A review of the performance management system in municipalities: a case Study of Mnquma Local Municipality
- Yalezo, Yanga https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1663-6559
- Authors: Yalezo, Yanga https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1663-6559
- Date: 2022-05
- Subjects: Performance -- Management , Performance standards , Job evaluation
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/26885 , vital:66039
- Description: Mnquma Local Municipality is a category B municipality situated in Butterworth in the Eastern Cape with the population of 250 000. Mnquma Local Municipality has a mandate of ensuring that quality services are delivered to its counterparts. Mnquma Local Municipality has a performance management system in place used as a tool to fulfil the mandate. Performance management system is a system that is meant to ensure that the goals and objectives of organisations are achieved. PMS is used worldwide by both the private and public sectors. PMS was first used by the private sector to maximise profits and to minimise poor performance. The public sector also decided to introduce PMS in order to improve the quality-of-service delivery to the public. As such, PMS is a tool that is used to monitor, review, evaluate and assess performance of individual employees. PMS in the public sector especially in the local sphere of government is very important because municipalities are closest to the citizens and are at the core of service delivery. This study sought to investigate how PMS at Mnquma Local Municipality in the Eastern Cape Province was utilised. The study utilised qualitative data collection and analysis techniques. Fourteen respondents were interviewed in order to get a better understanding of PMS at Mnquma Local Municipality. Data was analysed using thematic content analysis. The theoretical framework used in this study is goal-setting theory and control theory of performance management system The key findings of the study were: the respondents regarded PMS as “tool” utilised to carry-out work in the municipality. Respondents believe that somehow all the employees are subjected to PMS one way or another whether knowingly or not. Municipality should offer employees performance bonuses to motivate them to achieve goals and objectives of the municipality. The recommendations are: the municipality should cascade the PMS to the lower-level employee of the municipality. The municipality should offer bonuses to the employees to elevate the performance of individual employees and to ensure that the goals and objects are achieved. , Thesis (MPA) -- Faculty of Management and Commerce, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-05
- Authors: Yalezo, Yanga https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1663-6559
- Date: 2022-05
- Subjects: Performance -- Management , Performance standards , Job evaluation
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/26885 , vital:66039
- Description: Mnquma Local Municipality is a category B municipality situated in Butterworth in the Eastern Cape with the population of 250 000. Mnquma Local Municipality has a mandate of ensuring that quality services are delivered to its counterparts. Mnquma Local Municipality has a performance management system in place used as a tool to fulfil the mandate. Performance management system is a system that is meant to ensure that the goals and objectives of organisations are achieved. PMS is used worldwide by both the private and public sectors. PMS was first used by the private sector to maximise profits and to minimise poor performance. The public sector also decided to introduce PMS in order to improve the quality-of-service delivery to the public. As such, PMS is a tool that is used to monitor, review, evaluate and assess performance of individual employees. PMS in the public sector especially in the local sphere of government is very important because municipalities are closest to the citizens and are at the core of service delivery. This study sought to investigate how PMS at Mnquma Local Municipality in the Eastern Cape Province was utilised. The study utilised qualitative data collection and analysis techniques. Fourteen respondents were interviewed in order to get a better understanding of PMS at Mnquma Local Municipality. Data was analysed using thematic content analysis. The theoretical framework used in this study is goal-setting theory and control theory of performance management system The key findings of the study were: the respondents regarded PMS as “tool” utilised to carry-out work in the municipality. Respondents believe that somehow all the employees are subjected to PMS one way or another whether knowingly or not. Municipality should offer employees performance bonuses to motivate them to achieve goals and objectives of the municipality. The recommendations are: the municipality should cascade the PMS to the lower-level employee of the municipality. The municipality should offer bonuses to the employees to elevate the performance of individual employees and to ensure that the goals and objects are achieved. , Thesis (MPA) -- Faculty of Management and Commerce, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-05
A review of the Siyakhula Living Lab’s network solution for Internet in marginalized communities
- Muchatibaya, Hilbert Munashe
- Authors: Muchatibaya, Hilbert Munashe
- Date: 2022-10-14
- Subjects: Information and communication technologies for development , Information technology South Africa , Access network , User experience , Local area networks (Computer networks) South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/364943 , vital:65664
- Description: Changes within Information and Communication Technology (ICT) over the past decade required a review of the network layer component deployed in the Siyakhula Living Lab (SLL), a long-term joint venture between the Telkom Centres of Excellence hosted at University of Fort Hare and Rhodes University in South Africa. The SLL overall solution for the sustainable internet in poor communities consists of three main components – the computing infrastructure layer, the network layer, and the e-services layer. At the core of the network layer is the concept of BI, a high-speed local area network realized through easy-to deploy wireless technologies that establish point-to-multipoint connections among schools within a limited geographical area. Schools within the broadband island become then Digital Access Nodes (DANs), with computing infrastructure that provides access to the network. The review, reported in this thesis, aimed at determining whether the model for the network layer was still able to meet the needs of marginalized communities in South Africa, given the recent changes in ICT. The research work used the living lab methodology – a grassroots, user-driven approach that emphasizes co-creation between the beneficiaries and external entities (researchers, industry partners and the government) - to do viability tests on the solution for the network component. The viability tests included lab and field experiments, to produce the qualitative and quantitative data needed to propose an updated blueprint. The results of the review found that the network topology used in the SLL’s network, the BI, is still viable, while WiMAX is now outdated. Also, the in-network web cache, Squid, is no longer effective, given the switch to HTTPS and the pervasive presence of advertising. The solution to the first issue is outdoor Wi-Fi, a proven solution easily deployable in grass-roots fashion. The second issue can be mitigated by leveraging Squid’s ‘bumping’ and splicing features; deploying a browser extension to make picture download optional; and using Pihole, a DNS sinkhole. Hopefully, the revised solution could become a component of South African Government’s broadband plan, “SA Connect”. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, Computer Science, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-10-14
- Authors: Muchatibaya, Hilbert Munashe
- Date: 2022-10-14
- Subjects: Information and communication technologies for development , Information technology South Africa , Access network , User experience , Local area networks (Computer networks) South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/364943 , vital:65664
- Description: Changes within Information and Communication Technology (ICT) over the past decade required a review of the network layer component deployed in the Siyakhula Living Lab (SLL), a long-term joint venture between the Telkom Centres of Excellence hosted at University of Fort Hare and Rhodes University in South Africa. The SLL overall solution for the sustainable internet in poor communities consists of three main components – the computing infrastructure layer, the network layer, and the e-services layer. At the core of the network layer is the concept of BI, a high-speed local area network realized through easy-to deploy wireless technologies that establish point-to-multipoint connections among schools within a limited geographical area. Schools within the broadband island become then Digital Access Nodes (DANs), with computing infrastructure that provides access to the network. The review, reported in this thesis, aimed at determining whether the model for the network layer was still able to meet the needs of marginalized communities in South Africa, given the recent changes in ICT. The research work used the living lab methodology – a grassroots, user-driven approach that emphasizes co-creation between the beneficiaries and external entities (researchers, industry partners and the government) - to do viability tests on the solution for the network component. The viability tests included lab and field experiments, to produce the qualitative and quantitative data needed to propose an updated blueprint. The results of the review found that the network topology used in the SLL’s network, the BI, is still viable, while WiMAX is now outdated. Also, the in-network web cache, Squid, is no longer effective, given the switch to HTTPS and the pervasive presence of advertising. The solution to the first issue is outdoor Wi-Fi, a proven solution easily deployable in grass-roots fashion. The second issue can be mitigated by leveraging Squid’s ‘bumping’ and splicing features; deploying a browser extension to make picture download optional; and using Pihole, a DNS sinkhole. Hopefully, the revised solution could become a component of South African Government’s broadband plan, “SA Connect”. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, Computer Science, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-10-14
A sea is brewing
- Authors: Mama, Sibongakonke
- Date: 2022-10-14
- Subjects: Creative writing (Higher education) South Africa , Xhosa poetry 21st century , South African poetry (English) 21st century , Psychic trauma in literature , Women in literature , Diaries -- Authorship , Books Reviews
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/406281 , vital:70255
- Description: My thesis is a collection of poems that draws on the complexity of not belonging in places, with people, or within families. I engage my own alienation as well as that of my parents, black people generally, and women in particular. I take inspiration from Uruguayan poet Fabián Severo’s autobiographical long poem, Night in the North, which chronicles the poet’s experience of growing up in linguistic and cultural borderlands. I am also influenced by Chilean poet Carmen García’s ability to move between the concrete and the abstract in translations of her poems from the collection Gotas sobre loza fría. As much as my poems traverse a metaphysical space, they are also set in concrete places – Tutura, Gcuwa, Johannesburg, and Cape Town. Like Chilean artist Cecilia Vicuña’s Spit Temple, I move between the physical and spiritual realms for a better understanding of my estrangement. I also draw on South African poet Mangaliso Buzani’s book, a naked bone, for its fluid combination of line and prose poetry. I write in isiXhosa and English as a reflection of my mixed cultural and linguistic existence. I seek to harness rhythm and harmony, as well as the quiet, between words. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Humanities, School of Languages and Literatures, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-10-14
- Authors: Mama, Sibongakonke
- Date: 2022-10-14
- Subjects: Creative writing (Higher education) South Africa , Xhosa poetry 21st century , South African poetry (English) 21st century , Psychic trauma in literature , Women in literature , Diaries -- Authorship , Books Reviews
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/406281 , vital:70255
