economy, generating employment and wealth. Nonetheless, the industry is reportedly bedevilled by a high rate of accidents and serious injuries that often lead to permanent deformation and fatalities among workers and the general public. These accidents and injuries manifest due to poor construction health and safety (H&S) performance that is often related to poor H&S leadership of the key project leaders involved in the construction business. Shortcomings pertain to client leadership in terms of involvement and commitment to H&S and project H&S related decisions of professionals (designers, project managers, quantity surveyors and engineers). They also pertain to contractor related aspects such as H&S management systems and leadership at all levels of management. In addition, contractors’ inadequacies of H&S management relative to workplace planning and materials related issues have continued to marginalise H&S performance in construction. The H&S leadership of key project leaders is very important in creating a culture of H&S in the workplace. This study examined the H&S management practices and leadership of the key project leaders that contribute to at-risk work practices or unsafe behaviour of workers. Presently, there is limited or no research in South African construction on how the H&S leadership of the key project leaders contributes to at-risk work practices or unsafe behaviour of workers. The methodology employed in the study included an extensive review of relevant literature, which enabled the field work to proceed unhindered. The quantitative survey and qualitative inquiry was conducted with the key construction participants in South African construction. Focus group discussions and interviews were used in a complementary manner. Accordingly, the sampling technique for the study comprised simple random and purposive sampling. The study revealed apparent poor leadership and lack of involvement and commitment to workers’ H&S by the key project leaders. Notably, there is statistical evidence of poor H&S management practices among contractors in terms of top management commitment to and involvement in project H&S. This statistical evidence includes poor H&S education and training of workers and lack of workers’ involvement and participation in H&S matters, which is the tenet of behaviour-based H&S anagement. The model of leadership influence on worker H&S behaviour developed in this research constitutes an innovative contribution to construction H&S performance improvement through a leadership-focused approach. The study has established a basic level of awareness and understanding among key project leaders in that their upstream decisions during the project planning and construction phases have significant influence on workers’ safe or unsafe behaviour or at-risk work practices. The study strongly advocates transparent leadership, ethical behaviour among clients in public and private sectors, designers’ critical H&S decisions, project managers’ and quantity surveyors’ commitment towards project H&S and contractors’ adoption and implementation of behaviour-based H&S management systems. The developed leadership influence model of worker H&S behaviour in the study provides a useful guide for the key project leaders to realise the desired H&S performance improvement in the South African construction industry.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
Beliefs, Attitudes, Practices, Response to Interventions and Therapeutic Education of Obese and Normal Weight Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Patients attending the Diabetic Clinic in Nelson Mandela Academic Hospital, Mthatha
- Authors: Odufu Alexander Abiodun
- Date: 2014
- Language: English
- Type: Masters
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/11260/2854 , vital:42965 , Type 2 diabetes, belief, attitudes, practices, responses to intervention, therapeutic education
- Description: ABSTRACT INTRODUCTION: Education is the cornerstone of diabetes care. Because of lack of awareness, most patients suffer from diabetes complications. This study was conducted to determine the knowledge, attitude, practices and responses to interventions and therapeutic education of obese and normal weight type 2 diabetes mellitus patients. OBJECTIVES: The objectives of the study were: to determine the knowledge, beliefs, attitudes and practices among patients with T2DM; to estimate the proportions of uncontrolled blood glucose, poor quality of life, and no adherence to medications and diet among patients with T2DM; to explore food choices and nutrition practices and behavior related to T2DM; and to develop from responses, educational programs towards self and health professional management. Methods: This descriptive study included two hundred T2DM. A modified version of the Diabetes knowledge, attitude and practice (KAP) questionnaires were used for data collection. The participants were recruited