Combined spectral and stimulated luminescence study of charge trapping and recombination processes in α-Al2O3:C
- Authors: Nyirenda, Angel Newton
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Luminescence , Thermoluminescence , Luminescence spectroscopy , Carbon-doped aluminium oxide , Radioluminescence , Time-resolved X-ray excited optical luminescence
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/62683 , vital:28235
- Description: The main objective of this project was to gain a deeper and better understanding of the luminescence processes in a-Al₂O₃:C, a highly-sensitive dosimetric material, using a combined spectral and stimulated luminescence study. The spectral studies concentrated on the emission spectra obtained using X-ray induced radioluminescence (XERL), thermoluminescence (XETL) and time-resolved X-ray excited optical luminescence (TR-XEOL) techniques. The stimulated luminescence studies were based on thermoluminescence (TL), optically stimulated luminescence (OSL) and phototransferred TL (PTTL) methods that were used in the study of the radiation-induced defects at high beta-doses and the deep traps, that is, traps with thermal depths beyond 500°C. The spectral and stimulated luminescence measurements were carried out using a high sensitivity luminescence spectrometer and a Ris0 TL/OSL Model DA-20 Reader, respectively. The XERL emission spectrum measured at room temperature shows seven gaussian peaks associated with F-centres (420 nm), F+-centres (334 nm), F2+-centres (559 nm), Stoke’s vibronic band of Cr3+ (671 nm), Cr3+ R-line emission (694 nm), anti-Stokes vibronic band of Cr3+ (710 nm) and an unidentified emission band (260-300 nm) which we associate with hole recombinations at a luminescence centre. The 694-nm R-line emission from Cr3+ impurity ions is most likely due to recombination of holes at Cr2+ during stimulated luminescence and as a result of an intracentre excitation of Cr3+ in photoluminescence (PL) due to photon absorption. The Cr3+ emission decreases in intensity, whereas the intensity of F-centre emission band is almost constant with repeated XERL measurements. Depending on the amount of X-ray irradiation dose, both holes and/or electrons may take place in the emission processes of peaks I (30-80°C), II (90-250°C) and III (250-320°C) during a TL readout, albeit, electron recombination is dominant regardless of dose. At higher doses, the XETL emission spectra indicate that the dominant band associated with TL peak III (250-320°C) in the material, shifts from F-centre to Cr3+. Using the deep-traps OSL, it has been confirmed that the main TL trap is also the main OSL trap whereas the TL traps lying in the temperature range of 400-550°C constitute the secondary OSL traps. There is evidence of strong retrapping at the main trap during optical stimulation of charges from the secondary OSL traps and the deep traps and that the retrapping occurs via the delocalized bands. At high-irradiation beta-doses, aggregate defect centres which significantly alter the TL and OSL properties, are induced in the material. The induced aggregate centres get completely obliterated by heating a sample to 700°C. The radiation-induced defects cause the main TL peak to shift towards higher temperatures, increase its FWHM, reduce its maximum intensity and cause an underestimation of both the activation energy and order of kinetics of the peak. On the other hand, the OSL response of the material is enhanced following a high-irradiation dose. During sample storage in the dark at ambient temperature, charges do migrate from the deep traps (donors) to the main and intermediate traps (acceptors) and that the major donor traps during this charge transfer phenomenon lie between 500-600°C.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Nyirenda, Angel Newton
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Luminescence , Thermoluminescence , Luminescence spectroscopy , Carbon-doped aluminium oxide , Radioluminescence , Time-resolved X-ray excited optical luminescence
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/62683 , vital:28235
- Description: The main objective of this project was to gain a deeper and better understanding of the luminescence processes in a-Al₂O₃:C, a highly-sensitive dosimetric material, using a combined spectral and stimulated luminescence study. The spectral studies concentrated on the emission spectra obtained using X-ray induced radioluminescence (XERL), thermoluminescence (XETL) and time-resolved X-ray excited optical luminescence (TR-XEOL) techniques. The stimulated luminescence studies were based on thermoluminescence (TL), optically stimulated luminescence (OSL) and phototransferred TL (PTTL) methods that were used in the study of the radiation-induced defects at high beta-doses and the deep traps, that is, traps with thermal depths beyond 500°C. The spectral and stimulated luminescence measurements were carried out using a high sensitivity luminescence spectrometer and a Ris0 TL/OSL Model DA-20 Reader, respectively. The XERL emission spectrum measured at room temperature shows seven gaussian peaks associated with F-centres (420 nm), F+-centres (334 nm), F2+-centres (559 nm), Stoke’s vibronic band of Cr3+ (671 nm), Cr3+ R-line emission (694 nm), anti-Stokes vibronic band of Cr3+ (710 nm) and an unidentified emission band (260-300 nm) which we associate with hole recombinations at a luminescence centre. The 694-nm R-line emission from Cr3+ impurity ions is most likely due to recombination of holes at Cr2+ during stimulated luminescence and as a result of an intracentre excitation of Cr3+ in photoluminescence (PL) due to photon absorption. The Cr3+ emission decreases in intensity, whereas the intensity of F-centre emission band is almost constant with repeated XERL measurements. Depending on the amount of X-ray irradiation dose, both holes and/or electrons may take place in the emission processes of peaks I (30-80°C), II (90-250°C) and III (250-320°C) during a TL readout, albeit, electron recombination is dominant regardless of dose. At higher doses, the XETL emission spectra indicate that the dominant band associated with TL peak III (250-320°C) in the material, shifts from F-centre to Cr3+. Using the deep-traps OSL, it has been confirmed that the main TL trap is also the main OSL trap whereas the TL traps lying in the temperature range of 400-550°C constitute the secondary OSL traps. There is evidence of strong retrapping at the main trap during optical stimulation of charges from the secondary OSL traps and the deep traps and that the retrapping occurs via the delocalized bands. At high-irradiation beta-doses, aggregate defect centres which significantly alter the TL and OSL properties, are induced in the material. The induced aggregate centres get completely obliterated by heating a sample to 700°C. The radiation-induced defects cause the main TL peak to shift towards higher temperatures, increase its FWHM, reduce its maximum intensity and cause an underestimation of both the activation energy and order of kinetics of the peak. On the other hand, the OSL response of the material is enhanced following a high-irradiation dose. During sample storage in the dark at ambient temperature, charges do migrate from the deep traps (donors) to the main and intermediate traps (acceptors) and that the major donor traps during this charge transfer phenomenon lie between 500-600°C.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
Critical assessment of the human resource capacity needs of senior management at Thaba Chweu Municipality in Mpumalanga Province, South Africa
- Authors: Dube, Boy David
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Municipal government Rural poor Senior leadership teams
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/12172 , vital:39193
- Description: The terrain of local government is not only very complex, dynamic, and challenging, but also very unique. The quality of human resources is vital in a public institution, particularly in institutions that are meant to service communities by providing sustainable basic services. Amongst the concerns raised at a municipal level are the lack of professionalism and the required competency and capacity amongst the workforce that must perform the actual duties of servicing the local communities. This study was aimed at identifying and analysing human resource development and human resource management policies, strategies and needs in line with the current circumstances and conditions at a particular municipality. A series of challenges (that a number of community members, newspaper articles, community leaders and both the Mpumalanga Provincial Government and other spheres of government raised and complained about) prompted this study. Constant complaints are leveled against municipalities about appropriate and well qualified candidates being overlooked for employment opportunities at the expense of nepotism, cronyism and blatant corrupt activities. This study is a combination of both quantitative and qualitative methods. In line with the quantitative method of generating and assembling information, the researcher used the judgement sampling method. Questionnaires were administered to collect quantitative data while primary data was collected via interviews. Data was obtained from 45 participants in Thaba Chweu Municipality. The findings show that the majority of respondents (in the form of percentages) spoke against the capacity of the officials. A smaller percentage spoke in favour of the availability of capacity. These respondents stated that municipal officials have the required skills and capacity to perform their duties. Furthermore, the study found that there was inconsistency in the implementation of council resolutions and interference in administrative matters. These factors compromised achieving the objectives of the municipal strategies and policies. The study recommends that the municipality ensures that the human resource management and development departments are consonant with current and modernised needs and that delegations to line functionaries are properly assigned and documented.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Dube, Boy David
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Municipal government Rural poor Senior leadership teams
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/12172 , vital:39193
- Description: The terrain of local government is not only very complex, dynamic, and challenging, but also very unique. The quality of human resources is vital in a public institution, particularly in institutions that are meant to service communities by providing sustainable basic services. Amongst the concerns raised at a municipal level are the lack of professionalism and the required competency and capacity amongst the workforce that must perform the actual duties of servicing the local communities. This study was aimed at identifying and analysing human resource development and human resource management policies, strategies and needs in line with the current circumstances and conditions at a particular municipality. A series of challenges (that a number of community members, newspaper articles, community leaders and both the Mpumalanga Provincial Government and other spheres of government raised and complained about) prompted this study. Constant complaints are leveled against municipalities about appropriate and well qualified candidates being overlooked for employment opportunities at the expense of nepotism, cronyism and blatant corrupt activities. This study is a combination of both quantitative and qualitative methods. In line with the quantitative method of generating and assembling information, the researcher used the judgement sampling method. Questionnaires were administered to collect quantitative data while primary data was collected via interviews. Data was obtained from 45 participants in Thaba Chweu Municipality. The findings show that the majority of respondents (in the form of percentages) spoke against the capacity of the officials. A smaller percentage spoke in favour of the availability of capacity. These respondents stated that municipal officials have the required skills and capacity to perform their duties. Furthermore, the study found that there was inconsistency in the implementation of council resolutions and interference in administrative matters. These factors compromised achieving the objectives of the municipal strategies and policies. The study recommends that the municipality ensures that the human resource management and development departments are consonant with current and modernised needs and that delegations to line functionaries are properly assigned and documented.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
Decentralization and quality assurance in the Ugandan primary education sector
- Authors: Abu-Baker, Mutaaya Sirajee
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Schools -- Decentralization -- Uganda , Education, Primary -- Uganda , Educational change -- Uganda
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/57390 , vital:26897
- Description: The study presented in this thesis is a case study analysis of decentralization and quality assurance in a decentralized set up of the Ugandan Primary Schooling. The research looked at how the monitoring and evaluation informed the policy formulation process to regulate quality assurance in a decentralized governance of primary education. The Study was positioned in the critical realist paradigm, interpretive in orientation and used both coding and thematic techniques to understand the teachers’, SMC members’, and officers’ (at district and ministry levels) experiences and perceptions of quality assurance in a decentralized set up. Data was gathered using interviews, document analysis and observation methods. The findings indicated that the study was affected by eleven themes: Management System and Leadership, Human Resource Management, Finance Administration and Management, Parenting and Nutrition, Politics, Motivation, Social Structures and Patterns, Legislative Process and Policies, Infrastructure Development and Management, Community Involvement in Education and Curriculum and Professionalism. The monitoring and evaluation system had a framework in which it operates, though there was no quality assurance policy to guide the provision of quality education. The study finally indicated that there are more threats in a decentralized set up that put Quality in danger. Secondly, there was absence of supervision/inspection in schools as there was no evidence to prove this due to absence of reports. However, document analysis indicated visits of officers to schools. Records management was a problem to schools. Decentralization was adopted at different levels by different countries to address specific problems identified in view of service delivery. Finally, though monitoring and evaluation results informed the policy and decision makers, there was no quality assurance policy to guide the provision of quality education in institutions.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Abu-Baker, Mutaaya Sirajee
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Schools -- Decentralization -- Uganda , Education, Primary -- Uganda , Educational change -- Uganda
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/57390 , vital:26897
- Description: The study presented in this thesis is a case study analysis of decentralization and quality assurance in a decentralized set up of the Ugandan Primary Schooling. The research looked at how the monitoring and evaluation informed the policy formulation process to regulate quality assurance in a decentralized governance of primary education. The Study was positioned in the critical realist paradigm, interpretive in orientation and used both coding and thematic techniques to understand the teachers’, SMC members’, and officers’ (at district and ministry levels) experiences and perceptions of quality assurance in a decentralized set up. Data was gathered using interviews, document analysis and observation methods. The findings indicated that the study was affected by eleven themes: Management System and Leadership, Human Resource Management, Finance Administration and Management, Parenting and Nutrition, Politics, Motivation, Social Structures and Patterns, Legislative Process and Policies, Infrastructure Development and Management, Community Involvement in Education and Curriculum and Professionalism. The monitoring and evaluation system had a framework in which it operates, though there was no quality assurance policy to guide the provision of quality education. The study finally indicated that there are more threats in a decentralized set up that put Quality in danger. Secondly, there was absence of supervision/inspection in schools as there was no evidence to prove this due to absence of reports. However, document analysis indicated visits of officers to schools. Records management was a problem to schools. Decentralization was adopted at different levels by different countries to address specific problems identified in view of service delivery. Finally, though monitoring and evaluation results informed the policy and decision makers, there was no quality assurance policy to guide the provision of quality education in institutions.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
Detection of early warning signs of currency crises in South Africa
- Gondoza, Gladys Nicola Fernandes
- Authors: Gondoza, Gladys Nicola Fernandes
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Financial crises -- 21st century
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/30238 , vital:30905