- Description: My thesis is a collection of poems that draws on the complexity of not belonging in places, with people, or within families. I engage my own alienation as well as that of my parents, black people generally, and women in particular. I take inspiration from Uruguayan poet Fabián Severo’s autobiographical long poem, Night in the North, which chronicles the poet’s experience of growing up in linguistic and cultural borderlands. I am also influenced by Chilean poet Carmen García’s ability to move between the concrete and the abstract in translations of her poems from the collection Gotas sobre loza fría. As much as my poems traverse a metaphysical space, they are also set in concrete places – Tutura, Gcuwa, Johannesburg, and Cape Town. Like Chilean artist Cecilia Vicuña’s Spit Temple, I move between the physical and spiritual realms for a better understanding of my estrangement. I also draw on South African poet Mangaliso Buzani’s book, a naked bone, for its fluid combination of line and prose poetry. I write in isiXhosa and English as a reflection of my mixed cultural and linguistic existence. I seek to harness rhythm and harmony, as well as the quiet, between words. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Humanities, School of Languages and Literatures, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-10-14
A Search for Conjunctions at a Time of Direction-setting Review and Synthesis
- Authors: O'Donoghue, Rob
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/387134 , vital:68209 , xlink:href="https://www.ajol.info/index.php/sajee/article/view/122240"
- Description: This journal reflects a diversity of environment and sustainability education research and viewpoints alongside two synthesis papers. Read as a whole and within a widely held ideal that diversity reflects resilience, the environment and education for sustainable development landscape in Africa might be said to be healthy and proliferating. But read against the pressure to produce tangible evidence of change on an African landscape of persistent climate variation and poverty, along with a widening gap between rich and poor, the picture remains challenging. These contrasting readings are notable at a time when we are looking towards the Association for the Development of Education in Africa (ADEA) Triennial in February, 2012, the Rio+20 Earth Summit in June 2012 and our own EEASA +30 conference in September 2012. The UN Decade of Education for Sustainable Development is characterised by a proliferation of education imperatives. These emerged as modern education in response to the issues of the day and now a modernity in deepening crisis.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
- Authors: O'Donoghue, Rob
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/387134 , vital:68209 , xlink:href="https://www.ajol.info/index.php/sajee/article/view/122240"
- Description: This journal reflects a diversity of environment and sustainability education research and viewpoints alongside two synthesis papers. Read as a whole and within a widely held ideal that diversity reflects resilience, the environment and education for sustainable development landscape in Africa might be said to be healthy and proliferating. But read against the pressure to produce tangible evidence of change on an African landscape of persistent climate variation and poverty, along with a widening gap between rich and poor, the picture remains challenging. These contrasting readings are notable at a time when we are looking towards the Association for the Development of Education in Africa (ADEA) Triennial in February, 2012, the Rio+20 Earth Summit in June 2012 and our own EEASA +30 conference in September 2012. The UN Decade of Education for Sustainable Development is characterised by a proliferation of education imperatives. These emerged as modern education in response to the issues of the day and now a modernity in deepening crisis.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
A second skin: investigating the role of dress in identity formation
- Featherstone, Juanito Romario
- Authors: Featherstone, Juanito Romario
- Date: 2023-10-13
- Subjects: Uncatalogued
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/425322 , vital:72229
- Description: This thesis is a secondary component to an artistic practice-led process and as such, is guided by my own artistic practice in that way. In this body of work, I use myself as the main character or protagonist for the artworks that I have created. However, both the thesis and the exhibition also respond to social issues of identity beyond the personal and examines the construction of identity in a South African, and more specifically Makhanda context, as that is the larger context in which I am situated. The work itself is inspired by memories and experiences of feeling uncomfortable in my own (first) skin, and how I found that comfort in my second skin (dress). My professional art practice and my thesis are based on the concept of clothes as a second skin for human beings, specifically observing the ways in which we utilise dress to construct and express our identities. As such, this thesis is an attempt at understanding the relationship between clothes and the body through the lens of identity politics. Through the topics and artworks discussed in visual and textual analysis, this thesis intends to unpack the properties of dress as a complex medium individuals can utilise as a tool to construct their identity. This is partially achieved through the exploration of my own personal experiences of dress and of the spaces that shaped and mediated the construction of identity. Lastly, it is an attempt to understand the experiences of dress in parallel to the experience of the body/self, which consists of the world within and the one outside. , Thesis (MFA) -- Faculty of Humanities, Fine Art, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-10-13
- Authors: Featherstone, Juanito Romario
- Date: 2023-10-13
- Subjects: Uncatalogued
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/425322 , vital:72229
- Description: This thesis is a secondary component to an artistic practice-led process and as such, is guided by my own artistic practice in that way. In this body of work, I use myself as the main character or protagonist for the artworks that I have created. However, both the thesis and the exhibition also respond to social issues of identity beyond the personal and examines the construction of identity in a South African, and more specifically Makhanda context, as that is the larger context in which I am situated. The work itself is inspired by memories and experiences of feeling uncomfortable in my own (first) skin, and how I found that comfort in my second skin (dress). My professional art practice and my thesis are based on the concept of clothes as a second skin for human beings, specifically observing the ways in which we utilise dress to construct and express our identities. As such, this thesis is an attempt at understanding the relationship between clothes and the body through the lens of identity politics. Through the topics and artworks discussed in visual and textual analysis, this thesis intends to unpack the properties of dress as a complex medium individuals can utilise as a tool to construct their identity. This is partially achieved through the exploration of my own personal experiences of dress and of the spaces that shaped and mediated the construction of identity. Lastly, it is an attempt to understand the experiences of dress in parallel to the experience of the body/self, which consists of the world within and the one outside. , Thesis (MFA) -- Faculty of Humanities, Fine Art, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-10-13
A self-emulsifying delivery system loaded with efavirenz: The case for flax-seed oil
- Authors: Mazonde, Priveledge
- Date: 2021-10-29
- Subjects: Drug delivery systems , Linseed oil , Antiretroviral agents , HIV (Viruses) , Drug carriers (Pharmacy) , Solubility , High performance liquid chromatography , Efavirenz
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/192944 , vital:45283
- Description: The feasibility of incorporating efavirenz (EFV), an antiretroviral agent against HIV into a lipid-based self-emulsifying drug delivery system (SEDDS) containing vegetable oils was investigated. EFV has poor aqueous solubility and is classified under the Biopharmaceutical Classification System (BCS) as a class II compound with highly permeability, its aqueous solubility is less than 10 mg/ml and is defined as a practically insoluble compound with a consequent poor bioavailability of approximately 40%, and erratic dissolution behaviour. SEDDS formulations have been shown to improve the aqueous solubility and consequently the bioavailability of BCS II compounds such as EFV. EFV is a first line antiviral agent used in combination with other agents in antiretroviral therapy (ART). Among the number of NNRTIs approved for use in HIV treatment, EFV is one of the most commonly prescribed drug. Statistical methods and Design of Experiments (DoE) using Response Surface Methodology (RSM), specifically a Central Composite Design (CCD), were used to facilitate the development of a reversed-phase high performance liquid chromatographic (HPLC) method for the quantitation of EFV during formulation product and process development studies. A rapid, accurate, precise and sensitive HPLC method with ultraviolet (UV) detection was developed, optimised and validated for the in-vitro analysis of EFV in a total run time under 10 minutes for the elution of both EFV and loratidine which was used as the internal standard (IS). The method was then successfully applied to the determination of EFV in commercially available tablets. Excipient screening was undertaken using solubility studies and revealed that EFV had highest solubility in flaxseed oil in comparison to soybean, macadamia, grapeseed, sunflower and olive oils. The non-ionic Tween® 80 and Span® 20 were selected as surfactant and co-surfactant, respectively with ethanol co-solvent as they exhibited improved miscibility with co-solvent. Pre-formulation studies were undertaken to investigate the compatibility of the API with excipients and to identify a nano-emulsion region and other emulsion types using pseudoternary phase diagrams. The phase behaviour of crude cold pressed flaxseed oil with the selected non-ionic surfactants revealed an area within pseudo-ternary phase diagrams for different surfactant-mixtures formed gels/semisolid structures which can be exploited for other drug delivery strategies that require such properties. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), powder x-ray diffraction (XRD) and Raman spectroscopy were used to identify and assess the compatibility of EFV with chosen excipients. 2 A reduction in the peak intensity was observed for EFV when combined with each hydrophobic/lipid excipient evaluated revealing that there was a marked reduction in the crystallinity of the EFV. A decrease in crystallinity in comparison with the bulk API may indicate that EFV were amorphous or sequestered in a molecular dispersion and exhibited an increased solubility for the molecule. Flaxseed oil was used as the oil phase in studies for the optimization of surfactant mixtures undertaken using DoE, specifically a D-optimal mixtures design with the flaxseed oil content set at 10% m/m was performed. Solutions from the desired optimization function were produced based on desirability and five nanoemulsion formulations were produced and characterized in terms of in vitro release of efavirenz, drug loading capacity, Zeta Potential, droplet sizes and polydispersity index (PDI). Kinetically stable nanoemulsions containing 10% m/m flaxseed oil were successfully manufactured and assessed. Droplet sizes ranged between 156 and 225 nm, Zeta Potential between −24 and −41 mV and all formulations were found to be monodisperse with polydispersity indices ≤ 0.487. SEDDS formulations of EFV in nano-sized carriers were developed and optimised, in vitro drug release varied with varying amounts of ethanol in the formulation producing formulations that exhibited differently modulated drug in-vitro release profiles that may be further manipulated for better performance and therapeutic outcomes in terms of solubility and possibly bioavailability of EFV when delivered using SEDDS rather than using tablets which in turn may lead to better therapeutic outcomes for patients with HIV. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Pharmacy, Pharmacy, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-10-29
- Authors: Mazonde, Priveledge
- Date: 2021-10-29
- Subjects: Drug delivery systems , Linseed oil , Antiretroviral agents , HIV (Viruses) , Drug carriers (Pharmacy) , Solubility , High performance liquid chromatography , Efavirenz
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/192944 , vital:45283