using convenience sampling technique and all data collected was analyzed using SPSS version 18. The patient‟s knowledge, attitudes and practice about the disease, the proportion of uncontrolled blood glucose and no adherence to medication and diet, nutrition practices and behavior related to T2DM were the main outcome measures. Results: The mean age of the patients were 49.0±16.6 years for men and 48.2±15.8 years for females with the male to female ratio being 1:1. The population was formed by adults and elderly adults, who were between 18 and 80 years of age. Most were obese (43.0%); married (50.5%) and overweight (27.7%). Patients‟ awareness about diabetes was high. The overall knowledge on the etiology and features of T2DM was good. Answers for glycemic control, risk factors and complications were very good. Awareness about eye and renal complications was also high. A majority also noted eye problems as the complication of DM yet only 69% have visited an ophthalmologist. More than half of the sample population correctly answers questions regarding dietary requirements in diabetes.80% of the patients responded that alcohol is not good for a diabetic, that losing weight can prevent diabetic from getting worse and that smoking can worsen diabetes. 20% of the population does not know that the above mentioned factors are important in the management of their condition. The percentage of uncontrolled blood sugar and HbA1c among T2DM residing in Mthatha was good as 80% of the patients have their previous and current blood sugar level and HbA1c as normal. Conclusions: The knowledge, attitude and practice scores were high in most areas of diabetes care. However, the majority of the patients were obese emphasizing the need for additional educational efforts in life style modification.
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- Authors: Odufu Alexander Abiodun
- Date: 2014
- Language: English
- Type: Masters
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/11260/2854 , vital:42965 , Type 2 diabetes, belief, attitudes, practices, responses to intervention, therapeutic education
- Description: ABSTRACT INTRODUCTION: Education is the cornerstone of diabetes care. Because of lack of awareness, most patients suffer from diabetes complications. This study was conducted to determine the knowledge, attitude, practices and responses to interventions and therapeutic education of obese and normal weight type 2 diabetes mellitus patients. OBJECTIVES: The objectives of the study were: to determine the knowledge, beliefs, attitudes and practices among patients with T2DM; to estimate the proportions of uncontrolled blood glucose, poor quality of life, and no adherence to medications and diet among patients with T2DM; to explore food choices and nutrition practices and behavior related to T2DM; and to develop from responses, educational programs towards self and health professional management. Methods: This descriptive study included two hundred T2DM. A modified version of the Diabetes knowledge, attitude and practice (KAP) questionnaires were used for data collection. The participants were recruited using convenience sampling technique and all data collected was analyzed using SPSS version 18. The patient‟s knowledge, attitudes and practice about the disease, the proportion of uncontrolled blood glucose and no adherence to medication and diet, nutrition practices and behavior related to T2DM were the main outcome measures. Results: The mean age of the patients were 49.0±16.6 years for men and 48.2±15.8 years for females with the male to female ratio being 1:1. The population was formed by adults and elderly adults, who were between 18 and 80 years of age. Most were obese (43.0%); married (50.5%) and overweight (27.7%). Patients‟ awareness about diabetes was high. The overall knowledge on the etiology and features of T2DM was good. Answers for glycemic control, risk factors and complications were very good. Awareness about eye and renal complications was also high. A majority also noted eye problems as the complication of DM yet only 69% have visited an ophthalmologist. More than half of the sample population correctly answers questions regarding dietary requirements in diabetes.80% of the patients responded that alcohol is not good for a diabetic, that losing weight can prevent diabetic from getting worse and that smoking can worsen diabetes. 20% of the population does not know that the above mentioned factors are important in the management of their condition. The percentage of uncontrolled blood sugar and HbA1c among T2DM residing in Mthatha was good as 80% of the patients have their previous and current blood sugar level and HbA1c as normal. Conclusions: The knowledge, attitude and practice scores were high in most areas of diabetes care. However, the majority of the patients were obese emphasizing the need for additional educational efforts in life style modification.