- Description: In a world characterised by globalisation, particularly increased financial integration and capital mobility, international economic theory stipulates that countries rather maintain a floating exchange rate system than a fixed exchange rate system in order to have less susceptibility to currency crises (Glick & Hutchison, 2011). South Africa, the economic powerhouse of Africa, is an interesting case to examine. It has a floating exchange rate and should thus be more resistant to currency crises due to market adjustment expectations that limit the build-up of pressure in its foreign exchange markets. South Africa’s foreign exchange market is characterised as volatile with recurring turbulent periods with currency crises observed in 1996, 1998, 2001 and 2008, of which the 2007/2008 global financial crisis was the worst the world had experienced since the Great Depression of the 1930s and it had a significant, negative impact on the South African economy and certainly exposed the country’s vulnerably (South African Reserve Bank, 2012). Having experienced these periods of currency crisis in South Africa and with no specific tool adequately tested and developed for the South African economy to accurately detect such an event before its occurrence, this research was an attempt to fill this gap within the economics discipline. The purpose of this thesis was to examine and make use of Early Warning System (EWS) models to ascertain which one best identifies potential early warning signs of a currency crisis in South Africa. To achieve this, the study tested two standard and commonly used EWS models, namely the Signals and probit models. Added to these approaches, two newer EWS models, namely the Markov regime switching model and the artificial neural networks model were tested. To date only two studies on EWS models for currency crises have been conducted in South Africa. Knedlik (2006) used the signals approach and Knedlik and Scheufele (2007) used the signals, probit/logit and Markov regime switching approaches. Both studies recommended that further research was needed. With this in mind, this thesis built on these studies by extending the sample period under observation from 1993/02 to 2017/03 to fully capture the probability of the global financial crisis of 2007/2008. This study separated the sample period into two parts, a first period (1993/02 – 2004/12) catering for the July 1998 and December 2001 crises and a second period (2005/01 – 2017/03) catering for the October 2008 crisis. This was done to separately observe how well the models detected early warning signs of the October 2008 crisis due to its global nature. By exploring the potential of artificial intelligence by employing the non-parametric approach of artificial neural networks, which has not yet been applied in the South African context for the probability prediction of currency crises, and comparing its prediction performance to the signals, the probit and the Markov regime switching EWS models, this thesis fills an existing information gap. This study found that of these four EWS models for predicting the probabilities of currency crises within the 24-month crisis window, the signals model performed better than the other models for the period 1993/02 – 2004/12. However, the final-outcome of the best model in probability prediction of South African currency crises is not straightforward for this period, as the artificial neural network model and Markov regime switching model performed almost as well as the signals model. During the period 2005/01 – 2017/03, the artificial neural networks model outperformed the other three models in capturing the global financial crisis of 2007/2008, specifically with regard to the evaluations of the percentage of pre-crisis periods called correctly and the percentage of tranquil periods called correctly. As the cut-off probability increases, the artificial neural networks model is the superior model and is not closely followed by the other models. The artificial neural network model also indicated a stable / tranquil economy during the period following the global financial crisis (from about 2009 – 2017), which is a true reflection of that period. The findings of this study suggest that the artificial neural network model is a powerful tool in the probability prediction of early warning signs of currency crises in South Africa.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Gondoza, Gladys Nicola Fernandes
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Financial crises -- 21st century
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/30238 , vital:30905
- Description: In a world characterised by globalisation, particularly increased financial integration and capital mobility, international economic theory stipulates that countries rather maintain a floating exchange rate system than a fixed exchange rate system in order to have less susceptibility to currency crises (Glick & Hutchison, 2011). South Africa, the economic powerhouse of Africa, is an interesting case to examine. It has a floating exchange rate and should thus be more resistant to currency crises due to market adjustment expectations that limit the build-up of pressure in its foreign exchange markets. South Africa’s foreign exchange market is characterised as volatile with recurring turbulent periods with currency crises observed in 1996, 1998, 2001 and 2008, of which the 2007/2008 global financial crisis was the worst the world had experienced since the Great Depression of the 1930s and it had a significant, negative impact on the South African economy and certainly exposed the country’s vulnerably (South African Reserve Bank, 2012). Having experienced these periods of currency crisis in South Africa and with no specific tool adequately tested and developed for the South African economy to accurately detect such an event before its occurrence, this research was an attempt to fill this gap within the economics discipline. The purpose of this thesis was to examine and make use of Early Warning System (EWS) models to ascertain which one best identifies potential early warning signs of a currency crisis in South Africa. To achieve this, the study tested two standard and commonly used EWS models, namely the Signals and probit models. Added to these approaches, two newer EWS models, namely the Markov regime switching model and the artificial neural networks model were tested. To date only two studies on EWS models for currency crises have been conducted in South Africa. Knedlik (2006) used the signals approach and Knedlik and Scheufele (2007) used the signals, probit/logit and Markov regime switching approaches. Both studies recommended that further research was needed. With this in mind, this thesis built on these studies by extending the sample period under observation from 1993/02 to 2017/03 to fully capture the probability of the global financial crisis of 2007/2008. This study separated the sample period into two parts, a first period (1993/02 – 2004/12) catering for the July 1998 and December 2001 crises and a second period (2005/01 – 2017/03) catering for the October 2008 crisis. This was done to separately observe how well the models detected early warning signs of the October 2008 crisis due to its global nature. By exploring the potential of artificial intelligence by employing the non-parametric approach of artificial neural networks, which has not yet been applied in the South African context for the probability prediction of currency crises, and comparing its prediction performance to the signals, the probit and the Markov regime switching EWS models, this thesis fills an existing information gap. This study found that of these four EWS models for predicting the probabilities of currency crises within the 24-month crisis window, the signals model performed better than the other models for the period 1993/02 – 2004/12. However, the final-outcome of the best model in probability prediction of South African currency crises is not straightforward for this period, as the artificial neural network model and Markov regime switching model performed almost as well as the signals model. During the period 2005/01 – 2017/03, the artificial neural networks model outperformed the other three models in capturing the global financial crisis of 2007/2008, specifically with regard to the evaluations of the percentage of pre-crisis periods called correctly and the percentage of tranquil periods called correctly. As the cut-off probability increases, the artificial neural networks model is the superior model and is not closely followed by the other models. The artificial neural network model also indicated a stable / tranquil economy during the period following the global financial crisis (from about 2009 – 2017), which is a true reflection of that period. The findings of this study suggest that the artificial neural network model is a powerful tool in the probability prediction of early warning signs of currency crises in South Africa.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
Development and validation of a health literacy measure for limited literacy public sector patients in South Africa
- Authors: Marimwe, Chipiwa
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Health literacy -- South Africa , Patient education -- South Africa , Communication in medicine -- South Africa , Health literacy -- Social aspects -- South Africa , Poor -- Medical care -- South Africa , Analysis of variance , Multidimensional Screener of Functional Health Literacy (MSFHL)
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/62661 , vital:28227
- Description: The growing complexity of healthcare demands greater patient involvement and skills to navigate this complex system. It has therefore become increasingly important to identify individuals with inadequate health literacy, by using efficient, short and reliable measures for doing so. Most research on the development and validation of health literacy tests has been conducted in high-income countries, with very little reported from low-and middle-income countries (LMICs). Existing health literacy measures have come under scrutiny for their lack of cultural sensitivity, bias towards certain population groups and failure to acknowledge health literacy as a multidimensional concept. These measures usually have limited application in LMICs due to the significantly different structuring of healthcare systems, they overlook the extreme discrepancies in educational levels, and rely too heavily on the ability to read health information. No health literacy data for South Africa are available, and only a few health literacy-based research papers have been published in this country. The aim of the study was to develop and validate a health literacy measure that is contextually and culturally appropriate to measure health literacy in limited literacy public sector patients in South Africa. An Item Bank of 30 questions was developed with the input of a diverse expert consultant panel, and included skills-based and self-reported questions which ensured cultural, contextual and educational level appropriateness. The Information and Support for Health Actions Questionnaire (ISHA-Q) is a health literacy measure developed to assess health literacy for LMICs which includes 14 core scales. These were useful in ensuring coverage of a range of health literacy constructs within the Item Bank. The 30 questions were then allocated to one of three health literacy domains: Procedural knowledge, Factual knowledge and Access to healthcare, health services and social support. Ethical approval for the study was obtained. The questions were translated into isiXhosa and underwent pilot testing. Following pilot testing, 120 isiXhosa first-language speakers, at least 18 years old, who attended public sector facilities and had a maximum 12 years of education were recruited from a primary healthcare clinic in Grahamstown. An interpreter was trained and he participated in all interviews. A questionnaire was used to collect data on the 30-question Item Bank. The Multidimensional Screener of Functional Health Literacy (MSFHL) was used as the primary comparator.The second phase of the study involved the refinement of the 30 questions in the Item Bank, which involved a multi-stage process. Data were analysed statistically using t-test, correlations, chi-square and ANOVA tests at a 5% level of significance, in order to identify problematic questions. Item Response Theory was used to ascertain difficulty and discriminatory ability of the questions. Each question was further subjected to in-depth interrogation by a panel of healthcare professionals to ensure that questions were supported by the conceptual framework and the definitions of health literacy adopted for this study. The number of questions was reduced from 30 to 12, and formed the new Health Literacy Test - Limited Literacy (HELT-LL). To validate the HELT-LL, 210 patients with the same inclusion criteria as previously noted, were recruited from four primary healthcare clinics in the Eastern Cape Province. Individual interviews were conducted with the assistance of the interpreter to collect sociodemographic data as well as data from the HELT-LL, the primary comparator (MSFHL), and a secondary comparator which was a South African modified version of the Newest Vital Sign (NVS-SA). The HELT-LL was re-administered to 40 patients in a follow-up interview two weeks later. The HELT-LL categorised only 17.6% of the patients as having adequate health literacy, just over a third with inadequate health literacy, and the majority with marginal health literacy. Questions in the cognitively demanding Procedural knowledge domain were the most poorly answered, with a mean score of 48.6±24.9%. Patients had great difficulty performing the basic numeric tasks in this domain. The overall mean score for the HELT-LL was 52.8±18.4%, compared with the more cognitively demanding NVS-SA with a mean of 28.6±21.1%, and clearly illustrated the impact of the strategy to include in the HELT-LL a variety of questions with differing cognitive load. The MSFHL, which is based on demographic characteristics and perceived difficulties with reading and writing, had an overall mean score of 44.4±26.2%. Demographic characteristics including age, education and English literacy, were found to be good predictors of limited health literacy, with significant correlations being found between these variables and the mean HELT-LL score. An acceptable value for Cronbach’s alpha, excellent test-retest reliability and excellent concurrent validity show that the HELT-LL is a valid and reliable measure of health literacy in our target population. As there is a paucity of health literacy research emanating from developing countries, this study presents a significant contribution to literature. It is the first study to report the development and validation of a health literacy measure to address the dearth of available health literacy measures applicable for South Africa. If implemented for use in clinical settings and for research purposes, it could provide valuable South African health literacy data which could inform the development of interventions focusing on improving health literacy and health outcomes.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Marimwe, Chipiwa
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Health literacy -- South Africa , Patient education -- South Africa , Communication in medicine -- South Africa , Health literacy -- Social aspects -- South Africa , Poor -- Medical care -- South Africa , Analysis of variance , Multidimensional Screener of Functional Health Literacy (MSFHL)
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/62661 , vital:28227
- Description: The growing complexity of healthcare demands greater patient involvement and skills to navigate this complex system. It has therefore become increasingly important to identify individuals with inadequate health literacy, by using efficient, short and reliable measures for doing so. Most research on the development and validation of health literacy tests has been conducted in high-income countries, with very little reported from low-and middle-income countries (LMICs). Existing health literacy measures have come under scrutiny for their lack of cultural sensitivity, bias towards certain population groups and failure to acknowledge health literacy as a multidimensional concept. These measures usually have limited application in LMICs due to the significantly different structuring of healthcare systems, they overlook the extreme discrepancies in educational levels, and rely too heavily on the ability to read health information. No health literacy data for South Africa are available, and only a few health literacy-based research papers have been published in this country. The aim of the study was to develop and validate a health literacy measure that is contextually and culturally appropriate to measure health literacy in limited literacy public sector patients in South Africa. An Item Bank of 30 questions was developed with the input of a diverse expert consultant panel, and included skills-based and self-reported questions which ensured cultural, contextual and educational level appropriateness. The Information and Support for Health Actions Questionnaire (ISHA-Q) is a health literacy measure developed to assess health literacy for LMICs which includes 14 core scales. These were useful in ensuring coverage of a range of health literacy constructs within the Item Bank. The 30 questions were then allocated to one of three health literacy domains: Procedural knowledge, Factual knowledge and Access to healthcare, health services and social support. Ethical approval for the study was obtained. The questions were translated into isiXhosa and underwent pilot testing. Following pilot testing, 120 isiXhosa first-language speakers, at least 18 years old, who attended public sector facilities and had a maximum 12 years of education were recruited from a primary healthcare clinic in Grahamstown. An interpreter was trained and he participated in all interviews. A questionnaire was used to collect data on the 30-question Item Bank. The Multidimensional Screener of Functional Health Literacy (MSFHL) was used as the primary comparator.The second phase of the study involved the refinement of the 30 questions in the Item Bank, which involved a multi-stage process. Data were analysed statistically using t-test, correlations, chi-square and ANOVA tests at a 5% level of significance, in order to identify problematic questions. Item Response Theory was used to ascertain difficulty and discriminatory ability of the questions. Each question was further subjected to in-depth interrogation by a panel of healthcare professionals to ensure that questions were supported by the conceptual framework and the definitions of health literacy adopted for this study. The number of questions was reduced from 30 to 12, and formed the new Health Literacy Test - Limited Literacy (HELT-LL). To validate the HELT-LL, 210 patients with the same inclusion criteria as previously noted, were recruited from four primary healthcare clinics in the Eastern Cape Province. Individual interviews were conducted with the assistance of the interpreter to collect sociodemographic data as well as data from the HELT-LL, the primary comparator (MSFHL), and a secondary comparator which was a South African modified version of the Newest Vital Sign (NVS-SA). The HELT-LL was re-administered to 40 patients in a follow-up interview two weeks later. The HELT-LL categorised only 17.6% of the patients as having adequate health literacy, just over a third with inadequate health literacy, and the majority with marginal health literacy. Questions in the cognitively demanding Procedural knowledge domain were the most poorly answered, with a mean score of 48.6±24.9%. Patients had great difficulty performing the basic numeric tasks in this domain. The overall mean score for the HELT-LL was 52.8±18.4%, compared with the more cognitively demanding NVS-SA with a mean of 28.6±21.1%, and clearly illustrated the impact of the strategy to include in the HELT-LL a variety of questions with differing cognitive load. The MSFHL, which is based on demographic characteristics and perceived difficulties with reading and writing, had an overall mean score of 44.4±26.2%. Demographic characteristics including age, education and English literacy, were found to be good predictors of limited health literacy, with significant correlations being found between these variables and the mean HELT-LL score. An acceptable value for Cronbach’s alpha, excellent test-retest reliability and excellent concurrent validity show that the HELT-LL is a valid and reliable measure of health literacy in our target population. As there is a paucity of health literacy research emanating from developing countries, this study presents a significant contribution to literature. It is the first study to report the development and validation of a health literacy measure to address the dearth of available health literacy measures applicable for South Africa. If implemented for use in clinical settings and for research purposes, it could provide valuable South African health literacy data which could inform the development of interventions focusing on improving health literacy and health outcomes.