- Description: The feasibility of incorporating efavirenz (EFV), an antiretroviral agent against HIV into a lipid-based self-emulsifying drug delivery system (SEDDS) containing vegetable oils was investigated. EFV has poor aqueous solubility and is classified under the Biopharmaceutical Classification System (BCS) as a class II compound with highly permeability, its aqueous solubility is less than 10 mg/ml and is defined as a practically insoluble compound with a consequent poor bioavailability of approximately 40%, and erratic dissolution behaviour. SEDDS formulations have been shown to improve the aqueous solubility and consequently the bioavailability of BCS II compounds such as EFV. EFV is a first line antiviral agent used in combination with other agents in antiretroviral therapy (ART). Among the number of NNRTIs approved for use in HIV treatment, EFV is one of the most commonly prescribed drug. Statistical methods and Design of Experiments (DoE) using Response Surface Methodology (RSM), specifically a Central Composite Design (CCD), were used to facilitate the development of a reversed-phase high performance liquid chromatographic (HPLC) method for the quantitation of EFV during formulation product and process development studies. A rapid, accurate, precise and sensitive HPLC method with ultraviolet (UV) detection was developed, optimised and validated for the in-vitro analysis of EFV in a total run time under 10 minutes for the elution of both EFV and loratidine which was used as the internal standard (IS). The method was then successfully applied to the determination of EFV in commercially available tablets. Excipient screening was undertaken using solubility studies and revealed that EFV had highest solubility in flaxseed oil in comparison to soybean, macadamia, grapeseed, sunflower and olive oils. The non-ionic Tween® 80 and Span® 20 were selected as surfactant and co-surfactant, respectively with ethanol co-solvent as they exhibited improved miscibility with co-solvent. Pre-formulation studies were undertaken to investigate the compatibility of the API with excipients and to identify a nano-emulsion region and other emulsion types using pseudoternary phase diagrams. The phase behaviour of crude cold pressed flaxseed oil with the selected non-ionic surfactants revealed an area within pseudo-ternary phase diagrams for different surfactant-mixtures formed gels/semisolid structures which can be exploited for other drug delivery strategies that require such properties. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), powder x-ray diffraction (XRD) and Raman spectroscopy were used to identify and assess the compatibility of EFV with chosen excipients. 2 A reduction in the peak intensity was observed for EFV when combined with each hydrophobic/lipid excipient evaluated revealing that there was a marked reduction in the crystallinity of the EFV. A decrease in crystallinity in comparison with the bulk API may indicate that EFV were amorphous or sequestered in a molecular dispersion and exhibited an increased solubility for the molecule. Flaxseed oil was used as the oil phase in studies for the optimization of surfactant mixtures undertaken using DoE, specifically a D-optimal mixtures design with the flaxseed oil content set at 10% m/m was performed. Solutions from the desired optimization function were produced based on desirability and five nanoemulsion formulations were produced and characterized in terms of in vitro release of efavirenz, drug loading capacity, Zeta Potential, droplet sizes and polydispersity index (PDI). Kinetically stable nanoemulsions containing 10% m/m flaxseed oil were successfully manufactured and assessed. Droplet sizes ranged between 156 and 225 nm, Zeta Potential between −24 and −41 mV and all formulations were found to be monodisperse with polydispersity indices ≤ 0.487. SEDDS formulations of EFV in nano-sized carriers were developed and optimised, in vitro drug release varied with varying amounts of ethanol in the formulation producing formulations that exhibited differently modulated drug in-vitro release profiles that may be further manipulated for better performance and therapeutic outcomes in terms of solubility and possibly bioavailability of EFV when delivered using SEDDS rather than using tablets which in turn may lead to better therapeutic outcomes for patients with HIV. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Pharmacy, Pharmacy, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-10-29
A sensitive and reliable method for the detection of lipid peroxidation in biological tissues
- Anoopkumar-Dukie, Shailendra, Walker, Roderick B, Daya, Santylal
- Authors: Anoopkumar-Dukie, Shailendra , Walker, Roderick B , Daya, Santylal
- Date: 2001
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/184325 , vital:44208 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1211/0022357011775299"
- Description: A simple, accurate and cost effective method has been designed for the determination of lipid peroxidation in biological tissue samples. The method was a modification and improvement on existing methods available for lipid peroxidation determination. Solid-phase extraction was used to separate the thiobarbituric acid–malondialdehyde complex from thiobarbituric acidreactive substances and HPLC was performed using a C18 (Waters Spherisorb, 5 µm, 250¬4.6 mm i.d.) column to achieve isolation of the complex. The procedure was validated with respect to linearity of calibration (0.998), precision, sensitivity and limits of quantitation (1 nmol mL−1) and detection (0.5 nmol mL−1). Resorcinol was used as an external standard. The method was tested by inducing free radical generation with a known free radical generator, quinolinic acid, in rat brain homogenate. The results showed that the method presented allowed detection of lipid peroxidation products at concentrations in the nanomolar (nM) range compared with the micromolar (µM) range detected by other methods, thus rendering it suitable for use with biological samples. In addition, the modified method allowed for detection of the purified lipid peroxidation products, thus eliminating the possibility of simultaneous detection of impurities that absorb at the same wavelength.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2001
- Authors: Anoopkumar-Dukie, Shailendra , Walker, Roderick B , Daya, Santylal
- Date: 2001
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/184325 , vital:44208 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1211/0022357011775299"
- Description: A simple, accurate and cost effective method has been designed for the determination of lipid peroxidation in biological tissue samples. The method was a modification and improvement on existing methods available for lipid peroxidation determination. Solid-phase extraction was used to separate the thiobarbituric acid–malondialdehyde complex from thiobarbituric acidreactive substances and HPLC was performed using a C18 (Waters Spherisorb, 5 µm, 250¬4.6 mm i.d.) column to achieve isolation of the complex. The procedure was validated with respect to linearity of calibration (0.998), precision, sensitivity and limits of quantitation (1 nmol mL−1) and detection (0.5 nmol mL−1). Resorcinol was used as an external standard. The method was tested by inducing free radical generation with a known free radical generator, quinolinic acid, in rat brain homogenate. The results showed that the method presented allowed detection of lipid peroxidation products at concentrations in the nanomolar (nM) range compared with the micromolar (µM) range detected by other methods, thus rendering it suitable for use with biological samples. In addition, the modified method allowed for detection of the purified lipid peroxidation products, thus eliminating the possibility of simultaneous detection of impurities that absorb at the same wavelength.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2001
A simple quinoline-thiophene Schiff base turn-off chemosensor for Hg2+ detection
- Musikavanhu, Brian, Muthusamy, Selvaraj, Zhu, Dongwei, Xue, Zhaoli, Yu, Qian, Chivumba, Choonzo N, Mack, John, Nyokong, Tebello, Wang, Shengjun, Zhao, Long
- Authors: Musikavanhu, Brian , Muthusamy, Selvaraj , Zhu, Dongwei , Xue, Zhaoli , Yu, Qian , Chivumba, Choonzo N , Mack, John , Nyokong, Tebello , Wang, Shengjun , Zhao, Long
- Date: 2022
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/230362 , vital:49771 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.saa.2021.120338"
- Description: A new Schiff base probe (QT) consisting of 8-aminoquinoline (Q) and thiophene-2-carboxaldehyde (T) moieties has been synthesized. QT undergoes chelation-enhanced fluorescence quenching when exposed to Hg2+ due to coordination by the sulfur and nitrogen atoms of QT thus forming a facile “turn-off” sensor. The formation of the chelation complex was confirmed by UV–visible absorption and emission spectral measurements, 1H NMR titration and density functional theory calculations. These studies revealed that the probe exhibits high selectivity and sensitivity towards Hg2+ in the presence of other common metal ions. A low detection limit of 23.4 nM was determined and a Job plot confirmed a 2:1 stoichiometry between QT and Hg2+. The potential utility of QT as a sensor for Hg2+ ions in human HeLa cells was determined by confocal fluorescence microscopy, and its suitability for use in the field with environmental samples was tested with Whatman filter paper strips.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022
- Authors: Musikavanhu, Brian , Muthusamy, Selvaraj , Zhu, Dongwei , Xue, Zhaoli , Yu, Qian , Chivumba, Choonzo N , Mack, John , Nyokong, Tebello , Wang, Shengjun , Zhao, Long
- Date: 2022
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/230362 , vital:49771 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.saa.2021.120338"
- Description: A new Schiff base probe (QT) consisting of 8-aminoquinoline (Q) and thiophene-2-carboxaldehyde (T) moieties has been synthesized. QT undergoes chelation-enhanced fluorescence quenching when exposed to Hg2+ due to coordination by the sulfur and nitrogen atoms of QT thus forming a facile “turn-off” sensor. The formation of the chelation complex was confirmed by UV–visible absorption and emission spectral measurements, 1H NMR titration and density functional theory calculations. These studies revealed that the probe exhibits high selectivity and sensitivity towards Hg2+ in the presence of other common metal ions. A low detection limit of 23.4 nM was determined and a Job plot confirmed a 2:1 stoichiometry between QT and Hg2+. The potential utility of QT as a sensor for Hg2+ ions in human HeLa cells was determined by confocal fluorescence microscopy, and its suitability for use in the field with environmental samples was tested with Whatman filter paper strips.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022
A Smaller Circle
- Authors: Bhikha, Nasira
- Date: 2022-04
- Subjects: Creative writing (Higher education) South Africa , South African fiction (English) 21st century , Short stories, South African (English) 21st century , Diaries -- Authorship , Autobiography , Short stories, English History and criticism , American fiction History and criticism , Mexican fiction History and criticism
- Language: English
- Type: Master's thesis , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/232427 , vital:49991
- Description: My thesis is a collection of prose forms weaving my identity as a South African woman of colour, my observations of life through personal, cultural and sociological lenses, where traditions are constantly challenged and evolving. The collection focuses on the untold and unresolved, using fiction as a tool of pushback and psychological reflection. I am motivated by writers who use what I would term reflective expressionism to evoke empathy by tapping into innate, universal emotions. In particular Tiff Holland’s vivid telling of family in the novella Betty Superman where she navigates complex relationships, and bell hooks’ memoirs Bone Black: Memories of Girlhood written as poetic vignettes in fluctuating points of view to draw attention to the intricacies of social structures. Joanna Walsh’s Vertigo has strongly influenced my approach to writing through her compelling imagery and use of motif in fragmented prose that delves into the psyche of her characters. I am also inspired by Lidia Yuknavitch’s visceral use of language, identifying with her invitation: “You deserve to sit at the table. The radiance falls on all of us.” , Thesis (MACW) -- Faculty of Humanities, School of Languages, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-04
- Authors: Bhikha, Nasira
- Date: 2022-04
- Subjects: Creative writing (Higher education) South Africa , South African fiction (English) 21st century , Short stories, South African (English) 21st century , Diaries -- Authorship , Autobiography , Short stories, English History and criticism , American fiction History and criticism , Mexican fiction History and criticism
- Language: English
- Type: Master's thesis , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/232427 , vital:49991
- Description: My thesis is a collection of prose forms weaving my identity as a South African woman of colour, my observations of life through personal, cultural and sociological lenses, where traditions are constantly challenged and evolving. The collection focuses on the untold and unresolved, using fiction as a tool of pushback and psychological reflection. I am motivated by writers who use what I would term reflective expressionism to evoke empathy by tapping into innate, universal emotions. In particular Tiff Holland’s vivid telling of family in the novella Betty Superman where she navigates complex relationships, and bell hooks’ memoirs Bone Black: Memories of Girlhood written as poetic vignettes in fluctuating points of view to draw attention to the intricacies of social structures. Joanna Walsh’s Vertigo has strongly influenced my approach to writing through her compelling imagery and use of motif in fragmented prose that delves into the psyche of her characters. I am also inspired by Lidia Yuknavitch’s visceral use of language, identifying with her invitation: “You deserve to sit at the table. The radiance falls on all of us.” , Thesis (MACW) -- Faculty of Humanities, School of Languages, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-04
