Appropriation or appreciation: assessing cultural adoption in terms of diverse conceptions of otherness
- Authors: Manona, Lungelo Samkelo
- Date: 2022-04
- Subjects: cultural appropriation , Fashion--Moral and ethical aspects
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/55657 , vital:53404
- Description: Reciprocal, cross-cultural adoption of “symbols, artefacts, rituals, genres, and/or technologies” (Rogers 2006: 477) is an everyday phenomenon in today’s highly mediated popular culture. Increasingly, however, instances of cultural adoption are coming under the spotlight of media scrutiny, and are generating public outcry, as alleged forms of exploitative ‘cultural appropriation’. In an overly easy counter-argument it may be insisted rather that cultural adoption is a form of affirmative ‘cultural appreciation’. The question arises of how cultural theorists, as well as media practitioners and media consumers may usefully assess contentions instances of cultural adoption. How does a person decide whether an instance of cultural adoption is unacceptable ‘cultural appropriation’ or acceptable ‘cultural appreciation’? It is especially important to answer this question with regard to postcolonial societies (such as South Africa), where ingrained power imbalances make it easy for instances of cultural adoption to silence, exploit, misrepresent, or offend and in this way “exacerbate inequality and marginalization” (Matthes 2018: 1003). By contrast, affirmation of cultural identity and cultural heritage through respectful cultural adoption can play a significant role in fostering social cohesion. This study aims, firstly, to address the theoretical problem of how to assess contentious instances of cultural adoption, by contributing to the development of a systematic, but non-binary, theoretical framework, that will help cultural theorists and others to justify critical assessments regarding cultural adoption and make recommendations about whether or not they should be condoned. Secondly, it aims to test the application of this theoretical framework through the critical analysis of a selected instance of cultural adoption. The study is situated in the field of cultural studies, which falls within the broader domain of media studies. The research is cross-disciplinary in nature. A preliminary literature review supports the research hypothesis that a systematic theoretical framework for justifying critical assessments regarding cultural adoption can be developed from the complex concept of ‘Otherness’. Text-based, theoretical research will be conducted to elaborate on this proposed framework. Further, media products will be critically analysed in terms of this framework, to test and potentially modify it. No interviews will be conducted, and no ethics clearance is needed for this research. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Humanities, Media and Communication, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-04
- Authors: Manona, Lungelo Samkelo
- Date: 2022-04
- Subjects: cultural appropriation , Fashion--Moral and ethical aspects
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/55657 , vital:53404
- Description: Reciprocal, cross-cultural adoption of “symbols, artefacts, rituals, genres, and/or technologies” (Rogers 2006: 477) is an everyday phenomenon in today’s highly mediated popular culture. Increasingly, however, instances of cultural adoption are coming under the spotlight of media scrutiny, and are generating public outcry, as alleged forms of exploitative ‘cultural appropriation’. In an overly easy counter-argument it may be insisted rather that cultural adoption is a form of affirmative ‘cultural appreciation’. The question arises of how cultural theorists, as well as media practitioners and media consumers may usefully assess contentions instances of cultural adoption. How does a person decide whether an instance of cultural adoption is unacceptable ‘cultural appropriation’ or acceptable ‘cultural appreciation’? It is especially important to answer this question with regard to postcolonial societies (such as South Africa), where ingrained power imbalances make it easy for instances of cultural adoption to silence, exploit, misrepresent, or offend and in this way “exacerbate inequality and marginalization” (Matthes 2018: 1003). By contrast, affirmation of cultural identity and cultural heritage through respectful cultural adoption can play a significant role in fostering social cohesion. This study aims, firstly, to address the theoretical problem of how to assess contentious instances of cultural adoption, by contributing to the development of a systematic, but non-binary, theoretical framework, that will help cultural theorists and others to justify critical assessments regarding cultural adoption and make recommendations about whether or not they should be condoned. Secondly, it aims to test the application of this theoretical framework through the critical analysis of a selected instance of cultural adoption. The study is situated in the field of cultural studies, which falls within the broader domain of media studies. The research is cross-disciplinary in nature. A preliminary literature review supports the research hypothesis that a systematic theoretical framework for justifying critical assessments regarding cultural adoption can be developed from the complex concept of ‘Otherness’. Text-based, theoretical research will be conducted to elaborate on this proposed framework. Further, media products will be critically analysed in terms of this framework, to test and potentially modify it. No interviews will be conducted, and no ethics clearance is needed for this research. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Humanities, Media and Communication, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-04
Assessing the economic impact and legal standing of expropriation of land without compensation policy and the effects on farm investment of selected farmers in South Africa
- Authors: Buthelezi, Sithabiso
- Date: 2022-04
- Subjects: Land tenure , Economic impact analysis
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/57557 , vital:58073
- Description: South Africa’s agricultural sector is still labour- intensive and with South Africa’s high unemployment levels, this sector becomes crucial for employment creation. Moreover, the sector assists in eradicating poverty and ensuring food security. The African National Congress (ANC) has introduced the Draft Constitution Eighteenth Amendment Bill, 2019 in the National Assembly. The Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure issued a notice indicating the government’s intention to introduce the Expropriation Bill, 2020 in the National Assembly for debate. After these Bills were issued, there has been a debate in the public, including legal and economic scholars about the potential impact that these policy proposals will have on investment, specifically the agricultural industry. This treatise investigates the potential impact of expropriation of land without compensation on farm investment and assess the legality of the policy. The supporting theoretical literature in this treatise is the property rights theory, efficiency theories and transactional costs theory. The study used various cases and interpretations of legislation across different jurisdictions, to assess the legality of this policy. To test the impact of expropriation of land on farm investment, the study uses a survey collected from 22 farmers, registered with the Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development (DALRRD) who responded to the request to participate. Once collected, the data were coded and analysed through the Stata statistical package. The results from descriptive statistics show that several independent variables that were included in the model had an influence on investment decisions. The study also found that the influence of title deeds differs between rural and semiurban dwellers. Semi-urban dwellers are likely to regard their property as insecure without title deeds, whereas rural dwellers indicated strong security of tenure despite staying on leased land. The study also found that the influence of collateral credit differs between small and commercial farmers. Some small farmers, who had collateral assets, did not use it when seeking credit or were denied even after using it. That is due to other factors such as cash flow and affordability. These factors, combined with the low value of collateral assets for small farmers prevent them from accessing additional credit. The results from the regression analysis revealed that certain independent variables have an influence on the dependent variable (farm investment). The regression vi | P a g e analysis results also prove that there is a significant positive correlation between the security of tenure and farm investment. However, the results from the respondents show that the proposed policy (expropriation of land without compensation) has not decreased their security of tenure as yet. The majority of respondents reported knowing about the policy, but still indicated that they intend to increase their farm investment in the coming three years. Therefore, there is no evidence that the proposed legislation had a negative impact on planned investment from a data analysis perspective. However, planned investments are decreased because of the current policy uncertainty. Those participants who indicated that they will decrease their investment, did so because they were not sure if their property will be targeted or not. This policy uncertainty is the source of disinvestment. Government should finalise this policy. It must be clear, indicate the circumstances under which someone’s property will be targeted. This is likely to put everyone at ease and be certain if their property will be expropriated or not. Government should be cautious of putting a policy that is not definite enough and leaves the final decisions to the court to determine the amount to be paid as compensation, as is currently the case. This court-determined compensation increases transactions costs and also creates uncertainty because one does not know how much are they entitled to until the final court determination. This contributes to policy uncertainty and procrastination on investment. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-04
- Authors: Buthelezi, Sithabiso
- Date: 2022-04
- Subjects: Land tenure , Economic impact analysis
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/57557 , vital:58073
- Description: South Africa’s agricultural sector is still labour- intensive and with South Africa’s high unemployment levels, this sector becomes crucial for employment creation. Moreover, the sector assists in eradicating poverty and ensuring food security. The African National Congress (ANC) has introduced the Draft Constitution Eighteenth Amendment Bill, 2019 in the National Assembly. The Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure issued a notice indicating the government’s intention to introduce the Expropriation Bill, 2020 in the National Assembly for debate. After these Bills were issued, there has been a debate in the public, including legal and economic scholars about the potential impact that these policy proposals will have on investment, specifically the agricultural industry. This treatise investigates the potential impact of expropriation of land without compensation on farm investment and assess the legality of the policy. The supporting theoretical literature in this treatise is the property rights theory, efficiency theories and transactional costs theory. The study used various cases and interpretations of legislation across different jurisdictions, to assess the legality of this policy. To test the impact of expropriation of land on farm investment, the study uses a survey collected from 22 farmers, registered with the Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development (DALRRD) who responded to the request to participate. Once collected, the data were coded and analysed through the Stata statistical package. The results from descriptive statistics show that several independent variables that were included in the model had an influence on investment decisions. The study also found that the influence of title deeds differs between rural and semiurban dwellers. Semi-urban dwellers are likely to regard their property as insecure without title deeds, whereas rural dwellers indicated strong security of tenure despite staying on leased land. The study also found that the influence of collateral credit differs between small and commercial farmers. Some small farmers, who had collateral assets, did not use it when seeking credit or were denied even after using it. That is due to other factors such as cash flow and affordability. These factors, combined with the low value of collateral assets for small farmers prevent them from accessing additional credit. The results from the regression analysis revealed that certain independent variables have an influence on the dependent variable (farm investment). The regression vi | P a g e analysis results also prove that there is a significant positive correlation between the security of tenure and farm investment. However, the results from the respondents show that the proposed policy (expropriation of land without compensation) has not decreased their security of tenure as yet. The majority of respondents reported knowing about the policy, but still indicated that they intend to increase their farm investment in the coming three years. Therefore, there is no evidence that the proposed legislation had a negative impact on planned investment from a data analysis perspective. However, planned investments are decreased because of the current policy uncertainty. Those participants who indicated that they will decrease their investment, did so because they were not sure if their property will be targeted or not. This policy uncertainty is the source of disinvestment. Government should finalise this policy. It must be clear, indicate the circumstances under which someone’s property will be targeted. This is likely to put everyone at ease and be certain if their property will be expropriated or not. Government should be cautious of putting a policy that is not definite enough and leaves the final decisions to the court to determine the amount to be paid as compensation, as is currently the case. This court-determined compensation increases transactions costs and also creates uncertainty because one does not know how much are they entitled to until the final court determination. This contributes to policy uncertainty and procrastination on investment. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-04