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Bells as memorials in South Africa to the Great (1914-18) War
- Lewis, Colin A, De Wet, Tertius, Teugels, Jet L, Van Deventer, Pieta J U
- Authors: Lewis, Colin A , De Wet, Tertius , Teugels, Jet L , Van Deventer, Pieta J U
- Date: 2014
- Language: English
- Type: Article , text
- Identifier: vital:6192 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1013418
- Description: The contribution of South Africa to the allied cause in the Great War, and the sacrifice of so many lives of the White and Coloured populations, is memorialised on bells of the Cape Town carillon, on ringing, and on clock and other bells. The contribution of the Black population awaits recognition. Restoration of the Cape Town carillon so that it can again be played effectively, would be a fitting memorial to those who lost their lives in the non-combative roles that were open to the majority population of South Africa. Completion of the ring at what is now Queenstown cathedral would also be a fitting tribute to the bravery and unstinting service of so many South Africans during the Great War. , Colin Lewis was Professor of Geography at Rhodes University, Grahamstown, South Africa from 1989 until his retirement at the end of 2007. In 1990, with the strong support of the incumbent Vice-Chancellor, Dr Derek Henderson, he instigated the Certificate in Change Ringing (Church Bell Ringing) in the Rhodes University Department of Music and Musicology - the first such course to be offered in Africa. Since that date he has lectured in the basic theory, and taught the practice of change ringing. He is the Ringing Master of the Cathedral of St Michael and St George, Grahamstown, South Africa.
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- Date Issued: 2014
- Authors: Lewis, Colin A , De Wet, Tertius , Teugels, Jet L , Van Deventer, Pieta J U
- Date: 2014
- Language: English
- Type: Article , text
- Identifier: vital:6192 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1013418
- Description: The contribution of South Africa to the allied cause in the Great War, and the sacrifice of so many lives of the White and Coloured populations, is memorialised on bells of the Cape Town carillon, on ringing, and on clock and other bells. The contribution of the Black population awaits recognition. Restoration of the Cape Town carillon so that it can again be played effectively, would be a fitting memorial to those who lost their lives in the non-combative roles that were open to the majority population of South Africa. Completion of the ring at what is now Queenstown cathedral would also be a fitting tribute to the bravery and unstinting service of so many South Africans during the Great War. , Colin Lewis was Professor of Geography at Rhodes University, Grahamstown, South Africa from 1989 until his retirement at the end of 2007. In 1990, with the strong support of the incumbent Vice-Chancellor, Dr Derek Henderson, he instigated the Certificate in Change Ringing (Church Bell Ringing) in the Rhodes University Department of Music and Musicology - the first such course to be offered in Africa. Since that date he has lectured in the basic theory, and taught the practice of change ringing. He is the Ringing Master of the Cathedral of St Michael and St George, Grahamstown, South Africa.
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- Date Issued: 2014
Best practice guideline for the transition of final year nursing students to professional nurses in the military health service in South Africa
- Authors: Caka, Ernestina Masebina
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: School-to-work transition -- South Africa , Nurses -- Training of -- South Africa , Nursing students -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: vital:10070 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1021097
- Description: The transition period from student nurses to professional nurses has been acknowledged as being very stressful, particularly in the military health service due to the dual transition. The phase is marked as final year nursing students try to consolidate the experience and knowledge gained during their four year training period with clinical decision making and problem solving skills being applied in the work environment. The students require support and guidance to effect a successful transition from being a student to being a professional nurse. The transition of students in the military health setting might be experienced differently due to the context that is vastly different from the other health care settings (Moore, 2006:541). The aim of the research was to explore the experiences of role transition of final year nursing students, particularly their preparedness to take up the role of a professional nurse in the military health setting in order to assist managers and educators to support and facilitate this professional adjustment appropriately. A qualitative, descriptive, contextual design was employed for the study and followed a three-phase approach. Phase one comprised a qualitative approach, where semi-structured and focus group interviews were conducted to gather the data. Nurse managers, nurse educators, final year nursing students and novice professional nurses formed part of the population for the study. Creswell’s method of data analysis was employed in analysing the data. The second phase dealt with the integrative review of literature on the transition of final year nursing students into professional nurses. Data extracted from the guidelines formed themes that were triangulated to form phase three of the study. Lastly, a best practice guideline was developed to facilitate the transition period of final year nursing students to professional nurses. Principles of trustworthiness were adhered to, participants were treated in a fair manner and confidential information was not divulged without the consent of the participants. Participants were asked to take part voluntarily and without coercion. Ethical approval was requested to give consent for the study to be undertaken and ethical principles were adhered to throughout the study. Findings were then disseminated after the conclusion of the study.