A Sn (iv) porphyrin with mitochondria targeting properties for enhanced photodynamic activity against MCF-7 cells
- Babu, Balaji, Mack, John, Nyokong, Tebello
- Authors: Babu, Balaji , Mack, John , Nyokong, Tebello
- Date: 2022
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/230897 , vital:49829 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1039/D2NJ00350C"
- Description: Two readily synthesized Sn(IV) porphyrins (SnP, SnPH) have been prepared with and without the cationic triphenylphosphonium moiety (TPP+), which have high singlet oxygen quantum yields (ca. 0.72) and long triplet state lifetimes. The Sn(IV) porphyrin with a TPP+ moiety (SnPH) exhibits favorable photodynamic activity against MCF-7 cells with IC50 values of 2.9 μM. SnPH exhibits higher cellular uptake than SnP in MCF-7 cells. A Rhodamine 123 (Rh123) assay showed that SnPH targets mitochondria and induces apoptosis by generating reactive oxygen species. The results demonstrate that this structural modification strategy merits further in-depth study.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022
- Authors: Babu, Balaji , Mack, John , Nyokong, Tebello
- Date: 2022
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/230897 , vital:49829 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1039/D2NJ00350C"
- Description: Two readily synthesized Sn(IV) porphyrins (SnP, SnPH) have been prepared with and without the cationic triphenylphosphonium moiety (TPP+), which have high singlet oxygen quantum yields (ca. 0.72) and long triplet state lifetimes. The Sn(IV) porphyrin with a TPP+ moiety (SnPH) exhibits favorable photodynamic activity against MCF-7 cells with IC50 values of 2.9 μM. SnPH exhibits higher cellular uptake than SnP in MCF-7 cells. A Rhodamine 123 (Rh123) assay showed that SnPH targets mitochondria and induces apoptosis by generating reactive oxygen species. The results demonstrate that this structural modification strategy merits further in-depth study.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022
A social history of midwifery practices in colonial Ibadan, Nigeria, 1893 - 1960
- Olorunnibe, Folaranmi Flourish
- Authors: Olorunnibe, Folaranmi Flourish
- Date: 2022-10-14
- Subjects: Midwifery Nigeria Ibadan , Nigeria History 1900-1960 , Nigeria Politics and government To 1960 , Nigeria Social conditions To 1960 , Maternal health services Nigeria Ibadan , Ibadan (Nigeria) Colonial influence
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/408716 , vital:70519 , DOI 10.21504/10962/408716
- Description: This thesis examines the introduction and development of western medical practices in colonial spaces with particular reference to midwifery practices in colonial Ibadan, Nigeria, from 1893 to 1960. This has become necessary because of the importance placed on childbirth and maternal healthcare in the twentieth century. The trends and changes in midwifery and midwifery practices in colonial Ibadan are seen as reflections of other transformations in British African colonies at large. The study begins with a detailed historical analysis of the major metropolitan and local factors that informed the introduction and development of Western obstetrics in colonial Ibadan, Nigeria. It proceeds to examine the development of Western midwifery practices in colonial Ibadan; highlighting the contributions of the Ibadan people to the development of Western midwifery practices and emphasizing policies affecting development, and implementation of Western obstetrics. The thesis goes further to reveal the prejudiced nature of colonial medical policies, and the ways it shaped various responses especially from rural folks who were particularly marginalized since the 1920s when maternal healthcare policies was implemented in the urban areas till the 1950s when a reformed policy for rural medical service scheme was introduced to the rural folks. Thus, influencing the ways they imagined and appropriated ideas of western obstetrics alongside African traditional midwifery practices. The idea is to demonstrate in this thesis the extent to which the precincts in colonial medical policies, most especially the establishment of maternity hospitals, clinics and dispensaries, and the institutionalization of western obstetrics, inspired critical and ingenious responses from colonial doctors, colonial officials, the missionaries, patients, African trained midwives, traditional medical practitioners and the African population in general. Placing all of these historical events within a wider context, this thesis borrows insights from the social history of medicine in an attempt to reconstruct the colonial medical practices in Ibadan, Nigeria, through the sites of midwifery practices and maternal welfare services from 1893 to 1960. This is in addition to its dependence on a comparatively rich, but skewed historical evidence, including a plethora of annual medical reports, official reports of the department of medical and sanitary services, official correspondences within the colonial government in Ibadan and Nigeria, and between the colonial government and the colonial office in the United Kingdom. Details of African responses to medical policies were garnered from oral testimonies, newspaper publications and correspondences between the African public and the colonial government in Ibadan. In exploring this historical evidence, the thesis reveals very interesting details of colonial perceptions about African health and their underlining motives for introducing western medical ideas, the various medical schemes and policies used in driving colonial interest and the ways Africans imagined, re-imagined, and appropriated Western medical practices. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Humanities, History, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-10-14
- Authors: Olorunnibe, Folaranmi Flourish
- Date: 2022-10-14
- Subjects: Midwifery Nigeria Ibadan , Nigeria History 1900-1960 , Nigeria Politics and government To 1960 , Nigeria Social conditions To 1960 , Maternal health services Nigeria Ibadan , Ibadan (Nigeria) Colonial influence
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/408716 , vital:70519 , DOI 10.21504/10962/408716
- Description: This thesis examines the introduction and development of western medical practices in colonial spaces with particular reference to midwifery practices in colonial Ibadan, Nigeria, from 1893 to 1960. This has become necessary because of the importance placed on childbirth and maternal healthcare in the twentieth century. The trends and changes in midwifery and midwifery practices in colonial Ibadan are seen as reflections of other transformations in British African colonies at large. The study begins with a detailed historical analysis of the major metropolitan and local factors that informed the introduction and development of Western obstetrics in colonial Ibadan, Nigeria. It proceeds to examine the development of Western midwifery practices in colonial Ibadan; highlighting the contributions of the Ibadan people to the development of Western midwifery practices and emphasizing policies affecting development, and implementation of Western obstetrics. The thesis goes further to reveal the prejudiced nature of colonial medical policies, and the ways it shaped various responses especially from rural folks who were particularly marginalized since the 1920s when maternal healthcare policies was implemented in the urban areas till the 1950s when a reformed policy for rural medical service scheme was introduced to the rural folks. Thus, influencing the ways they imagined and appropriated ideas of western obstetrics alongside African traditional midwifery practices. The idea is to demonstrate in this thesis the extent to which the precincts in colonial medical policies, most especially the establishment of maternity hospitals, clinics and dispensaries, and the institutionalization of western obstetrics, inspired critical and ingenious responses from colonial doctors, colonial officials, the missionaries, patients, African trained midwives, traditional medical practitioners and the African population in general. Placing all of these historical events within a wider context, this thesis borrows insights from the social history of medicine in an attempt to reconstruct the colonial medical practices in Ibadan, Nigeria, through the sites of midwifery practices and maternal welfare services from 1893 to 1960. This is in addition to its dependence on a comparatively rich, but skewed historical evidence, including a plethora of annual medical reports, official reports of the department of medical and sanitary services, official correspondences within the colonial government in Ibadan and Nigeria, and between the colonial government and the colonial office in the United Kingdom. Details of African responses to medical policies were garnered from oral testimonies, newspaper publications and correspondences between the African public and the colonial government in Ibadan. In exploring this historical evidence, the thesis reveals very interesting details of colonial perceptions about African health and their underlining motives for introducing western medical ideas, the various medical schemes and policies used in driving colonial interest and the ways Africans imagined, re-imagined, and appropriated Western medical practices. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Humanities, History, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-10-14
A social media analytics framework for decision-making in citizen relationship management
- Authors: Yakobi, Khulekani
- Date: 2022-12
- Subjects: Social Media Analytics -- South Africa , Decision making --Mathematical models , Service delivery
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/60048 , vital:62815
- Description: Globally social media has shown unprecedented levels of adoption and Social Media Analytics (SMA) is a rapidly growing topic. For governments, SMA holds the promise of providing tools and frameworks to collect, monitor, analyse and visualise social media data, usually driven by specific requirements from a target application. However, social media data is noisy and unstructured, and organisations struggle to extract knowledge from this data, and convert it into actual intelligence. This study argues that SMA can support intelligent decision-making for Citizen Relationship Management (CzRM). CzRM is a growing effort of governments around the world to strive to respond rapidly to their citizens by fostering a closer relationship thereby creating more effective and efficient service delivery. However, there is a little evidence in literature on empirical studies of any existing decision-making framework for CzRM and SMA adoption. In particular, there is a gap with regards incorporating SMA into decision-making for CzRM of governments, particularly in developing countries like South Africa. The aim of this study was to develop a framework that provides guidelines, including methods and tools, incorporating SMA into decision-making for CzRM in the Gauteng Provincial Government (GPG) and the Free State Provincial Government (FSPG) of South Africa. A Systematic Literature Review (SLR) and conceptual analysis method was conducted to design the Social Media Analytics Framework for Decision-making in the context of CzRM (the SMAF). The findings from the literature review revealed several benefits and challenges with SMA, in particular the shortage of skills, guidelines, methods and tools for SMA. These challenges were used to draft guidelines that were included in the framework, which consists of five components that can be used to derive intelligent information from SMA. The pragmatic philosophy and a case study design was used to generate an in-depth, multifaceted understanding of the underlying problems in the case of the GPG and the FSPG. The German North-West Metropolitan region was used as a third case study to provide a more global perspective and a case of a developed country in terms of Gross Domestic Product. The scope of the study was limited to social media posts by provincial citizens related to CzRM and service delivery. Both formative and summative evaluations of the proposed theoretical framework were conducted. The formative evaluation was conducted v | Page as an Expert Review to receive feedback of the framework from the experts in the field of Computer Science and Information Systems. The findings validated the framework and some minor improvements were made based on the experts’ recommendations. Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) with participants from government managers and decision makers in the three cases were conducted. Case documents for the three cases were collected and reviewed. All collected data was analysed using the Qualitative Content Analysis (QCA) method and common categories and themes were identified. Summative evaluations were conducted in the form of a Field Study, which consisted of an analysis of Twitter data from the three cases, and a closing FGD with Business Intelligence (BI) experts at the primary case of the e-Government department of the GPG. The findings revealed that SMA has been adopted in all three cases; however, while their strategies are comprehensive their implementations are very much in their early stages. The findings also highlighted the status of SMA in government and some potential gaps and areas for implementing the framework. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Science, School of Computer Science, Mathematics, Physics and Statistics, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-12