Assessing the technologies transforming the logistics Industry in Nelson Mandela Bay
- Authors: Ruiters, Byron
- Date: 2022-04
- Subjects: Business logistics -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/58168 , vital:58616
- Description: Supply chain disruptions such as those emanating from the current Covid 19 pandemic have made the logistics industry to undergo fast and unprecedented change. In such unpredictable times, innovation and technology adoption has emerged as one of the major trends and key solutions to lead the way for the future of logistics. This is also because a successful and efficient logistics strategy requires the use of technology, as well as the strategic value derived from a firm's capacity. This in turn enables firms to recognise possibilities and challenges resulting from technological advancement in order to attain long-term competitiveness. The industry is implementing these technologies with caution in order to provide faster, cheaper, more dependable and long-term supply. This study sought to investigate whether Nelson Mandela Bay (NMB) is keeping up with the current logistics technology trends and systems that are transforming logistics firms in South Africa, the African continent and the rest of the world. To achieve this primary objective, the study also sought to achieve the following sub-objectives, namely: to identify the logistics technologies transforming logistics firms in NMB; to assess the role of logistics technologies affecting logistics firms in NMB. The study also sought to ascertain the challenges of using logistics technologies transforming the logistics firms in NMB; and examine the effect of logistics technology adoption and use on business performance of logistics firms in NMB. The study used an online closed-ended questionnaire distributed via google forms to collect primary data from a sample of 132 respondents across all the logistics firms (which consisted of warehousing, transport and packaging firms) in NMB. The study targeted those respondents involved in the management of the targeted logistics firms. The empirical results show that technology use in logistics firms has advanced a lot to vehicle tracking, packaging, inventory control, and communication systems, as well as robotics among logistics firms in NMB. The results also identified logistics technologies such as the Internet of Things, Robotic Process automation, Digital Supply Chain Twins, Vendor managed system and RFID as some of the major technologies currently transforming the logistics firms in NMB. The study found that many challenges exist with logistics technology adoption, and cited lack of investment towards logistics technology; the fear of iii losing jobs as people get replaced by technology such as machines and robots; high logistics costs as some of the major challenges. More so, the study results reveal that logistics technology adoption and use play a positive and significant role in logistics firms. The study further reports a significant and positive effect of logistics technology adoption and use on business performance of logistics firms. This study concludes that though still at infancy stage, logistics firms in NMB are keeping upbreast with the current logistics technological trends. The study suggests that firms need to speed up the adoption of the needed logistics technologies available to their respective business in order to remain efficient and effective. , Thesis (MA) --Faculty of Business and Economic science, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-04
- Authors: Ruiters, Byron
- Date: 2022-04
- Subjects: Business logistics -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/58168 , vital:58616
- Description: Supply chain disruptions such as those emanating from the current Covid 19 pandemic have made the logistics industry to undergo fast and unprecedented change. In such unpredictable times, innovation and technology adoption has emerged as one of the major trends and key solutions to lead the way for the future of logistics. This is also because a successful and efficient logistics strategy requires the use of technology, as well as the strategic value derived from a firm's capacity. This in turn enables firms to recognise possibilities and challenges resulting from technological advancement in order to attain long-term competitiveness. The industry is implementing these technologies with caution in order to provide faster, cheaper, more dependable and long-term supply. This study sought to investigate whether Nelson Mandela Bay (NMB) is keeping up with the current logistics technology trends and systems that are transforming logistics firms in South Africa, the African continent and the rest of the world. To achieve this primary objective, the study also sought to achieve the following sub-objectives, namely: to identify the logistics technologies transforming logistics firms in NMB; to assess the role of logistics technologies affecting logistics firms in NMB. The study also sought to ascertain the challenges of using logistics technologies transforming the logistics firms in NMB; and examine the effect of logistics technology adoption and use on business performance of logistics firms in NMB. The study used an online closed-ended questionnaire distributed via google forms to collect primary data from a sample of 132 respondents across all the logistics firms (which consisted of warehousing, transport and packaging firms) in NMB. The study targeted those respondents involved in the management of the targeted logistics firms. The empirical results show that technology use in logistics firms has advanced a lot to vehicle tracking, packaging, inventory control, and communication systems, as well as robotics among logistics firms in NMB. The results also identified logistics technologies such as the Internet of Things, Robotic Process automation, Digital Supply Chain Twins, Vendor managed system and RFID as some of the major technologies currently transforming the logistics firms in NMB. The study found that many challenges exist with logistics technology adoption, and cited lack of investment towards logistics technology; the fear of iii losing jobs as people get replaced by technology such as machines and robots; high logistics costs as some of the major challenges. More so, the study results reveal that logistics technology adoption and use play a positive and significant role in logistics firms. The study further reports a significant and positive effect of logistics technology adoption and use on business performance of logistics firms. This study concludes that though still at infancy stage, logistics firms in NMB are keeping upbreast with the current logistics technological trends. The study suggests that firms need to speed up the adoption of the needed logistics technologies available to their respective business in order to remain efficient and effective. , Thesis (MA) --Faculty of Business and Economic science, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-04
Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder and substance abuse: prevalence and effect of past pharmacotherapy in young adults
- Authors: Coetze, Corne
- Date: 2022-04
- Subjects: Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder , Substance abuse
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/58783 , vital:60121
- Description: Background: Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) frequently occurs in patients with SUD. Several studies demonstrated that ADHD constitutes a significant risk factor for the development of SUDs and suggest that childhood ADHD pharmacotherapy might help prevent the development of SUD. Furthermore, substance use patterns seem to differ between individuals with and without ADHD. Aim: The primary aim of this study was to establish the prevalence of ADHD in SUD in a South African treatment-seeking population, substance use patterns, and to determine the effect of past pharmacotherapy on later life’s functional impairment in adult ADHD treatment-seeking patients with a SUD. Method: Adult treatment-seeking SUD patients (n=360) were recruited from rehabilitation facilities and screened using the ADHD Self-Report Scale Symptom Checklist (ASRS-v1.1). ADHD diagnosis was confirmed (n=52) by the Diagnostic-Interview for ADHD in Adults (DIVA 2.0). Adults with ADHD without SUD (n=48) were recruited from clinicians, retail pharmacies and the general public. Life-time substance use was assessed using a self-report questionnaire. Tobacco use was assessed by the Fagerström Test for Nicotine Dependence (FTND). ADHD-related functional impairment was assessed by the Weiss Functional Impairment Rating Scale (WFIRS). Information on present and life-time use of ADHD medication was obtained. Clinical outcomes between those with and without a history of pharmacotherapy were compared. Results: ADHD is highly prevalent in South African adult treatment-seeking SUD patients. High rates of untreated and unrecognised ADHD were found. Individuals with SUD+ADHD were significantly associated with higher tobacco use. Data indicated increased levels of cannabis consumption among SUD+ADHD individuals, especially among SUD+ADHD females. Furthermore, we found that patients with ADHD were significantly associated with polysubstance use. Our results showed a history of childhood ADHD pharmacotherapy to be associated with less functional ADHD-related impairment across all functional domains and a decreased risk for substance use in later life. Abstract Conclusion: High rates of untreated and unrecognised ADHD were found among treatment-seeking SUD patients. ADHD patients appeared to self-medicate to cope with their symptoms. Childhood ADHD pharmacotherapy might be associated with a decreased risk for substance use in adulthood and lower ADHD-related impairment. Despite study limitations, these findings underline the importance of early ADHD detection and treatment, which might prevent substance use. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Health Sciences, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-04
- Authors: Coetze, Corne
- Date: 2022-04
- Subjects: Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder , Substance abuse
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/58783 , vital:60121