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- Date Issued: 2014
- Authors: Caka, Ernestina Masebina
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: School-to-work transition -- South Africa , Nurses -- Training of -- South Africa , Nursing students -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: vital:10070 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1021097
- Description: The transition period from student nurses to professional nurses has been acknowledged as being very stressful, particularly in the military health service due to the dual transition. The phase is marked as final year nursing students try to consolidate the experience and knowledge gained during their four year training period with clinical decision making and problem solving skills being applied in the work environment. The students require support and guidance to effect a successful transition from being a student to being a professional nurse. The transition of students in the military health setting might be experienced differently due to the context that is vastly different from the other health care settings (Moore, 2006:541). The aim of the research was to explore the experiences of role transition of final year nursing students, particularly their preparedness to take up the role of a professional nurse in the military health setting in order to assist managers and educators to support and facilitate this professional adjustment appropriately. A qualitative, descriptive, contextual design was employed for the study and followed a three-phase approach. Phase one comprised a qualitative approach, where semi-structured and focus group interviews were conducted to gather the data. Nurse managers, nurse educators, final year nursing students and novice professional nurses formed part of the population for the study. Creswell’s method of data analysis was employed in analysing the data. The second phase dealt with the integrative review of literature on the transition of final year nursing students into professional nurses. Data extracted from the guidelines formed themes that were triangulated to form phase three of the study. Lastly, a best practice guideline was developed to facilitate the transition period of final year nursing students to professional nurses. Principles of trustworthiness were adhered to, participants were treated in a fair manner and confidential information was not divulged without the consent of the participants. Participants were asked to take part voluntarily and without coercion. Ethical approval was requested to give consent for the study to be undertaken and ethical principles were adhered to throughout the study. Findings were then disseminated after the conclusion of the study.
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- Date Issued: 2014
Beyond black and white: black solidarity in post-apartheid South Africa
- Authors: Majavu, Phumlani
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Black nationalism -- South Africa , Race relations -- South Africa , South Africa -- Politics and government -- 21st century
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:2887 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1016359
- Description: Almost 20 years after the white Nationalist government was voted out, some black South Africans believe that black solidarity is still necessary in South Africa. These people argue that since post-apartheid South Africa is still marred with racial injustice, it makes sense for blacks to advocate for black solidarity. Although it is true that black solidarity played an important role in the struggle against apartheid, in this thesis I argue that the struggle against current forms of racial injustice does not necessarily require black solidarity. This is not to deny the prevailing racialized oppression in the post-apartheid era, nor to deny the importance of black solidarity in the past; rather the point I am making is that the current form of racial oppression is somewhat different from the one before 1994. Hence I argue in this thesis that the current form of racial oppression requires us to do certain things differently. Doing things differently means improving upon the strategies of the past. For this to happen, I argue that every human being who believes in and is committed to racial justice ought to be included in the struggle for justice. Change, after all, is brought about when committed human beings work together for liberation and justice.