- Authors: Yakobi, Khulekani
- Date: 2022-12
- Subjects: Social Media Analytics -- South Africa , Decision making --Mathematical models , Service delivery
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/60048 , vital:62815
- Description: Globally social media has shown unprecedented levels of adoption and Social Media Analytics (SMA) is a rapidly growing topic. For governments, SMA holds the promise of providing tools and frameworks to collect, monitor, analyse and visualise social media data, usually driven by specific requirements from a target application. However, social media data is noisy and unstructured, and organisations struggle to extract knowledge from this data, and convert it into actual intelligence. This study argues that SMA can support intelligent decision-making for Citizen Relationship Management (CzRM). CzRM is a growing effort of governments around the world to strive to respond rapidly to their citizens by fostering a closer relationship thereby creating more effective and efficient service delivery. However, there is a little evidence in literature on empirical studies of any existing decision-making framework for CzRM and SMA adoption. In particular, there is a gap with regards incorporating SMA into decision-making for CzRM of governments, particularly in developing countries like South Africa. The aim of this study was to develop a framework that provides guidelines, including methods and tools, incorporating SMA into decision-making for CzRM in the Gauteng Provincial Government (GPG) and the Free State Provincial Government (FSPG) of South Africa. A Systematic Literature Review (SLR) and conceptual analysis method was conducted to design the Social Media Analytics Framework for Decision-making in the context of CzRM (the SMAF). The findings from the literature review revealed several benefits and challenges with SMA, in particular the shortage of skills, guidelines, methods and tools for SMA. These challenges were used to draft guidelines that were included in the framework, which consists of five components that can be used to derive intelligent information from SMA. The pragmatic philosophy and a case study design was used to generate an in-depth, multifaceted understanding of the underlying problems in the case of the GPG and the FSPG. The German North-West Metropolitan region was used as a third case study to provide a more global perspective and a case of a developed country in terms of Gross Domestic Product. The scope of the study was limited to social media posts by provincial citizens related to CzRM and service delivery. Both formative and summative evaluations of the proposed theoretical framework were conducted. The formative evaluation was conducted v | Page as an Expert Review to receive feedback of the framework from the experts in the field of Computer Science and Information Systems. The findings validated the framework and some minor improvements were made based on the experts’ recommendations. Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) with participants from government managers and decision makers in the three cases were conducted. Case documents for the three cases were collected and reviewed. All collected data was analysed using the Qualitative Content Analysis (QCA) method and common categories and themes were identified. Summative evaluations were conducted in the form of a Field Study, which consisted of an analysis of Twitter data from the three cases, and a closing FGD with Business Intelligence (BI) experts at the primary case of the e-Government department of the GPG. The findings revealed that SMA has been adopted in all three cases; however, while their strategies are comprehensive their implementations are very much in their early stages. The findings also highlighted the status of SMA in government and some potential gaps and areas for implementing the framework. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Science, School of Computer Science, Mathematics, Physics and Statistics, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-12
A social realist study of employability development in engineering education
- Authors: Nudelman, Gabrielle Reeve
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Critical realism , Electrical engineering -- Study and teaching (Higher) -- South Africa -- Cape Town , Employability , Career education -- South Africa -- Cape Town , School-to-work transition -- South Africa -- Cape Town
- Language: English
- Type: thesis , text , Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/62884 , vital:28307
- Description: This qualitative case study of a course pairing offered to final-year electrical engineering students at the University of Cape Town in 2015 was undertaken in order to better understand the ways in which participation in undergraduate courses can prepare engineering students for the workplace. The course pairing consisted of New Venture Planning and Professional Communication Studies. While the former aimed to expose students to the knowledge relating to starting a new business, the latter focused on teaching students how to create written and oral texts to support such an endeavour. Using Roy Bhaskar’s critical realism as a theoretical underlabourer, the study develops understandings regarding the generative mechanisms at work during the two courses. In support of this, the study posits an understanding of employability that moves beyond the acquisition of discrete workplace skills. Rather, employability is conceptualised as discursive transformation, with students being deemed “work-ready” when they develop discursive identities as engineers. Data generation took place by means of focus group and individual interviews, ethnographic observation and documentary research. Margaret Archer’s social realist tools – in particular, analytical dualism and the morphogenetic framework were used to trace the students’ transformations over the course pairing. It was argued that those students who developed discursive identities of engineers were those who, in Archer’s terms, emerged as social actors at the end of the course pairing. Two characteristics of the courses were found to enable this transformation: those parts that promoted deepened understanding of what the role of “engineer” entailed and the parts that provided spaces for students to develop their own personal identities. The findings of the study indicated that discursive identities as engineers were more likely to be developed through the group work and spaces for reflection engendered by the courses than as a result of the formal curriculum. The implications of the research are that, while a focus on employability in engineering education is valid and productive, this needs to be supported by opportunities for authentic learning experiences which afford students the opportunity to engage in learning that promotes real-life application of knowledge. , Thesis (PhD)--Rhodes University, Faculty of Education, Education, 2018
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Nudelman, Gabrielle Reeve
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Critical realism , Electrical engineering -- Study and teaching (Higher) -- South Africa -- Cape Town , Employability , Career education -- South Africa -- Cape Town , School-to-work transition -- South Africa -- Cape Town
- Language: English
- Type: thesis , text , Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/62884 , vital:28307
- Description: This qualitative case study of a course pairing offered to final-year electrical engineering students at the University of Cape Town in 2015 was undertaken in order to better understand the ways in which participation in undergraduate courses can prepare engineering students for the workplace. The course pairing consisted of New Venture Planning and Professional Communication Studies. While the former aimed to expose students to the knowledge relating to starting a new business, the latter focused on teaching students how to create written and oral texts to support such an endeavour. Using Roy Bhaskar’s critical realism as a theoretical underlabourer, the study develops understandings regarding the generative mechanisms at work during the two courses. In support of this, the study posits an understanding of employability that moves beyond the acquisition of discrete workplace skills. Rather, employability is conceptualised as discursive transformation, with students being deemed “work-ready” when they develop discursive identities as engineers. Data generation took place by means of focus group and individual interviews, ethnographic observation and documentary research. Margaret Archer’s social realist tools – in particular, analytical dualism and the morphogenetic framework were used to trace the students’ transformations over the course pairing. It was argued that those students who developed discursive identities of engineers were those who, in Archer’s terms, emerged as social actors at the end of the course pairing. Two characteristics of the courses were found to enable this transformation: those parts that promoted deepened understanding of what the role of “engineer” entailed and the parts that provided spaces for students to develop their own personal identities. The findings of the study indicated that discursive identities as engineers were more likely to be developed through the group work and spaces for reflection engendered by the courses than as a result of the formal curriculum. The implications of the research are that, while a focus on employability in engineering education is valid and productive, this needs to be supported by opportunities for authentic learning experiences which afford students the opportunity to engage in learning that promotes real-life application of knowledge. , Thesis (PhD)--Rhodes University, Faculty of Education, Education, 2018
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
A sociological analysis of the experiences of Zimbabwean teachers in South Africa: the case of KwaZulu-Natal townships and township secondary schools
- Authors: Daki, Andile Lebohang
- Date: 2022-10-14
- Subjects: Xenophobia South Africa KwaZulu-Natal , Teachers, Foreign South Africa KwaZulu-Natal , Zimbabweans South Africa KwaZulu-Natal , Teachers, Foreign Social conditions , Marginality, Social , Culture conflict South Africa KwaZulu-Natal
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/365953 , vital:65805 , DOI https://doi.org/10.21504/10962/365953