- Description: Background: Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) frequently occurs in patients with SUD. Several studies demonstrated that ADHD constitutes a significant risk factor for the development of SUDs and suggest that childhood ADHD pharmacotherapy might help prevent the development of SUD. Furthermore, substance use patterns seem to differ between individuals with and without ADHD. Aim: The primary aim of this study was to establish the prevalence of ADHD in SUD in a South African treatment-seeking population, substance use patterns, and to determine the effect of past pharmacotherapy on later life’s functional impairment in adult ADHD treatment-seeking patients with a SUD. Method: Adult treatment-seeking SUD patients (n=360) were recruited from rehabilitation facilities and screened using the ADHD Self-Report Scale Symptom Checklist (ASRS-v1.1). ADHD diagnosis was confirmed (n=52) by the Diagnostic-Interview for ADHD in Adults (DIVA 2.0). Adults with ADHD without SUD (n=48) were recruited from clinicians, retail pharmacies and the general public. Life-time substance use was assessed using a self-report questionnaire. Tobacco use was assessed by the Fagerström Test for Nicotine Dependence (FTND). ADHD-related functional impairment was assessed by the Weiss Functional Impairment Rating Scale (WFIRS). Information on present and life-time use of ADHD medication was obtained. Clinical outcomes between those with and without a history of pharmacotherapy were compared. Results: ADHD is highly prevalent in South African adult treatment-seeking SUD patients. High rates of untreated and unrecognised ADHD were found. Individuals with SUD+ADHD were significantly associated with higher tobacco use. Data indicated increased levels of cannabis consumption among SUD+ADHD individuals, especially among SUD+ADHD females. Furthermore, we found that patients with ADHD were significantly associated with polysubstance use. Our results showed a history of childhood ADHD pharmacotherapy to be associated with less functional ADHD-related impairment across all functional domains and a decreased risk for substance use in later life. Abstract Conclusion: High rates of untreated and unrecognised ADHD were found among treatment-seeking SUD patients. ADHD patients appeared to self-medicate to cope with their symptoms. Childhood ADHD pharmacotherapy might be associated with a decreased risk for substance use in adulthood and lower ADHD-related impairment. Despite study limitations, these findings underline the importance of early ADHD detection and treatment, which might prevent substance use. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Health Sciences, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-04
Automated machine learning plankton taxonomy pipeline
- Authors: Du Toit, Ian Charles
- Date: 2022-04
- Subjects: machine learning , Plankton -- Ecology
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/58363 , vital:59003
- Description: Plankton taxonomy is considered a multi-class classification problem. The current state-of-the-art developments in machine learning and phytoplankton taxonomy, such as MorphoCluster, include using a convolutional neural network as a feature extractor and Hierarchical Density-Based Clustering for the classification of plankton and identification of outliers. These convolutional feature extraction algorithms achieved accuracies of 0.78 during the classification process. However, these feature extraction models are trained on clean datasets. They perform very well when analysing previously encountered and well-defined classes but do not perform well when tested on raw datasets expected in field deployment. Raw plankton datasets are unbalanced; whereas some classes only have one or two samples, others can have thousands. They also exhibit many inter-class similarities with significant size differences. The data can also be in the form of low-resolution, noisy images. Phytoplankton species are also highly biodiverse, meaning that there is always a higher chance of a network encountering unknown sample types. Some samples, such as the various body parts of organisms, are easily confused with the species itself. Marine experts classifying plankton tend to group ambiguous samples according to the highest order to which they are confident they belong. This system leads to a dataset containing conflicting classes and forces the feature extraction network to overfit when training. This research aims to address these spatial issues and present a feature extraction methodology built upon existing research and novel concepts. The proposed algorithm uses feature extraction methods designed around real-world sample sets and offers an alternative approach to optimizing the features extracted and supplied to the clustering algorithm. The proposed feature extraction methods achieved scores of 0.821 when tested on the same datasets as the general feature extractor. The algorithm also consists of Auxiliary SoftMax classification branches which indicate the class prediction obtained by the feature extraction models. These branches allow for autonomous labelling of the clusters formed during the HDBSCAN algorithm being performed on the extracted features. This results in a fully automated semi-supervised plankton taxonomy pipeline which achieves a classification score of 0.775 on a real-life sample set. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Engineering, the Built Environment, and Technology, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-04
- Authors: Du Toit, Ian Charles
- Date: 2022-04
- Subjects: machine learning , Plankton -- Ecology
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/58363 , vital:59003
- Description: Plankton taxonomy is considered a multi-class classification problem. The current state-of-the-art developments in machine learning and phytoplankton taxonomy, such as MorphoCluster, include using a convolutional neural network as a feature extractor and Hierarchical Density-Based Clustering for the classification of plankton and identification of outliers. These convolutional feature extraction algorithms achieved accuracies of 0.78 during the classification process. However, these feature extraction models are trained on clean datasets. They perform very well when analysing previously encountered and well-defined classes but do not perform well when tested on raw datasets expected in field deployment. Raw plankton datasets are unbalanced; whereas some classes only have one or two samples, others can have thousands. They also exhibit many inter-class similarities with significant size differences. The data can also be in the form of low-resolution, noisy images. Phytoplankton species are also highly biodiverse, meaning that there is always a higher chance of a network encountering unknown sample types. Some samples, such as the various body parts of organisms, are easily confused with the species itself. Marine experts classifying plankton tend to group ambiguous samples according to the highest order to which they are confident they belong. This system leads to a dataset containing conflicting classes and forces the feature extraction network to overfit when training. This research aims to address these spatial issues and present a feature extraction methodology built upon existing research and novel concepts. The proposed algorithm uses feature extraction methods designed around real-world sample sets and offers an alternative approach to optimizing the features extracted and supplied to the clustering algorithm. The proposed feature extraction methods achieved scores of 0.821 when tested on the same datasets as the general feature extractor. The algorithm also consists of Auxiliary SoftMax classification branches which indicate the class prediction obtained by the feature extraction models. These branches allow for autonomous labelling of the clusters formed during the HDBSCAN algorithm being performed on the extracted features. This results in a fully automated semi-supervised plankton taxonomy pipeline which achieves a classification score of 0.775 on a real-life sample set. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Engineering, the Built Environment, and Technology, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-04
Be more than a bystander, break the silence on violence: a discursive analysis of student responses to anti-rape poster campaigns
- Authors: Skae, Shannon Lalla Rookh
- Date: 2022-04
- Subjects: Women Violence against South Africa , Women college students Violence against South Africa , Women college students Abuse of South Africa , College students Attitudes , Sex crimes Prevention , Anti-rape movement South Africa , Bystander effect South Africa , Rape culture South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's thesis , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/232866 , vital:50033
- Description: University students are a population vulnerable to sex and gender-based violence (SGBV). The use of alcohol is prominent in university life and is argued to contribute significantly to SGBV in South Africa and worldwide. Interventions to reduce SGBV at South African universities are thus a relevant social concern. One increasingly popular approach to addressing SGBV on university campuses is the bystander intervention. The bystander intervention goes to the cause of SGBV by targeting peer acceptance as the primary foundation supporting rape; arguing that witnesses to SGBV can be empowered to interrupt potential SGBV situations. The aim of this thesis was to investigate student responses to anti-rape intervention campaigns of various kinds. Different theories were examined, and this research then proceeded from a social constructionist theoretical perspective, which was relevant as it is about what individuals say, the societies formed, the rules made, the language used to pass on knowledge and the interactions experienced with others and how they all form the reality people inhabit. The study focused on the individual constructions and talk about the posters and the discursive positions he or she took up in relation to them, which is what social constructionism is interested in, as it is concerned with the language and talk people use and how these are molded by society. Forty five student volunteer participants were shown two examples of anti-rape poster campaigns (one using the bystander approach and the other not), and were asked to respond to a structured open-ended questionnaire. Responses to the questionnaire were subjected to Foucauldian Discourse Analysis (FDA). The analysis revealed the ways in which the constructions of sexual violence, perpetrators and victims in the poster campaigns shaped and limited participant responses and talk about SGBV in different ways, according to which of the two posters were being responded to. Key findings of this study showed that the bystander intervention poster produced more positive change in response to dominant discursive constructions in relation to the SGBV poster than did the non-bystander intervention poster. This means the establishment of the potential for success of the bystander intervention in helping to prevent SGBV in a South African context. , Thesis (MA) -- Humanities, Psychology, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-04
- Authors: Skae, Shannon Lalla Rookh
- Date: 2022-04
- Subjects: Women Violence against South Africa , Women college students Violence against South Africa , Women college students Abuse of South Africa , College students Attitudes , Sex crimes Prevention , Anti-rape movement South Africa , Bystander effect South Africa , Rape culture South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's thesis , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/232866 , vital:50033
- Description: University students are a population vulnerable to sex and gender-based violence (SGBV). The use of alcohol is prominent in university life and is argued to contribute significantly to SGBV in South Africa and worldwide. Interventions to reduce SGBV at South African universities are thus a relevant social concern. One increasingly popular approach to addressing SGBV on university campuses is the bystander intervention. The bystander intervention goes to the cause of SGBV by targeting peer acceptance as the primary foundation supporting rape; arguing that witnesses to SGBV can be empowered to interrupt potential SGBV situations. The aim of this thesis was to investigate student responses to anti-rape intervention campaigns of various kinds. Different theories were examined, and this research then proceeded from a social constructionist theoretical perspective, which was relevant as it is about what individuals say, the societies formed, the rules made, the language used to pass on knowledge and the interactions experienced with others and how they all form the reality people inhabit. The study focused on the individual constructions and talk about the posters and the discursive positions he or she took up in relation to them, which is what social constructionism is interested in, as it is concerned with the language and talk people use and how these are molded by society. Forty five student volunteer participants were shown two examples of anti-rape poster campaigns (one using the bystander approach and the other not), and were asked to respond to a structured open-ended questionnaire. Responses to the questionnaire were subjected to Foucauldian Discourse Analysis (FDA). The analysis revealed the ways in which the constructions of sexual violence, perpetrators and victims in the poster campaigns shaped and limited participant responses and talk about SGBV in different ways, according to which of the two posters were being responded to. Key findings of this study showed that the bystander intervention poster produced more positive change in response to dominant discursive constructions in relation to the SGBV poster than did the non-bystander intervention poster. This means the establishment of the potential for success of the bystander intervention in helping to prevent SGBV in a South African context. , Thesis (MA) -- Humanities, Psychology, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-04
Birthing process preparedness of first-time mothers in the public obstetric units of the Nelson Mandela Bay health district (NMBHD).