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- Date Issued: 2014
- Authors: Majavu, Phumlani
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Black nationalism -- South Africa , Race relations -- South Africa , South Africa -- Politics and government -- 21st century
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:2887 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1016359
- Description: Almost 20 years after the white Nationalist government was voted out, some black South Africans believe that black solidarity is still necessary in South Africa. These people argue that since post-apartheid South Africa is still marred with racial injustice, it makes sense for blacks to advocate for black solidarity. Although it is true that black solidarity played an important role in the struggle against apartheid, in this thesis I argue that the struggle against current forms of racial injustice does not necessarily require black solidarity. This is not to deny the prevailing racialized oppression in the post-apartheid era, nor to deny the importance of black solidarity in the past; rather the point I am making is that the current form of racial oppression is somewhat different from the one before 1994. Hence I argue in this thesis that the current form of racial oppression requires us to do certain things differently. Doing things differently means improving upon the strategies of the past. For this to happen, I argue that every human being who believes in and is committed to racial justice ought to be included in the struggle for justice. Change, after all, is brought about when committed human beings work together for liberation and justice.
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- Date Issued: 2014
Beyond coming out: lesbians’ (alternative) stories of sexual identity told in post-Apartheid South Africa
- Gibson, Alexandra F, Macleod, Catriona I
- Authors: Gibson, Alexandra F , Macleod, Catriona I
- Date: 2014
- Language: English
- Type: Book chapter
- Identifier: vital:6304 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1016063
- Description: Over the last several decades, the ‘coming out’i story has become entrenched as the central narrative with which lesbian, gay and bisexual (LGB) people can narrate their experiences of claiming a sexual identity and storying their lives in general (Bacon, 1998; Blackburn, 2009). It has developed into a “canonical narrative” (Bruner, 1987, p. 15), or a culturally recognisable story for LGB people, in that it involves the recounting of a series of familiar events in moving from a place of shame to one of self-acceptance about one’s sexual identity (Cohler & Hammack, 2007; Plummer, 1995). The ‘coming out’ canonical narrative additionally operates as a counter-narrative, which has enabled LGB people to voice their sexuality within heterosexist and heteronormative confines (Blackburn, 2009). Nevertheless, there are limitations (and limiting effects) to this narrative, and further refinement of how we understand sexual identity narratives is required. To illustrate this argument, we draw on a narrative-discursive study of eight lesbians’ stories of sexual identity in post-apartheid South Africa.
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- Date Issued: 2014
- Authors: Gibson, Alexandra F , Macleod, Catriona I
- Date: 2014
- Language: English
- Type: Book chapter
- Identifier: vital:6304 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1016063
- Description: Over the last several decades, the ‘coming out’i story has become entrenched as the central narrative with which lesbian, gay and bisexual (LGB) people can narrate their experiences of claiming a sexual identity and storying their lives in general (Bacon, 1998; Blackburn, 2009). It has developed into a “canonical narrative” (Bruner, 1987, p. 15), or a culturally recognisable story for LGB people, in that it involves the recounting of a series of familiar events in moving from a place of shame to one of self-acceptance about one’s sexual identity (Cohler & Hammack, 2007; Plummer, 1995). The ‘coming out’ canonical narrative additionally operates as a counter-narrative, which has enabled LGB people to voice their sexuality within heterosexist and heteronormative confines (Blackburn, 2009). Nevertheless, there are limitations (and limiting effects) to this narrative, and further refinement of how we understand sexual identity narratives is required. To illustrate this argument, we draw on a narrative-discursive study of eight lesbians’ stories of sexual identity in post-apartheid South Africa.
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- Date Issued: 2014
Biochemical Evaluation Of Pregnant Women Practicing Geophagia With Special Reference To Iron Nutritional Status In The King Sabata Dalindyebo Municipality
- Authors: Abiodun Adams
- Date: 2014
- Language: English
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/11260/2878 , vital:42970 , Geophagia, pregnant women, iron nutritional status, iron-deficiency anaemia.
