The evolution of the Lepilemuridae-Cheirogaleidae clade
- Authors: Andrews, Curswan Allan
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Lemurs
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/40216 , vital:35989
- Description: The Lepilemuridae and the Cheirogaleidae, according to recent molecular reconstructions, share a more recent common ancestor than previously thought. Further phylogenetic reconstructions have indicated that body size evolution in this clade was marked by repeated dwarfing events that coincided with changes in the environment. I aimed to investigate the morphological implications of changes in body size within the Lepilemur-cheirogaleid clade, testing four predictions. Together with Dr. Couette, I collected data on the overall palate shape and predicted that shape is likely to be influenced by several factors including phylogeny, body size and diet. Geometric morphometric analyses revealed that, although a strong phylogenetic signal was detected, diet had the major effect on palate shape. In a similar vein, when examining the arterial circulation patterns in these taxa, I predicted that changes in body size would result in changes and possible reductions in arterial size, particularly the internal carotid artery (ICA) and stapedial artery (SA). Analyses with micro-computed tomography (CT) and 3D imaging indicated that changes in body size led to reduction of a functional stapedial artery in Lepilemur, making it an intermediate stage between the daubentoniid, lemurid and indriid species with large stapedial arteries, and the smaller bodied cheirogaleids with an alternative blood supply in the form of an enlarged ascending pharyngeal artery. Lepilemur is the smallest living folivorous primate, and likely to be at the threshold body size to be able to subsist on such a poor diet. To investigate shifts in dietary patterns that accompanied changes in body size, I chose to explore the reported behaviour of caecotrophy as a possible means for the sportive lemurs to derive additional nutrient from their food sources. I predicted that, if caecotrophy is a way to assist folivory at small body size, the energy contained in “caecotrophic” and latrine faecal samples should be different. Analyses showed significant iv differences between the two types of faeces and, combined with an analysis of faecal bacterial diversity, support the occurrence of caecotrophy. Finally, I compared the digestive efficiency of two small, distantly related gummivorous primates that evolved their diets convergently. I studied the digestion of gum in Microcebus griseorufus and compared this with gum digestion in Galago moholi. I predicted that an evolutionary disposition to fermentation inherited from a folivorous ancestor would aid in the digestion of gum in mouse lemurs. Results indicated that retention time was prolonged by the presence of secondary compounds in Microcebus fed with Commiphora gum but relatively shorter (< 24 hrs) when fed Alantsilodenron gum, a preferred food. Despite the fact that G. moholi has an ansa coli, which is missing in M. griseorufus species, both are highly efficient at digesting gum. These data provide some of the first indicators of how dietary changes from a larger-bodied folivorous ancestor to partially gummivorous, small-bodied descendants may have occurred in evolutionary time.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Andrews, Curswan Allan
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Lemurs
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/40216 , vital:35989
- Description: The Lepilemuridae and the Cheirogaleidae, according to recent molecular reconstructions, share a more recent common ancestor than previously thought. Further phylogenetic reconstructions have indicated that body size evolution in this clade was marked by repeated dwarfing events that coincided with changes in the environment. I aimed to investigate the morphological implications of changes in body size within the Lepilemur-cheirogaleid clade, testing four predictions. Together with Dr. Couette, I collected data on the overall palate shape and predicted that shape is likely to be influenced by several factors including phylogeny, body size and diet. Geometric morphometric analyses revealed that, although a strong phylogenetic signal was detected, diet had the major effect on palate shape. In a similar vein, when examining the arterial circulation patterns in these taxa, I predicted that changes in body size would result in changes and possible reductions in arterial size, particularly the internal carotid artery (ICA) and stapedial artery (SA). Analyses with micro-computed tomography (CT) and 3D imaging indicated that changes in body size led to reduction of a functional stapedial artery in Lepilemur, making it an intermediate stage between the daubentoniid, lemurid and indriid species with large stapedial arteries, and the smaller bodied cheirogaleids with an alternative blood supply in the form of an enlarged ascending pharyngeal artery. Lepilemur is the smallest living folivorous primate, and likely to be at the threshold body size to be able to subsist on such a poor diet. To investigate shifts in dietary patterns that accompanied changes in body size, I chose to explore the reported behaviour of caecotrophy as a possible means for the sportive lemurs to derive additional nutrient from their food sources. I predicted that, if caecotrophy is a way to assist folivory at small body size, the energy contained in “caecotrophic” and latrine faecal samples should be different. Analyses showed significant iv differences between the two types of faeces and, combined with an analysis of faecal bacterial diversity, support the occurrence of caecotrophy. Finally, I compared the digestive efficiency of two small, distantly related gummivorous primates that evolved their diets convergently. I studied the digestion of gum in Microcebus griseorufus and compared this with gum digestion in Galago moholi. I predicted that an evolutionary disposition to fermentation inherited from a folivorous ancestor would aid in the digestion of gum in mouse lemurs. Results indicated that retention time was prolonged by the presence of secondary compounds in Microcebus fed with Commiphora gum but relatively shorter (< 24 hrs) when fed Alantsilodenron gum, a preferred food. Despite the fact that G. moholi has an ansa coli, which is missing in M. griseorufus species, both are highly efficient at digesting gum. These data provide some of the first indicators of how dietary changes from a larger-bodied folivorous ancestor to partially gummivorous, small-bodied descendants may have occurred in evolutionary time.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
The experiences of African men who have sex with men and women (MSMW): of navigating sexual identities within the presence of homophobia in KwaZulu-Natal
- Authors: Msweli, Sakhile
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Gender identity -- Cross-cultural studies -- South Africa -- KwaZulu-Natal , Gender identity -- South Africa -- KwaZulu-Natal Bisexuality|xPsychological aspects Homophobia -- South Africa -- KwaZulu-Natal Homosexuality -- Psychological aspects
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/41930 , vital:36610
- Description: Research on sexual minority experiences has traditionally documented harrowing accounts of homophobia, harassment, and discrimination. While sexual minority’s experiences are typically imbued with physical, mental and emotional consequences, men who have sex with men and women or, MSMW may be subject to a unique homophobic experience due to their sexual identity Hence, research shows that these men may have to devise strategies to insulate themselves from discrimination and possible physical harm. This study explored how MSMW navigate their sexual identities in the presence of homophobia. The study adopted a social constructionist perspective as a theoretical lens to study these sexual navigations. A qualitative research methodology was utilised. Six male participants from KwaZulu-Natal were sampled using a combination of convenience and purposive sampling techniques. Data were transcribed verbatim and analysed using thematic analysis. The findings of this study suggest that MSMW experience forms of homophobic attitudes across different spheres of their lives. As a result, these men may draw from normative gender performances present within their communities, conceal their sexual identity by presenting themselves in heteronormative ways, and limiting disclosure of their sexuality to those closest to them, regardless of the emotional burden they may consequently carry. The findings of the study further point out that more research is needed to further understand sexual minorities’ navigation of their sexual identities in contexts that are not accepting and the social and psychological implications that this has on them.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Msweli, Sakhile
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Gender identity -- Cross-cultural studies -- South Africa -- KwaZulu-Natal , Gender identity -- South Africa -- KwaZulu-Natal Bisexuality|xPsychological aspects Homophobia -- South Africa -- KwaZulu-Natal Homosexuality -- Psychological aspects
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/41930 , vital:36610
- Description: Research on sexual minority experiences has traditionally documented harrowing accounts of homophobia, harassment, and discrimination. While sexual minority’s experiences are typically imbued with physical, mental and emotional consequences, men who have sex with men and women or, MSMW may be subject to a unique homophobic experience due to their sexual identity Hence, research shows that these men may have to devise strategies to insulate themselves from discrimination and possible physical harm. This study explored how MSMW navigate their sexual identities in the presence of homophobia. The study adopted a social constructionist perspective as a theoretical lens to study these sexual navigations. A qualitative research methodology was utilised. Six male participants from KwaZulu-Natal were sampled using a combination of convenience and purposive sampling techniques. Data were transcribed verbatim and analysed using thematic analysis. The findings of this study suggest that MSMW experience forms of homophobic attitudes across different spheres of their lives. As a result, these men may draw from normative gender performances present within their communities, conceal their sexual identity by presenting themselves in heteronormative ways, and limiting disclosure of their sexuality to those closest to them, regardless of the emotional burden they may consequently carry. The findings of the study further point out that more research is needed to further understand sexual minorities’ navigation of their sexual identities in contexts that are not accepting and the social and psychological implications that this has on them.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
The experiences of health service providers working with children with physical disabilities and their caregivers in the Eastern Cape
- Authors: Mathaba, Yollandah
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Children with disabilities -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Caregivers -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Case studies , Caregivers -- Psychology , Children with disabilities -- Care
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/76299 , vital:30545