- Authors: Dlamini, Xolani
- Date: 2022-04
- Subjects: Birthparents , Nelson Mandela Bay Health District
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/58815 , vital:60126
- Description: The birthing process is a challenging, unpredictable yet a beautiful life event for birthing women, requiring reasonable birthing process preparedness on birthing woman to enhance her cooperation during the birthing process. Often first-time mothers lack their own frame of reference regarding the birthing process to improve their birthing process preparedness. As an alternative they are reliant on that of other people with birthing process experiences or on what they are told by midwives. The purpose of this study was to understand how was the preparedness of the birthing process of first-time mothers in the public obstetric units of the NMBHD. Thus, an indication of how ready were they, when the labour started. The objectives of the study were as follows, to: • explore and describe the birthing process preparedness of first-time mothers in the public obstetric units of the NMBHD and • formulate recommendations for midwives and nurse managers that would aid them in facilitating the birthing process preparedness of first-time mothers in public obstetric units in the NMBHD. The study adopted a qualitative research design with exploratory, descriptive and contextual approach. The research population were first-time mothers who had booked and delivered in any of the obstetric units in the NMBHD. The convenience, non-probability sampling methods were used in selecting the first-time mothers who met the inclusion criteria. Envisaged sample size was 21 participants but also depending on data saturation. Sixteen participants were ultimately interviewed but only fifteen of those interviews were used. The data collection method used was one-on-one semi-structured interviews which were captured on a digital voice-recorder. The thematic method of data analysis was used to analyse data from the interviews. Three main themes emerged from the data analysis: • Theme 1: Participants shared their experiences regarding the birthing process and their birthing process preparedness. • Theme 2: Participants expressed having had varied experiences from factors that had influenced their birthing preparedness. iv • Theme 3: Participants provided suggestions for midwives to facilitate their birthing process preparedness. Recommendations were made for midwives and managers, nursing education, research and limitations of the study were outlined. To comply with trustworthiness, this study adopted Lincoln and Guba’s Model of trustworthiness. The ethical principles that guided this study with human participants were the principles of respect for persons, beneficence, non-maleficence and justice. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Health Sciences, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-04
- Authors: Dlamini, Xolani
- Date: 2022-04
- Subjects: Birthparents , Nelson Mandela Bay Health District
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/58815 , vital:60126
- Description: The birthing process is a challenging, unpredictable yet a beautiful life event for birthing women, requiring reasonable birthing process preparedness on birthing woman to enhance her cooperation during the birthing process. Often first-time mothers lack their own frame of reference regarding the birthing process to improve their birthing process preparedness. As an alternative they are reliant on that of other people with birthing process experiences or on what they are told by midwives. The purpose of this study was to understand how was the preparedness of the birthing process of first-time mothers in the public obstetric units of the NMBHD. Thus, an indication of how ready were they, when the labour started. The objectives of the study were as follows, to: • explore and describe the birthing process preparedness of first-time mothers in the public obstetric units of the NMBHD and • formulate recommendations for midwives and nurse managers that would aid them in facilitating the birthing process preparedness of first-time mothers in public obstetric units in the NMBHD. The study adopted a qualitative research design with exploratory, descriptive and contextual approach. The research population were first-time mothers who had booked and delivered in any of the obstetric units in the NMBHD. The convenience, non-probability sampling methods were used in selecting the first-time mothers who met the inclusion criteria. Envisaged sample size was 21 participants but also depending on data saturation. Sixteen participants were ultimately interviewed but only fifteen of those interviews were used. The data collection method used was one-on-one semi-structured interviews which were captured on a digital voice-recorder. The thematic method of data analysis was used to analyse data from the interviews. Three main themes emerged from the data analysis: • Theme 1: Participants shared their experiences regarding the birthing process and their birthing process preparedness. • Theme 2: Participants expressed having had varied experiences from factors that had influenced their birthing preparedness. iv • Theme 3: Participants provided suggestions for midwives to facilitate their birthing process preparedness. Recommendations were made for midwives and managers, nursing education, research and limitations of the study were outlined. To comply with trustworthiness, this study adopted Lincoln and Guba’s Model of trustworthiness. The ethical principles that guided this study with human participants were the principles of respect for persons, beneficence, non-maleficence and justice. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Health Sciences, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-04
Bootstrap-based tolerance intervals for nested two-way random effects models
- Authors: Erasmus, Christopher Daniel
- Date: 2022-04
- Subjects: Mathematical statistics-South Africa , Multilevel models
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/55573 , vital:53331
- Description: Variance component, or random effects, models are frequently used by manufacturers to model the variance present in a manufacturing process. By applying tolerance intervals to variance component models, manufacturers are able to set upper and lower limits to monitor the variance within a process. Existing methods for constructing tolerance intervals are constrained by the necessity for data to be normally distributed. Recently, non-parametric bootstrap-based methods were developed by Deyzel (2018) to obtain α-expectation and (α, β) two-sided tolerance intervals for the two-way nested random effects model. Classical and non-parametric methods for obtaining tolerance intervals for the one way random effects model have been assessed in accordance with Rebafka et al. (2007). The present study assesses and compares classical, Bayesian and non-parametric methods for obtaining tolerance intervals for the two-way nested random effects model under different assumptions of the underlying distribution. Results show that the non-parametric methods provided relatively narrow intervals, and generally retain the nominal content and guarantee levels, regardless of the underlying distribution , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, Mathematical Statistics , 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-04
- Authors: Erasmus, Christopher Daniel
- Date: 2022-04
- Subjects: Mathematical statistics-South Africa , Multilevel models
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/55573 , vital:53331
- Description: Variance component, or random effects, models are frequently used by manufacturers to model the variance present in a manufacturing process. By applying tolerance intervals to variance component models, manufacturers are able to set upper and lower limits to monitor the variance within a process. Existing methods for constructing tolerance intervals are constrained by the necessity for data to be normally distributed. Recently, non-parametric bootstrap-based methods were developed by Deyzel (2018) to obtain α-expectation and (α, β) two-sided tolerance intervals for the two-way nested random effects model. Classical and non-parametric methods for obtaining tolerance intervals for the one way random effects model have been assessed in accordance with Rebafka et al. (2007). The present study assesses and compares classical, Bayesian and non-parametric methods for obtaining tolerance intervals for the two-way nested random effects model under different assumptions of the underlying distribution. Results show that the non-parametric methods provided relatively narrow intervals, and generally retain the nominal content and guarantee levels, regardless of the underlying distribution , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, Mathematical Statistics , 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-04
Cannabidiol: extraction and purification using flow Chemistry
- Authors: Bopape, Karabo
- Date: 2022-04
- Subjects: Supercritical fluid extraction -- South Africa , Cannabis -- Therapeutic use
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/55723 , vital:53410
- Description: cannabinoids are of growing interest in research and pharmaceutical applications. Cannabidiol, which is a non-psychoactive cannabinoid, has many pharmaceutical applications. The current and main source of cannabidiol and other cannabinoids is from cannabis and hemp extractions. Current extraction methods involve the use of conventional solvent extraction, which employs the use of organic solvents, in some cases along with mechanical assistance from various equipment. Alternatively, another widely used extraction method is the use of supercritical extraction fluids (SC-CO2 being the most common). An alternative method, which uses chemical synthesis to derivatize cannabidiol to form an intermediate, which is crystalline and can easily be isolated from the extract; the crystalline intermediate can then be deprotected back to pure cannabidiol. In this research, we investigated and adapted the crystallisation method (originally employed by Adams) into continuous flow. In this research, hemp extracts and oilsrich in CBD were used as the source for cannabidiol. This synthesis was adapted into microreactors to synthesise the crystalline intermediate ester product (cannabidiol-3,5-bis-benzoate) which was subsequently reacted in a saponification ester hydrolysis to convert back and isolate pure CBD using continuous flow microreactor technology. Chapter one gives a comprehensive literature review and background on cannabidiol, along with its chemistry and pharmacological benefits in addition to a brief introduction to continuous flow technology with its advantages. Chapter two details the experimental procedures utilised for both batch and continuous flow syntheses. The continuous flow synthesis and subsequent hydrolysis of the ester intermediate, which shows the improvements in comparison to batch; giving higher product recovery (63% CBD), in shorter reaction times (2.5 min for CBD bis-benzoate; 30 min for CBD) is subsequently presented. This is expanded in chapter three with detailed discussions of the results attained during the continuous flow. The concluding remarks, the impact of this study and future work are elucidated in chapter four. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, Biomolecular and Chemical Sciences, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-04
- Authors: Bopape, Karabo
- Date: 2022-04
- Subjects: Supercritical fluid extraction -- South Africa , Cannabis -- Therapeutic use
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/55723 , vital:53410
- Description: cannabinoids are of growing interest in research and pharmaceutical applications. Cannabidiol, which is a non-psychoactive cannabinoid, has many pharmaceutical applications. The current and main source of cannabidiol and other cannabinoids is from cannabis and hemp extractions. Current extraction methods involve the use of conventional solvent extraction, which employs the use of organic solvents, in some cases along with mechanical assistance from various equipment. Alternatively, another widely used extraction method is the use of supercritical extraction fluids (SC-CO2 being the most common). An alternative method, which uses chemical synthesis to derivatize cannabidiol to form an intermediate, which is crystalline and can easily be isolated from the extract; the crystalline intermediate can then be deprotected back to pure cannabidiol. In this research, we investigated and adapted the crystallisation method (originally employed by Adams) into continuous flow. In this research, hemp extracts and oilsrich in CBD were used as the source for cannabidiol. This synthesis was adapted into microreactors to synthesise the crystalline intermediate ester product (cannabidiol-3,5-bis-benzoate) which was subsequently reacted in a saponification ester hydrolysis to convert back and isolate pure CBD using continuous flow microreactor technology. Chapter one gives a comprehensive literature review and background on cannabidiol, along with its chemistry and pharmacological benefits in addition to a brief introduction to continuous flow technology with its advantages. Chapter two details the experimental procedures utilised for both batch and continuous flow syntheses. The continuous flow synthesis and subsequent hydrolysis of the ester intermediate, which shows the improvements in comparison to batch; giving higher product recovery (63% CBD), in shorter reaction times (2.5 min for CBD bis-benzoate; 30 min for CBD) is subsequently presented. This is expanded in chapter three with detailed discussions of the results attained during the continuous flow. The concluding remarks, the impact of this study and future work are elucidated in chapter four. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, Biomolecular and Chemical Sciences, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-04
Cape Vultures (Gyps coprotheres) and the threat of wind farms: a race to extinction?