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
Disputes, relationships and identity: analysing human-human conflicts as a basis for human-wildlife conflicts in the mid-Zambezi valley, northern Zimbabwe
- Authors: Jani, Vincent
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Environmental geography , Wildlife management Wildlife conservation Human-animal relationships
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/30364 , vital:30934
- Description: This study analysed how human-human conflicts (HHCs) underlie human-wildlife conflicts (HWCs) in Chapoto Ward in the mid-Zambezi valley, northern Zimbabwe. The analytical framework entailed the use of the Levels of Conflict Model (LCM) – a model that seeks to expose different levels of conflict. To gain a rich understanding of the conflicts under investigation, a qualitative research design was employed with triangulation at its core in order to ensure the necessary quality and rigour of the findings. In this case, four different types of data were used, namely, in-depth interviews with heads of households, key informant interviews, focus group sessions, and document analysis. Thematic and content analysis were used to analyse the data which were classified into the following conflict levels: surface level disputes; an intermediate level involving ongoing conflictual relationships; and a deeper level of conflict rooted in identity. Three key findings were generated. Firstly, a substantial number of long-standing disputes were recorded during the ten-year period (2007-2016). Most of these disputes were not resolved because they had a long and complicated history which resulted in previous disputes resurfacing whenever a current one arose. Secondly, the history of unresolved conflict resulted in mistrust and failure to find common ground between the parties involved in the conflict. Lastly, the source of the disputes and unresolved conflicts was traced back to the identity level. This means that the antagonistic relationships among the stakeholders spilled over into the labelling and stigmatisation of all the groups involved in wildlife management. Thus, conflict between people and wildlife in Chapoto Ward was demonstrated to be a complex issue and underlain by HHC. These findings support the new line of thinking that HWC should not be viewed as simply a problem between people and wildlife but as a conflict between stakeholders with divergent views over wildlife management which manifests as HHC. Furthermore, the degree of polarisation between groups is substantial. In light of these findings, four major conclusions are drawn. Firstly, is the need to shift from narrowly focusing on the proximate conflicts between people and wildlife, to fully understand the complexity of conflict in order to arrive at solutions that successfully mitigate conflict between people and wildlife, and to address the underlying and deep-rooted conflict between stakeholders with divergent wildlife management goals. Secondly, the need for concerted efforts to ensure the involvement of all stakeholders, including women, in wildlife management and conservation by developing structures that enhance active participation of the local people in decision-making, v which promotes the success of conservation initiatives. Thirdly, the need to address the underlying and deep-rooted conflicts over wildlife management by building positive relationships and trust between stakeholders through the holding of regular capacity building workshops based on a more respectful and inclusive process. Fourthly, is the need to consider the interests of both ethnic groups, namely the Doma and the Chikunda by gathering information on the preferences of the identity groups in order to increase cooperation among them. Overall, the thesis introduces a new lens through which one can clearly understand the complexity of the conflict between people and wildlife.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Jani, Vincent
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Environmental geography , Wildlife management Wildlife conservation Human-animal relationships
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/30364 , vital:30934
- Description: This study analysed how human-human conflicts (HHCs) underlie human-wildlife conflicts (HWCs) in Chapoto Ward in the mid-Zambezi valley, northern Zimbabwe. The analytical framework entailed the use of the Levels of Conflict Model (LCM) – a model that seeks to expose different levels of conflict. To gain a rich understanding of the conflicts under investigation, a qualitative research design was employed with triangulation at its core in order to ensure the necessary quality and rigour of the findings. In this case, four different types of data were used, namely, in-depth interviews with heads of households, key informant interviews, focus group sessions, and document analysis. Thematic and content analysis were used to analyse the data which were classified into the following conflict levels: surface level disputes; an intermediate level involving ongoing conflictual relationships; and a deeper level of conflict rooted in identity. Three key findings were generated. Firstly, a substantial number of long-standing disputes were recorded during the ten-year period (2007-2016). Most of these disputes were not resolved because they had a long and complicated history which resulted in previous disputes resurfacing whenever a current one arose. Secondly, the history of unresolved conflict resulted in mistrust and failure to find common ground between the parties involved in the conflict. Lastly, the source of the disputes and unresolved conflicts was traced back to the identity level. This means that the antagonistic relationships among the stakeholders spilled over into the labelling and stigmatisation of all the groups involved in wildlife management. Thus, conflict between people and wildlife in Chapoto Ward was demonstrated to be a complex issue and underlain by HHC. These findings support the new line of thinking that HWC should not be viewed as simply a problem between people and wildlife but as a conflict between stakeholders with divergent views over wildlife management which manifests as HHC. Furthermore, the degree of polarisation between groups is substantial. In light of these findings, four major conclusions are drawn. Firstly, is the need to shift from narrowly focusing on the proximate conflicts between people and wildlife, to fully understand the complexity of conflict in order to arrive at solutions that successfully mitigate conflict between people and wildlife, and to address the underlying and deep-rooted conflict between stakeholders with divergent wildlife management goals. Secondly, the need for concerted efforts to ensure the involvement of all stakeholders, including women, in wildlife management and conservation by developing structures that enhance active participation of the local people in decision-making, v which promotes the success of conservation initiatives. Thirdly, the need to address the underlying and deep-rooted conflicts over wildlife management by building positive relationships and trust between stakeholders through the holding of regular capacity building workshops based on a more respectful and inclusive process. Fourthly, is the need to consider the interests of both ethnic groups, namely the Doma and the Chikunda by gathering information on the preferences of the identity groups in order to increase cooperation among them. Overall, the thesis introduces a new lens through which one can clearly understand the complexity of the conflict between people and wildlife.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
Educators' perceptions of inclusive education for learners with physical disabilities
- Authors: Mpu, Nondumiso Yolanda
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: People with disabilities -- Education -- South Africa Inclusive education -- South Africa Disability studies -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/9401 , vital:34346
- Description: There is a grave concern that in South Africa, the total population of learners between the ages of 5 and 18 was estimated at approximately 14.6 million – of which near 1,000,000 are disabled. The record in addition to this regard estimates that the wide variety of children with disabilities who are of school‐going age, yet are out of school, could be as high as half a million. The motives why disabled children are not attending school are manifold; however paramount among them is that their needs are not catered for. Inclusive education entails changing values, attitudes of people, specifically of educators and learners, policies and the practices inside schools. Since post apartheid there is only one known policy which reveals that only 20 percent of learners with disabilities were accommodated in special schools. Current statistics show that only about 64,200 learners with disabilities or impairments are accommodated in about 380 special schools. This indicates that, potentially, 280,000 learners with disabilities or impairments are unaccounted for. Analysis of the data reveals the extent of the disparities in provision for learners with disabilities, for example: The incidence of disabilities in the Eastern Cape constitutes 17.39 percent of the disabled population, yet the province has only 10.79 percent of the total number of special schools. Gauteng has 17.14 percent of the disabled population but has 25.26 percent of the schools. The Western Cape has 5.47 percent of the disabled population but has 21.58 percent of the schools. This mismatch between needs and provision is a direct result of previous apartheid policies that allocated facilities on a racial basis. Inclusive education calls for an education system, which does no longer discriminate, however welcomes all individuals, providing support and services so that every child benefits equally in mainstream schools around their regions as only 41 special schools are in the Eastern Cape. Educator perceptions as the key personnel in the inclusion and in the implementation of policies related with classroom related issued play centre stage and need to be considered.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Mpu, Nondumiso Yolanda
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: People with disabilities -- Education -- South Africa Inclusive education -- South Africa Disability studies -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/9401 , vital:34346
- Description: There is a grave concern that in South Africa, the total population of learners between the ages of 5 and 18 was estimated at approximately 14.6 million – of which near 1,000,000 are disabled. The record in addition to this regard estimates that the wide variety of children with disabilities who are of school‐going age, yet are out of school, could be as high as half a million. The motives why disabled children are not attending school are manifold; however paramount among them is that their needs are not catered for. Inclusive education entails changing values, attitudes of people, specifically of educators and learners, policies and the practices inside schools. Since post apartheid there is only one known policy which reveals that only 20 percent of learners with disabilities were accommodated in special schools. Current statistics show that only about 64,200 learners with disabilities or impairments are accommodated in about 380 special schools. This indicates that, potentially, 280,000 learners with disabilities or impairments are unaccounted for. Analysis of the data reveals the extent of the disparities in provision for learners with disabilities, for example: The incidence of disabilities in the Eastern Cape constitutes 17.39 percent of the disabled population, yet the province has only 10.79 percent of the total number of special schools. Gauteng has 17.14 percent of the disabled population but has 25.26 percent of the schools. The Western Cape has 5.47 percent of the disabled population but has 21.58 percent of the schools. This mismatch between needs and provision is a direct result of previous apartheid policies that allocated facilities on a racial basis. Inclusive education calls for an education system, which does no longer discriminate, however welcomes all individuals, providing support and services so that every child benefits equally in mainstream schools around their regions as only 41 special schools are in the Eastern Cape. Educator perceptions as the key personnel in the inclusion and in the implementation of policies related with classroom related issued play centre stage and need to be considered.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
Effect of a participatory voter education programme on secondary school students' political knowledge and attitude in Ekiti State, Nigeria
- Authors: Dada, Adekunle Babatunde
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Voting -- Education (Secondary) -- Nigeria Political participation -- Nigeria Education, Secondary -- Nigeria
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/9478 , vital:34355
- Description: Nigeria has been besieged by an array of political, economic and social problems. This became obvious as many Nigerian youths that are said to be future leaders, because of the crucial role played in political and social development of the nation are derailing politically. These young leaders don’t just wake up to become leaders in a day; they need to be empowered and their minds need to be redirected through appropriate civic and electoral education in order for them to be strong enough to play their inevitable roles in sustainable national development and electoral processes. The continuous use of teacher-centered strategies portends retardation in teaching-learning processes; as learning outcomes are largely reduced to mere passing of examination; leaving out the essential knowledge, attitude and practice which are required for enhancing responsible citizenry and active political participation of students. The use of conventional method has also led to poor attitude of students to socio-political issues. This study therefore determined the effect of a Participatory Voter Education Programme on Secondary School Students’ Political Knowledge and Attitude. It also investigated the moderating effects of location and gender on the dependent variables. The pre-test, post-test, control group quasi-experimental design with a 2x2x2 factorial matrix was adopted for the study. One hundred and fifty-four secondary school two students from the three senatorial districts of Ekiti State were randomly selected for the study using multi-stage random sampling and assigned to experimental and control groups. An intact class sample selection was also employed for the study. Seven null hypotheses were generated and tested at 0.05 level of significance. Four instruments were developed. These were Voter Education Concepts (Political) Knowledge Test (VECKT), Voter Education (political) Attitude Test (VEAS) Instructional Guide for the Participatory Teaching Strategy and,Conventional Teaching Method Guide. The study lasted for ten weeks. Data collected were analyzed using Analysis of Covariance (ANCOVA), Estimated Marginal Means (EMM) and graphs. There was a significant effect of treatment on secondary school students’ political knowledge (F (1,385) = 1026.945; P <0.05). The Secondary school students exposed to the participatory Voter Education programme performed better (X= 29.17) than those exposed to the conventional Method ( X = 6.65). Also there was a significant effect of treatment on Secondary School Students Political Attitude (F (1,385) = 98.970; p < 0.05). Those exposed to participatory Voter Education programme performed better ( X = 63.97) than those in the conventional Method ( X = 56.27). Also, those in the Urban area obtained higher mean Political Knowledge score ( X = 19.78) than those in the rural area ( X = 16.78). While there were no significant main effect of gender on secondary school students’ political knowledge and attitude. The participatory Voter Education programme is effective in impacting Secondary School Students’ political knowledge and attitude. It was, therefore, recommended that the Participatory Voter Education programme be adopted by the Social Studies/ Civic Educators for presenting the political concepts to students in their classroom.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Dada, Adekunle Babatunde