- Description: The prevalence of childhood disability in South Africa is significant. In an attempt to meet the constitutional rights of children with disabilities, there are a variety of services available for children with disabilities. These services are aimed at rehabilitating children with disabilities and integrating them in society. Amongst such services are health services. Due to the nature of some childhood disabilities, it is recommended that they should be seen by a multidisciplinary team. While the field of childhood disability has been researched extensively. Limited research has been conducted on the experiences of health service providers working with children with disabilities and their caregivers. The current study explored the experiences of health service providers working with children with disabilities and their caregivers in the Eastern Cape. To achieve this aim, the study employed Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA). Five participants were recruited using purposive and snowball sampling methods. Semi-structured interviews were used to allow participants to freely share their experiences of working with children with disabilities and their caregivers. The interviews were audio recorded and transcribed for analysis purpose. The analysis process generated five master themes namely: Positive experiences of their work; negative experiences of their work; perception of their role as changing over time; managing challenges in their work; and experiences of a service learning programme as complementary to their work. The findings of the study highlighted both the positive experiences and the negative experiences of their work. On the one hand, the participants reported positive affect and that they found their work meaningful. They also reported a sense of feeling supported by fellow colleagues and enjoying their work at the clinics. On the other hand, the participants reported negative affect in relation to their wok difficulties such as feelings of frustration, feelings of being unappreciated by management and finding the work distressing. The participants reported that professional and emotional growth in conjunction with perspective taking contributed to developing better coping mechanisms. A service learning programme offered in the community was experienced as a good contribution to the work done at the clinics and distinguished as addressing the emotional needs of the caregivers which cannot be addressed at the clinics. The findings of the study supports and expands the literature on the experiences of health service providers working with children with disabilities in South Africa.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Mathaba, Yollandah
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Children with disabilities -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Caregivers -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Case studies , Caregivers -- Psychology , Children with disabilities -- Care
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/76299 , vital:30545
- Description: The prevalence of childhood disability in South Africa is significant. In an attempt to meet the constitutional rights of children with disabilities, there are a variety of services available for children with disabilities. These services are aimed at rehabilitating children with disabilities and integrating them in society. Amongst such services are health services. Due to the nature of some childhood disabilities, it is recommended that they should be seen by a multidisciplinary team. While the field of childhood disability has been researched extensively. Limited research has been conducted on the experiences of health service providers working with children with disabilities and their caregivers. The current study explored the experiences of health service providers working with children with disabilities and their caregivers in the Eastern Cape. To achieve this aim, the study employed Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA). Five participants were recruited using purposive and snowball sampling methods. Semi-structured interviews were used to allow participants to freely share their experiences of working with children with disabilities and their caregivers. The interviews were audio recorded and transcribed for analysis purpose. The analysis process generated five master themes namely: Positive experiences of their work; negative experiences of their work; perception of their role as changing over time; managing challenges in their work; and experiences of a service learning programme as complementary to their work. The findings of the study highlighted both the positive experiences and the negative experiences of their work. On the one hand, the participants reported positive affect and that they found their work meaningful. They also reported a sense of feeling supported by fellow colleagues and enjoying their work at the clinics. On the other hand, the participants reported negative affect in relation to their wok difficulties such as feelings of frustration, feelings of being unappreciated by management and finding the work distressing. The participants reported that professional and emotional growth in conjunction with perspective taking contributed to developing better coping mechanisms. A service learning programme offered in the community was experienced as a good contribution to the work done at the clinics and distinguished as addressing the emotional needs of the caregivers which cannot be addressed at the clinics. The findings of the study supports and expands the literature on the experiences of health service providers working with children with disabilities in South Africa.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
The experiences of patients who absconded from psychiatric hospitals in the Eastern Cape
- Authors: Steyn, Laetitia
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Psychiatric patients -- Absconding
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCur
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/44736 , vital:38149
- Description: When patients abscond from the hospital, it is a taxing experience for everybody involved. The risk of harm to the patient is high. A small risk to the community also exits. This research aimed to explore and describe the experiences of psychiatric patients absconding from psychiatric institutions in the Eastern Cape. Data was collected making use of semi-structured interviews conducted with psychiatric patients that absconded. Data collected were analysed using Tech’s method of data analysis. The experiences and reasons for absconding identified were grouped into three main themes, namely biological factors, psychological factors and social factors. Fourteen sub-themes were identified. The fourteen sub-themes identified were correlated with Maslow’s hierarchy of needs. The participants expressed a number of unmet needs as motivation for their behaviour and the reason for absconding. A description of the profile of a psychiatric patient prone to absconding in the Eastern Cape was developed according to the demographic detail of the participants in this research. The research limitations are discussed. Recommendations were made from the findings to reduce absconding events in psychiatric institutions. Possible education and clinical practice recommendations were made, as well as recommendations provided for future related research. To ensure the quality of the study, the researcher made use of Guba’s four criteria to ensure trustworthiness. The researcher took special care to adhere to high ethical standards and protect the participants from exploitation.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Steyn, Laetitia
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Psychiatric patients -- Absconding
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCur
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/44736 , vital:38149
- Description: When patients abscond from the hospital, it is a taxing experience for everybody involved. The risk of harm to the patient is high. A small risk to the community also exits. This research aimed to explore and describe the experiences of psychiatric patients absconding from psychiatric institutions in the Eastern Cape. Data was collected making use of semi-structured interviews conducted with psychiatric patients that absconded. Data collected were analysed using Tech’s method of data analysis. The experiences and reasons for absconding identified were grouped into three main themes, namely biological factors, psychological factors and social factors. Fourteen sub-themes were identified. The fourteen sub-themes identified were correlated with Maslow’s hierarchy of needs. The participants expressed a number of unmet needs as motivation for their behaviour and the reason for absconding. A description of the profile of a psychiatric patient prone to absconding in the Eastern Cape was developed according to the demographic detail of the participants in this research. The research limitations are discussed. Recommendations were made from the findings to reduce absconding events in psychiatric institutions. Possible education and clinical practice recommendations were made, as well as recommendations provided for future related research. To ensure the quality of the study, the researcher made use of Guba’s four criteria to ensure trustworthiness. The researcher took special care to adhere to high ethical standards and protect the participants from exploitation.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
The experiences of patients who absconded from psychiatric hospitals in the Eastern Cape
- Authors: Steyn, Laetitia
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Psychotherapy patients -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Psychiatric hospital care Psychiatric nursing
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCur
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/45150 , vital:38258
- Description: When patients abscond from the hospital, it is a taxing experience for everybody involved. The risk of harm to the patient is high. A small risk to the community also exits. This research aimed to explore and describe the experiences of psychiatric patients absconding from psychiatric institutions in the Eastern Cape. Data was collected making use of semi-structured interviews conducted with psychiatric patients that absconded. Data collected were analysed using Tech’s method of data analysis. The experiences and reasons for absconding identified were grouped into three main themes, namely biological factors, psychological factors and social factors. Fourteen sub-themes were identified. The fourteen sub-themes identified were correlated with Maslow’s hierarchy of needs. The participants expressed a number of unmet needs as motivation for their behaviour and the reason for absconding. A description of the profile of a psychiatric patient prone to absconding in the Eastern Cape was developed according to the demographic detail of the participants in this research. The research limitations are discussed. Recommendations were made from the findings to reduce absconding events in psychiatric institutions. Possible education and clinical practice recommendations were made, as well as recommendations provided for future related research. To ensure the quality of the study, the researcher made use of Guba’s four criteria to ensure trustworthiness. The researcher took special care to adhere to high ethical standards and protect the participants from exploitation.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Steyn, Laetitia
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Psychotherapy patients -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Psychiatric hospital care Psychiatric nursing
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCur
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/45150 , vital:38258