- Authors: Brooke, Francis Rae
- Date: 2022-04
- Subjects: Wind Turbines --Blades --Materials , Gyps --South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/55910 , vital:54399
- Description: The development of wind energy is increasing globally and is often considered more environmentally friendly when compared to fossil fuel technologies. However, one of the ecological drawbacks of wind energy are the collisions of wildlife with turbine blades. In addition, the resulting anthropogenic landscape transformation can negatively impact populations. The Cape Vulture (Gyps coprotheres), a large endangered southern African endemic species, thus may be at risk from turbine development. The species has decreased dramatically in the past 50 years and understanding how additional mortalities from wind turbine impacts affect the population is needed to ensure effective conservation efforts. This study aimed to determine the population response to this emerging threat. This study first reviewed the species-, site- and wind farm- specific traits that make Gyps species vulnerable to collision with wind energy infrastructure. It examined the monitoring practices employed during the pre- and post-construction phase and mitigation measures in South Africa and compared it with international standards. Furthermore, wind energy development may disrupt landscape connectivity and understanding which, and how habitat patches are used is needed. Using network theory combined with telemetry data from tagged individuals across three age classes, habitat patch use was identified. Further, environmental variables associated with identified habitat patches were identified. Additionally, considering the wind energy industry is expanding in South Africa, exploring how the Cape Vulture population will respond to this novel and emerging threat may aid future conservation management plans. Therefore, using a population viability analysis approach, the study explored how present and future wind turbine mortality scenarios impact the Cape Vulture population and how the population will respond to increased wind turbine development. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Science, School of Environmental Sciences, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-04
- Authors: Brooke, Francis Rae
- Date: 2022-04
- Subjects: Wind Turbines --Blades --Materials , Gyps --South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/55910 , vital:54399
- Description: The development of wind energy is increasing globally and is often considered more environmentally friendly when compared to fossil fuel technologies. However, one of the ecological drawbacks of wind energy are the collisions of wildlife with turbine blades. In addition, the resulting anthropogenic landscape transformation can negatively impact populations. The Cape Vulture (Gyps coprotheres), a large endangered southern African endemic species, thus may be at risk from turbine development. The species has decreased dramatically in the past 50 years and understanding how additional mortalities from wind turbine impacts affect the population is needed to ensure effective conservation efforts. This study aimed to determine the population response to this emerging threat. This study first reviewed the species-, site- and wind farm- specific traits that make Gyps species vulnerable to collision with wind energy infrastructure. It examined the monitoring practices employed during the pre- and post-construction phase and mitigation measures in South Africa and compared it with international standards. Furthermore, wind energy development may disrupt landscape connectivity and understanding which, and how habitat patches are used is needed. Using network theory combined with telemetry data from tagged individuals across three age classes, habitat patch use was identified. Further, environmental variables associated with identified habitat patches were identified. Additionally, considering the wind energy industry is expanding in South Africa, exploring how the Cape Vulture population will respond to this novel and emerging threat may aid future conservation management plans. Therefore, using a population viability analysis approach, the study explored how present and future wind turbine mortality scenarios impact the Cape Vulture population and how the population will respond to increased wind turbine development. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Science, School of Environmental Sciences, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-04
Career counselling in the context of Industry 4.0: A systematic literature review
- Authors: Chintokoma, Kudzai Ashley
- Date: 2022-04
- Subjects: Career development , Career changes
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/57589 , vital:58102
- Description: The researcher’s main aim was to summarise and evaluate the existing body of knowledge of career counselling practices, theory and models that can be used as a tool to help individuals cope or manage change in a contemporary work environment. The findings show that the world of work has changed due to technological advancement associated with Industry 4.0, resulting in careers becoming short term. More so, given the increasing speed at which current occupations are changing, people are forced to familiarize themselves with new occupations and industries that might offer new employment opportunities and career prospects. Based on a systematic literature review, the study holds the practical implication that with the help of evolving career counselling practices and HR processes, organisations can help employees attain a meaningful career and wellbeing in the digital era, through paying more attention to enabling interventions that help individuals develop self-regulatory future fit career self-management capabilities. This support system can be of assistance if they understand how employees’ identity in the demonstration of self-management capability can be developed and sustained both in the short and long run. Overall, the literature was effective and quite convincing in its call to discuss the pressing issues that come as a result of industry 4.0. The proposition is that career support should be promoted more and become an important policy within organisations in the digital era. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic science, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-04
- Authors: Chintokoma, Kudzai Ashley
- Date: 2022-04
- Subjects: Career development , Career changes
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/57589 , vital:58102
- Description: The researcher’s main aim was to summarise and evaluate the existing body of knowledge of career counselling practices, theory and models that can be used as a tool to help individuals cope or manage change in a contemporary work environment. The findings show that the world of work has changed due to technological advancement associated with Industry 4.0, resulting in careers becoming short term. More so, given the increasing speed at which current occupations are changing, people are forced to familiarize themselves with new occupations and industries that might offer new employment opportunities and career prospects. Based on a systematic literature review, the study holds the practical implication that with the help of evolving career counselling practices and HR processes, organisations can help employees attain a meaningful career and wellbeing in the digital era, through paying more attention to enabling interventions that help individuals develop self-regulatory future fit career self-management capabilities. This support system can be of assistance if they understand how employees’ identity in the demonstration of self-management capability can be developed and sustained both in the short and long run. Overall, the literature was effective and quite convincing in its call to discuss the pressing issues that come as a result of industry 4.0. The proposition is that career support should be promoted more and become an important policy within organisations in the digital era. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic science, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-04
Chemical analysis of selected Eastern Cape medicinal plants
- Authors: Mahanjana, Lungelwa
- Date: 2022-04
- Subjects: Medicinal plants -- South Africa --Eastern Cape , Traditional medicine --South Africa -- Eastern Cape Maps
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/55976 , vital:54560
- Description: In the rural parts of the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa, the use of medicinal plants to treat or manage diseases, including those associated with diabetes and HIV, is a common practice. However, the phytochemistry, safety and efficacy of these medicinal plants remain less investigated. Based on available traditional medicinal knowledge (through traditional healers, university library resources, ethnobotanical and science journals and other internet resources), traditional uses and availability, three plant species, namely Bulbine latifolia L. Wild, Dicerothamnus rhinocerotis Koek. and Olea europaea subsp. africana (Mill.) P.S. Green were selected and investigated for their hytoconstituents and biological effects. Phytochemical screening of the three medicinal plants was carried out quantitatively and qualitatively using spectrophotometric methods. Chemical profiling of the crude methanol extracts of all the plant species was successfully done by high-performance thin layer chromatography (HPTLC) and tentative identification of the secondary metabolites was achieved by liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (LCMS). Cytotoxicity effect investigations on the crude extracts of the three species was done using the 3-[4,5- dimethylthiazole-2-yl]-2,5- hiphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay against HeLa cervical cancer cells. Isolation and purification of single compounds was done using chromatographic techniques (column chromatography (CC), and preparative thin-layer chromatography (PTLC)). Characterisation of single compounds was achieved using spectroscopic techniques such as Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR), High Resolution Mass Spectrometry (HRMS), Ultra Violet Spectroscopy (UV-vis), Fourier-Transformed Infra-Red Spectroscopy (FTIR) and Single-Crystal X-ray Diffraction (XRD). For the first time from the methanol crude extract of the tubers of B. latifolia, the crystal structure of the phenylanthraquinone, knipholone (3.12) (1-(3-acetyl-2,6- dihydroxy-4- methoxyphenyl)-4,5-dihydroxy-2-methylanthraquinone), was isolated and elucidated along with its derivatives, isoknipholone (3.14), knipholone-6’-methyl (3.27). Moreover, two new compounds, (M)-8-O-β-D-glucopyranosyl-10’-α-L-rhamnopyranosyl-1,1',8',10'-tetrahydroxy 3,3'-dimethyl-[10,7'-bianthracene]-4,9,9'(10'H)-trione (3.23a) and (P)- 8-O-β-D glucopyranosyl-10’-α-L-rhamnopyranosyl-1,1',8',10'-tetrahydroxy-3,3'-dimethyl-[10,7'- bianthracene]-4,9,9'(10'H)-trione (3.23b) were isolated. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Science, School of Biomecular and Chemical Sciences, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-04
- Authors: Mahanjana, Lungelwa
- Date: 2022-04
- Subjects: Medicinal plants -- South Africa --Eastern Cape , Traditional medicine --South Africa -- Eastern Cape Maps
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/55976 , vital:54560
- Description: In the rural parts of the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa, the use of medicinal plants to treat or manage diseases, including those associated with diabetes and HIV, is a common practice. However, the phytochemistry, safety and efficacy of these medicinal plants remain less investigated. Based on available traditional medicinal knowledge (through traditional healers, university library resources, ethnobotanical and science journals and other internet resources), traditional uses and availability, three plant species, namely Bulbine latifolia L. Wild, Dicerothamnus rhinocerotis Koek. and Olea europaea subsp. africana (Mill.) P.S. Green were selected and investigated for their hytoconstituents and biological effects. Phytochemical screening of the three medicinal plants was carried out quantitatively and qualitatively using spectrophotometric methods. Chemical profiling of the crude methanol extracts of all the plant species was successfully done by high-performance thin layer chromatography (HPTLC) and tentative identification of the secondary metabolites was achieved by liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (LCMS). Cytotoxicity effect investigations on the crude extracts of the three species was done using the 3-[4,5- dimethylthiazole-2-yl]-2,5- hiphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay against HeLa cervical cancer cells. Isolation and purification of single compounds was done using chromatographic techniques (column chromatography (CC), and preparative thin-layer chromatography (PTLC)). Characterisation of single compounds was achieved using spectroscopic techniques such as Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR), High Resolution Mass Spectrometry (HRMS), Ultra Violet Spectroscopy (UV-vis), Fourier-Transformed Infra-Red Spectroscopy (FTIR) and Single-Crystal X-ray Diffraction (XRD). For the first time from the methanol crude extract of the tubers of B. latifolia, the crystal structure of the phenylanthraquinone, knipholone (3.12) (1-(3-acetyl-2,6- dihydroxy-4- methoxyphenyl)-4,5-dihydroxy-2-methylanthraquinone), was isolated and elucidated along with its derivatives, isoknipholone (3.14), knipholone-6’-methyl (3.27). Moreover, two new compounds, (M)-8-O-β-D-glucopyranosyl-10’-α-L-rhamnopyranosyl-1,1',8',10'-tetrahydroxy 3,3'-dimethyl-[10,7'-bianthracene]-4,9,9'(10'H)-trione (3.23a) and (P)- 8-O-β-D glucopyranosyl-10’-α-L-rhamnopyranosyl-1,1',8',10'-tetrahydroxy-3,3'-dimethyl-[10,7'- bianthracene]-4,9,9'(10'H)-trione (3.23b) were isolated. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Science, School of Biomecular and Chemical Sciences, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-04
Classification and clustering based methods for outlier detection of solar resource data
- Authors: Abrahams, Waldo
- Date: 2022-04
- Subjects: Port Elizabeth (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/55423 , vital:51996