- Description: This thesis seeks to understand the social and cultural experiences of Zimbabwean teachers, as foreigners, in KwaZulu-Natal townships, and KwaZulu-Natal township secondary schools, in South Africa. It examines the ways in which Zimbabwean teachers negotiate the social, cultural, and institutional milieu of KwaZulu-Natal townships and secondary schools. In doing so, the thesis draws upon social interface theory, as this theory facilitates an examination and understanding of the ways in which the Zimbabwean teachers interpret the spaces (and lifeworld) of South Africans and, simultaneously, navigate their way in and through these spaces along social and cultural interfaces. While the focus is on the perspectives and practices of the Zimbabwean teachers, the thesis recognises and shows that their socio-cultural experiences are constituted and configured in significant ways by their daily encounters with South Africans. The fieldwork for the thesis involved primarily in-depth interviews with thirty Zimbabwean teachers residing in six selected KwaZulu-Natal townships (and teaching at six different secondary schools), as well as fifteen South African teachers, five school administrators and thirty other South African citizens. The sample of Zimbabwean teachers was stratified in relation to the different townships, as well as gender and the number of years teaching in South Africa, so as to investigate whether and how these variables may configure the socio-cultural experiences of these teachers. A consideration of variation in the number of years of teaching in South Africa in particular allowed for an examination of possible shifts in socio-cultural experiences over time, as negotiation along interfaces is an ongoing and contingent process. The findings demonstrate a range of experiences and challenges faced by Zimbabwean teachers in KwaZulu-Natal (with regard to both township and school life), some of which they share with South African teachers but many of which are unique to them. At the same time, there are important differences amongst Zimbabwean teachers in relation to how they interface with South African citizens and teachers. While some teachers negotiate local spaces through active socialising and assimilating into the lifeworld (township life of South Africans and the institutional culture of township schools), other teachers move through the space by way of isolation, withdrawal, and alienation. In general, in terms of adjusting to the lifeworld of South Africans in KwaZulu-Natal townships and schools, Zimbabwean teachers pursue different routes which, in the end, made sense to them and about which they express some degree of personal comfort. , Lo mbhalo wobuhlakani uzama ukuqonda inhlalo kanye namasiko abahlangabezana nako othisha baseZimbabwe njengabantu bokufika emalokishini akwaZulu-Natal, kanye nasezikoleni zamabanga athe thuthu zasemalokishini akwaZulu-Natal eNingizimu-Afrika. Uhlolisisa izindlela labo thisha ababonisana ngazo ngamasiko kanye nenhlalakahle yasezikoleni zasemalokishini akwaZulu-Natal. Ngokwenzanjalo, lo mbhalo udonsa umhlahlandlela wenhlalakahle nokuhlangana ngoba ukungena kwabo endaweni yakwaZulu-Natal, labo thisha bahumusha indawo baphinde babonisane bachushisane ngenqubekela phambili yabo nangenhlalo namasiko abahlangabezana nawo. Ukuhlanganisa othisha baseNingizimu-Afrika nezakhamuzi kumele kusebenzisane ngokulingana. Abahlangabezana nakho kwakhiwa ngokubambisana phakathi kwabaseZimbabwe kanye nabaseNingizimu-Afrika ukuze izwi labaseNingizimu-Afrika lingagqibeki ngoba sekunakekelwa kakhulu abseZimbabwe. Umsebenzi wasensimini walo mbhalo wobuhlakani uhlanganisa ucwaningo kothisha abangani-30 baseZimbabwe abahlala ezindaweni ezingu-6 ezikhethekile ezisemalokishini akwaZulu-Natal, nothisha abayi-15 baseNingizimu-Afrika kanye nabaphathi bezikole abayi-5. Kubuye kwenziwa ucwaningo kwizakhamuzi ezingama-30 zaseNingizimu-Afrika. Isampula lihlanganiswe ngokubuka indawo lapho aphuma khona umuntu, kanye neminyaka aseyifundisile eNingizimu-Afrika. Ucwaningo lubukisise kakhulu indlela ababuka ngayo inhlalakahle namasiko kube kubukisiswa nenani leminyaka aseyifundisile umuntu ngamunye ukuze kuhlolisiswe izinguquko zokuxoxisana ezidalwe yisikhathi asihlalile umuntu phakathi kothisha abasebancane nalabo asebekhulile. Imiphumela yocwaningo iveza iznselele ezahlukene ababhekene nazo othisha baseZimbabwe njengoba bengabahlali baseNingizimu-Afrika. Ezinye zalezi nselele ziqhamuka ngokwehlukana kwemiphakathi kwabaseZimbabwe kanye nabaseNingizimu-Afrika. Ngokunjalo kunomehluko obalulekayo kothisha baseZimbabwe mayelana nendlela ukuxoxisana nokubonisana okuqhubeka ngayo. Kukhona labo ukungena bathi khaxa emiphakathini nasezimpilweni abakuzo eNingizimu-Afrika nasezikoleni abakuzo namasiko nenhlalakahle yakulezo zindawo ngakolunye uhlangothi abanye othisha bazithole bephila njengenhlwa bephila ngabodwana eNingizimu-Afrika. Kodwa ekugcineni kwakho konke, lolu cwaningo luthola ukuthi othisha baseZimbabwe ezikoleni zasemalokishini akwaZulu-Natal lapha eNingizimu-Afrika bazakhela impilo eyenza umuntu ngamunye azizwe ehlaliseke kahle eNingizimu- Afrika ngendlela ephelele nethokomalisa yena ngo kwakhe. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Humanities, Sociology, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-10-14
- Authors: Daki, Andile Lebohang
- Date: 2022-10-14
- Subjects: Xenophobia South Africa KwaZulu-Natal , Teachers, Foreign South Africa KwaZulu-Natal , Zimbabweans South Africa KwaZulu-Natal , Teachers, Foreign Social conditions , Marginality, Social , Culture conflict South Africa KwaZulu-Natal
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/365953 , vital:65805 , DOI https://doi.org/10.21504/10962/365953
- Description: This thesis seeks to understand the social and cultural experiences of Zimbabwean teachers, as foreigners, in KwaZulu-Natal townships, and KwaZulu-Natal township secondary schools, in South Africa. It examines the ways in which Zimbabwean teachers negotiate the social, cultural, and institutional milieu of KwaZulu-Natal townships and secondary schools. In doing so, the thesis draws upon social interface theory, as this theory facilitates an examination and understanding of the ways in which the Zimbabwean teachers interpret the spaces (and lifeworld) of South Africans and, simultaneously, navigate their way in and through these spaces along social and cultural interfaces. While the focus is on the perspectives and practices of the Zimbabwean teachers, the thesis recognises and shows that their socio-cultural experiences are constituted and configured in significant ways by their daily encounters with South Africans. The fieldwork for the thesis involved primarily in-depth interviews with thirty Zimbabwean teachers residing in six selected KwaZulu-Natal townships (and teaching at six different secondary schools), as well as fifteen South African teachers, five school administrators and thirty other South African citizens. The sample of Zimbabwean teachers was stratified in relation to the different townships, as well as gender and the number of years teaching in South Africa, so as to investigate whether and how these variables may configure the socio-cultural experiences of these teachers. A consideration of variation in the number of years of teaching in South Africa in particular allowed for an examination of possible shifts in socio-cultural experiences over time, as negotiation along interfaces is an ongoing and contingent process. The findings demonstrate a range of experiences and challenges faced by Zimbabwean teachers in KwaZulu-Natal (with regard to both township and school life), some of which they share with South African teachers but many of which are unique to them. At the same time, there are important differences amongst Zimbabwean teachers in relation to how they interface with South African citizens and teachers. While some teachers negotiate local spaces through active socialising and assimilating into the lifeworld (township life of South Africans and the institutional culture of township schools), other teachers move through the space by way of isolation, withdrawal, and alienation. In general, in terms of adjusting to the lifeworld of South Africans in KwaZulu-Natal townships and schools, Zimbabwean teachers pursue different routes which, in the end, made sense to them and about which they express some degree of personal comfort. , Lo mbhalo wobuhlakani uzama ukuqonda inhlalo kanye namasiko abahlangabezana nako othisha baseZimbabwe njengabantu bokufika emalokishini akwaZulu-Natal, kanye nasezikoleni zamabanga athe thuthu zasemalokishini akwaZulu-Natal eNingizimu-Afrika. Uhlolisisa izindlela labo thisha ababonisana ngazo ngamasiko kanye nenhlalakahle yasezikoleni zasemalokishini akwaZulu-Natal. Ngokwenzanjalo, lo mbhalo udonsa umhlahlandlela wenhlalakahle nokuhlangana ngoba ukungena kwabo endaweni yakwaZulu-Natal, labo thisha bahumusha indawo baphinde babonisane bachushisane ngenqubekela phambili yabo nangenhlalo namasiko abahlangabezana nawo. Ukuhlanganisa othisha baseNingizimu-Afrika nezakhamuzi kumele kusebenzisane ngokulingana. Abahlangabezana nakho kwakhiwa ngokubambisana phakathi kwabaseZimbabwe kanye nabaseNingizimu-Afrika ukuze izwi labaseNingizimu-Afrika lingagqibeki ngoba sekunakekelwa kakhulu abseZimbabwe. Umsebenzi wasensimini walo mbhalo wobuhlakani uhlanganisa ucwaningo kothisha abangani-30 baseZimbabwe abahlala ezindaweni ezingu-6 ezikhethekile ezisemalokishini akwaZulu-Natal, nothisha abayi-15 baseNingizimu-Afrika kanye nabaphathi bezikole abayi-5. Kubuye kwenziwa ucwaningo kwizakhamuzi ezingama-30 zaseNingizimu-Afrika. Isampula lihlanganiswe ngokubuka indawo lapho aphuma khona umuntu, kanye neminyaka aseyifundisile eNingizimu-Afrika. Ucwaningo lubukisise kakhulu indlela ababuka ngayo inhlalakahle namasiko kube kubukisiswa nenani leminyaka aseyifundisile umuntu ngamunye ukuze kuhlolisiswe izinguquko zokuxoxisana ezidalwe yisikhathi asihlalile umuntu phakathi kothisha abasebancane nalabo asebekhulile. Imiphumela yocwaningo iveza iznselele ezahlukene ababhekene nazo othisha baseZimbabwe njengoba bengabahlali baseNingizimu-Afrika. Ezinye zalezi nselele ziqhamuka ngokwehlukana kwemiphakathi kwabaseZimbabwe kanye nabaseNingizimu-Afrika. Ngokunjalo kunomehluko obalulekayo kothisha baseZimbabwe mayelana nendlela ukuxoxisana nokubonisana okuqhubeka ngayo. Kukhona labo ukungena bathi khaxa emiphakathini nasezimpilweni abakuzo eNingizimu-Afrika nasezikoleni abakuzo namasiko nenhlalakahle yakulezo zindawo ngakolunye uhlangothi abanye othisha bazithole bephila njengenhlwa bephila ngabodwana eNingizimu-Afrika. Kodwa ekugcineni kwakho konke, lolu cwaningo luthola ukuthi othisha baseZimbabwe ezikoleni zasemalokishini akwaZulu-Natal lapha eNingizimu-Afrika bazakhela impilo eyenza umuntu ngamunye azizwe ehlaliseke kahle eNingizimu- Afrika ngendlela ephelele nethokomalisa yena ngo kwakhe. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Humanities, Sociology, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-10-14
A sociological exploration of whether culture inhibits comprehensive sexual education in schools: the case of urban schools in Mpika district of Zambia
- Authors: Nyoni, Kaliza
- Date: 2022-10-14
- Subjects: Sex instruction Zambia , Sex instruction Social aspects Zambia , Culture , High school students Attitudes , Sex educators Attitudes , Influence (Psychology) , Language and culture Zambia
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/406796 , vital:70308
- Description: This study investigated the impact and influence of culture in the provisioning of comprehensive sexuality education , the case of urban schools of Mpika district of Zambia. The specific objectives were to investigate the frameworks that inform the teaching of CSE in schools, explore ways in which influence of culture on the framework affects the leaners participation in learning CSE, explore the influence of cultural norms, metaphors, and values on that framework, explore whether cultural norms have an impact and influence on teachers and explore whether there is a discrepancy between cultural values and CSE. The methodology which was used in carrying out the research was descriptive research design and purposive sampling was used in which a sample of 21 respondents who are leaners were picked and 5 teachers who teach CSE were chosen. The interview schedule was used to collect data from the sample which was drawn. The data gathered was analysed using concepts and themes as well as observer impression. The findings of this research are that there is a framework that informs the teaching of CSE in schools whose aim is to curb school drop outs by reducing teen pregnancies and high infection rates of STIs and HIV/AIDS. The framework seeks to empower knowledge on the adolescents in relation to gender norms, rights in relationships and sexuality. The major findings of the research are that culture has an influence on the teachers and leaners. Of particular discovery is the use of symbols through charts which display human private parts. This is construed by the teachers and learners to be against their cultural beliefs. Furthermore, language that this subject uses is culturally seen to be too strong and vulgar , to both teachers and leaners. This study found out that open discussion in class of the topic on sexuality does not sit well with the leaners as it is against their cultural orientation. The research also found out that there are lessons in CSE that are beneficial to the learners such as , how to prevent contracting of STIs and HIV/AIDS and prevention of unwanted pregnancies. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Humanities, Sociology, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-10-14
- Authors: Nyoni, Kaliza
- Date: 2022-10-14
- Subjects: Sex instruction Zambia , Sex instruction Social aspects Zambia , Culture , High school students Attitudes , Sex educators Attitudes , Influence (Psychology) , Language and culture Zambia
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/406796 , vital:70308