- Description: When patients abscond from the hospital, it is a taxing experience for everybody involved. The risk of harm to the patient is high. A small risk to the community also exits. This research aimed to explore and describe the experiences of psychiatric patients absconding from psychiatric institutions in the Eastern Cape. Data was collected making use of semi-structured interviews conducted with psychiatric patients that absconded. Data collected were analysed using Tech’s method of data analysis. The experiences and reasons for absconding identified were grouped into three main themes, namely biological factors, psychological factors and social factors. Fourteen sub-themes were identified. The fourteen sub-themes identified were correlated with Maslow’s hierarchy of needs. The participants expressed a number of unmet needs as motivation for their behaviour and the reason for absconding. A description of the profile of a psychiatric patient prone to absconding in the Eastern Cape was developed according to the demographic detail of the participants in this research. The research limitations are discussed. Recommendations were made from the findings to reduce absconding events in psychiatric institutions. Possible education and clinical practice recommendations were made, as well as recommendations provided for future related research. To ensure the quality of the study, the researcher made use of Guba’s four criteria to ensure trustworthiness. The researcher took special care to adhere to high ethical standards and protect the participants from exploitation.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
The experiences of student nurses regarding the negotiation of condom use at a Nursing College in the Eastern Cape Province
- Authors: Rumbu , Nosiphiwo Matshele
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Condom use -- South Africa College students -- Sexual behavior
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , M Cur
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/11396 , vital:39068
- Description: The purpose of the study was to explore and describe the experiences of student nurses regarding negotiation of condom use at Lilitha College of Nursing, East London Campus. Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infection is still one of the severe global public health problems and a considerable number of people are living with HIV and millions of these people die of Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS). It has been found that women have difficulty in negotiating condom use. The study that was conducted in Tanzania revealed that when women lack selfconfidence to negotiate condom use with their sexual companions, they may be exposed to unprotected sex, thus being at danger of contracting STIs as well as HIV/AIDS and therefore being more susceptible to adverse sexual and reproductive health results (Exavery, Kanté, Jackson, Noronha, Sikustahili, Tani, Mushi, Baynes, Ramsey, Hingora and Phillips, 2012:9). A qualitative, descriptive, explorative, contextual design was used to describe the experiences of student nurses regarding negotiation of condom use and a purposive sampling method was used to select fourth year students. Eleven students participated in the study. Data was collected by means of individual face-to-face interviews with fourth year students. The interviews continued until data saturation was reached. Data analysis was done using Tesch‟s approach to open coding in qualitative research. Themes, categories and sub-categories emerged from the data analysis and were fully discussed. The results of the study indicated that students experienced difficulties in negotiation of condom use, although some participants felt that they were comfortable to negotiate. Health education and awareness campaigns were recommended as fundamental tools that could be used as strategies to enhance successful negotiation of condom use.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Rumbu , Nosiphiwo Matshele
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Condom use -- South Africa College students -- Sexual behavior
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , M Cur
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/11396 , vital:39068
- Description: The purpose of the study was to explore and describe the experiences of student nurses regarding negotiation of condom use at Lilitha College of Nursing, East London Campus. Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infection is still one of the severe global public health problems and a considerable number of people are living with HIV and millions of these people die of Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS). It has been found that women have difficulty in negotiating condom use. The study that was conducted in Tanzania revealed that when women lack selfconfidence to negotiate condom use with their sexual companions, they may be exposed to unprotected sex, thus being at danger of contracting STIs as well as HIV/AIDS and therefore being more susceptible to adverse sexual and reproductive health results (Exavery, Kanté, Jackson, Noronha, Sikustahili, Tani, Mushi, Baynes, Ramsey, Hingora and Phillips, 2012:9). A qualitative, descriptive, explorative, contextual design was used to describe the experiences of student nurses regarding negotiation of condom use and a purposive sampling method was used to select fourth year students. Eleven students participated in the study. Data was collected by means of individual face-to-face interviews with fourth year students. The interviews continued until data saturation was reached. Data analysis was done using Tesch‟s approach to open coding in qualitative research. Themes, categories and sub-categories emerged from the data analysis and were fully discussed. The results of the study indicated that students experienced difficulties in negotiation of condom use, although some participants felt that they were comfortable to negotiate. Health education and awareness campaigns were recommended as fundamental tools that could be used as strategies to enhance successful negotiation of condom use.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
The exploration of the psychological well-being of people living with hiv/aids (PLWHA) in Lusikisiki, in the Eastern Cape, South Africa
- Authors: Nodwengu, Nombulelo
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: HIV infections AIDS (Disease) -- Treatment
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSoc. Sci (Psychology)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/16495 , vital:40725
- Description: The study explored the psychological well-being of PLWHA in Lusikisiki, in the Eastern Cape, South Africa. The aim was to describe how they cope physically, socially and psychologically in their everyday lives as they deal with the consequences of stress while living with HIV. The researcher employed exploratory qualitative research. Fifteen participants from one of the support groups under the supervision of the Treatment Action Campaign (TAC) District office in Lusikisiki, in the Eastern Cape, consisting of seven males and eight females, aged from 20-60 gave their consent to be interviewed. The majority of the participants depended on the child support grant while others were doing part-time jobs in order to make a living. These results demonstrated that PLWHA are doing well in terms of accepting their HIVpositive status, accessing treatment and getting support. They use selfmotivation, spirituality or religion and support groups as coping strategies. However, unemployment still plays a primary role in the psychological wellbeing of PLWHA in Lusikisiki as people lack means to make ends meet which results in them constantly being in a state of turmoil, stressing about where their next meal will come from thus influencing negatively on their quality of life. It is recommended that community projects such as growing chickens and planting vegetables in gardens for generating income and for their own consumption could assist in making the lives of PLWHA better if there could be funders who would be willing to sponsor such projects.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Nodwengu, Nombulelo
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: HIV infections AIDS (Disease) -- Treatment
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSoc. Sci (Psychology)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/16495 , vital:40725
- Description: The study explored the psychological well-being of PLWHA in Lusikisiki, in the Eastern Cape, South Africa. The aim was to describe how they cope physically, socially and psychologically in their everyday lives as they deal with the consequences of stress while living with HIV. The researcher employed exploratory qualitative research. Fifteen participants from one of the support groups under the supervision of the Treatment Action Campaign (TAC) District office in Lusikisiki, in the Eastern Cape, consisting of seven males and eight females, aged from 20-60 gave their consent to be interviewed. The majority of the participants depended on the child support grant while others were doing part-time jobs in order to make a living. These results demonstrated that PLWHA are doing well in terms of accepting their HIVpositive status, accessing treatment and getting support. They use selfmotivation, spirituality or religion and support groups as coping strategies. However, unemployment still plays a primary role in the psychological wellbeing of PLWHA in Lusikisiki as people lack means to make ends meet which results in them constantly being in a state of turmoil, stressing about where their next meal will come from thus influencing negatively on their quality of life. It is recommended that community projects such as growing chickens and planting vegetables in gardens for generating income and for their own consumption could assist in making the lives of PLWHA better if there could be funders who would be willing to sponsor such projects.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
The extent of urban Green Collar employment, its contribution to poverty alleviation and potential for growth in the Eastern Cape, South Africa
- Authors: King, Andrew
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Economic development -- Environmental aspects -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Poverty prevention -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Job creation -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Urban ecology (Sociology) -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Urban poor -- Employment -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Clean energy industries -- Employment -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Renewable energy sources -- Government policy -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Land use, Urban -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Open spaces -- Environmental aspects -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/115191 , vital:34095
- Description: The aim of this research was to investigate the job provisioning benefits of urban green space (GS), the ability of these jobs to alleviate poverty amongst poor urban households, as well as the potential to increase the number of Green Collar (GC) jobs. According to Lal et al. (2010), Roy et al. (2012) and others, environmental employment or GC jobs, represent the very synergy between social, economic and environmental resilience and sustainability, and have the ability to provide an additional range of goods and services. Data was collected from 12 towns and cities in the Eastern Cape of South Africa, all varying in population, town size and geographic location. Structured employer, employee and resident interviews were used to collect data, which pertained to a number of employment characteristics and employee living conditions. Throughout the sample, 19 different types of jobs were identified, and a total of 17 429 GC employees were counted, sharing a total of approximately R503 million in annual wages. Some GC employees were found to still be in a position of poverty despite employment, while others enjoyed a higher standard of living as a result, although this was largely dependent on the extent of wages and other household and employment attributes. Using lessons learnt from previous chapters, a number of data sources and a creative approach, the potential for growth and improvement in the urban GC sector was discussed, and the way forward involves private, public, informal and civil sector participation and innovation; which will not only enhance environmental and social ecosystem services, but also provide meaningful employment opportunities to the otherwise impoverished. Urban GC jobs should be widely viewed as a useful tool in achieving social, environmental and economic prosperity in urban landscapes (Bowen and Kuralbayeva, 2015).