- Description: Almost 90% of the primary global energy demand is serviced from the burning of fossil fuels (Abas, Kalair & Khan, 2015). Owing to the detrimental environmental impact of this, a global energy transition to the use of renewable energy, including solar energy, is needed (Gielen et al., 2019). An important aspect that inhibits the growth of solar energy is accurate solar resource data. Such data is needed because knowledge of the future reliability and quality of energy production is required to analyse a system’s performance and determine financial implications (Sengupta et al., 2017). Existing methods used to detect outliers in solar resource data do not efficiently identify outliers and an accurate and robust approach is required (Eastwood, 2019). Using simulated and real-world data, this study investigates the use of several classification methods, along with a two-stage clustering-classification approach to accurately identify outliers in solar resource data. The Treebag method proves to be an adequate outlier detection method for solar resource data. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, School of Computer Science, Mathematics, Physics and Statistics, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-04
- Authors: Abrahams, Waldo
- Date: 2022-04
- Subjects: Port Elizabeth (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/55423 , vital:51996
- Description: Almost 90% of the primary global energy demand is serviced from the burning of fossil fuels (Abas, Kalair & Khan, 2015). Owing to the detrimental environmental impact of this, a global energy transition to the use of renewable energy, including solar energy, is needed (Gielen et al., 2019). An important aspect that inhibits the growth of solar energy is accurate solar resource data. Such data is needed because knowledge of the future reliability and quality of energy production is required to analyse a system’s performance and determine financial implications (Sengupta et al., 2017). Existing methods used to detect outliers in solar resource data do not efficiently identify outliers and an accurate and robust approach is required (Eastwood, 2019). Using simulated and real-world data, this study investigates the use of several classification methods, along with a two-stage clustering-classification approach to accurately identify outliers in solar resource data. The Treebag method proves to be an adequate outlier detection method for solar resource data. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, School of Computer Science, Mathematics, Physics and Statistics, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-04
Climate Change and Rural Livelihoods: A Case of Insiza District, Matabeleland
- Authors: Nyoni, Sibusisiwe Ruth
- Date: 2022-04
- Subjects: Climatic change -- Zimbabwe
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/58112 , vital:58579
- Description: Owen Jones’ famous article “Why don’t we treat climate change with the same urgency as Coronavirus” puts forward an intriguing dimension to the climate change phenomenon. Despite the threat it presents to millions of people as well as the world economy, little has been done to prevent countries from being overwhelmed by its effects. Due to the fact that climate change is happening now, the purpose of this study provides insight into climate change and rural livelihoods in Insiza district, Matabeleland. In this study, an interpretivist paradigm was adopted as it gave the researcher adequate information that embodies an account of the participants’ understanding of livelihood assets. The qualitative research approach was adopted as it allowed the researcher to classify the findings into broad themes in order to tell a story. Farmers in Insiza district who depend on agriculture for subsistence were interviewed to provide insight into this phenomenon. The findings of the study revealed that climate stresses, non-climate stresses as well as institutional constraints together contribute to the vulnerability of farmers. Additionally, the findings unveiled that the inconsistent weather patterns as well as the recurrent droughts in the area have pushed most farmers to find alternative means of livelihood. Therefore, farmers over time have resorted to other self-taught means of making a living such as building, small scale mining, buying and selling of clothing items, running grocery stores, baking, owning backyard vegetable gardens, welding, fishing, selling firewood and growing chickens for sale. On the same note the findings showed that farmers in Insiza district employ different coping strategies in attempting to deal with climate change. The most common method in the area of study is conservation farming which has to do with digging pits to store water. More so, the findings displayed that NGOs have been of great assistance in equipping farmers at such a time as this. The study recommends that the government needs to ensure financial and institutional mechanisms to assist the Insiza community. Also, the NGOs must continue to support the communities through equipping them to diversify their portfolios and through developing tailor made capacity building programmes. To the farmers it is recommended that they continue to move in unity and form relationships with other farmers from other districts and provinces so that they can continue to share information. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic science, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-04
- Authors: Nyoni, Sibusisiwe Ruth
- Date: 2022-04
- Subjects: Climatic change -- Zimbabwe
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/58112 , vital:58579
- Description: Owen Jones’ famous article “Why don’t we treat climate change with the same urgency as Coronavirus” puts forward an intriguing dimension to the climate change phenomenon. Despite the threat it presents to millions of people as well as the world economy, little has been done to prevent countries from being overwhelmed by its effects. Due to the fact that climate change is happening now, the purpose of this study provides insight into climate change and rural livelihoods in Insiza district, Matabeleland. In this study, an interpretivist paradigm was adopted as it gave the researcher adequate information that embodies an account of the participants’ understanding of livelihood assets. The qualitative research approach was adopted as it allowed the researcher to classify the findings into broad themes in order to tell a story. Farmers in Insiza district who depend on agriculture for subsistence were interviewed to provide insight into this phenomenon. The findings of the study revealed that climate stresses, non-climate stresses as well as institutional constraints together contribute to the vulnerability of farmers. Additionally, the findings unveiled that the inconsistent weather patterns as well as the recurrent droughts in the area have pushed most farmers to find alternative means of livelihood. Therefore, farmers over time have resorted to other self-taught means of making a living such as building, small scale mining, buying and selling of clothing items, running grocery stores, baking, owning backyard vegetable gardens, welding, fishing, selling firewood and growing chickens for sale. On the same note the findings showed that farmers in Insiza district employ different coping strategies in attempting to deal with climate change. The most common method in the area of study is conservation farming which has to do with digging pits to store water. More so, the findings displayed that NGOs have been of great assistance in equipping farmers at such a time as this. The study recommends that the government needs to ensure financial and institutional mechanisms to assist the Insiza community. Also, the NGOs must continue to support the communities through equipping them to diversify their portfolios and through developing tailor made capacity building programmes. To the farmers it is recommended that they continue to move in unity and form relationships with other farmers from other districts and provinces so that they can continue to share information. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic science, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-04
Combined Additive Manufacturing and Machining for Large-Scale Prototyping for Minimising Material Wastage
- Authors: Taylor, Kyle Joshua
- Date: 2022-04
- Subjects: Prototypes, Engineering
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/58484 , vital:59645
- Description: This research project aimed to develop a combined additive and subtractive manufacturing platform capable of rapidly producing large-scale prototypes for minimising material wastage. A design conceptualisation process led to the design and development of a system to deposit the additive material. The developed system was mounted to a large-scale CNC milling machine. This combination of additive and subtractive manufacturing into a single system integrated the separate benefits of the two independent technologies. Mastercam was selected as the preferred CAD/CAM software package to generate toolpaths for the additive and subtractive processes. The Beckhoff HMI provided a user-friendly interface to interpret the generated G-code files, set the Work Coordinate System, and control user-defined parameters such as the feed rate. An in-depth statistical analysis of the developed platform's dimensional accuracy, repeatability, stability, and material wastage was performed. In addition, the effects of the independent adjustment of the subtractive manufacturing process parameters such as the spindle speed, feed rate, depth of cut and stepover distance were considered. Finally, a cycle time comparison was performed in producing a working prototype between the developed HM system and a commercially available 3D printer. This research provided a platform for further investigation into the ever-expanding applications and benefits of rapid prototyping. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Engineering, the Built Environment, and Technology, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-04
- Authors: Taylor, Kyle Joshua
- Date: 2022-04
- Subjects: Prototypes, Engineering
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/58484 , vital:59645
- Description: This research project aimed to develop a combined additive and subtractive manufacturing platform capable of rapidly producing large-scale prototypes for minimising material wastage. A design conceptualisation process led to the design and development of a system to deposit the additive material. The developed system was mounted to a large-scale CNC milling machine. This combination of additive and subtractive manufacturing into a single system integrated the separate benefits of the two independent technologies. Mastercam was selected as the preferred CAD/CAM software package to generate toolpaths for the additive and subtractive processes. The Beckhoff HMI provided a user-friendly interface to interpret the generated G-code files, set the Work Coordinate System, and control user-defined parameters such as the feed rate. An in-depth statistical analysis of the developed platform's dimensional accuracy, repeatability, stability, and material wastage was performed. In addition, the effects of the independent adjustment of the subtractive manufacturing process parameters such as the spindle speed, feed rate, depth of cut and stepover distance were considered. Finally, a cycle time comparison was performed in producing a working prototype between the developed HM system and a commercially available 3D printer. This research provided a platform for further investigation into the ever-expanding applications and benefits of rapid prototyping. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Engineering, the Built Environment, and Technology, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-04
Composition portfolio
- Authors: Lemmer, Elizabeth Kate
- Date: 2022-04
- Subjects: Composition (Music) , Music South Africa , COVID-19 (Disease) and the arts , Emotions in music , Violin music Scores , String quartets Scores , Chamber music Scores
- Language: English
- Type: Master's thesis , text , sheet music
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/232624 , vital:50008
- Description: In this portfolio I reflect on issues Covid-19 has brought to our communities and the possibilities of creating a brighter future. My music reflects the struggle that most people have faced in the last two years, the emotions and the conspiracies surrounding the experience, and the effect of solitude. In a time such as this it is almost inevitable that the music being composed is connected to the struggle in society at large. For ma composition is a journal of the heart. The pandemic has created a situation where most are out of touch with each other, have lost all previous routine and structure, where relationships are broken due to lack of personal contact, and almost everyone has unwillingly (or unwittingly) been thrust into self-reflection. Every day sees a new struggle to squeeze in all those pre-pandemic ideals so that some normalcy can be obtained, but this is not a time to be looking back. It’s a time to understand what we are going through, build new joy and excitement for this different life and learn to live the best we can with the opportunities we are given. There has not been a more important time to foster some form of connection with friends and family, and to be as strong and supportive as possible. The portfolio begins with a solo violin piece, Unwelcome Solitude, which exemplifies the loneliness and sadness during the various lockdowns over the last two years, with hints of the past and the difficulties in trying to resurrect pre-Covid-19 times. There are some unusual expressive markings to add to the descriptive effect within the piece. This is followed by The Pandemic, two serialism works: Panic and Pain scored for a string quartet. Both of these pieces apply a flexible use of serialism to emphasize out the emotional aspects of the music, and quite simply; the panic and the pain caused by Covid-19 and the country’s response to the pandemic as a whole. Finally there is a three movement chamber piece titled A Storm Series which quite literally represents the series of events that occur from the upcoming to the closure of a typical Highveld storm. Further than this, these pieces represent the series of events that occurred in South Africa from the first rumour of the Covid-19 virus starting to circle around the world, through the various lockdowns and progression of events in our country and abroad. The final movement of this series, Re-awakening, ends on a positive note representing the rainbow at the end of the storm, and the positive outlook for South Africa to keep persevering through the pandemic. , Thesis (MMus) -- Faculty of Humanities, Music and Musicology, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-04