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Voting -- Education (Secondary) -- Nigeria Political participation -- Nigeria Education, Secondary -- Nigeria
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/9478 , vital:34355
- Description: Nigeria has been besieged by an array of political, economic and social problems. This became obvious as many Nigerian youths that are said to be future leaders, because of the crucial role played in political and social development of the nation are derailing politically. These young leaders don’t just wake up to become leaders in a day; they need to be empowered and their minds need to be redirected through appropriate civic and electoral education in order for them to be strong enough to play their inevitable roles in sustainable national development and electoral processes. The continuous use of teacher-centered strategies portends retardation in teaching-learning processes; as learning outcomes are largely reduced to mere passing of examination; leaving out the essential knowledge, attitude and practice which are required for enhancing responsible citizenry and active political participation of students. The use of conventional method has also led to poor attitude of students to socio-political issues. This study therefore determined the effect of a Participatory Voter Education Programme on Secondary School Students’ Political Knowledge and Attitude. It also investigated the moderating effects of location and gender on the dependent variables. The pre-test, post-test, control group quasi-experimental design with a 2x2x2 factorial matrix was adopted for the study. One hundred and fifty-four secondary school two students from the three senatorial districts of Ekiti State were randomly selected for the study using multi-stage random sampling and assigned to experimental and control groups. An intact class sample selection was also employed for the study. Seven null hypotheses were generated and tested at 0.05 level of significance. Four instruments were developed. These were Voter Education Concepts (Political) Knowledge Test (VECKT), Voter Education (political) Attitude Test (VEAS) Instructional Guide for the Participatory Teaching Strategy and,Conventional Teaching Method Guide. The study lasted for ten weeks. Data collected were analyzed using Analysis of Covariance (ANCOVA), Estimated Marginal Means (EMM) and graphs. There was a significant effect of treatment on secondary school students’ political knowledge (F (1,385) = 1026.945; P <0.05). The Secondary school students exposed to the participatory Voter Education programme performed better (X= 29.17) than those exposed to the conventional Method ( X = 6.65). Also there was a significant effect of treatment on Secondary School Students Political Attitude (F (1,385) = 98.970; p < 0.05). Those exposed to participatory Voter Education programme performed better ( X = 63.97) than those in the conventional Method ( X = 56.27). Also, those in the Urban area obtained higher mean Political Knowledge score ( X = 19.78) than those in the rural area ( X = 16.78). While there were no significant main effect of gender on secondary school students’ political knowledge and attitude. The participatory Voter Education programme is effective in impacting Secondary School Students’ political knowledge and attitude. It was, therefore, recommended that the Participatory Voter Education programme be adopted by the Social Studies/ Civic Educators for presenting the political concepts to students in their classroom.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
Elevated CO2 determines cell damage and nitrogen allocation in barley subjected to aphid herbivory
- Authors: Gallagher, Sean
- Date: 2018
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/64337 , vital:28535
- Description: Expected release date-May 2019
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Gallagher, Sean
- Date: 2018
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/64337 , vital:28535
- Description: Expected release date-May 2019
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
Energy use patterns and trends: the impact of energy policy in South African low-income households
- Israel-Akinbo, Sylvia Olawumi
- Authors: Israel-Akinbo, Sylvia Olawumi
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Energy policy -- Social aspects -- South Africa , Energy security -- South Africa , Households -- Economic aspects -- South Africa , Poor -- Energy assistance -- South Africa , Poor -- South Africa , University of Cape Town. National Income Dynamics Study , Free Basic Electricity Policy (South Africa) , Income and Expenditure Survey (South Africa)
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/62264 , vital:28148
- Description: Energy poverty is a growing concern especially amongst low-income populations in developing countries. The transition to modern energy carriers is associated with welfare improvement and it is considered as an important developmental goal to achieve, in order to eradicate energy poverty. As such, the South African government has made energy poverty an issue of policy focus. Literature abounds with different measures of energy poverty; energy programmes and policies are also aimed at improving the welfare of the low-income households in terms of basic services such as electricity. As a point of entry into this study, this thesis explored energy use patterns and trends in low-income South African households. The research objectives addressed in the study included investigating the extent of energy poverty through a multidimensional energy poverty index, examining the extent to which the 'energy ladder' and 'energy stacking' models explains energy transition patterns and to examining whether the Free Basic Electricity Policy has impacted on energy choices and energy poverty. In order to contribute to energy poverty and energy policy discussion in South Africa, this study has investigated the dimensions of energy poverty amongst low-income South African households from these three different perspectives (objectives). A positivist approach, by using a quantitative method was used to underpin the study. The study utilised secondary data, which were from the National Income Dynamics Survey and Income and Expenditure Survey. The former was used for the analysis of the multidimensional energy poverty index and energy transition patterns whilst the latter was used for the analysis of the impact of the Free Basic Electricity Policy. The four waves of the National Income Dynamics Survey, with 2008 as the base year and the 2010/2011 version of the Income and Expenditure Survey were used whilst the data were processed through the quantitative software package, STATA version 12. The data were then analysed using the multidimensional energy poverty framework by Nussbaumer et al. (2011) and econometric models, which best fit the objectives. The result of the panel analysis, which assesses the multidimensional energy poverty for low-income households in South Africa showed that low-income households in both urban and rural areas are in a moderate state of energy poverty but different levels. However, the cross-sectional analysis revealed that the percentage of low-income households that are energy poor is reducing for the rural households but increasing for their urban counterparts from 2008 to 2014. The panel and cross-sectional results of the contribution of the energy dimensions in multidimensional energy poverty shows that the low-income households are especially energy poor in terms of heating fuel. The findings from the econometric estimates partly confirmed an energy ladder behaviour for the energy choice for cooking. An energy stacking behaviour was confirmed for the low- income households for these energy services - heating and lighting. Moreover, it was found that with respect to cooking and heating, low-income households living in a modern dwelling, having a small household size and residing in an urban area are less likely to use transitional or traditional energy carriers but most likely to use modern energy carriers. In addition, low-income households are more likely to use modern energy carriers for their cooking and heating in 2010, 2012 and 2014 than in 2008. For lighting energy service, low- income households living in a modern dwelling in an urban settlement are most likely to use modern energy carriers for lighting and less likely to use transitional energy carriers or candles. Only in 2014 were low-income households more likely to use modern energy carriers for lighting than in 2008. The results further showed that modern energy carriers have the highest probability of being preferred for lighting followed by cooking and lastly heating. Also emerging from the findings are that more urban low-income households are receiving the Free Basic Electricity (FBE) grant than their counterparts in the rural areas. The probability of low-income households owning entertainment/education appliance and food preserving appliance is positively influenced by access to Free Basic Electricity. The low- income households living in an urban settlement and in a modern type of dwelling supported this result. However, household size does not seems to support this result should it grow larger.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Israel-Akinbo, Sylvia Olawumi
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Energy policy -- Social aspects -- South Africa , Energy security -- South Africa , Households -- Economic aspects -- South Africa , Poor -- Energy assistance -- South Africa , Poor -- South Africa , University of Cape Town. National Income Dynamics Study , Free Basic Electricity Policy (South Africa) , Income and Expenditure Survey (South Africa)
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/62264 , vital:28148
- Description: Energy poverty is a growing concern especially amongst low-income populations in developing countries. The transition to modern energy carriers is associated with welfare improvement and it is considered as an important developmental goal to achieve, in order to eradicate energy poverty. As such, the South African government has made energy poverty an issue of policy focus. Literature abounds with different measures of energy poverty; energy programmes and policies are also aimed at improving the welfare of the low-income households in terms of basic services such as electricity. As a point of entry into this study, this thesis explored energy use patterns and trends in low-income South African households. The research objectives addressed in the study included investigating the extent of energy poverty through a multidimensional energy poverty index, examining the extent to which the 'energy ladder' and 'energy stacking' models explains energy transition patterns and to examining whether the Free Basic Electricity Policy has impacted on energy choices and energy poverty. In order to contribute to energy poverty and energy policy discussion in South Africa, this study has investigated the dimensions of energy poverty amongst low-income South African households from these three different perspectives (objectives). A positivist approach, by using a quantitative method was used to underpin the study. The study utilised secondary data, which were from the National Income Dynamics Survey and Income and Expenditure Survey. The former was used for the analysis of the multidimensional energy poverty index and energy transition patterns whilst the latter was used for the analysis of the impact of the Free Basic Electricity Policy. The four waves of the National Income Dynamics Survey, with 2008 as the base year and the 2010/2011 version of the Income and Expenditure Survey were used whilst the data were processed through the quantitative software package, STATA version 12. The data were then analysed using the multidimensional energy poverty framework by Nussbaumer et al. (2011) and econometric models, which best fit the objectives. The result of the panel analysis, which assesses the multidimensional energy poverty for low-income households in South Africa showed that low-income households in both urban and rural areas are in a moderate state of energy poverty but different levels. However, the cross-sectional analysis revealed that the percentage of low-income households that are energy poor is reducing for the rural households but increasing for their urban counterparts from 2008 to 2014. The panel and cross-sectional results of the contribution of the energy dimensions in multidimensional energy poverty shows that the low-income households are especially energy poor in terms of heating fuel. The findings from the econometric estimates partly confirmed an energy ladder behaviour for the energy choice for cooking. An energy stacking behaviour was confirmed for the low- income households for these energy services - heating and lighting. Moreover, it was found that with respect to cooking and heating, low-income households living in a modern dwelling, having a small household size and residing in an urban area are less likely to use transitional or traditional energy carriers but most likely to use modern energy carriers. In addition, low-income households are more likely to use modern energy carriers for their cooking and heating in 2010, 2012 and 2014 than in 2008. For lighting energy service, low- income households living in a modern dwelling in an urban settlement are most likely to use modern energy carriers for lighting and less likely to use transitional energy carriers or candles. Only in 2014 were low-income households more likely to use modern energy carriers for lighting than in 2008. The results further showed that modern energy carriers have the highest probability of being preferred for lighting followed by cooking and lastly heating. Also emerging from the findings are that more urban low-income households are receiving the Free Basic Electricity (FBE) grant than their counterparts in the rural areas. The probability of low-income households owning entertainment/education appliance and food preserving appliance is positively influenced by access to Free Basic Electricity. The low- income households living in an urban settlement and in a modern type of dwelling supported this result. However, household size does not seems to support this result should it grow larger.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
Engagement of fathers in early childhood care and education provisioning in one education district in the Eastern Cape Province, South Africa
- Authors: Mufutau, Monsuru Atanda
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Early childhood education -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Education -- Parent participation Early childhood education -- Parent participation
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/8942 , vital:34175
- Description: This study focused on the engagement of fathers in early childhood care and education provisioning in one education district in the Eastern Cape Province, South Africa. Significantly, a specific programme to get fathers engaged in the early childhood of their children is not well addressed by the National Integrated Early Childhood Development (ECD) Policy of 2015, despite the notion that early childhood education provisioning demands the total involvement of multiple partners and other stakeholders. The research drew its theoretical framework from the ecological system theory. Ecological system theory argues that, in order to understand human development, one must consider the entire ecological system in which growth occurs. This study utilized the quantitative research approach to obtain primary data in line with the positivist paradigm. Data were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics. The instruments were scrutinized by the research supervisor to ensure validity and were pre-tested in the field study. The reliability was obtained at a Cronbach’s alpha coefficient, of 0.94 and 0.96. The results were presented in the form of pie chart and grouped into different tables of sixteen. Pearson’s ProductMoment Correlation, Analysis of Variance and t-test were used to test the hypotheses at 0.05 level of significance. Two structured questionnaire instruments were used in the study, Principal and Teachers’ Views Questionnaire (PTVQ) and Father’s and Mother’s Views Questionnaire (FMVQ). The Multi-stage sampling technique was used to select the sample for this study. To this end, 16 principals, 12 teachers, 18 mothers and 18 fathers of children in the selected sample served as respondents. The results reveal that stakeholders have positive views about fathers’ engagement in early childhood care and education provisioning. The result indicated that schools do provide support mechanisms to encourage fathers’ engagement in early childhood care and education provisioning. The results showed that a number of strategies are used by the schools. The result also indicated that functional policy and practice will no doubt improve and encourage the engagement of fathers in ECCE provisioning. Furthermore, the study concluded that stakeholders have positive views on the engagement of fathers in ECCE provisioning. The study recommends that all stakeholders and media houses should be involved in the effective dissemination of information, and that the South African government should advocate for ECCE policies that lay out concrete commitment and guidelines for fathers and, above all, symposia, lectures, workshops, and seminars should be organized for fathers.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Mufutau, Monsuru Atanda