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: King, Andrew
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Economic development -- Environmental aspects -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Poverty prevention -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Job creation -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Urban ecology (Sociology) -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Urban poor -- Employment -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Clean energy industries -- Employment -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Renewable energy sources -- Government policy -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Land use, Urban -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Open spaces -- Environmental aspects -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/115191 , vital:34095
- Description: The aim of this research was to investigate the job provisioning benefits of urban green space (GS), the ability of these jobs to alleviate poverty amongst poor urban households, as well as the potential to increase the number of Green Collar (GC) jobs. According to Lal et al. (2010), Roy et al. (2012) and others, environmental employment or GC jobs, represent the very synergy between social, economic and environmental resilience and sustainability, and have the ability to provide an additional range of goods and services. Data was collected from 12 towns and cities in the Eastern Cape of South Africa, all varying in population, town size and geographic location. Structured employer, employee and resident interviews were used to collect data, which pertained to a number of employment characteristics and employee living conditions. Throughout the sample, 19 different types of jobs were identified, and a total of 17 429 GC employees were counted, sharing a total of approximately R503 million in annual wages. Some GC employees were found to still be in a position of poverty despite employment, while others enjoyed a higher standard of living as a result, although this was largely dependent on the extent of wages and other household and employment attributes. Using lessons learnt from previous chapters, a number of data sources and a creative approach, the potential for growth and improvement in the urban GC sector was discussed, and the way forward involves private, public, informal and civil sector participation and innovation; which will not only enhance environmental and social ecosystem services, but also provide meaningful employment opportunities to the otherwise impoverished. Urban GC jobs should be widely viewed as a useful tool in achieving social, environmental and economic prosperity in urban landscapes (Bowen and Kuralbayeva, 2015).
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
The extraction of bioactive compounds from spent coffee grounds and their application in a cosmetic formulation
- Authors: Mdubeki, Ntokozo
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Bioactive compounds , Plants -- bioactive compounds Plant biotechnology Coffee -- Processing Chemistry, Technical Cosmetics
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/41460 , vital:36485
- Description: Residues obtained during coffee processing, known as spent coffee grounds, are an abundant, low-cost and versatile feedstock for a wide range of high-value biological compounds exhibiting a number of properties which include anti-cellulite and antioxidant properties for skin-care applications. The objective of the present work was to obtain a concentrated extract containing high-value biological methylxanthines and polyphenolic compounds with antioxidant activity from the spent coffee grounds. An investigation of the effect of extraction conditions on the concentration of the bioactive compounds in the extract was done. The recovery of both methylxanthines and the polyphenolic compounds with antioxidant activity was achieved through a one-step extraction method under reduced pressure using a non-toxic solvent blend. Various experimental designs were implemented with the aim of optimising the recovery of the selected bioactive compounds, namely, caffeine, theophylline and theobromine from spent coffee grounds by using solvent blends of water and ethanol. A number of factors considered were: (i) repeatability, (ii) extraction time, (iii) composition of solvent blends, (iv) extraction vacuum (pressure)/temperature settings and (v) operating variables. The results suggested that an optimal recovery of the bioactive compounds will be obtained at a two-hour extraction time with a solvent blend of 100% water to maximise caffeine, theophylline, total phenolic content and percentage antioxidant activity, while extraction of theobromine is optimal using aqueous ethanolic solvent mixtures. The optimal vacuum (pressure) setting was found to be 250 mbar to maximise percentage antioxidant activity. The methylxanthines and total phenolic content were not affected by the vacuum (pressure) and temperature settings. Freezedrying the spent coffee grounds before extraction ensured long-term stability of a reproducible sample and achieved better recovery of the important bioactive compounds. Extraction was performed under reduced pressure in order to reduce solvent reflux temperature and to improve extraction efficiency. The quantitative and qualitative determinations of the above-mentioned high-value compounds were performed by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), which confirmed the presence of the methylxanthines in the extracts. In the extraction of methylxanthines, it was found that caffeine was more abundant in the extract as compared to theophylline and theobromine. The extracts were incorporated into three cosmetic gel formulations. Release studies of caffeine, theobromine and theophylline were performed using the three formulated cosmetic gels with the use of a Franz diffusion cell. It was found that theobromine and theophylline were not detected from the gel samples as they were present in too small amounts in the original extracts and there was no significant difference in the release rates of caffeine when comparing the three different gels. Caffeine was released within 15 minutes. All three gels displayed a pseudoplastic viscosity profile and the different viscosity values of the three gels did not influence the release of caffeine significantly.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Mdubeki, Ntokozo
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Bioactive compounds , Plants -- bioactive compounds Plant biotechnology Coffee -- Processing Chemistry, Technical Cosmetics
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/41460 , vital:36485
- Description: Residues obtained during coffee processing, known as spent coffee grounds, are an abundant, low-cost and versatile feedstock for a wide range of high-value biological compounds exhibiting a number of properties which include anti-cellulite and antioxidant properties for skin-care applications. The objective of the present work was to obtain a concentrated extract containing high-value biological methylxanthines and polyphenolic compounds with antioxidant activity from the spent coffee grounds. An investigation of the effect of extraction conditions on the concentration of the bioactive compounds in the extract was done. The recovery of both methylxanthines and the polyphenolic compounds with antioxidant activity was achieved through a one-step extraction method under reduced pressure using a non-toxic solvent blend. Various experimental designs were implemented with the aim of optimising the recovery of the selected bioactive compounds, namely, caffeine, theophylline and theobromine from spent coffee grounds by using solvent blends of water and ethanol. A number of factors considered were: (i) repeatability, (ii) extraction time, (iii) composition of solvent blends, (iv) extraction vacuum (pressure)/temperature settings and (v) operating variables. The results suggested that an optimal recovery of the bioactive compounds will be obtained at a two-hour extraction time with a solvent blend of 100% water to maximise caffeine, theophylline, total phenolic content and percentage antioxidant activity, while extraction of theobromine is optimal using aqueous ethanolic solvent mixtures. The optimal vacuum (pressure) setting was found to be 250 mbar to maximise percentage antioxidant activity. The methylxanthines and total phenolic content were not affected by the vacuum (pressure) and temperature settings. Freezedrying the spent coffee grounds before extraction ensured long-term stability of a reproducible sample and achieved better recovery of the important bioactive compounds. Extraction was performed under reduced pressure in order to reduce solvent reflux temperature and to improve extraction efficiency. The quantitative and qualitative determinations of the above-mentioned high-value compounds were performed by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), which confirmed the presence of the methylxanthines in the extracts. In the extraction of methylxanthines, it was found that caffeine was more abundant in the extract as compared to theophylline and theobromine. The extracts were incorporated into three cosmetic gel formulations. Release studies of caffeine, theobromine and theophylline were performed using the three formulated cosmetic gels with the use of a Franz diffusion cell. It was found that theobromine and theophylline were not detected from the gel samples as they were present in too small amounts in the original extracts and there was no significant difference in the release rates of caffeine when comparing the three different gels. Caffeine was released within 15 minutes. All three gels displayed a pseudoplastic viscosity profile and the different viscosity values of the three gels did not influence the release of caffeine significantly.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
The factors that influence knowledge management in an organisation
- Authors: Mbotini, Bongani
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Knowledge management , Intellectual capital -- Management Organizational learning
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/41515 , vital:36500
- Description: Through an effective system of knowledge management, organisations can evaluate which factors play in important role in ensuring that knowledge is managed well within the organisation. It is believed there are several factors influencing knowledge management effectiveness, including knowledge sharing, commitment and trust, culture, motivation and incentives, mentoring, group work, training, storytelling and networking, etcetera and also, there are various models, and analytical tools that can be used to study the relationships between some key influential factors and the effectiveness of knowledge management. Based on previous research, this study aims to identify and evaluate the key factors that influence the effectiveness of knowledge management in an organisation. Purpose: Knowledge in an organisation tends to be a resource that gets less attention and only after it has been lost or neglected, does management take a look. At this stage it is normally too late to do anything that can assist the organisation. Drawing on dilemma and previous studies done, the aim of this study is to understand and evaluate the factors that influence the effectiveness of knowledge management in an organisation. Methodology: Based on a literature review, a mixed research model is initiated integrating demographics, employee morale, organisational performance, information sharing, knowledge management strategy and a communication gap as some of the factors that have an influence on effectiveness of knowledge management. The mixed model is tested in the study using questionnaires, interviews, observations and focus group discussions. The study was done using a statistical sample of 25 participants who participated in all the forms of the study, meaning they all did the questionnaires, interviews, observation and focus groups. The analysis of the feedback resulted in both qualitative and quantitative data, hence the study had to settle for a mixed method approach. Findings: The findings point towards the general drivers and barriers to knowledge management within the organisation. The significant drivers are: mentoring, networking, training, group work storytelling. The significant identified influencers to xi knowledge management are: employee morale, information sharing, communication gap and employee tenure. Originality: The study contributes to an understanding of factors that influence the effectiveness of knowledge management in an organisation. Keywords: Information sharing, Knowledge management, Communication gap, Employee morale, Organisational performance, Mentoring, Storytelling, Networking, Training.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Mbotini, Bongani