- Authors: Lemmer, Elizabeth Kate
- Date: 2022-04
- Subjects: Composition (Music) , Music South Africa , COVID-19 (Disease) and the arts , Emotions in music , Violin music Scores , String quartets Scores , Chamber music Scores
- Language: English
- Type: Master's thesis , text , sheet music
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/232624 , vital:50008
- Description: In this portfolio I reflect on issues Covid-19 has brought to our communities and the possibilities of creating a brighter future. My music reflects the struggle that most people have faced in the last two years, the emotions and the conspiracies surrounding the experience, and the effect of solitude. In a time such as this it is almost inevitable that the music being composed is connected to the struggle in society at large. For ma composition is a journal of the heart. The pandemic has created a situation where most are out of touch with each other, have lost all previous routine and structure, where relationships are broken due to lack of personal contact, and almost everyone has unwillingly (or unwittingly) been thrust into self-reflection. Every day sees a new struggle to squeeze in all those pre-pandemic ideals so that some normalcy can be obtained, but this is not a time to be looking back. It’s a time to understand what we are going through, build new joy and excitement for this different life and learn to live the best we can with the opportunities we are given. There has not been a more important time to foster some form of connection with friends and family, and to be as strong and supportive as possible. The portfolio begins with a solo violin piece, Unwelcome Solitude, which exemplifies the loneliness and sadness during the various lockdowns over the last two years, with hints of the past and the difficulties in trying to resurrect pre-Covid-19 times. There are some unusual expressive markings to add to the descriptive effect within the piece. This is followed by The Pandemic, two serialism works: Panic and Pain scored for a string quartet. Both of these pieces apply a flexible use of serialism to emphasize out the emotional aspects of the music, and quite simply; the panic and the pain caused by Covid-19 and the country’s response to the pandemic as a whole. Finally there is a three movement chamber piece titled A Storm Series which quite literally represents the series of events that occur from the upcoming to the closure of a typical Highveld storm. Further than this, these pieces represent the series of events that occurred in South Africa from the first rumour of the Covid-19 virus starting to circle around the world, through the various lockdowns and progression of events in our country and abroad. The final movement of this series, Re-awakening, ends on a positive note representing the rainbow at the end of the storm, and the positive outlook for South Africa to keep persevering through the pandemic. , Thesis (MMus) -- Faculty of Humanities, Music and Musicology, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-04
Constructing an online serviceScape for the funeral industry
- Authors: Coetzee, Cornelis Albertus
- Date: 2022-04
- Subjects: Funeral supplies industry , Funeral service , Service industries -- Marketing
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/57611 , vital:58186
- Description: An online servicescape serves as a moderator for excellence in Customer Relationship Management (CRM). The study approached the online servicescape from the perspective of the funeral industry. Nowhere is the relevance of an online servicescape more apparent than in an industry which is firstly, unsought, and secondly, perceived as dismal. During the process of arranging a funeral, the customer is experiencing an unusual purchase situation as it is a purchase that cannot be avoided. The possibility also exists that the customer most likely did not seek information about a funeral home prior to the demise of a loved one. A third contributing factor is the emotional state of the customer which will, in a time of bereavement, have a strong impact on the rational decision-making process. Considering these conditions, the study approached the online servicescape based on three elements, namely Search Engine Optimisation, perceived value, and perceived usefulness of the online servicescape. These elements contribute to trust in the funeral home’s online offerings, which could influence the purchase outcomes significantly. The aim of the study was to construct a functional servicescape for an unsought business such as a funeral home, hence contributing significantly to the CRM body of knowledge as it was determined that this has not been explored before from an academic perspective. A quantitative, exploratory methodology was implemented. The exploration is depended on Bitner's (1992a:60) seminal model of servicescapes, Harris and Goode's (2010:230-243) model for online servicescapes, and the key constructs of Simon's (1996:141-142) Design Theory to provide a methodological basis with which to construct the key elements for a funeral industry based online servicescape. The data collection process followed a twostep process. A content analysis was conducted on existing websites from five English speaking countries, followed by a survey that largely reflected the content analysis variables to gain customer insights. The data was analysed using a descriptive analysis process. v It was determined that customers would trust a functional servicescape, which will most probably lead to a purchase situation. However, customers also indicated the opposite if they detect anything on the website that might lead to distrust. It was therefore concluded that it is imperative for a funeral home to ensure that their online servicescape meets the functional needs of customers in order ensure trust and purchase intention. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Business and Economic science, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-04
- Authors: Coetzee, Cornelis Albertus
- Date: 2022-04
- Subjects: Funeral supplies industry , Funeral service , Service industries -- Marketing
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/57611 , vital:58186
- Description: An online servicescape serves as a moderator for excellence in Customer Relationship Management (CRM). The study approached the online servicescape from the perspective of the funeral industry. Nowhere is the relevance of an online servicescape more apparent than in an industry which is firstly, unsought, and secondly, perceived as dismal. During the process of arranging a funeral, the customer is experiencing an unusual purchase situation as it is a purchase that cannot be avoided. The possibility also exists that the customer most likely did not seek information about a funeral home prior to the demise of a loved one. A third contributing factor is the emotional state of the customer which will, in a time of bereavement, have a strong impact on the rational decision-making process. Considering these conditions, the study approached the online servicescape based on three elements, namely Search Engine Optimisation, perceived value, and perceived usefulness of the online servicescape. These elements contribute to trust in the funeral home’s online offerings, which could influence the purchase outcomes significantly. The aim of the study was to construct a functional servicescape for an unsought business such as a funeral home, hence contributing significantly to the CRM body of knowledge as it was determined that this has not been explored before from an academic perspective. A quantitative, exploratory methodology was implemented. The exploration is depended on Bitner's (1992a:60) seminal model of servicescapes, Harris and Goode's (2010:230-243) model for online servicescapes, and the key constructs of Simon's (1996:141-142) Design Theory to provide a methodological basis with which to construct the key elements for a funeral industry based online servicescape. The data collection process followed a twostep process. A content analysis was conducted on existing websites from five English speaking countries, followed by a survey that largely reflected the content analysis variables to gain customer insights. The data was analysed using a descriptive analysis process. v It was determined that customers would trust a functional servicescape, which will most probably lead to a purchase situation. However, customers also indicated the opposite if they detect anything on the website that might lead to distrust. It was therefore concluded that it is imperative for a funeral home to ensure that their online servicescape meets the functional needs of customers in order ensure trust and purchase intention. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Business and Economic science, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-04
Credit risk management impact on loan performance in development finance institutions in South Africa
- Lekhelebana, Letlatsa George
- Authors: Lekhelebana, Letlatsa George
- Date: 2022-04
- Subjects: Development finance institutions , Credit -- Management -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/57698 , vital:58217
- Description: Development Finance Institutions ( play an important role in being a catalyst for economic development and growth where they operate. TUHF Group operates as a niche commercial property D FI funding entrepreneurs that seek to bring to market properties that deliver multi let housing units. This also deals with the pro blem of the lack of housing that South Africa has. For DFIs to operate optimally and be financially sustainable , they need to source funding from either shareholders or the financial markets. Financial markets require that the DFIs operate in a profitable manner to qualify for funding and this is also driven by the way the DFI manages the loan book’s integrity. This study examines the relationship between credit risk management policy, processes and procedures in practice and the TUHF Group and their impa ct on the performance of the loan book. In order that the research aim and objectives are fulfilled, and the research question answered, the study undertook an extensive review of existing literature on DFIs, the impact on economic development and growt h, the impact of badly performing loan books on the performance of companies and how this is impacted on by credit management structures, policies and procedures. An empirical study was conducted through the collection of primary data from the internal doc uments at TUHF Group and among some of the staff members at TUHF through a structured interviews based on open ended questions. The research revealed that there is indeed a link between the credit risk management processes and procedures at TUHF and the performance of the loan book, the findings indicated that the current policy and procedures is not sufficient for a well performing loan book and the pr imary data showed worsening performance of the loan book over time. These findings further indicate a requirement for TUHF to improve the credit policies and architecture for a sustainable financial performance in future. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic science, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-04
- Authors: Lekhelebana, Letlatsa George
- Date: 2022-04
- Subjects: Development finance institutions , Credit -- Management -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/57698 , vital:58217
- Description: Development Finance Institutions ( play an important role in being a catalyst for economic development and growth where they operate. TUHF Group operates as a niche commercial property D FI funding entrepreneurs that seek to bring to market properties that deliver multi let housing units. This also deals with the pro blem of the lack of housing that South Africa has. For DFIs to operate optimally and be financially sustainable , they need to source funding from either shareholders or the financial markets. Financial markets require that the DFIs operate in a profitable manner to qualify for funding and this is also driven by the way the DFI manages the loan book’s integrity. This study examines the relationship between credit risk management policy, processes and procedures in practice and the TUHF Group and their impa ct on the performance of the loan book. In order that the research aim and objectives are fulfilled, and the research question answered, the study undertook an extensive review of existing literature on DFIs, the impact on economic development and growt h, the impact of badly performing loan books on the performance of companies and how this is impacted on by credit management structures, policies and procedures. An empirical study was conducted through the collection of primary data from the internal doc uments at TUHF Group and among some of the staff members at TUHF through a structured interviews based on open ended questions. The research revealed that there is indeed a link between the credit risk management processes and procedures at TUHF and the performance of the loan book, the findings indicated that the current policy and procedures is not sufficient for a well performing loan book and the pr imary data showed worsening performance of the loan book over time. These findings further indicate a requirement for TUHF to improve the credit policies and architecture for a sustainable financial performance in future. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic science, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-04
Design, Development and Testing of a Low-cost Sub-Joule μPPT for a PocketQube
- Authors: Bae, Ji Eun
- Date: 2022-04
- Subjects: Electric current converters , Pulse circuits , Plasma jets