- Description: Abstract Introduction There is no information on iron deficiency anaemia and ferritin-related oxidative stress as a potential result of geophagia during pregnancy in the King Sabatha Dalyindyebo Municipality, South Africa. Aim The aim of the study was to assess the magnitude of geophagia (soil eating) associated with biochemical and haematological indices of iron nutritional status of pregnant women. Materials and Methods A cross sectional study was carried out among 210 (response rate=95.5% of 220 eligible) pregnant women living in the Mthatha areas of the King Sabata Dalyindebo Municipality attending 3 selected clinics during 2012. Data (socio-demographic, geophagia, haematological indices, serum iron and transferrin saturation) were analyzed using univariate analysis (mean, proportions, percentiles, Odd Ratio and 95%CI, ANOVA and chi-square) and multivariate analysis (Odd Ratio and 95% CI and logistic regression model) was performed. P-Value <0.05 was significant. Results In all cases, 98.6% (n=207) and 100% (n=210) defined by serum iron ≤ 30µmol/l and <40µmol/l, presented with iron deficiency, respectively. However, iron deficiency, defined by serum ferritin <12µg/l and by transferrin saturation <16%, was present in 25.7% (n=54) and 61.9% (n=130) of all cases, respectively. Iron-deficiency anaemia was present in 51.4% (n=108) and 18.6% (n=39) using WHO haemoglobin and serum iron cut-offs and WHO haemoglobin and serum ferritin cut-offs, respectively. However,ii 37.1% (n=78/210) had an iron deficiency, defined by serum iron <10 µmol/l and 30.5% (n=64/210) defined by transferrin saturation <10%. In geophagics, 98.7% (n=76) had iron-deficiency anaemia (using serum iron cut-offs) whereas only 24.1% (n=32) of non geophagics presented with iron deficiency anaemia. However, using serum ferritin cut-offs, geophagics had iron deficiency anaemia estimated at 69.2% (n=27/59) but non geophagics had iron deficiency anaemia estimated at 30.8% (n=12/39). The optimal cut-offs of serum iron <10 µmol/l and transferrin saturation <10% are the best discriminants of iron deficiency as defined by serum ferritin <12 µg/l. Ferritin-related oxidative stress was present among 24.8% in the study population (the highest quartile of serum ferritin being >30.01 µg/l). The most important factors associated with iron deficiency anaemia in all pregnant women were geophagic behaviour (OR=2.1 95% CI 1.1-4.2; P=0.029), MCHC decreases (<30.5 0R=16.6 95%CI 6.8-40.2; P=0.006) and MCHC decreases (30.5-31.5 OR=2.9 95%CI 1.4-6.1; P=0.006). In all pregnant women, serum iron <14 (OR=6.2 95%CI 1.2-31.7; P=0.030), platelets <228 (OR=3.9 95%CI 1.6-10.8; P=0.008), age ≥28years (OR=4.2 95%CI 1.7-10.4; P=0.002), transferrin saturation ≥18% (OR=51.3 95%CI 8.9-295.2; P=<0.0001), were identified as the most significant independent determinants of ferritin-related oxidative stress. However, increase in age, depletion in iron, decrease in platelet count but increase in transferrin saturation were the significant independent determinants of ferritin-related oxidative stress among geophagic pregnant women (Y=0.282 x Age – 1.007 x iron – 0.023 platelet +0.946 transferrin saturation). In non-geophagic pregnant women, only a decrease in iron and an increase in transferrin saturation were the significant characteristics of ferritin-related oxidative stress (Y=-3.21-0.309 x iron + 0.379 transferrin saturation). Conclusioniii Geophagia induces a high level of anaemia, iron deficiency anaemia and ferritin-related oxidative stress. The most independent determinants of iron deficiency anaemia in all pregnant women were geophagic behaviour and MCHC decrease. Independent and important determinants of ferritin-related oxidative stress in all pregnant women were severe categories of decreased iron and platelets with higher levels of age ≥28 years, transferrin saturation (≥18%)
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- Authors: Abiodun Adams
- Date: 2014
- Language: English
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/11260/2878 , vital:42970 , Geophagia, pregnant women, iron nutritional status, iron-deficiency anaemia.