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Knowledge management , Intellectual capital -- Management Organizational learning
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/41515 , vital:36500
- Description: Through an effective system of knowledge management, organisations can evaluate which factors play in important role in ensuring that knowledge is managed well within the organisation. It is believed there are several factors influencing knowledge management effectiveness, including knowledge sharing, commitment and trust, culture, motivation and incentives, mentoring, group work, training, storytelling and networking, etcetera and also, there are various models, and analytical tools that can be used to study the relationships between some key influential factors and the effectiveness of knowledge management. Based on previous research, this study aims to identify and evaluate the key factors that influence the effectiveness of knowledge management in an organisation. Purpose: Knowledge in an organisation tends to be a resource that gets less attention and only after it has been lost or neglected, does management take a look. At this stage it is normally too late to do anything that can assist the organisation. Drawing on dilemma and previous studies done, the aim of this study is to understand and evaluate the factors that influence the effectiveness of knowledge management in an organisation. Methodology: Based on a literature review, a mixed research model is initiated integrating demographics, employee morale, organisational performance, information sharing, knowledge management strategy and a communication gap as some of the factors that have an influence on effectiveness of knowledge management. The mixed model is tested in the study using questionnaires, interviews, observations and focus group discussions. The study was done using a statistical sample of 25 participants who participated in all the forms of the study, meaning they all did the questionnaires, interviews, observation and focus groups. The analysis of the feedback resulted in both qualitative and quantitative data, hence the study had to settle for a mixed method approach. Findings: The findings point towards the general drivers and barriers to knowledge management within the organisation. The significant drivers are: mentoring, networking, training, group work storytelling. The significant identified influencers to xi knowledge management are: employee morale, information sharing, communication gap and employee tenure. Originality: The study contributes to an understanding of factors that influence the effectiveness of knowledge management in an organisation. Keywords: Information sharing, Knowledge management, Communication gap, Employee morale, Organisational performance, Mentoring, Storytelling, Networking, Training.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
The factors that influence the scalability of tenderpreneurs
- Authors: Ngwane, Amanda
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Entrepreneurship -- South Africa , Small business -- South Africa Corporations -- South Africa -- Growth Success in business -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/41841 , vital:36602
- Description: This study investigated the scalability of tenderpreneurs in South Africa. The South African government has invested a lot of capital towards small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), through the tender system. The unemployment trend in the country continues and is a reflection of symptoms and problems that impede the effectiveness of government initiatives such as the tender system. The main aim of this study was to establish the factors influencing the scalability of tenderpreneurs in South Africa. Further objectives intended to establish the factors that would enable tenderpreneurs to scale their businesses, to define the characteristics of a tenderpreneur in South Africa, to determine the factors that influence the growth of tenderpreneurs in South Africa and to establish the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities for and threats to the scalability of tenderpreneurs in South Africa. In order to achieve the said objectives, a sample of ten tenderpreneurs from the Ilembe District in KwaZulu-Natal, was selected from an estimated population of over 50 tenderpreneurs in the region, using the convenience sampling technique. The phenomenological paradigm was employed and qualitative research was done using the exploratory research design. Semi-structured interviews were used to collect data for the study. The findings of this study characterised a tenderpreneur as an individual bent on providing requested services, engaging in competitive bidding, usually awaiting opportunities or bids, who do business with or without prior capital. In the political front, the advent of the end of the apartheid era, the emergence of the democratic movement and emancipation of the black majority contributed to the drive towards business ownership by the previously disadvantaged groups. Recommendations made included the fact that the relevant government authorities should assist in supporting the tenderpreneurs through a number of policy and political initiatives such as ensuring broader stakeholder participation, fostering established public funded partnerships, mainstreaming corporate social investment to uplift communities, enforce sustainable business practices and drive infrastructure development.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Ngwane, Amanda
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Entrepreneurship -- South Africa , Small business -- South Africa Corporations -- South Africa -- Growth Success in business -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/41841 , vital:36602
- Description: This study investigated the scalability of tenderpreneurs in South Africa. The South African government has invested a lot of capital towards small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), through the tender system. The unemployment trend in the country continues and is a reflection of symptoms and problems that impede the effectiveness of government initiatives such as the tender system. The main aim of this study was to establish the factors influencing the scalability of tenderpreneurs in South Africa. Further objectives intended to establish the factors that would enable tenderpreneurs to scale their businesses, to define the characteristics of a tenderpreneur in South Africa, to determine the factors that influence the growth of tenderpreneurs in South Africa and to establish the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities for and threats to the scalability of tenderpreneurs in South Africa. In order to achieve the said objectives, a sample of ten tenderpreneurs from the Ilembe District in KwaZulu-Natal, was selected from an estimated population of over 50 tenderpreneurs in the region, using the convenience sampling technique. The phenomenological paradigm was employed and qualitative research was done using the exploratory research design. Semi-structured interviews were used to collect data for the study. The findings of this study characterised a tenderpreneur as an individual bent on providing requested services, engaging in competitive bidding, usually awaiting opportunities or bids, who do business with or without prior capital. In the political front, the advent of the end of the apartheid era, the emergence of the democratic movement and emancipation of the black majority contributed to the drive towards business ownership by the previously disadvantaged groups. Recommendations made included the fact that the relevant government authorities should assist in supporting the tenderpreneurs through a number of policy and political initiatives such as ensuring broader stakeholder participation, fostering established public funded partnerships, mainstreaming corporate social investment to uplift communities, enforce sustainable business practices and drive infrastructure development.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
The financial soundness of selected banks in South Africa: a camels rating system approach
- Authors: Manga, Rushil Mohan
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Bank failures -- South Africa , Banks and banking -- Risk management , Banks and banking -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/40889 , vital:36258
- Description: Bank failure continues to feature in South Africa and although it is not uncommon, nor limited to any single country, it has the potential to have significant systemic risks. It is, therefore of the utmost importance to mitigate bank failure where possible. Bank supervision plays a key role in ensuring that individual banks, and the banking sector, remain sound. This study analysed seven selected banks in South Africa namely, ABSA, African Bank, Capitec Bank, FirstRand Bank, Nedbank, Standard Bank and VBS Mutual Bank. The CAMELS rating system was applied to evaluate the component and composite ratings for each selected bank. The empirical evidence exhibited that the CAMELS model has been used world-wide and proved valuable in its simplicity and reliability. The results showed that all banks achieved a rating of three or fair, with the exception being African Bank. African Bank, rated four or marginal, continues to struggle to regain market confidence since its cu0ratorship and restructuring. The study further showed that among the selected banks, management quality and liquidity were two components that consistently showed critical weaknesses, which posed concerns for formal supervision. The study utilised One-way ANOVA (Analysis of Variance) to analyse the results of the CAMELS model. It was found that there was no significant difference in the financial soundness of the selected banks as a measure of the CAMELS model. The study further recommended that the banks invest and focus on developing human resource departments to attain and retain high quality managers in terms of qualifications and experience. The banks’ internal policies need to align, not only with the company’s business targets, but also the personal contentment and fulfilment of employees and managers. This will help reduce frictional unemployment in the banking sector. It must be noted that Capitec was the only bank to avoid a marginal or weak rating in the management quality component. To address the poor rating awarded to the liquidity component in all selected banks, it is recommended that senior management, regulators and supervisors need to work together to implement sound liquidity management practices. The CAMELS model presents a clear depiction of the financial soundness of a bank and can be comparable to other competitive banks within a country. For this reason, the model would be easily understandable, not only to supervisors and senior management, but also investors, stake-holders, their customers and the general population. It is therefore recommended that the SARB publishes a detailed annual report, which analyses all banks in South Africa by way of the CAMELS model.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Manga, Rushil Mohan