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Early childhood education -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Education -- Parent participation Early childhood education -- Parent participation
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/8942 , vital:34175
- Description: This study focused on the engagement of fathers in early childhood care and education provisioning in one education district in the Eastern Cape Province, South Africa. Significantly, a specific programme to get fathers engaged in the early childhood of their children is not well addressed by the National Integrated Early Childhood Development (ECD) Policy of 2015, despite the notion that early childhood education provisioning demands the total involvement of multiple partners and other stakeholders. The research drew its theoretical framework from the ecological system theory. Ecological system theory argues that, in order to understand human development, one must consider the entire ecological system in which growth occurs. This study utilized the quantitative research approach to obtain primary data in line with the positivist paradigm. Data were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics. The instruments were scrutinized by the research supervisor to ensure validity and were pre-tested in the field study. The reliability was obtained at a Cronbach’s alpha coefficient, of 0.94 and 0.96. The results were presented in the form of pie chart and grouped into different tables of sixteen. Pearson’s ProductMoment Correlation, Analysis of Variance and t-test were used to test the hypotheses at 0.05 level of significance. Two structured questionnaire instruments were used in the study, Principal and Teachers’ Views Questionnaire (PTVQ) and Father’s and Mother’s Views Questionnaire (FMVQ). The Multi-stage sampling technique was used to select the sample for this study. To this end, 16 principals, 12 teachers, 18 mothers and 18 fathers of children in the selected sample served as respondents. The results reveal that stakeholders have positive views about fathers’ engagement in early childhood care and education provisioning. The result indicated that schools do provide support mechanisms to encourage fathers’ engagement in early childhood care and education provisioning. The results showed that a number of strategies are used by the schools. The result also indicated that functional policy and practice will no doubt improve and encourage the engagement of fathers in ECCE provisioning. Furthermore, the study concluded that stakeholders have positive views on the engagement of fathers in ECCE provisioning. The study recommends that all stakeholders and media houses should be involved in the effective dissemination of information, and that the South African government should advocate for ECCE policies that lay out concrete commitment and guidelines for fathers and, above all, symposia, lectures, workshops, and seminars should be organized for fathers.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
Estuarine microalgal bloom dynamics at multiple temporal scales
- Authors: Lemley, Daniel Alan
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Ecological integrity -- South Africa , Phytoplankton populations -- South Africa , Estuarine ecology -- South Africa , Freshwater algae -- Ecology -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/21044 , vital:29431
- Description: Microalgal communities sustain the ecological functioning of estuarine ecosystems through the provision of numerous ecosystem services. As such, gaining an understanding of the processes that govern spatio-temporal patterns of phytoplankton communities is key to the effective management of these ecosystems. However, detailed investigations of estuarine phytoplankton dynamics, and particularly harmful algal blooms (HAB), are largely absent in South Africa. Therefore, geared at addressing these knowledge gaps, this study was initiated to elucidate the processes shaping estuarine phytoplankton bloom dynamics at multiple temporal scales. Initially, five permanently open estuaries, each with varying types and levels of anthropogenic pressures, were selected to test the efficacy of an estuarine eutrophic condition index to flow variability (‘Annual’ study). Results from this study highlighted the sensitivity of the proposed index to environmental perturbations (e.g. flood events), whilst also identifying freshwater inflow variability and anthropogenic disturbance as the key processes shaping microalgal responses at an annual scale. Next, the agriculturally-influenced Gamtoos and Sundays estuaries were further investigated to elucidate the role of natural and anthropogenic drivers in defining microalgal responses (‘Seasonal’ study). Despite similarities in nutrient input and temperature patterns, phytoplankton bloom conditions (> 20 μg Chl-a l-1) were episodic and flow-dependent in the Gamtoos Estuary, whilst those in the Sundays Estuary were persistent and seasonal. Related to its reduced hydrodynamic variability – i.e. consistent nutrient-rich baseflows and reduced propensity for flushing events – persistent undesirable disturbances were highlighted for the Sundays Estuary, including: summer bottom-water hypoxia (< 2 mg l-1) and exceptional proliferations (> 550 μg Chl-a l-1) of two HAB species (Heterosigma akashiwo and Heterocapsa rotundata). Finally, fine-scale ecological research was undertaken in the Sundays Estuary to identify the processes – abiotic and biotic – that facilitate HABs (‘Daily’ and ‘Hourly’ studies). Findings from the ‘Daily’ study, identified inorganic nutrient availability (i.e. nitrate and phosphate) and mesohaline conditions (ca. 10) as the key bottom-up controls influencing the magnitude and duration of spring/summer phytoplankton blooms. Additionally, bottom-water hypoxia was explicitly linked to the decay of a single HAB species. During the ‘Hourly’ investigation, four known HAB-forming species were recorded at bloom concentrations. Model results indicated that variability in temperature, salinity profiles and nitrate concentrations were significant in facilitating the occurrence of HAB species. Finally, local biotic interactions (e.g. interspecies competition, diel vertical migration and mixotrophy) were recognized as key mechanisms shaping phytoplankton communities. The persistent occurrence of HABs is a new feature in South African estuaries and continued research is needed to recommend management responses. Ultimately, this research highlights the multitude of processes at work shaping phytoplankton variability in estuaries. From a broad perspective (i.e. seasonal and annual), processes such as freshwater inflow regimes, degree of anthropogenic disturbance, as well as seasonal temperature and nutrient supply patterns are the key processes. At a more refined scale (i.e. hourly and daily), local processes including salinity preferences, nutrient availability, diel light cycles and internal biotic interactions are the key drivers organising phytoplankton dynamics. Given the potentially severe ecological consequences of disrupting natural phytoplankton dynamics (e.g. HABs), an element of ‘unpredictability’ should be restored to the hydrological and chemical makeup of highly-regulated estuaries to prevent the continued exacerbation of eutrophic symptoms.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Lemley, Daniel Alan
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Ecological integrity -- South Africa , Phytoplankton populations -- South Africa , Estuarine ecology -- South Africa , Freshwater algae -- Ecology -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/21044 , vital:29431
- Description: Microalgal communities sustain the ecological functioning of estuarine ecosystems through the provision of numerous ecosystem services. As such, gaining an understanding of the processes that govern spatio-temporal patterns of phytoplankton communities is key to the effective management of these ecosystems. However, detailed investigations of estuarine phytoplankton dynamics, and particularly harmful algal blooms (HAB), are largely absent in South Africa. Therefore, geared at addressing these knowledge gaps, this study was initiated to elucidate the processes shaping estuarine phytoplankton bloom dynamics at multiple temporal scales. Initially, five permanently open estuaries, each with varying types and levels of anthropogenic pressures, were selected to test the efficacy of an estuarine eutrophic condition index to flow variability (‘Annual’ study). Results from this study highlighted the sensitivity of the proposed index to environmental perturbations (e.g. flood events), whilst also identifying freshwater inflow variability and anthropogenic disturbance as the key processes shaping microalgal responses at an annual scale. Next, the agriculturally-influenced Gamtoos and Sundays estuaries were further investigated to elucidate the role of natural and anthropogenic drivers in defining microalgal responses (‘Seasonal’ study). Despite similarities in nutrient input and temperature patterns, phytoplankton bloom conditions (> 20 μg Chl-a l-1) were episodic and flow-dependent in the Gamtoos Estuary, whilst those in the Sundays Estuary were persistent and seasonal. Related to its reduced hydrodynamic variability – i.e. consistent nutrient-rich baseflows and reduced propensity for flushing events – persistent undesirable disturbances were highlighted for the Sundays Estuary, including: summer bottom-water hypoxia (< 2 mg l-1) and exceptional proliferations (> 550 μg Chl-a l-1) of two HAB species (Heterosigma akashiwo and Heterocapsa rotundata). Finally, fine-scale ecological research was undertaken in the Sundays Estuary to identify the processes – abiotic and biotic – that facilitate HABs (‘Daily’ and ‘Hourly’ studies). Findings from the ‘Daily’ study, identified inorganic nutrient availability (i.e. nitrate and phosphate) and mesohaline conditions (ca. 10) as the key bottom-up controls influencing the magnitude and duration of spring/summer phytoplankton blooms. Additionally, bottom-water hypoxia was explicitly linked to the decay of a single HAB species. During the ‘Hourly’ investigation, four known HAB-forming species were recorded at bloom concentrations. Model results indicated that variability in temperature, salinity profiles and nitrate concentrations were significant in facilitating the occurrence of HAB species. Finally, local biotic interactions (e.g. interspecies competition, diel vertical migration and mixotrophy) were recognized as key mechanisms shaping phytoplankton communities. The persistent occurrence of HABs is a new feature in South African estuaries and continued research is needed to recommend management responses. Ultimately, this research highlights the multitude of processes at work shaping phytoplankton variability in estuaries. From a broad perspective (i.e. seasonal and annual), processes such as freshwater inflow regimes, degree of anthropogenic disturbance, as well as seasonal temperature and nutrient supply patterns are the key processes. At a more refined scale (i.e. hourly and daily), local processes including salinity preferences, nutrient availability, diel light cycles and internal biotic interactions are the key drivers organising phytoplankton dynamics. Given the potentially severe ecological consequences of disrupting natural phytoplankton dynamics (e.g. HABs), an element of ‘unpredictability’ should be restored to the hydrological and chemical makeup of highly-regulated estuaries to prevent the continued exacerbation of eutrophic symptoms.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
Evaluating selected enterprises for sustainable social development in South Africa :|ba case study of Buffalo City Municipality, Eastern Cape
- Authors: Kajiita, Robert Mutemi
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Social entrepreneurship Social responsibility of business Nonprofit organizations -- Management
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/10829 , vital:35825
- Description: Globally, countries, institutions, and organizations are investing time, resources, and human capital on finding best solutions to address poverty, inequality and unemployment; and importantly on achieving sustainable development. This study sought to investigate how social enterprises in Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality (BCMM) contribute to sustainable social development within the municipality and the country at large. The study endeavoured to answer the following research questions: what is the knowledge level among the selected stakeholders on social enterprise in BCMM? What is the scope, application, and sustainability of selected social enterprises in BCMM? What is the contribution of selected social enterprises in social development in BCMM? What are the bottlenecks associated with the application of social entrepreneurship in BCMM? These questions were answered through mixed methods approaches and techniques, where both qualitative and quantitative data was collected and analysed. The data was collected through in-depth interviews (key informant technique) and a min-survey which was administered to users of the social enterprises. Qualitative data was analysed thematically, while quantitative data was statistically analysed with help of SPSS software. The interpretation of the findings was premised on pragmatic and transformative paradigms. The study further used theoretical lenses such as empowerment theory, capability approach and positive theory of social enterprise to support and explain the findings. The main findings showed that: the selected stakeholders conceptualized social enterprises through the African lens of communal living; the social enterprises widely provided their services across a range of sectors and geographical locations; the social enterprises had direct and indirect contribution to socio-economic development in BCMM. This was specifically through provision of employment, training and skill development among others; the future of social enterprises in the country is bright as many sectors presented opportunities for social investment; and social enterprises face financial constraints, lack of skills in the sector, and competition from the mainstream market. The recommendations from this study address government entities, social services providers and practitioners, social enterprises, and researchers on pertinent endeavours to improve the growth and development of social enterprises. The study concludes that social enterprises are: vital vehicles of socio-economic development, more especially for the marginalized segment of the populations; tools for reducing inequality; platforms for innovations, community participation and conduits of empowerment interventions. Thus, social enterprises play dynamic role and presents potential for capable sustainable social development in the local communities and the South African community at large.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Kajiita, Robert Mutemi
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Social entrepreneurship Social responsibility of business Nonprofit organizations -- Management
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/10829 , vital:35825
- Description: Globally, countries, institutions, and organizations are investing time, resources, and human capital on finding best solutions to address poverty, inequality and unemployment; and importantly on achieving sustainable development. This study sought to investigate how social enterprises in Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality (BCMM) contribute to sustainable social development within the municipality and the country at large. The study endeavoured to answer the following research questions: what is the knowledge level among the selected stakeholders on social enterprise in BCMM? What is the scope, application, and sustainability of selected social enterprises in BCMM? What is the contribution of selected social enterprises in social development in BCMM? What are the bottlenecks associated with the application of social entrepreneurship in BCMM? These questions were answered through mixed methods approaches and techniques, where both qualitative and quantitative data was collected and analysed. The data was collected through in-depth interviews (key informant technique) and a min-survey which was administered to users of the social enterprises. Qualitative data was analysed thematically, while quantitative data was statistically analysed with help of SPSS software. The interpretation of the findings was premised on pragmatic and transformative paradigms. The study further used theoretical lenses such as empowerment theory, capability approach and positive theory of social enterprise to support and explain the findings. The main findings showed that: the selected stakeholders conceptualized social enterprises through the African lens of communal living; the social enterprises widely provided their services across a range of sectors and geographical locations; the social enterprises had direct and indirect contribution to socio-economic development in BCMM. This was specifically through provision of employment, training and skill development among others; the future of social enterprises in the country is bright as many sectors presented opportunities for social investment; and social enterprises face financial constraints, lack of skills in the sector, and competition from the mainstream market. The recommendations from this study address government entities, social services providers and practitioners, social enterprises, and researchers on pertinent endeavours to improve the growth and development of social enterprises. The study concludes that social enterprises are: vital vehicles of socio-economic development, more especially for the marginalized segment of the populations; tools for reducing inequality; platforms for innovations, community participation and conduits of empowerment interventions. Thus, social enterprises play dynamic role and presents potential for capable sustainable social development in the local communities and the South African community at large.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