- Description: This study investigated the impact and influence of culture in the provisioning of comprehensive sexuality education , the case of urban schools of Mpika district of Zambia. The specific objectives were to investigate the frameworks that inform the teaching of CSE in schools, explore ways in which influence of culture on the framework affects the leaners participation in learning CSE, explore the influence of cultural norms, metaphors, and values on that framework, explore whether cultural norms have an impact and influence on teachers and explore whether there is a discrepancy between cultural values and CSE. The methodology which was used in carrying out the research was descriptive research design and purposive sampling was used in which a sample of 21 respondents who are leaners were picked and 5 teachers who teach CSE were chosen. The interview schedule was used to collect data from the sample which was drawn. The data gathered was analysed using concepts and themes as well as observer impression. The findings of this research are that there is a framework that informs the teaching of CSE in schools whose aim is to curb school drop outs by reducing teen pregnancies and high infection rates of STIs and HIV/AIDS. The framework seeks to empower knowledge on the adolescents in relation to gender norms, rights in relationships and sexuality. The major findings of the research are that culture has an influence on the teachers and leaners. Of particular discovery is the use of symbols through charts which display human private parts. This is construed by the teachers and learners to be against their cultural beliefs. Furthermore, language that this subject uses is culturally seen to be too strong and vulgar , to both teachers and leaners. This study found out that open discussion in class of the topic on sexuality does not sit well with the leaners as it is against their cultural orientation. The research also found out that there are lessons in CSE that are beneficial to the learners such as , how to prevent contracting of STIs and HIV/AIDS and prevention of unwanted pregnancies. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Humanities, Sociology, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-10-14
A sociological study of menstrual hygiene management in schools in the Makana District, Eastern Cape, South Africa
- Authors: Bloem, Sharon Gretchen
- Date: 2021-10-29
- Subjects: Schoolgirls Health and hygiene South Africa Makhanda , Menstruation Social aspects South Africa Makhanda , Health behavior in adolescence South Africa Makhanda , Teenage girls Health and hygiene South Africa Makhanda , Teenage girls Physiology South Africa Makhanda , Life skills South Africa Makhanda
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/189974 , vital:44952
- Description: Appropriate menstrual hygiene management is affected by taboos and secrecy surrounding menstruation. Inadequate information and knowledge about menstruation and lack of resources for managing menstruation hygienically have impacted adolescent girls on a psychosocial and physical level. Consequently, the dignity of schoolgirls during the onset of menstruation through puberty and adolescent phases is jeopardised. It is therefore imperative to understand the normal physiological changes that school-going children from Grades 6 to 12 undergo and acknowledge how these changes affect their education within the school environment. In the Makana district, Eastern Cape, South Africa, the topic of menstrual hygiene management is under-researched at schools and, therefore, this research explores school educators’ perceptions of menstrual hygiene management at primary, secondary and private schools in this area. Schools have a responsibility to create a safe environment for learners’ education, which includes the topic of menstruation without discriminating against or labelling menstruating girls. This research found that the topic of menstruation is only discussed in Life Science and Life Orientation subjects and only covers the physiological changes of the body. These subjects, however, exclude the topic of menstrual hygiene management. This study found that several schools in the Makana district are not adequately equipped to provide for the needs of menstruating girls and therefore educators need to be prepared to deal with menstruation in the school context. The educators are also required to go for regular training or workshops to equip them to manage menstruation in a school environment. The infrastructure of a school includes water and sanitation which are components of menstrual hygiene management. The infrastructure at the participating public schools was inadequate and therefore impacted on the menstrual hygiene management for the girls. The unavailability of water, the non-existence of a sick room and lack of a waste disposal system at some public schools presented further challenges for menstrual hygiene management. A qualitative research method was applied in this study and a symbolic interactionism approach was used. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Humanities, Sociology, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-10-29
- Authors: Bloem, Sharon Gretchen
- Date: 2021-10-29
- Subjects: Schoolgirls Health and hygiene South Africa Makhanda , Menstruation Social aspects South Africa Makhanda , Health behavior in adolescence South Africa Makhanda , Teenage girls Health and hygiene South Africa Makhanda , Teenage girls Physiology South Africa Makhanda , Life skills South Africa Makhanda
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/189974 , vital:44952
- Description: Appropriate menstrual hygiene management is affected by taboos and secrecy surrounding menstruation. Inadequate information and knowledge about menstruation and lack of resources for managing menstruation hygienically have impacted adolescent girls on a psychosocial and physical level. Consequently, the dignity of schoolgirls during the onset of menstruation through puberty and adolescent phases is jeopardised. It is therefore imperative to understand the normal physiological changes that school-going children from Grades 6 to 12 undergo and acknowledge how these changes affect their education within the school environment. In the Makana district, Eastern Cape, South Africa, the topic of menstrual hygiene management is under-researched at schools and, therefore, this research explores school educators’ perceptions of menstrual hygiene management at primary, secondary and private schools in this area. Schools have a responsibility to create a safe environment for learners’ education, which includes the topic of menstruation without discriminating against or labelling menstruating girls. This research found that the topic of menstruation is only discussed in Life Science and Life Orientation subjects and only covers the physiological changes of the body. These subjects, however, exclude the topic of menstrual hygiene management. This study found that several schools in the Makana district are not adequately equipped to provide for the needs of menstruating girls and therefore educators need to be prepared to deal with menstruation in the school context. The educators are also required to go for regular training or workshops to equip them to manage menstruation in a school environment. The infrastructure of a school includes water and sanitation which are components of menstrual hygiene management. The infrastructure at the participating public schools was inadequate and therefore impacted on the menstrual hygiene management for the girls. The unavailability of water, the non-existence of a sick room and lack of a waste disposal system at some public schools presented further challenges for menstrual hygiene management. A qualitative research method was applied in this study and a symbolic interactionism approach was used. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Humanities, Sociology, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-10-29
A spatial assessment of riparian vegetation density and implications for streambank erosion in relation to land tenure in the Mgwalana Catchment, Eastern Cape Province, South Africa
- Authors: Maxama, Asakhile
- Date: 2021-12
- Subjects: Port Elizabeth (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/53864 , vital:46026
- Description: Riparian vegetation provides an array of various ecosystem functions and has significantly shaped the conditions of catchments. It has strong controls on fluvial geomorphology and erosion processes. The Mgwalana catchment has been intensively studied over the years and the current environmental condition of the study has been linked to land use history. The catchment has been subjected to land use/cover changes (LUCC) over the years. However, spatial variations in riparian vegetation, their implications for stream bank stability and the contribution of land tenure systems to stream channel degradation are poorly understood. The study sought to assess the implications of the spatial variations in riparian vegetation density for stream bank erosion in relation to land tenure on a catchment scale. Land tenure units comprising the catchment of study are traditional and betterment villages (communal lands), and former white commercial farms. A three-pronged approach using GIS and remote sensing, field investigations and laboratory procedures for soil analysis was employed in this study. Variations of riparian vegetation density in the catchment were mapped using ArcGIS for the two land tenure units to assess the spatial variations of riparian density along stream reaches and to determine the spatial relationship between land tenure units and riparian vegetation diminution. Other mapped shape files include sediment accumulation zones to analyse the spatial relationship between riparian vegetation density and sediment sinks. LUCC classification and analysis of the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) were carried out in IDRISI Selva, using Landsat 8 TM imagery of 2018 to represent the current spatial riparian vegetation variations in the catchment. Field investigations were conducted to determine the coupling among hillslope gully erosion, riparian vegetation density and sink areas; and to assess physical characteristics of soil. This would permit an assessment of the implications of riparian vegetation for stream bank erosion and sediment accumulation within the tenure units. Soil samples were taken from scantily and densely vegetated stream reaches, as well as measurements of channel widths and depths. Analyses of soil physical properties viz; grain size distribution, bulk density, soil texture and aggregate stability were done. Results demonstrated that a sparse riparian vegetation distribution was consistent with the communal villages, confined to the upper catchment area. Dense riparian vegetation distribution was consistent with former commercial farms in the lower catchment area. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, School of Environmental Sciences, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-12
- Authors: Maxama, Asakhile
- Date: 2021-12
- Subjects: Port Elizabeth (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/53864 , vital:46026
- Description: Riparian vegetation provides an array of various ecosystem functions and has significantly shaped the conditions of catchments. It has strong controls on fluvial geomorphology and erosion processes. The Mgwalana catchment has been intensively studied over the years and the current environmental condition of the study has been linked to land use history. The catchment has been subjected to land use/cover changes (LUCC) over the years. However, spatial variations in riparian vegetation, their implications for stream bank stability and the contribution of land tenure systems to stream channel degradation are poorly understood. The study sought to assess the implications of the spatial variations in riparian vegetation density for stream bank erosion in relation to land tenure on a catchment scale. Land tenure units comprising the catchment of study are traditional and betterment villages (communal lands), and former white commercial farms. A three-pronged approach using GIS and remote sensing, field investigations and laboratory procedures for soil analysis was employed in this study. Variations of riparian vegetation density in the catchment were mapped using ArcGIS for the two land tenure units to assess the spatial variations of riparian density along stream reaches and to determine the spatial relationship between land tenure units and riparian vegetation diminution. Other mapped shape files include sediment accumulation zones to analyse the spatial relationship between riparian vegetation density and sediment sinks. LUCC classification and analysis of the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) were carried out in IDRISI Selva, using Landsat 8 TM imagery of 2018 to represent the current spatial riparian vegetation variations in the catchment. Field investigations were conducted to determine the coupling among hillslope gully erosion, riparian vegetation density and sink areas; and to assess physical characteristics of soil. This would permit an assessment of the implications of riparian vegetation for stream bank erosion and sediment accumulation within the tenure units. Soil samples were taken from scantily and densely vegetated stream reaches, as well as measurements of channel widths and depths. Analyses of soil physical properties viz; grain size distribution, bulk density, soil texture and aggregate stability were done. Results demonstrated that a sparse riparian vegetation distribution was consistent with the communal villages, confined to the upper catchment area. Dense riparian vegetation distribution was consistent with former commercial farms in the lower catchment area. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, School of Environmental Sciences, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-12
A spatio-temporal, landscape perspective on Acacia dealbata invasions and broader land use and cover changes in the northern Eastern Cape, South Africa