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Bank failures -- South Africa , Banks and banking -- Risk management , Banks and banking -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/40889 , vital:36258
- Description: Bank failure continues to feature in South Africa and although it is not uncommon, nor limited to any single country, it has the potential to have significant systemic risks. It is, therefore of the utmost importance to mitigate bank failure where possible. Bank supervision plays a key role in ensuring that individual banks, and the banking sector, remain sound. This study analysed seven selected banks in South Africa namely, ABSA, African Bank, Capitec Bank, FirstRand Bank, Nedbank, Standard Bank and VBS Mutual Bank. The CAMELS rating system was applied to evaluate the component and composite ratings for each selected bank. The empirical evidence exhibited that the CAMELS model has been used world-wide and proved valuable in its simplicity and reliability. The results showed that all banks achieved a rating of three or fair, with the exception being African Bank. African Bank, rated four or marginal, continues to struggle to regain market confidence since its cu0ratorship and restructuring. The study further showed that among the selected banks, management quality and liquidity were two components that consistently showed critical weaknesses, which posed concerns for formal supervision. The study utilised One-way ANOVA (Analysis of Variance) to analyse the results of the CAMELS model. It was found that there was no significant difference in the financial soundness of the selected banks as a measure of the CAMELS model. The study further recommended that the banks invest and focus on developing human resource departments to attain and retain high quality managers in terms of qualifications and experience. The banks’ internal policies need to align, not only with the company’s business targets, but also the personal contentment and fulfilment of employees and managers. This will help reduce frictional unemployment in the banking sector. It must be noted that Capitec was the only bank to avoid a marginal or weak rating in the management quality component. To address the poor rating awarded to the liquidity component in all selected banks, it is recommended that senior management, regulators and supervisors need to work together to implement sound liquidity management practices. The CAMELS model presents a clear depiction of the financial soundness of a bank and can be comparable to other competitive banks within a country. For this reason, the model would be easily understandable, not only to supervisors and senior management, but also investors, stake-holders, their customers and the general population. It is therefore recommended that the SARB publishes a detailed annual report, which analyses all banks in South Africa by way of the CAMELS model.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
The future of banking in South Africa towards 2055: disruptive innovation scenarios
- Authors: Koekemoer, Jonathan
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Finance -- South Africa , Economic development -- South Africa , Banks and banking -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DPhil
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/40577 , vital:36184
- Description: The research effort developed four possible scenarios for the future of banking in South Africa towards 2055. The scenarios sought to stimulate thought on the possible, probable, plausible and preferred effects of disruptive innovation and regulation in the South African banking sector. The scenarios were developed in strict accordance with the 5 stages, and 9 steps, of the scenario-based planning process of futures studies. A conceptual futures studies model for banking in South Africa was developed to guide and clarify the way in which the research on South African banking can be integrated into the body of existing futures studies theory. The research study began with a comprehensive environmental scan, where various megatrends and driving forces are identified. A PESTEL analysis provided a deeper understanding of the driving forces. A Real-Time Delphi study was conducted in order to validate and prioritise the megatrends and driving forces that emerged. As a result, the research study was able to present four plausible scenarios that provide a better understanding of the future of banking in South Africa over the decades to come. The research presents banking as a complex, multi-faceted sector that is heavily influenced by advances in technology. The Real-Time Delphi research allowed the aggregation of expert knowledge. This is used as a guide to assist decision-makers and industry leaders in the adoption of appropriate business models and strategies towards a preferred future state. The research defined the Integrated Vision as the preferred future state for the South African banking sector towards 2055. The study closes a research gap where current strategies deviate from proposed strategies that drive the achievement of the Integrated Vision by 2055. Finally, contextually aligned practical recommendations are provided to assist decision-makers, industry leaders and change agents to work towards a preferable future state. The proposed recommendations are placed into broad categories of innovation, financial inclusion and collaborative regulatory relationships. The research makes a meaningful contribution to the South African banking sector by introducing a forward-looking, systems-thinking approach to disruptive innovation and regulation in the South African context.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Koekemoer, Jonathan
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Finance -- South Africa , Economic development -- South Africa , Banks and banking -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DPhil
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/40577 , vital:36184
- Description: The research effort developed four possible scenarios for the future of banking in South Africa towards 2055. The scenarios sought to stimulate thought on the possible, probable, plausible and preferred effects of disruptive innovation and regulation in the South African banking sector. The scenarios were developed in strict accordance with the 5 stages, and 9 steps, of the scenario-based planning process of futures studies. A conceptual futures studies model for banking in South Africa was developed to guide and clarify the way in which the research on South African banking can be integrated into the body of existing futures studies theory. The research study began with a comprehensive environmental scan, where various megatrends and driving forces are identified. A PESTEL analysis provided a deeper understanding of the driving forces. A Real-Time Delphi study was conducted in order to validate and prioritise the megatrends and driving forces that emerged. As a result, the research study was able to present four plausible scenarios that provide a better understanding of the future of banking in South Africa over the decades to come. The research presents banking as a complex, multi-faceted sector that is heavily influenced by advances in technology. The Real-Time Delphi research allowed the aggregation of expert knowledge. This is used as a guide to assist decision-makers and industry leaders in the adoption of appropriate business models and strategies towards a preferred future state. The research defined the Integrated Vision as the preferred future state for the South African banking sector towards 2055. The study closes a research gap where current strategies deviate from proposed strategies that drive the achievement of the Integrated Vision by 2055. Finally, contextually aligned practical recommendations are provided to assist decision-makers, industry leaders and change agents to work towards a preferable future state. The proposed recommendations are placed into broad categories of innovation, financial inclusion and collaborative regulatory relationships. The research makes a meaningful contribution to the South African banking sector by introducing a forward-looking, systems-thinking approach to disruptive innovation and regulation in the South African context.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
The futures of orthopedic implants through 3D printing technology for South Africa
- Authors: Davids, Craig Nolan
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Medical innovations -- Economic aspects -- South Africa , Three-dimensional printing Three-dimensional imaging Orthopedics
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/39381 , vital:35238
- Description: 3D printing is one of the most disruptive technologies that truly has the potential to change medicine and healthcare by making care affordable, accessible and personalized. It can bring a new era if printers become more sophisticated, printing biomaterials gets safely regulated and the public acquires a common sense about how 3D printing works. An understanding and appreciation of the possible futures of 3D printing technology will be of great value to various stakeholders within the country. This research will identify and describe current drivers that should be appreciated for the government, business communities, academic institutions, healthcare provider’s policy makers and the society at large to make intelligent decisions about the future of 3D printing in medical devices. This study is aimed at identifying the possible futures of 3D printing in orthopaedic devices in South Africa. Causal Layered Analysis (CLA) and the Six Pillars of Futures were identified as the preferred methodologies to be utilised to respond to the research objectives of this study. A detailed literature study was undertaken to evaluate the existing body of knowledge on the research topic. The literature study revealed that several factors needs to be addressed before 3D printing is completely integrated into everyday joint reconstruction surgery. Having already made a big impact in the medical sector, three-dimensional printing (3DP) technology continues to push the boundaries of cost efficiency, convenience, and customization. It has transformed some aspects of medical device production. To date, 3D printing has been employed predominantly by hobbyists, product designers and a few select industrial applications, but the performance of additive manufacturing equipment is quickly evolving, the choice of materials is increasing, and prices of both materials and printers are falling rapidly, all factors through which 3D printing is swiftly progressing to attain wider consumer acceptance and a greater number of manufacturing uses.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Davids, Craig Nolan
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Medical innovations -- Economic aspects -- South Africa , Three-dimensional printing Three-dimensional imaging Orthopedics