- Description: Abstract Introduction There is no information on iron deficiency anaemia and ferritin-related oxidative stress as a potential result of geophagia during pregnancy in the King Sabatha Dalyindyebo Municipality, South Africa. Aim The aim of the study was to assess the magnitude of geophagia (soil eating) associated with biochemical and haematological indices of iron nutritional status of pregnant women. Materials and Methods A cross sectional study was carried out among 210 (response rate=95.5% of 220 eligible) pregnant women living in the Mthatha areas of the King Sabata Dalyindebo Municipality attending 3 selected clinics during 2012. Data (socio-demographic, geophagia, haematological indices, serum iron and transferrin saturation) were analyzed using univariate analysis (mean, proportions, percentiles, Odd Ratio and 95%CI, ANOVA and chi-square) and multivariate analysis (Odd Ratio and 95% CI and logistic regression model) was performed. P-Value <0.05 was significant. Results In all cases, 98.6% (n=207) and 100% (n=210) defined by serum iron ≤ 30µmol/l and <40µmol/l, presented with iron deficiency, respectively. However, iron deficiency, defined by serum ferritin <12µg/l and by transferrin saturation <16%, was present in 25.7% (n=54) and 61.9% (n=130) of all cases, respectively. Iron-deficiency anaemia was present in 51.4% (n=108) and 18.6% (n=39) using WHO haemoglobin and serum iron cut-offs and WHO haemoglobin and serum ferritin cut-offs, respectively. However,ii 37.1% (n=78/210) had an iron deficiency, defined by serum iron <10 µmol/l and 30.5% (n=64/210) defined by transferrin saturation <10%. In geophagics, 98.7% (n=76) had iron-deficiency anaemia (using serum iron cut-offs) whereas only 24.1% (n=32) of non geophagics presented with iron deficiency anaemia. However, using serum ferritin cut-offs, geophagics had iron deficiency anaemia estimated at 69.2% (n=27/59) but non geophagics had iron deficiency anaemia estimated at 30.8% (n=12/39). The optimal cut-offs of serum iron <10 µmol/l and transferrin saturation <10% are the best discriminants of iron deficiency as defined by serum ferritin <12 µg/l. Ferritin-related oxidative stress was present among 24.8% in the study population (the highest quartile of serum ferritin being >30.01 µg/l). The most important factors associated with iron deficiency anaemia in all pregnant women were geophagic behaviour (OR=2.1 95% CI 1.1-4.2; P=0.029), MCHC decreases (<30.5 0R=16.6 95%CI 6.8-40.2; P=0.006) and MCHC decreases (30.5-31.5 OR=2.9 95%CI 1.4-6.1; P=0.006). In all pregnant women, serum iron <14 (OR=6.2 95%CI 1.2-31.7; P=0.030), platelets <228 (OR=3.9 95%CI 1.6-10.8; P=0.008), age ≥28years (OR=4.2 95%CI 1.7-10.4; P=0.002), transferrin saturation ≥18% (OR=51.3 95%CI 8.9-295.2; P=<0.0001), were identified as the most significant independent determinants of ferritin-related oxidative stress. However, increase in age, depletion in iron, decrease in platelet count but increase in transferrin saturation were the significant independent determinants of ferritin-related oxidative stress among geophagic pregnant women (Y=0.282 x Age – 1.007 x iron – 0.023 platelet +0.946 transferrin saturation). In non-geophagic pregnant women, only a decrease in iron and an increase in transferrin saturation were the significant characteristics of ferritin-related oxidative stress (Y=-3.21-0.309 x iron + 0.379 transferrin saturation). Conclusioniii Geophagia induces a high level of anaemia, iron deficiency anaemia and ferritin-related oxidative stress. The most independent determinants of iron deficiency anaemia in all pregnant women were geophagic behaviour and MCHC decrease. Independent and important determinants of ferritin-related oxidative stress in all pregnant women were severe categories of decreased iron and platelets with higher levels of age ≥28 years, transferrin saturation (≥18%)
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