- Gouws, Aidan J, Prof.Shackleton, Charlie M
- Authors: Gouws, Aidan J , Prof.Shackleton, Charlie M
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/179670 , vital:43156 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1007/s10661-019-7204-y"
- Description: Biological invasions and human land use both have the potential to drastically alter the patterns and processes of landscapes, driving habitat fragmentation and altering natural disturbance regimes. The proliferation of an invasive species depends on composition and configuration of the landscape, as well as the invasiveness of the species. To effectively manage a highly invasive species, such as Acacia dealbata, it is crucial to understand the historical progression of the invasion within the landscape. This study sought to examine the landscape dynamics of biological invasions by tracking the historical spread of A. dealbata and broader land use/land cover (LULC) changes at different spatiotemporal scales in the northern Eastern Cape. A timeseries of aerial photographs were systematically classified according to designated A. dealbata and LULC categories in ArcGIS to track the changes in the extent and rate of spread of A. dealbata. Markedly dynamic, multi-directional, and spatio-temporally variable LULC transitions were observed across the northern Eastern Cape over the last six decades. A. dealbata frequently retained a high proportion of cover over time, and despite the loss of cover to other LULC classes, a net increase in A. dealbata cover occurred as it spread at an overall annual rate of 0.11–0.21%, occupying approximately 8–18% of land cover across all sampled sites by 2013.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Gouws, Aidan J , Prof.Shackleton, Charlie M
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/179670 , vital:43156 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1007/s10661-019-7204-y"
- Description: Biological invasions and human land use both have the potential to drastically alter the patterns and processes of landscapes, driving habitat fragmentation and altering natural disturbance regimes. The proliferation of an invasive species depends on composition and configuration of the landscape, as well as the invasiveness of the species. To effectively manage a highly invasive species, such as Acacia dealbata, it is crucial to understand the historical progression of the invasion within the landscape. This study sought to examine the landscape dynamics of biological invasions by tracking the historical spread of A. dealbata and broader land use/land cover (LULC) changes at different spatiotemporal scales in the northern Eastern Cape. A timeseries of aerial photographs were systematically classified according to designated A. dealbata and LULC categories in ArcGIS to track the changes in the extent and rate of spread of A. dealbata. Markedly dynamic, multi-directional, and spatio-temporally variable LULC transitions were observed across the northern Eastern Cape over the last six decades. A. dealbata frequently retained a high proportion of cover over time, and despite the loss of cover to other LULC classes, a net increase in A. dealbata cover occurred as it spread at an overall annual rate of 0.11–0.21%, occupying approximately 8–18% of land cover across all sampled sites by 2013.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
A stability-indicating high performance liquid chromatographic assay for the determination of orlistat in capsules
- Mohammadi, Ali, Haririan, I, Rezanour, Nasrin, Ghiasi, L, Walker, Roderick B
- Authors: Mohammadi, Ali , Haririan, I , Rezanour, Nasrin , Ghiasi, L , Walker, Roderick B
- Date: 2006
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/184267 , vital:44195 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chroma.2006.03.038"
- Description: A stability-indicating HPLC method was developed and validated for the quantitative determination of orlistat in capsule dosage forms. An isocratic separation was achieved using a Perfectsil® target ODS-3, 250 mm × 4.6 mm i.d., 5 μm particle size column with a flow rate of 0.7 ml/min and using a UV detector to monitor the eluate at 210 nm. The mobile phase consisted of methanol:acetonitrile:trifluoroacetic acid (82.5:17.5:0.01, v/v/v). The drug was subjected oxidation, hydrolysis, photolysis and heat to apply stress conditions. Complete separation was achieved for the parent compound and all degradation products in an overall analytical run time of approximately 15 min with the parent compound orlistat eluting at approximately 9 min. The method was linear over the concentration range of 0.02–0.75 mg/ml (r = 0.9998) with a limit of detection and quantitation 0.006 and 0.02 mg/ml, respectively. The method has the requisite accuracy, selectivity, sensitivity and precision to assay orlistat in capsules. Degradation products resulting from the stress studies did not interfere with the detection of orlistat and the assay is thus stability-indicating.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2006
- Authors: Mohammadi, Ali , Haririan, I , Rezanour, Nasrin , Ghiasi, L , Walker, Roderick B
- Date: 2006
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/184267 , vital:44195 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chroma.2006.03.038"
- Description: A stability-indicating HPLC method was developed and validated for the quantitative determination of orlistat in capsule dosage forms. An isocratic separation was achieved using a Perfectsil® target ODS-3, 250 mm × 4.6 mm i.d., 5 μm particle size column with a flow rate of 0.7 ml/min and using a UV detector to monitor the eluate at 210 nm. The mobile phase consisted of methanol:acetonitrile:trifluoroacetic acid (82.5:17.5:0.01, v/v/v). The drug was subjected oxidation, hydrolysis, photolysis and heat to apply stress conditions. Complete separation was achieved for the parent compound and all degradation products in an overall analytical run time of approximately 15 min with the parent compound orlistat eluting at approximately 9 min. The method was linear over the concentration range of 0.02–0.75 mg/ml (r = 0.9998) with a limit of detection and quantitation 0.006 and 0.02 mg/ml, respectively. The method has the requisite accuracy, selectivity, sensitivity and precision to assay orlistat in capsules. Degradation products resulting from the stress studies did not interfere with the detection of orlistat and the assay is thus stability-indicating.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2006
A statistical study of travelling ionospheric disturbances over the African-European and American sectors
- Authors: Thaganyana, Golekamang Piet
- Date: 2023-03-31
- Subjects: Uncatalogued
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/422541 , vital:71956 , DOI 10.21504/10962/422543
- Description: This research presents a long-term statistical study of travelling ionospheric disturbances (TIDs) of low- and high-latitude origin over the American and African-European sectors between 2010 and 2018. The TIDs of low latitude origin (hereafter known as poleward TIDs) were studied in both quiet and disturbed conditions, whereas the equatorward TIDs were only studied during quiet conditions. The Kp > 4 and Dst_ -50 nT was used as a criterion for geomagnetic disturbed conditions, while the four geomagnetically quiet days were selected each month based on Kp < 3. Observations of TIDs are made using Global Navigational Satellite Systems (GNSS) total electron content derived data. During quiet conditions, seven and two transhemispheric TIDs were identified over the African-European and American sectors, respectively. The observed TIDs originated from the wintertime hemisphere and propagated into the summertime hemisphere. The horizontal velocity, periods, and horizontal wavelengths of TIDs are in range of cH = 120-274 m/s, 48-80 min and _H = 379-1104 km, respectively. These quiet-time equatorward TIDs have been associated with tertiary gravity waves (GWs) from the dissipation of secondary GWs which are in turn generated from the dissipation of mountain waves (MWs) as a result of excited orographic forcing. The poleward TIDs during geomagnetically quiet conditions over the African and American sectors occur mainly during local daytime. Poleward TIDs were observed mostly in the African-European sector than the American sector. Their horizontal propagation velocities and periods range between 129-280 m/s and 39-70 min over African-European and American sectors. Although the mechanisms responsible for launching quiet-time poleward TIDs have not been established in this study, lower atmospheric processes such as convection systems, sudden stratospheric warming and cold weather fronts may have a role in their generation. During geomagnetic storms in the African sector, almost all poleward TIDs (with the exception of two cases) during the main phase were large-scale with horizontal velocities and periods ranging from 250-503 m/s and 30 min to 2 hours. During recovery phase, poleward TIDs fall under the category of medium scale. In the American sector, the majority of poleward TIDs occurred during the storm's main phase, as opposed to the African-European sector, which experienced a significant number of poleward TIDs during the recovery phase. The periods and horizontal velocities of TIDs range from 45 min-1.5 h and 180-296 m/s during main phase. During the recovery phase, the horizontal velocity and period range from 177-271 m/s and 40-1.5 h, respectively. Overall, it has been shown that statistically, changes in equatorial electrodynamics related to enhanced eastward electric _eld and hence increased equatorial electrojet (vertical E_B drift) correlates highly with the reported poleward TIDs. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Science, Physics and Electronics, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-03-31
- Authors: Thaganyana, Golekamang Piet
- Date: 2023-03-31
- Subjects: Uncatalogued
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/422541 , vital:71956 , DOI 10.21504/10962/422543
- Description: This research presents a long-term statistical study of travelling ionospheric disturbances (TIDs) of low- and high-latitude origin over the American and African-European sectors between 2010 and 2018. The TIDs of low latitude origin (hereafter known as poleward TIDs) were studied in both quiet and disturbed conditions, whereas the equatorward TIDs were only studied during quiet conditions. The Kp > 4 and Dst_ -50 nT was used as a criterion for geomagnetic disturbed conditions, while the four geomagnetically quiet days were selected each month based on Kp < 3. Observations of TIDs are made using Global Navigational Satellite Systems (GNSS) total electron content derived data. During quiet conditions, seven and two transhemispheric TIDs were identified over the African-European and American sectors, respectively. The observed TIDs originated from the wintertime hemisphere and propagated into the summertime hemisphere. The horizontal velocity, periods, and horizontal wavelengths of TIDs are in range of cH = 120-274 m/s, 48-80 min and _H = 379-1104 km, respectively. These quiet-time equatorward TIDs have been associated with tertiary gravity waves (GWs) from the dissipation of secondary GWs which are in turn generated from the dissipation of mountain waves (MWs) as a result of excited orographic forcing. The poleward TIDs during geomagnetically quiet conditions over the African and American sectors occur mainly during local daytime. Poleward TIDs were observed mostly in the African-European sector than the American sector. Their horizontal propagation velocities and periods range between 129-280 m/s and 39-70 min over African-European and American sectors. Although the mechanisms responsible for launching quiet-time poleward TIDs have not been established in this study, lower atmospheric processes such as convection systems, sudden stratospheric warming and cold weather fronts may have a role in their generation. During geomagnetic storms in the African sector, almost all poleward TIDs (with the exception of two cases) during the main phase were large-scale with horizontal velocities and periods ranging from 250-503 m/s and 30 min to 2 hours. During recovery phase, poleward TIDs fall under the category of medium scale. In the American sector, the majority of poleward TIDs occurred during the storm's main phase, as opposed to the African-European sector, which experienced a significant number of poleward TIDs during the recovery phase. The periods and horizontal velocities of TIDs range from 45 min-1.5 h and 180-296 m/s during main phase. During the recovery phase, the horizontal velocity and period range from 177-271 m/s and 40-1.5 h, respectively. Overall, it has been shown that statistically, changes in equatorial electrodynamics related to enhanced eastward electric _eld and hence increased equatorial electrojet (vertical E_B drift) correlates highly with the reported poleward TIDs. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Science, Physics and Electronics, 2023
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- Date Issued: 2023-03-31