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/58295 , vital:58953
- Description: Small satellites are unmanned spacecraft with small size and mass weighing less than 500kg. A small satellite called the CubeSat was created by two university professors to help students understand satellite design. The idea of small satellites caught on and they became popular due to their low cost, quick development time and easy deployment. The inexpensive nature of small satellites has helped lower the entry barrier to space and led to a movement called the “democratisation of space”. The popularity of small satellites has also caught the eye of private companies that recognise the potential of commercialising small satellite technologies. Nowadays, small satellites are being considered for more complex and challenging space missions. However for a small satellite to reach its full potential, it needs to be equipped with a proper propulsion system. Governments, space agencies, companies and universities around the world have started to research new innovative miniaturised space propulsion technologies. Nowadays, there are many newly developed miniaturised propulsion technologies available. The new propulsion systems are either sold by the companies and universities at a very high price, or research and development is closely guarded due to the potential commercial value of the propulsion system. Companies and universities have primarily focused on researching and developing top-of-the-line micro-propulsion devices to win lucrative research funds. This has resulted in a lack of research into cheap reliable micropropulsion as there have been no incentives for companies and universities to develop this area. As a result, fund-limited students and individuals have been left behind, defeating the purpose of small satellites. This dissertation focuses on designing and developing a low-cost sub-joule micro-PPT propulsion system for a PocketQube satellite. The first section covers the literature review, which looks at the different space propulsion technologies currently available. The next section covers the micro-PPT propulsion system’s mechanical and electrical design and development process. After the development process, the performance of the prototype is tested using various input parameters, as well as in vacuum conditions and over its lifetime. The test results show that the optimal performance is obtained with an input voltage supply of 5V at a pulse frequency of 0.5Hz, which achieves a minimal impulse bit v of 0.698μNs and thrust range of 0.349~1.071μN. In comparison to the STRaND-1 3U CubeSat’s PPT, performance data show that the developed μPPT propulsion system is a competitive propulsion solution, as it achieves more thrust with similar minimal impulse bit, using only one third of the power consumption. The μPPT propulsion system is able to produce 1980 shots so far, which is far lower relatively than other established PPTs due to the limitations resulting from capacitor failure. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Engineering, the Built Environment, and Technology, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-04
- Authors: Bae, Ji Eun
- Date: 2022-04
- Subjects: Electric current converters , Pulse circuits , Plasma jets
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/58295 , vital:58953
- Description: Small satellites are unmanned spacecraft with small size and mass weighing less than 500kg. A small satellite called the CubeSat was created by two university professors to help students understand satellite design. The idea of small satellites caught on and they became popular due to their low cost, quick development time and easy deployment. The inexpensive nature of small satellites has helped lower the entry barrier to space and led to a movement called the “democratisation of space”. The popularity of small satellites has also caught the eye of private companies that recognise the potential of commercialising small satellite technologies. Nowadays, small satellites are being considered for more complex and challenging space missions. However for a small satellite to reach its full potential, it needs to be equipped with a proper propulsion system. Governments, space agencies, companies and universities around the world have started to research new innovative miniaturised space propulsion technologies. Nowadays, there are many newly developed miniaturised propulsion technologies available. The new propulsion systems are either sold by the companies and universities at a very high price, or research and development is closely guarded due to the potential commercial value of the propulsion system. Companies and universities have primarily focused on researching and developing top-of-the-line micro-propulsion devices to win lucrative research funds. This has resulted in a lack of research into cheap reliable micropropulsion as there have been no incentives for companies and universities to develop this area. As a result, fund-limited students and individuals have been left behind, defeating the purpose of small satellites. This dissertation focuses on designing and developing a low-cost sub-joule micro-PPT propulsion system for a PocketQube satellite. The first section covers the literature review, which looks at the different space propulsion technologies currently available. The next section covers the micro-PPT propulsion system’s mechanical and electrical design and development process. After the development process, the performance of the prototype is tested using various input parameters, as well as in vacuum conditions and over its lifetime. The test results show that the optimal performance is obtained with an input voltage supply of 5V at a pulse frequency of 0.5Hz, which achieves a minimal impulse bit v of 0.698μNs and thrust range of 0.349~1.071μN. In comparison to the STRaND-1 3U CubeSat’s PPT, performance data show that the developed μPPT propulsion system is a competitive propulsion solution, as it achieves more thrust with similar minimal impulse bit, using only one third of the power consumption. The μPPT propulsion system is able to produce 1980 shots so far, which is far lower relatively than other established PPTs due to the limitations resulting from capacitor failure. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Engineering, the Built Environment, and Technology, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-04
Design, synthesis, characterization and evaluation of Chitosan-based hydrogel for controlled drug delivery system
- Authors: Safari, Justin Bazibuhe
- Date: 2022-04
- Subjects: Chitosan , Drug delivery systems , Drugs Controlled release , Tenofovir , Colloids , Hepatitis B Chemotherapy , Hydrogel
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/232182 , vital:49969
- Description: Hepatitis B infection is a deadly infectious disease caused by the hepatitis B virus and is responsible for many deaths every year worldwide. Despite medication and vaccines against hepatitis B infection, it still presents high morbidity and mortality among populations. This is partly due to factors such as a long medication period of the existing treatments, resulting in poor patient compliance and leading to treatment failure. In addition, this situation can be responsible for the observed emerging drug resistance. Hence, novel drugs and drug delivery systems are needed to tackle this matter. Many strategies have been used to develop long-acting drug delivery systems treatment for several infectious diseases. Hydrogel drug delivery systems have shown interesting results as controlled drug delivery systems for several drugs. Therefore, the present study aimed to develop chitosan grafted poly (acrylamide-co-acrylic acid) hydrogel and apply it as a pH-sensitive controlled delivery system of tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF). TDF is a nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor used as first-line treatment of hepatitis B chronic infection and in the treatment of other viral infections. The free-radical polymerization method was utilized to modify chitosan by grafting acrylamide and acrylic acid and using N, N’-methylene bisacrylamide as the crosslinking agent to prepare the hydrogel, followed by an optimization of parameters that could affect the swelling capacity. The prepared chitosan-g-poly(acrylamide-co-acrylic acid) hydrogel was characterized using Fourier Transmission Infra-red spectroscopy (FTIR), X-Ray Diffraction (XRD), Thermal Gravimetric Analysis (TGA), Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC), Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), and was evaluated for cytotoxicity using a HeLa cell assay. TDF was used as a drug model, it was loaded by the swelling equilibrium method, following by the investigation of the release profile of TDF-loaded hydrogel at pH 1.2 and 7.4. A successful synthesis of chitosan grafted poly(acrylamide-co-acrylic acid) hydrogel was confirmed by Fourier Transmission Infra-red spectroscopy (FTIR), X-Ray Diffraction Spectroscopy (XRD), Thermal Gravimetric Analysis (TGA), Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC), Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). Optimization results showed that the ratio of monomers impacted the swelling ratio of the hydrogel and both the concentration of the crosslinking agent, and the reaction initiator also affected the swelling ratio. The synthesized hydrogels were sensitive to pH and ionic strength. Hydrogel swelling was lower in acidic solutions and higher in neutral and basic solutions and decreased with the increasing ionic strength. Furthermore, SEM results revealed that hydrogel have a rough and fibrous surface structure with numerous pores. Cytotoxicity studies demonstrated that the hydrogel was non-cytotoxic at 50 μg/ml against HeLa cells which suggested a good biocompatibility of the material. TDF was loaded and released from the hydrogels and showed an encapsulation efficiency and drug loading percentage ranging from 81-96% and 8-10%, respectively. TDF release profile was found to be low in buffer solution of pH 1.2 (in the range of 5-10%) and much higher (38-53%) at pH 7.4 within 96 hours. TDF maintained its chemical integrity after release and the hydrogels can therefore be proposed as a new controlled-release drug delivery system for hepatitis B treatment. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, Chemistry, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-04
- Authors: Safari, Justin Bazibuhe
- Date: 2022-04
- Subjects: Chitosan , Drug delivery systems , Drugs Controlled release , Tenofovir , Colloids , Hepatitis B Chemotherapy , Hydrogel
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/232182 , vital:49969
- Description: Hepatitis B infection is a deadly infectious disease caused by the hepatitis B virus and is responsible for many deaths every year worldwide. Despite medication and vaccines against hepatitis B infection, it still presents high morbidity and mortality among populations. This is partly due to factors such as a long medication period of the existing treatments, resulting in poor patient compliance and leading to treatment failure. In addition, this situation can be responsible for the observed emerging drug resistance. Hence, novel drugs and drug delivery systems are needed to tackle this matter. Many strategies have been used to develop long-acting drug delivery systems treatment for several infectious diseases. Hydrogel drug delivery systems have shown interesting results as controlled drug delivery systems for several drugs. Therefore, the present study aimed to develop chitosan grafted poly (acrylamide-co-acrylic acid) hydrogel and apply it as a pH-sensitive controlled delivery system of tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF). TDF is a nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor used as first-line treatment of hepatitis B chronic infection and in the treatment of other viral infections. The free-radical polymerization method was utilized to modify chitosan by grafting acrylamide and acrylic acid and using N, N’-methylene bisacrylamide as the crosslinking agent to prepare the hydrogel, followed by an optimization of parameters that could affect the swelling capacity. The prepared chitosan-g-poly(acrylamide-co-acrylic acid) hydrogel was characterized using Fourier Transmission Infra-red spectroscopy (FTIR), X-Ray Diffraction (XRD), Thermal Gravimetric Analysis (TGA), Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC), Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), and was evaluated for cytotoxicity using a HeLa cell assay. TDF was used as a drug model, it was loaded by the swelling equilibrium method, following by the investigation of the release profile of TDF-loaded hydrogel at pH 1.2 and 7.4. A successful synthesis of chitosan grafted poly(acrylamide-co-acrylic acid) hydrogel was confirmed by Fourier Transmission Infra-red spectroscopy (FTIR), X-Ray Diffraction Spectroscopy (XRD), Thermal Gravimetric Analysis (TGA), Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC), Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). Optimization results showed that the ratio of monomers impacted the swelling ratio of the hydrogel and both the concentration of the crosslinking agent, and the reaction initiator also affected the swelling ratio. The synthesized hydrogels were sensitive to pH and ionic strength. Hydrogel swelling was lower in acidic solutions and higher in neutral and basic solutions and decreased with the increasing ionic strength. Furthermore, SEM results revealed that hydrogel have a rough and fibrous surface structure with numerous pores. Cytotoxicity studies demonstrated that the hydrogel was non-cytotoxic at 50 μg/ml against HeLa cells which suggested a good biocompatibility of the material. TDF was loaded and released from the hydrogels and showed an encapsulation efficiency and drug loading percentage ranging from 81-96% and 8-10%, respectively. TDF release profile was found to be low in buffer solution of pH 1.2 (in the range of 5-10%) and much higher (38-53%) at pH 7.4 within 96 hours. TDF maintained its chemical integrity after release and the hydrogels can therefore be proposed as a new controlled-release drug delivery system for hepatitis B treatment. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, Chemistry, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-04