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/39381 , vital:35238
- Description: 3D printing is one of the most disruptive technologies that truly has the potential to change medicine and healthcare by making care affordable, accessible and personalized. It can bring a new era if printers become more sophisticated, printing biomaterials gets safely regulated and the public acquires a common sense about how 3D printing works. An understanding and appreciation of the possible futures of 3D printing technology will be of great value to various stakeholders within the country. This research will identify and describe current drivers that should be appreciated for the government, business communities, academic institutions, healthcare provider’s policy makers and the society at large to make intelligent decisions about the future of 3D printing in medical devices. This study is aimed at identifying the possible futures of 3D printing in orthopaedic devices in South Africa. Causal Layered Analysis (CLA) and the Six Pillars of Futures were identified as the preferred methodologies to be utilised to respond to the research objectives of this study. A detailed literature study was undertaken to evaluate the existing body of knowledge on the research topic. The literature study revealed that several factors needs to be addressed before 3D printing is completely integrated into everyday joint reconstruction surgery. Having already made a big impact in the medical sector, three-dimensional printing (3DP) technology continues to push the boundaries of cost efficiency, convenience, and customization. It has transformed some aspects of medical device production. To date, 3D printing has been employed predominantly by hobbyists, product designers and a few select industrial applications, but the performance of additive manufacturing equipment is quickly evolving, the choice of materials is increasing, and prices of both materials and printers are falling rapidly, all factors through which 3D printing is swiftly progressing to attain wider consumer acceptance and a greater number of manufacturing uses.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
The gendered nature of intra-household decision making in the use of social grants and its impact on selected households in Zimbabwe and South Africa
- Authors: Makosa, Nigel
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Social security Grants-in-aid
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/15781 , vital:40523
- Description: The study aimed at undertaking a comparative investigation of the gendered nature of intra-household decision making in the use of social grants and to ascertain its impact on selected households in Zimbabwe and South Africa as a comparative study. A methodological triangulated approach was used in the study where both quantitative and qualitative approaches were adopted. A total of 250 heads of households were selected as a sample from the study population. Herein, 200 respondents were given the survey questionnaire (100 respondents from Zimbabwe and another 100 from South Africa). A larger number of respondents were sampled for quantitative data in order to improve validity and generalisability of the results. Interview participants for this study were conveniently selected from communities benefiting from cash transfers and social grants. The researcher then interviewed a total of 50 participants (25 from Zimbabwe plus another 25 from South Africa). The samples for the study were arrived at using the multi stage sampling techniques. From these samples two data sets were obtained namely quantitative and qualitative. The study yielded that there are more social grants that are targeted at benefiting older people in Zimbabwe whereas there are a variety of social grants that are aimed at benefiting people from all age groups in South Africa. The study also established that the nature of intrahousehold decision making is determined by the variations of the recipients’ age variations. In Zimbabwe It was revealed that most of the recipients who were younger than 65 years bought basic needs, while in South Africa the recipients mostly used the money for entertainment, savings and clothes. The current economic situations in these two countries determine their spending patterns. Both in Zimbabwe vi and South Africa, recipients older than 65 years used their money to buy agricultural inputs. In both countries most of the beneficiaries were female because there are the primary caregivers and also because of the increased number of female headed households precipitated by high divorce rates. It also emerged in the study that there are many factors that influencethe gendered nature of intra household decision making dynamics such as cultural, available resources, number of dependents. These factors have the potential to either reinforce or offset the impact of social grants. Furthermore, the decision-making roles for men and women in both Zimbabwe and South Africa were determined by income and economic activities, food security and basic needs; marital status, family and social structures. But on the whole, it was revealed in the study that the responsibility of the head of household to provide leadership and make crucial decisions such as using social grants money. In both countries members from outside the nucleus family were also involved in making decisions on behalf of the beneficiaries. Elderly people retained the majority of the decision-making power in most of the households in both Zimbabwe and South Africa. It also emerged that in most households in both countries, decision making on the use of social grant money was arrived at after consultations particularly between spouses. In order to enhance productive decision making and optimise the social grants usefulness, the study recommends that there should be monitoring and evaluation on how the social grants are being used and who is behind the decision-making process. More so, a conceptual framework was also suggested to explain intrahousehold decision dynamics.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Makosa, Nigel
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Social security Grants-in-aid
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/15781 , vital:40523
- Description: The study aimed at undertaking a comparative investigation of the gendered nature of intra-household decision making in the use of social grants and to ascertain its impact on selected households in Zimbabwe and South Africa as a comparative study. A methodological triangulated approach was used in the study where both quantitative and qualitative approaches were adopted. A total of 250 heads of households were selected as a sample from the study population. Herein, 200 respondents were given the survey questionnaire (100 respondents from Zimbabwe and another 100 from South Africa). A larger number of respondents were sampled for quantitative data in order to improve validity and generalisability of the results. Interview participants for this study were conveniently selected from communities benefiting from cash transfers and social grants. The researcher then interviewed a total of 50 participants (25 from Zimbabwe plus another 25 from South Africa). The samples for the study were arrived at using the multi stage sampling techniques. From these samples two data sets were obtained namely quantitative and qualitative. The study yielded that there are more social grants that are targeted at benefiting older people in Zimbabwe whereas there are a variety of social grants that are aimed at benefiting people from all age groups in South Africa. The study also established that the nature of intrahousehold decision making is determined by the variations of the recipients’ age variations. In Zimbabwe It was revealed that most of the recipients who were younger than 65 years bought basic needs, while in South Africa the recipients mostly used the money for entertainment, savings and clothes. The current economic situations in these two countries determine their spending patterns. Both in Zimbabwe vi and South Africa, recipients older than 65 years used their money to buy agricultural inputs. In both countries most of the beneficiaries were female because there are the primary caregivers and also because of the increased number of female headed households precipitated by high divorce rates. It also emerged in the study that there are many factors that influencethe gendered nature of intra household decision making dynamics such as cultural, available resources, number of dependents. These factors have the potential to either reinforce or offset the impact of social grants. Furthermore, the decision-making roles for men and women in both Zimbabwe and South Africa were determined by income and economic activities, food security and basic needs; marital status, family and social structures. But on the whole, it was revealed in the study that the responsibility of the head of household to provide leadership and make crucial decisions such as using social grants money. In both countries members from outside the nucleus family were also involved in making decisions on behalf of the beneficiaries. Elderly people retained the majority of the decision-making power in most of the households in both Zimbabwe and South Africa. It also emerged that in most households in both countries, decision making on the use of social grant money was arrived at after consultations particularly between spouses. In order to enhance productive decision making and optimise the social grants usefulness, the study recommends that there should be monitoring and evaluation on how the social grants are being used and who is behind the decision-making process. More so, a conceptual framework was also suggested to explain intrahousehold decision dynamics.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
The hepatoprotective capacity of selected natural products from South Africa
- Authors: Reddy, Shanika
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Hepatology , Liver -- Physiology Liver -- Pathophysiology Liver -- Diseases
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/43622 , vital:36948