Evaluation and identification of microbial contaminants in polyherbal medicines used for the treatment of tuberculosis in Amathole District Municipality, Eastern Cape Province, South Africa
- Authors: Famewo, Elizabeth Bosede
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Tuberculosis -- Treatment -- South Africa Mycobacterial diseases -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Medicinal plants -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/9680 , vital:34818
- Description: Tuberculosis is caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis. The emergence of drug-resistant strains of this organism has become a global public health problem. In the continuing search for effective treatment, polyherbal medicines offer a great hope in the development of alternative drugs for the treatment of tuberculosis. The use of herbal formulations for therapeutic purposes has significantly increased in the developed and developing countries because of their curative property, less toxicity and minimal side effects. However, there is little information on their safety and effectiveness in the literature. To address this, polyherbal medicines used for the treatment of tuberculosis in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa were evaluated. Ethno-medicinal survey was conducted through semi-structured questionnaires coupled with informal conversations with the herbal sellers in five communities in the study area. Bacterial and fungal DNA was extracted from the polyherbal medicines purchased. A fragment of the bacterial 16S rRNA gene and internal transcribed spacer region of the fungal rRNA operon were amplified with universal primers 27F and 518R, and ITS1 and ITS4 respectively. Following standard procedures, the amplicons were finally run on Illumina’s MiSeq platform. Furthermore, the remedies were screened against Mycobacterium tuberculosis H37Rv using Middlebrook 7H9 media and MGIT BACTEC 960 system. Agar dilution method was used to determine the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of the remedies against eight bacteria and three fungi isolates. The herbal preparations were assayed for their toxicity using hatchability success and larval mortality of Artemia salina Leach. Finally, their nutritive properties were analysed using an inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometer for mineral analysis while the vitamins were determined using standardized methods A total of nine polyherbal preparations were collected. The herbs used for the preparation of these remedies belong to 20 families. Apiaceae [5(25 percent)] was the most prominent plant family used, followed by Liliaceae [4(20 percent)], Strychnaceae [4(20 percent)], Rutaceae [4(20 percent)] and Hypoxidaceae [3(15 percent)]. The two most frequently used plants were Allium sativum L. (Liliaceae) and Strychnos decussata (Pappe) Gilg. (Strychnaceae). Rhizomes was the most common parts used, followed by the roots and barks. The herbal medicines were prepared mainly by infusion and decoction. The presences of pathogenic and non-pathogenic bacteria were identified in the polyherbal medicines. Generally, the most common bacteria identified from the samples were Bacillus sp., Enterobacter sp., Klebsiella sp., Rahnella sp., Paenibacillus sp., Clostridium sp. and Pantoea sp. The predominant mycoflora obtained belongs to different genera or species of fungi; these include Alternaria, Candida, Ramularia, Cladosporium, Penicillium, Aspergillus and Malassezia. The susceptibility testing revealed that all the remedies contain anti-tubercular activity against M. tuberculosis H37Rv at concentrations below 50 ug/ml. Seven of the polyherbal preparations showed activity at concentrations below 25 ug/ml. The MIC values exhibited inhibitory activity at 1.562 μg/ml. However, isoniazid showed more inhibitory activity against M. tuberculosis at 0.05 μg/ml when compared to the polyherbal remedies. The inhibitory activity of the polyherbal medicines based on the overall MIC revealed that Hogsback first site (HBfs) and Fort Beaufort (FB) remedies were the most active remedies against the bacterial isolates at the concentration of 2.5 mg/mL. Among the nine herbal formulations, only King Williams Town site A (KWTa) remedy showed activity against Aspergillus niger and Aspergillus fumigatus with the MIC valve of 2.5 mg/mL. While King Williams Town site C (KWTc) and Hogsback third site (HBts) had the highest activity at 1.25 mg/mL against Candida albicans, the remaining remedies were active at 2.5 mg/mL. The percentage hatchability of 44.42 percent, 42.96 percent and 39.70 percent were observed in A. salina cysts incubated with herbal preparations from KWTa, HBfs and HBts respectively. The hatching success of the cysts in these remedies was significantly higher than the positive control (nystatin) and the negative control (sea water) at p < 0.05. The mortality of A. salina nauplii incubated in Alice (AL), King Williams Town site B (KWTb) and KWTc remedies were significantly higher than when larvae were incubated in both controls. Based on Meyer’s index, the LD50 of each polyherbal medicine was between 2.9 and 4.0 mg/ml, the LD50 values greater than 1 mg/ml, an indication that they are not toxic. The polyherbal preparations were found to be rich in vitamins and mineral nutrients. Calcium was the highest macronutrient detected while the lowest nutrient was phosphorus. Iron was the highest micronutrient in the majority of the polyherbal preparations while the lowest value was recorded for copper. Vitamin C was absent in the herbal preparations while vitamin A and E were detected. This study provides significant ethno-medicinal information on polyherbal medicines used for the treatment of TB in the study area. The presence of the identified bacteria and fungi in the herbal formulations is a cause for concern. However, the ability of the remedies to possess activity against Mycobacterium tuberculosis and other pathogenic microorganisms associated with tuberculosis infection makes them potential sources of new antimycobacterial agents. Also, they are rich sources of mineral nutrients, and are as well non-toxic, thus, they are safe for consumption. In view of their anti-tubercular properties, this study has provided a better understanding of the reasons why TB-patients make use of these polyherbal formulations. Also, the study supports the folkloric use of polyherbal medicines in the treatment of tuberculosis in the Eastern Cape Province, South Africa.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Famewo, Elizabeth Bosede
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Tuberculosis -- Treatment -- South Africa Mycobacterial diseases -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Medicinal plants -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/9680 , vital:34818
- Description: Tuberculosis is caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis. The emergence of drug-resistant strains of this organism has become a global public health problem. In the continuing search for effective treatment, polyherbal medicines offer a great hope in the development of alternative drugs for the treatment of tuberculosis. The use of herbal formulations for therapeutic purposes has significantly increased in the developed and developing countries because of their curative property, less toxicity and minimal side effects. However, there is little information on their safety and effectiveness in the literature. To address this, polyherbal medicines used for the treatment of tuberculosis in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa were evaluated. Ethno-medicinal survey was conducted through semi-structured questionnaires coupled with informal conversations with the herbal sellers in five communities in the study area. Bacterial and fungal DNA was extracted from the polyherbal medicines purchased. A fragment of the bacterial 16S rRNA gene and internal transcribed spacer region of the fungal rRNA operon were amplified with universal primers 27F and 518R, and ITS1 and ITS4 respectively. Following standard procedures, the amplicons were finally run on Illumina’s MiSeq platform. Furthermore, the remedies were screened against Mycobacterium tuberculosis H37Rv using Middlebrook 7H9 media and MGIT BACTEC 960 system. Agar dilution method was used to determine the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of the remedies against eight bacteria and three fungi isolates. The herbal preparations were assayed for their toxicity using hatchability success and larval mortality of Artemia salina Leach. Finally, their nutritive properties were analysed using an inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometer for mineral analysis while the vitamins were determined using standardized methods A total of nine polyherbal preparations were collected. The herbs used for the preparation of these remedies belong to 20 families. Apiaceae [5(25 percent)] was the most prominent plant family used, followed by Liliaceae [4(20 percent)], Strychnaceae [4(20 percent)], Rutaceae [4(20 percent)] and Hypoxidaceae [3(15 percent)]. The two most frequently used plants were Allium sativum L. (Liliaceae) and Strychnos decussata (Pappe) Gilg. (Strychnaceae). Rhizomes was the most common parts used, followed by the roots and barks. The herbal medicines were prepared mainly by infusion and decoction. The presences of pathogenic and non-pathogenic bacteria were identified in the polyherbal medicines. Generally, the most common bacteria identified from the samples were Bacillus sp., Enterobacter sp., Klebsiella sp., Rahnella sp., Paenibacillus sp., Clostridium sp. and Pantoea sp. The predominant mycoflora obtained belongs to different genera or species of fungi; these include Alternaria, Candida, Ramularia, Cladosporium, Penicillium, Aspergillus and Malassezia. The susceptibility testing revealed that all the remedies contain anti-tubercular activity against M. tuberculosis H37Rv at concentrations below 50 ug/ml. Seven of the polyherbal preparations showed activity at concentrations below 25 ug/ml. The MIC values exhibited inhibitory activity at 1.562 μg/ml. However, isoniazid showed more inhibitory activity against M. tuberculosis at 0.05 μg/ml when compared to the polyherbal remedies. The inhibitory activity of the polyherbal medicines based on the overall MIC revealed that Hogsback first site (HBfs) and Fort Beaufort (FB) remedies were the most active remedies against the bacterial isolates at the concentration of 2.5 mg/mL. Among the nine herbal formulations, only King Williams Town site A (KWTa) remedy showed activity against Aspergillus niger and Aspergillus fumigatus with the MIC valve of 2.5 mg/mL. While King Williams Town site C (KWTc) and Hogsback third site (HBts) had the highest activity at 1.25 mg/mL against Candida albicans, the remaining remedies were active at 2.5 mg/mL. The percentage hatchability of 44.42 percent, 42.96 percent and 39.70 percent were observed in A. salina cysts incubated with herbal preparations from KWTa, HBfs and HBts respectively. The hatching success of the cysts in these remedies was significantly higher than the positive control (nystatin) and the negative control (sea water) at p < 0.05. The mortality of A. salina nauplii incubated in Alice (AL), King Williams Town site B (KWTb) and KWTc remedies were significantly higher than when larvae were incubated in both controls. Based on Meyer’s index, the LD50 of each polyherbal medicine was between 2.9 and 4.0 mg/ml, the LD50 values greater than 1 mg/ml, an indication that they are not toxic. The polyherbal preparations were found to be rich in vitamins and mineral nutrients. Calcium was the highest macronutrient detected while the lowest nutrient was phosphorus. Iron was the highest micronutrient in the majority of the polyherbal preparations while the lowest value was recorded for copper. Vitamin C was absent in the herbal preparations while vitamin A and E were detected. This study provides significant ethno-medicinal information on polyherbal medicines used for the treatment of TB in the study area. The presence of the identified bacteria and fungi in the herbal formulations is a cause for concern. However, the ability of the remedies to possess activity against Mycobacterium tuberculosis and other pathogenic microorganisms associated with tuberculosis infection makes them potential sources of new antimycobacterial agents. Also, they are rich sources of mineral nutrients, and are as well non-toxic, thus, they are safe for consumption. In view of their anti-tubercular properties, this study has provided a better understanding of the reasons why TB-patients make use of these polyherbal formulations. Also, the study supports the folkloric use of polyherbal medicines in the treatment of tuberculosis in the Eastern Cape Province, South Africa.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
Examinee invariant condition of test score equating : the case of school certificate examination in computer studies for examinees across rural and urban areas of selected secondary schools in Malawi
- Authors: Phiri, Gerson Mutala
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Educational tests and measurements -- Malawi Computer studies -- Malawi -- Examinations Malawi School Certificate of Education
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/8507 , vital:32853
- Description: This study examined the invariant condition of equating test scores of examinees for the Malawi School Certificate of Education (MSCE) Computer Studies test across rural and urban areas of Zomba District in Malawi. Equating of test scores to create comparable and interchangeable scores in assessment is increasingly becoming popular to most examining bodies. However, the Malawi National Examinations Board (MANEB) and many other examining bodies in Africa and Europe do not embrace test score equating in their assessment systems. The consequences of not equating test scores have not been clearly documented. Furthermore, there are no proper equating designs for some agencies to employ because they administer tests annually to different examinee' populations and they disclose all items after each administration. Therefore, the study sought to establish whether the invariant condition of equating test scores of examinees holds for the Malawi School Certificate of Education (MSCE) Computer Studies test across rural and urban areas of Zomba District in Malawi. Data were collected through two Computer Studies tests which were administered to a sample of rural and urban examinees. The data were analysed using means, standard deviations, T-tests and Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS). The study revealed that score distributions and test difficulties were similar across test forms signifying that test score equating is necessary. The classification of examinees into rural and urban geographical areas across the test forms were different before score equating, but similar after score equating. The equating of scores for the two sub-populations of rural and urban examinees displayed similarities in their Standard Error of Equating (SEE) values but they were not the same. The equated scores for rural examinees displayed more equating errors than the equated scores of urban examinees, indicating a better performance in Computer Studies by urban examinees than the performance of rural examinees. The study further revealed that equating of test scores was necessary because it was almost impossible to construct multiple forms of a test that were completely parallel. Even though test developers use the same test specifications to develop test items and make every effort to develop items in one test form as similar as possible to the items in another test form, the study has shown that there is no guarantee that the difficulty levels of the items would be the same. Among the many recommendations made, one major one is that the Malawi National Examinations Board (MANEB) should embrace the practice of equating test scores to improve fairness of decisions which are made on examination results.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Phiri, Gerson Mutala
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Educational tests and measurements -- Malawi Computer studies -- Malawi -- Examinations Malawi School Certificate of Education
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/8507 , vital:32853
- Description: This study examined the invariant condition of equating test scores of examinees for the Malawi School Certificate of Education (MSCE) Computer Studies test across rural and urban areas of Zomba District in Malawi. Equating of test scores to create comparable and interchangeable scores in assessment is increasingly becoming popular to most examining bodies. However, the Malawi National Examinations Board (MANEB) and many other examining bodies in Africa and Europe do not embrace test score equating in their assessment systems. The consequences of not equating test scores have not been clearly documented. Furthermore, there are no proper equating designs for some agencies to employ because they administer tests annually to different examinee' populations and they disclose all items after each administration. Therefore, the study sought to establish whether the invariant condition of equating test scores of examinees holds for the Malawi School Certificate of Education (MSCE) Computer Studies test across rural and urban areas of Zomba District in Malawi. Data were collected through two Computer Studies tests which were administered to a sample of rural and urban examinees. The data were analysed using means, standard deviations, T-tests and Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS). The study revealed that score distributions and test difficulties were similar across test forms signifying that test score equating is necessary. The classification of examinees into rural and urban geographical areas across the test forms were different before score equating, but similar after score equating. The equating of scores for the two sub-populations of rural and urban examinees displayed similarities in their Standard Error of Equating (SEE) values but they were not the same. The equated scores for rural examinees displayed more equating errors than the equated scores of urban examinees, indicating a better performance in Computer Studies by urban examinees than the performance of rural examinees. The study further revealed that equating of test scores was necessary because it was almost impossible to construct multiple forms of a test that were completely parallel. Even though test developers use the same test specifications to develop test items and make every effort to develop items in one test form as similar as possible to the items in another test form, the study has shown that there is no guarantee that the difficulty levels of the items would be the same. Among the many recommendations made, one major one is that the Malawi National Examinations Board (MANEB) should embrace the practice of equating test scores to improve fairness of decisions which are made on examination results.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
Examining factors influencing the academic performance of grade 12 learners in English language : a study of four schools in the Oshikoto Region of Namibia
- Authors: Limene, Tobias
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: English language -- Study and teaching -- Namibia Teachers -- Training of -- Nambia Language and education -- Namibia
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/9566 , vital:34792
- Description: This study examined factors that influence the academic performance of Grade 12 learners in English Language (L 2) in the Oshikoto Region. The theoretical framework that underpinned and guided the present study was the Systems Theory of von Bertalanffy (1930), supplemented and complemented by the School Context Model of Bascia (2014). These helped me to understand how the school context shapes core processes of teaching and learning. The study sample consisted of four principals, eight parents, eight teachers and thirty two learners who were purposively sampled from four selected secondary schools. The study was anchored in the pragmatic paradigm and it adopted the mixed methods research approach. Data collection instruments consisted of questionnaires, semi-structured interviews and focus group discussions. Major findings were that, both Grade 12 English Language (L 2) teachers and learners lack English Language proficiency. This was due to lack of exposure to the English Language. The study also noted lack of learning materials in both school and the home. Major recommendations were that schools (principals) should expose both teachers and learners to English Language by coming up with policies that make it mandatory for teachers and learners to use English while at school. Teachers should also actively involve learners in their learning by using methods such as debates and drama. The study also recommended that the Ministry of Education, schools and parents work together to provide adequate reading materials for learners. For future research, the study recommended an in-depth qualitative study to test the findings of the present study.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Limene, Tobias
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: English language -- Study and teaching -- Namibia Teachers -- Training of -- Nambia Language and education -- Namibia
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/9566 , vital:34792
- Description: This study examined factors that influence the academic performance of Grade 12 learners in English Language (L 2) in the Oshikoto Region. The theoretical framework that underpinned and guided the present study was the Systems Theory of von Bertalanffy (1930), supplemented and complemented by the School Context Model of Bascia (2014). These helped me to understand how the school context shapes core processes of teaching and learning. The study sample consisted of four principals, eight parents, eight teachers and thirty two learners who were purposively sampled from four selected secondary schools. The study was anchored in the pragmatic paradigm and it adopted the mixed methods research approach. Data collection instruments consisted of questionnaires, semi-structured interviews and focus group discussions. Major findings were that, both Grade 12 English Language (L 2) teachers and learners lack English Language proficiency. This was due to lack of exposure to the English Language. The study also noted lack of learning materials in both school and the home. Major recommendations were that schools (principals) should expose both teachers and learners to English Language by coming up with policies that make it mandatory for teachers and learners to use English while at school. Teachers should also actively involve learners in their learning by using methods such as debates and drama. The study also recommended that the Ministry of Education, schools and parents work together to provide adequate reading materials for learners. For future research, the study recommended an in-depth qualitative study to test the findings of the present study.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
Factors that shape learner achievement in socially disadvantaged and rural contexts: a social realist study in two rural senior secondary schools in Omusati region, Namibia
- Authors: Shilongo, Erica
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Academic achievement Namibia Omusati , High school students Namibia Omusati Social conditions , Rural schools Namibia Omusati , Education, Rural Namibia Omusati , Social realism
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/62240 , vital:28146
- Description: Learners’ performance and the reasons for either achievement or failure in school has lo ng been a topic of debate. In early research on academic achievement, theorists, educators, biologists and psychologists traditionally focused on the learners from socially disadvantaged family backgrounds who underachieve. Much of the debate internationally centred on whether learner academic achievement / underachievement is a product of hereditary traits or the social context. In particular, arguments for and against whether the reasons for the achievement / underachievement of children from socially disadvantaged families are genetic or the social context in which they find themselves continue unabated. Such explanations do not provide insight into why it is that despite familial (genetic) and social circumstances (social disadvantage), some children succeed and/or are able to act outside expectations of failure. Little research has focused on those in the same or similar contexts who are achieving academic success despite their limiting circumstances and the reasons for their success. This study used a social realist lens to investigate the factors that shape the academic achievement of 12 learners in two rural senior secondary schools in Omusati region, Namibia. All 12 learners are from low socioeconomic family backgrounds. The data was collected through survey, interviews with learners, parents and teachers, field notes and document analysis. The main finding of the study show that contrary to research that portrayed learners’ achievement as determined either by heredity or social contexts, the 12 learners constantly used their agentic possibilities to navigate constraining structural and cultural conditions at regional, familial and school levels to achieve academic success. Their agency was shaped by the socioeconomic conditions in their lives, namely, socioeconomic deprivation; large extended families in rural households, lack of amenities and utilities in their families, participation in household chores, experience of family tragedies and of changes when they were young.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Shilongo, Erica
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Academic achievement Namibia Omusati , High school students Namibia Omusati Social conditions , Rural schools Namibia Omusati , Education, Rural Namibia Omusati , Social realism
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/62240 , vital:28146
- Description: Learners’ performance and the reasons for either achievement or failure in school has lo ng been a topic of debate. In early research on academic achievement, theorists, educators, biologists and psychologists traditionally focused on the learners from socially disadvantaged family backgrounds who underachieve. Much of the debate internationally centred on whether learner academic achievement / underachievement is a product of hereditary traits or the social context. In particular, arguments for and against whether the reasons for the achievement / underachievement of children from socially disadvantaged families are genetic or the social context in which they find themselves continue unabated. Such explanations do not provide insight into why it is that despite familial (genetic) and social circumstances (social disadvantage), some children succeed and/or are able to act outside expectations of failure. Little research has focused on those in the same or similar contexts who are achieving academic success despite their limiting circumstances and the reasons for their success. This study used a social realist lens to investigate the factors that shape the academic achievement of 12 learners in two rural senior secondary schools in Omusati region, Namibia. All 12 learners are from low socioeconomic family backgrounds. The data was collected through survey, interviews with learners, parents and teachers, field notes and document analysis. The main finding of the study show that contrary to research that portrayed learners’ achievement as determined either by heredity or social contexts, the 12 learners constantly used their agentic possibilities to navigate constraining structural and cultural conditions at regional, familial and school levels to achieve academic success. Their agency was shaped by the socioeconomic conditions in their lives, namely, socioeconomic deprivation; large extended families in rural households, lack of amenities and utilities in their families, participation in household chores, experience of family tragedies and of changes when they were young.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
Farmers' vulnerability to climate change and variability and adaptation strategies : a case study of commercial tobacco farmers in Zimbabwe
- Authors: Nyathi, Confidence G
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Climatic changes Global environmental change
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/9111 , vital:34269
- Description: The fast track land reform program (FTRLP) of 2000 in Zimbabwe resulted in a dynamic change of Zimbabwe’s agricultural landscape. It resulted in the conversion of white owned commercial farms into resettlement models A1 and A2. Model A1 was intended to decongest communal areas and was targeted at land-constrained farmers in communal areas. Model A2 on the other hand was a commercial settlement scheme comprising small, medium and large scale commercial settlement, intended to create a cadre of black commercial farmers. This model was in principle, targeted at any Zimbabwean citizen who could prove farming experience and/or resource availability and was based on the concept of full cost recovery from the beneficiary (Musemwa, 2011) This study looked at the demographic that constitutes of commercial tobacco farmers, in Zimbabwe after the FTLRP, how they are affected by climate change and variability and how they adapt to these climate extremes; in particular, their uptake of crop insurance. The study was quantitative and utilised a structured pre-coded questionnaire to interview 158 farmers that are into commercial tobacco farming in Manicaland, Mashonaland Central, Mashonaland West and Mashonaland East Provinces of Zimbabwe. The focus was on two central themes. The first was an investigation of the commercial tobacco farmers’ vulnerability to climate change and variability in Zimbabwe. The second theme analysed the factors influencing the farmers’ adoption of crop insurance and the challenges faced by both the farmers and insurance companies in its adoption. Three approaches were used to address the above objectives. Firstly to analyze the vulnerability of commercial tobacco farmers to climate change and variability, the integrated vulnerability assessment approach using vulnerability indicators from four tobacco producing provinces in Zimbabwe was used. The vulnerability indicators used included a series of different socio-economic, institutional and biophysical attributes which were further categorized into three classes, based on the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change’s (IPCC 2001) definition of vulnerability, which consists of adaptive capacity, sensitivity and exposure. The LV Index and LVI-IPCC Index (Ms Excel) were then used to determine the farmer’s vulnerability index. Secondly, descriptive statistics were used to determine the manner in which farmers have been adapting to climate change and variability and lastly, the study used the binary logistic regression model to determine factors that influence the adoption of crop insurance by these farmers. The results from the analysis show that the net effect of exposure, sensitivity and adaptive capacity is moderate for the provinces of Mashonaland East, Mashonaland Central, Mashonaland West and Manicaland. Through the LVI Index and LVI-IPCC index, the study found indices of 0.566 and 0.100 respectively showing that the commercial farmers in these provinces are moderately vulnerable to the effects of climate change and variability. The factors that contributed the most to this vulnerability were aspects of finance, knowledge and skills, support services, and the state of the environment. In terms of adaptation, the majority of farmers indicated that they were aware of climate change and were aware of increased climate variability and had observed an increase in temperature and rainfall variability. The different ways in which the farmers adapted included, off-farm income, enterprise diversification, irrigation, crop rotation, conservation tillage practices, establishing woodlots and using alternative fuel for curing such as coal. The binary logistic regression model showed that the factors that were significant with a positive effect on the uptake of crop insurance are; subscription to contract farming which was the major determinant, access to crop insurance information, farm tenure and area under tobacco. Factors that had a significant but negative effect, and led to a reduction in the uptake of crop insurance were level of education, perception of crop insurance premiums and enterprise diversification. The farmers were found to be highly diversified either with off-farm income, crop diversification and or enterprise diversification. The study recommended that the farmers should promote sustainable development through their production activities and adaptation strategies adopted to increase their resilience to climate change and variability. Strengthening of social networks and institutional capacities was also recommended to; increase bargaining power, for information dissemination and provision of technical support and extension services to enable the farmers to take on appropriate measues to reduce their vulnerability. In terms of crop insurance uptake, the study recommended improvement in the dialogue between the farmers and insurance companies, and periodic training and education of farmers to improve knowledge and encourage uptake.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Nyathi, Confidence G
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Climatic changes Global environmental change
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/9111 , vital:34269
- Description: The fast track land reform program (FTRLP) of 2000 in Zimbabwe resulted in a dynamic change of Zimbabwe’s agricultural landscape. It resulted in the conversion of white owned commercial farms into resettlement models A1 and A2. Model A1 was intended to decongest communal areas and was targeted at land-constrained farmers in communal areas. Model A2 on the other hand was a commercial settlement scheme comprising small, medium and large scale commercial settlement, intended to create a cadre of black commercial farmers. This model was in principle, targeted at any Zimbabwean citizen who could prove farming experience and/or resource availability and was based on the concept of full cost recovery from the beneficiary (Musemwa, 2011) This study looked at the demographic that constitutes of commercial tobacco farmers, in Zimbabwe after the FTLRP, how they are affected by climate change and variability and how they adapt to these climate extremes; in particular, their uptake of crop insurance. The study was quantitative and utilised a structured pre-coded questionnaire to interview 158 farmers that are into commercial tobacco farming in Manicaland, Mashonaland Central, Mashonaland West and Mashonaland East Provinces of Zimbabwe. The focus was on two central themes. The first was an investigation of the commercial tobacco farmers’ vulnerability to climate change and variability in Zimbabwe. The second theme analysed the factors influencing the farmers’ adoption of crop insurance and the challenges faced by both the farmers and insurance companies in its adoption. Three approaches were used to address the above objectives. Firstly to analyze the vulnerability of commercial tobacco farmers to climate change and variability, the integrated vulnerability assessment approach using vulnerability indicators from four tobacco producing provinces in Zimbabwe was used. The vulnerability indicators used included a series of different socio-economic, institutional and biophysical attributes which were further categorized into three classes, based on the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change’s (IPCC 2001) definition of vulnerability, which consists of adaptive capacity, sensitivity and exposure. The LV Index and LVI-IPCC Index (Ms Excel) were then used to determine the farmer’s vulnerability index. Secondly, descriptive statistics were used to determine the manner in which farmers have been adapting to climate change and variability and lastly, the study used the binary logistic regression model to determine factors that influence the adoption of crop insurance by these farmers. The results from the analysis show that the net effect of exposure, sensitivity and adaptive capacity is moderate for the provinces of Mashonaland East, Mashonaland Central, Mashonaland West and Manicaland. Through the LVI Index and LVI-IPCC index, the study found indices of 0.566 and 0.100 respectively showing that the commercial farmers in these provinces are moderately vulnerable to the effects of climate change and variability. The factors that contributed the most to this vulnerability were aspects of finance, knowledge and skills, support services, and the state of the environment. In terms of adaptation, the majority of farmers indicated that they were aware of climate change and were aware of increased climate variability and had observed an increase in temperature and rainfall variability. The different ways in which the farmers adapted included, off-farm income, enterprise diversification, irrigation, crop rotation, conservation tillage practices, establishing woodlots and using alternative fuel for curing such as coal. The binary logistic regression model showed that the factors that were significant with a positive effect on the uptake of crop insurance are; subscription to contract farming which was the major determinant, access to crop insurance information, farm tenure and area under tobacco. Factors that had a significant but negative effect, and led to a reduction in the uptake of crop insurance were level of education, perception of crop insurance premiums and enterprise diversification. The farmers were found to be highly diversified either with off-farm income, crop diversification and or enterprise diversification. The study recommended that the farmers should promote sustainable development through their production activities and adaptation strategies adopted to increase their resilience to climate change and variability. Strengthening of social networks and institutional capacities was also recommended to; increase bargaining power, for information dissemination and provision of technical support and extension services to enable the farmers to take on appropriate measues to reduce their vulnerability. In terms of crop insurance uptake, the study recommended improvement in the dialogue between the farmers and insurance companies, and periodic training and education of farmers to improve knowledge and encourage uptake.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
Financial market integration, contagion and volatility transmission: a case of the globally developed markets and developing stock markets in Africa
- Authors: Chima, Anyikwa Izunna
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Money market , Investment analysis Capital market
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/23935 , vital:30646
- Description: The widespread impact of the 2007 global financial crisis and the subsequent Eurozone sovereign debt crisis added new impetus to the on-going international discussions about the sustainability of a financial integration model. Moreover, the crisis revealed the complexity of the international transmission of financial shocks and the financial vulnerabilities of different financial markets. More so, it exposed the major weaknesses in our knowledge of how the forces that drive global financial systems operate. This is compounded by a failure to appreciate the scope of interdependencies that exist across markets and their potential to destabilise the global financial system in times of crises. At the heart of this weakness is the inability to accurately understand the various propagation mechanisms and channels through which a crisis from one market is transmitted to other markets. It is against this background that this study is undertaken, in order to empirically investigate the role of financial market integration, contagion and volatility transmission, using weekly data between the period 3 January 2003 to 26 December 2014. The study covers 27 stock markets, comprising 13 African stock markets, 10 developed stock markets and four emerging stock markets. The study employed two empirical frameworks: the first framework focused on the short-run and long-run relationships between African stock markets and major global stock markets using the Johansen co-integration test, Granger causality test, GIRF and GFEVD. The second framework focused on testing evidence of contagion and volatility transmission using the DCC-GJRGARCH model and AS model. The results show that the majority of African stock markets moved together in the long-run with the major global stock markets during the pre-crisis and Eurozone crisis periods. While the long-run relationship between African stock markets and the major global markets disappeared during the period of the global financial crisis, the relationship re-emerged during the Eurozone crisis period. From the analysis of Granger causality test, the results show some differences exist in terms of the relative strength of the causal linkages across markets and periods. However, it was shown that strong causal linkages emerged during the global financial and Eurozone crisis periods relative to the pre-crisis period. Also, the leading role of the major developed markets, compared to the emerging markets, is demonstrated throughout the analysis of causality tests. Moreover, the sensitivity of African markets to shocks from the global markets was clearly highlighted by analysis of the GIRF and GFEVD, especially during both crisis periods. Furthermore, the results from the AS model confirm significant evidence of mean and volatility spill-over effects from the major global markets to African markets especially during the periods of both crises. In addition, the level of volatility was found to be more persistent and asymmetric during both crisis periods compared to the pre-crisis period. The results confirm the existence of contagion effects through the analysis of the conditional correlation during both crisis periods. More importantly, the analysis of conditional correlation emphasised evidence of heightened co-movement between African markets and the major global markets during the periods of crisis. Consequently, the decoupling phenomenon is rejected in favour of synchronisation of business cycles between African stock markets and the major global markets. The findings of this study have several important implications for the policymakers and investors in Africa and the world at large. The findings of this study not only provide some information about the level of financial integration but also the effect of growing financial linkages between African markets and the global markets, which is important for designing appropriate regulatory frameworks. Also, the knowledge about the dynamic interrelationship in terms of contagion and volatility transmission between African markets and the major global markets can be utilised by investors, and thereby help them to make better investment decisions. Consequently, the findings of this study point to a need for policymakers in general and in Africa in particular, to monitor closely changes in financial development in other markets in order to reduce the vulnerability of domestic markets to external shocks. To mitigate the impact of the external shocks, greater co-operation and co-ordination, with proper supervision of different markets‟ fiscal and monetary policies, should be encouraged. Such policies need to be carefully aligned with the objective of external sustainability. This can be achieved through strategic partnerships and mergers, foreign institutional investments, cross market listing of shares, corporatisation of exchanges and the introduction of private ownership. Above all, effective regulation is needed to realise the benefits of financial market integration.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Chima, Anyikwa Izunna
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Money market , Investment analysis Capital market
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/23935 , vital:30646
- Description: The widespread impact of the 2007 global financial crisis and the subsequent Eurozone sovereign debt crisis added new impetus to the on-going international discussions about the sustainability of a financial integration model. Moreover, the crisis revealed the complexity of the international transmission of financial shocks and the financial vulnerabilities of different financial markets. More so, it exposed the major weaknesses in our knowledge of how the forces that drive global financial systems operate. This is compounded by a failure to appreciate the scope of interdependencies that exist across markets and their potential to destabilise the global financial system in times of crises. At the heart of this weakness is the inability to accurately understand the various propagation mechanisms and channels through which a crisis from one market is transmitted to other markets. It is against this background that this study is undertaken, in order to empirically investigate the role of financial market integration, contagion and volatility transmission, using weekly data between the period 3 January 2003 to 26 December 2014. The study covers 27 stock markets, comprising 13 African stock markets, 10 developed stock markets and four emerging stock markets. The study employed two empirical frameworks: the first framework focused on the short-run and long-run relationships between African stock markets and major global stock markets using the Johansen co-integration test, Granger causality test, GIRF and GFEVD. The second framework focused on testing evidence of contagion and volatility transmission using the DCC-GJRGARCH model and AS model. The results show that the majority of African stock markets moved together in the long-run with the major global stock markets during the pre-crisis and Eurozone crisis periods. While the long-run relationship between African stock markets and the major global markets disappeared during the period of the global financial crisis, the relationship re-emerged during the Eurozone crisis period. From the analysis of Granger causality test, the results show some differences exist in terms of the relative strength of the causal linkages across markets and periods. However, it was shown that strong causal linkages emerged during the global financial and Eurozone crisis periods relative to the pre-crisis period. Also, the leading role of the major developed markets, compared to the emerging markets, is demonstrated throughout the analysis of causality tests. Moreover, the sensitivity of African markets to shocks from the global markets was clearly highlighted by analysis of the GIRF and GFEVD, especially during both crisis periods. Furthermore, the results from the AS model confirm significant evidence of mean and volatility spill-over effects from the major global markets to African markets especially during the periods of both crises. In addition, the level of volatility was found to be more persistent and asymmetric during both crisis periods compared to the pre-crisis period. The results confirm the existence of contagion effects through the analysis of the conditional correlation during both crisis periods. More importantly, the analysis of conditional correlation emphasised evidence of heightened co-movement between African markets and the major global markets during the periods of crisis. Consequently, the decoupling phenomenon is rejected in favour of synchronisation of business cycles between African stock markets and the major global markets. The findings of this study have several important implications for the policymakers and investors in Africa and the world at large. The findings of this study not only provide some information about the level of financial integration but also the effect of growing financial linkages between African markets and the global markets, which is important for designing appropriate regulatory frameworks. Also, the knowledge about the dynamic interrelationship in terms of contagion and volatility transmission between African markets and the major global markets can be utilised by investors, and thereby help them to make better investment decisions. Consequently, the findings of this study point to a need for policymakers in general and in Africa in particular, to monitor closely changes in financial development in other markets in order to reduce the vulnerability of domestic markets to external shocks. To mitigate the impact of the external shocks, greater co-operation and co-ordination, with proper supervision of different markets‟ fiscal and monetary policies, should be encouraged. Such policies need to be carefully aligned with the objective of external sustainability. This can be achieved through strategic partnerships and mergers, foreign institutional investments, cross market listing of shares, corporatisation of exchanges and the introduction of private ownership. Above all, effective regulation is needed to realise the benefits of financial market integration.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
Graphene quantum dots and their metallophthalocyanines nanoconjugates as novel photoluminescent nanosensors
- Authors: Achadu, Ojodomo John
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Quantum dots , Graphene , Phthalocyanines , Nanoconjugates , Novel photoluminescent nanosensors , Metallophthalocyanines
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/60719 , vital:27821
- Description: The fabrication and application of graphene quantum dots (GQDs)-based photoluminescent probes for the detection of analytes is presented. GQDs were functionalized with complexes such as metallophthalocyanines (MPcs), metal nanoparticles (Au@Ag NPs), 2,2,6,6-tetramethyl(piperidin-1-yl)oxyl (TEMPO), maleimide and thymine for the sensing of target analytes such as ascorbic acid (AA), biothiols (cysteine, homocysteine and glutathione) and mercury ion (Hg²+). The design strategy and approach was based on the quenching of the fluorescence of the GQDs upon functionalization with the above-mentioned complexes, which could be restored in the presence of the target analytes (due to their specific interaction affinity with the complexes). For the detection of AA, GQDs were covalently and/or non-covalently conjugated to TEMPO-bearing complexes to form GQDs-4A-TEMPO and GQDs-TEMPO-MPc systems with nanomolar limits of detection. For the detection of biothiols, Au@Ag NPs and maleimide-bearing complexes (MPc), which have specific affinity to interact with biothiols, were deployed. Hg²+ detection involved the use of GQDs and/or MPcs with thiol and thymine groups, respectively. In addition, a smart sensing platform was designed for the dual detection of biothiols and Hg²+ using supramolecular hybrid of polyethyleneimine functionalized-GQDs and MPc-Au@Ag conjugate. The probe could detect, in a sequential manner, Hg²+ and biothiols with high sensitivity. Results obtained from the LODs of the probes showed that GQDs sensing performances could be enhanced in the presence of MPcs. The probes designed in this work were successfully deployed in the assays of the target analytes in real samples and the recoveries obtained confirmed the analytical applicability of the probes.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Achadu, Ojodomo John
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Quantum dots , Graphene , Phthalocyanines , Nanoconjugates , Novel photoluminescent nanosensors , Metallophthalocyanines
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/60719 , vital:27821
- Description: The fabrication and application of graphene quantum dots (GQDs)-based photoluminescent probes for the detection of analytes is presented. GQDs were functionalized with complexes such as metallophthalocyanines (MPcs), metal nanoparticles (Au@Ag NPs), 2,2,6,6-tetramethyl(piperidin-1-yl)oxyl (TEMPO), maleimide and thymine for the sensing of target analytes such as ascorbic acid (AA), biothiols (cysteine, homocysteine and glutathione) and mercury ion (Hg²+). The design strategy and approach was based on the quenching of the fluorescence of the GQDs upon functionalization with the above-mentioned complexes, which could be restored in the presence of the target analytes (due to their specific interaction affinity with the complexes). For the detection of AA, GQDs were covalently and/or non-covalently conjugated to TEMPO-bearing complexes to form GQDs-4A-TEMPO and GQDs-TEMPO-MPc systems with nanomolar limits of detection. For the detection of biothiols, Au@Ag NPs and maleimide-bearing complexes (MPc), which have specific affinity to interact with biothiols, were deployed. Hg²+ detection involved the use of GQDs and/or MPcs with thiol and thymine groups, respectively. In addition, a smart sensing platform was designed for the dual detection of biothiols and Hg²+ using supramolecular hybrid of polyethyleneimine functionalized-GQDs and MPc-Au@Ag conjugate. The probe could detect, in a sequential manner, Hg²+ and biothiols with high sensitivity. Results obtained from the LODs of the probes showed that GQDs sensing performances could be enhanced in the presence of MPcs. The probes designed in this work were successfully deployed in the assays of the target analytes in real samples and the recoveries obtained confirmed the analytical applicability of the probes.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018