- Description: Drug-induced liver injury (DILI) is recognized as a significant clinical problem, which may account for up to 50% of all cases of acute liver failure. DILI is initiated by the bioactivation of parent drug molecules to produce chemically reactive metabolites. These reactive intermediates induce mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress leading to glutathione (GSH) depletion and damage to cellular proteins, lipids and nucleic acids, which eventually culminates in necrotic cell death. The principal objective of this study is to establish an in vitro screening platform to identify potential hepatoprotective natural products (plants and mushrooms) from South Africa (SA). Aqueous plant extracts (Cyclopia intermedia, Opuntia ficus indica and Kigelia africana), and aqueous and ethanolic macrofungal extracts (Ganoderma lucidum, Russula capensis, Pleurotus ostreatus and Lenzites elegans) were prepared and screened against HepG2 and VERO cells to assess their safety using Hoechst 33342-PI dual labelling. A drug-induced hepatotoxic model was established, using the dietary supplement menadione (vitamin K3). Hoechst 33342- PI, -CellROX® Orange and -TMRE dual labelling was used for necrosis, oxidative stress and mitochondrial membrane potential depolarization (ΔΨm) detection, respectively. The accuracy of the hepatoprotection model was confirmed through HepG2 cellbased assays (Hoechst 33342- PI, -CellROX® Orange and -TMRE dual labelling) that measured the protective effects of natural products against the menadione-induced toxicity, anti-oxidant assays (DPPH, NO, ORAC, CAPe and FRAP) that measured their anti-oxidant potential and enzyme assays (βglucuronidase, carboxylesterase and CYP450 isoform 3A4) that measured their effects on drug metabolism. Silymarin was used as a positive control for each assay. Menadione displayed significant cell death, increased oxidative stress and decreased ΔΨm at an elevated concentration of 100 μM; confirming the hepatotoxicity model, where necroptosis was suspected to be menadione’s cell death mode. Only ethanolic G. lucidum was cytotoxic. All three aqueous plant extracts demonstrated strong anti-oxidant capacities out of all the tested extracts; where C. intermedia displayed the most promising DPPH, NO, ORAC, CAPe and FRAP activity, followed by aqueous G. lucidum. Aqueous plant and ethanolic macrofungal extracts (C. intermedia, O. ficus indica, K. africana, and ethanolic P. ostreatus, R. capensis) displayed decreased menadione-induced ROS production and protected against menadione-induced ΔΨm depolarization, posing them and aqueous G. lucidum potential therapeutic interventions for DILI. Ethanolic L. elegans demonstrated the highest enzyme inhibition for each assay and presented genotoxicity, ruling it out as a therapeutic strategy against DILI. Together these assays addressed several aspects relating to DILI and hepatoprotection, and served as a good starting point in evaluating the therapeutic value of natural products from South Africa.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Reddy, Shanika
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Hepatology , Liver -- Physiology Liver -- Pathophysiology Liver -- Diseases
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/43622 , vital:36948
- Description: Drug-induced liver injury (DILI) is recognized as a significant clinical problem, which may account for up to 50% of all cases of acute liver failure. DILI is initiated by the bioactivation of parent drug molecules to produce chemically reactive metabolites. These reactive intermediates induce mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress leading to glutathione (GSH) depletion and damage to cellular proteins, lipids and nucleic acids, which eventually culminates in necrotic cell death. The principal objective of this study is to establish an in vitro screening platform to identify potential hepatoprotective natural products (plants and mushrooms) from South Africa (SA). Aqueous plant extracts (Cyclopia intermedia, Opuntia ficus indica and Kigelia africana), and aqueous and ethanolic macrofungal extracts (Ganoderma lucidum, Russula capensis, Pleurotus ostreatus and Lenzites elegans) were prepared and screened against HepG2 and VERO cells to assess their safety using Hoechst 33342-PI dual labelling. A drug-induced hepatotoxic model was established, using the dietary supplement menadione (vitamin K3). Hoechst 33342- PI, -CellROX® Orange and -TMRE dual labelling was used for necrosis, oxidative stress and mitochondrial membrane potential depolarization (ΔΨm) detection, respectively. The accuracy of the hepatoprotection model was confirmed through HepG2 cellbased assays (Hoechst 33342- PI, -CellROX® Orange and -TMRE dual labelling) that measured the protective effects of natural products against the menadione-induced toxicity, anti-oxidant assays (DPPH, NO, ORAC, CAPe and FRAP) that measured their anti-oxidant potential and enzyme assays (βglucuronidase, carboxylesterase and CYP450 isoform 3A4) that measured their effects on drug metabolism. Silymarin was used as a positive control for each assay. Menadione displayed significant cell death, increased oxidative stress and decreased ΔΨm at an elevated concentration of 100 μM; confirming the hepatotoxicity model, where necroptosis was suspected to be menadione’s cell death mode. Only ethanolic G. lucidum was cytotoxic. All three aqueous plant extracts demonstrated strong anti-oxidant capacities out of all the tested extracts; where C. intermedia displayed the most promising DPPH, NO, ORAC, CAPe and FRAP activity, followed by aqueous G. lucidum. Aqueous plant and ethanolic macrofungal extracts (C. intermedia, O. ficus indica, K. africana, and ethanolic P. ostreatus, R. capensis) displayed decreased menadione-induced ROS production and protected against menadione-induced ΔΨm depolarization, posing them and aqueous G. lucidum potential therapeutic interventions for DILI. Ethanolic L. elegans demonstrated the highest enzyme inhibition for each assay and presented genotoxicity, ruling it out as a therapeutic strategy against DILI. Together these assays addressed several aspects relating to DILI and hepatoprotection, and served as a good starting point in evaluating the therapeutic value of natural products from South Africa.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
The hepatoprotective capacity of selected natural products from South Africa
- Authors: Reddy, Shanika
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Liver -- Physiology
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/43611 , vital:36929
- Description: Drug-induced liver injury (DILI) is recognized as a significant clinical problem, which may account for up to 50% of all cases of acute liver failure. DILI is initiated by the bioactivation of parent drug molecules to produce chemically reactive metabolites. These reactive intermediates induce mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress leading to glutathione (GSH) depletion and damage to cellular proteins, lipids and nucleic acids, which eventually culminates in necrotic cell death. The principal objective of this study is to establish an in vitro screening platform to identify potential hepatoprotective natural products (plants and mushrooms) from South Africa (SA). Aqueous plant extracts (Cyclopia intermedia, Opuntia ficus indica and Kigelia africana), and aqueous and ethanolic macrofungal extracts (Ganoderma lucidum, Russula capensis, Pleurotus ostreatus and Lenzites elegans) were prepared and screened against HepG2 and VERO cells to assess their safety using Hoechst 33342-PI dual labelling. A drug-induced hepatotoxic model was established, using the dietary supplement menadione (vitamin K3). Hoechst 33342- PI, -CellROX® Orange and -TMRE dual labelling was used for necrosis, oxidative stress and mitochondrial membrane potential depolarization (ΔΨm) detection, respectively. The accuracy of the hepatoprotection model was confirmed through HepG2 cellbased assays (Hoechst 33342- PI, -CellROX® Orange and -TMRE dual labelling) that measured the protective effects of natural products against the menadione-induced toxicity, anti-oxidant assays (DPPH, NO, ORAC, CAPe and FRAP) that measured their anti-oxidant potential and enzyme assays (βglucuronidase, carboxylesterase and CYP450 isoform 3A4) that measured their effects on drug metabolism. Silymarin was used as a positive control for each assay. Menadione displayed significant cell death, increased oxidative stress and decreased ΔΨm at an elevated concentration of 100 μM; confirming the hepatotoxicity model, where necroptosis was suspected to be menadione’s cell death mode. Only ethanolic G. lucidum was cytotoxic. All three aqueous plant extracts demonstrated strong anti-oxidant capacities out of all the tested extracts; where C. intermedia displayed the most promising DPPH, NO, ORAC, CAPe and FRAP activity, followed by aqueous G. lucidum. Aqueous plant and ethanolic macrofungal extracts (C. intermedia, O. ficus indica, K. africana, and ethanolic P. ostreatus, R. capensis) displayed decreased menadione-induced ROS production and protected against menadione-induced ΔΨm depolarization, posing them and aqueous G. lucidum potential therapeutic interventions for DILI. Ethanolic L. elegans demonstrated the highest enzyme inhibition for each assay and presented genotoxicity, ruling it out as a therapeutic strategy against DILI. Together these assays addressed several aspects relating to DILI and hepatoprotection, and served as a good starting point in evaluating the therapeutic value of natural products from South Africa.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Reddy, Shanika
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Liver -- Physiology
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/43611 , vital:36929
- Description: Drug-induced liver injury (DILI) is recognized as a significant clinical problem, which may account for up to 50% of all cases of acute liver failure. DILI is initiated by the bioactivation of parent drug molecules to produce chemically reactive metabolites. These reactive intermediates induce mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress leading to glutathione (GSH) depletion and damage to cellular proteins, lipids and nucleic acids, which eventually culminates in necrotic cell death. The principal objective of this study is to establish an in vitro screening platform to identify potential hepatoprotective natural products (plants and mushrooms) from South Africa (SA). Aqueous plant extracts (Cyclopia intermedia, Opuntia ficus indica and Kigelia africana), and aqueous and ethanolic macrofungal extracts (Ganoderma lucidum, Russula capensis, Pleurotus ostreatus and Lenzites elegans) were prepared and screened against HepG2 and VERO cells to assess their safety using Hoechst 33342-PI dual labelling. A drug-induced hepatotoxic model was established, using the dietary supplement menadione (vitamin K3). Hoechst 33342- PI, -CellROX® Orange and -TMRE dual labelling was used for necrosis, oxidative stress and mitochondrial membrane potential depolarization (ΔΨm) detection, respectively. The accuracy of the hepatoprotection model was confirmed through HepG2 cellbased assays (Hoechst 33342- PI, -CellROX® Orange and -TMRE dual labelling) that measured the protective effects of natural products against the menadione-induced toxicity, anti-oxidant assays (DPPH, NO, ORAC, CAPe and FRAP) that measured their anti-oxidant potential and enzyme assays (βglucuronidase, carboxylesterase and CYP450 isoform 3A4) that measured their effects on drug metabolism. Silymarin was used as a positive control for each assay. Menadione displayed significant cell death, increased oxidative stress and decreased ΔΨm at an elevated concentration of 100 μM; confirming the hepatotoxicity model, where necroptosis was suspected to be menadione’s cell death mode. Only ethanolic G. lucidum was cytotoxic. All three aqueous plant extracts demonstrated strong anti-oxidant capacities out of all the tested extracts; where C. intermedia displayed the most promising DPPH, NO, ORAC, CAPe and FRAP activity, followed by aqueous G. lucidum. Aqueous plant and ethanolic macrofungal extracts (C. intermedia, O. ficus indica, K. africana, and ethanolic P. ostreatus, R. capensis) displayed decreased menadione-induced ROS production and protected against menadione-induced ΔΨm depolarization, posing them and aqueous G. lucidum potential therapeutic interventions for DILI. Ethanolic L. elegans demonstrated the highest enzyme inhibition for each assay and presented genotoxicity, ruling it out as a therapeutic strategy against DILI. Together these assays addressed several aspects relating to DILI and hepatoprotection, and served as a good starting point in evaluating the therapeutic value of natural products from South Africa.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
The hidden master
- Foit, Morris, Pullanikkatil, Deepa
- Authors: Foit, Morris , Pullanikkatil, Deepa
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , book chapter
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/433613 , vital:72987 , ISBN 978-3-319-75580-9 , https://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007/978-3-319-75580-9_13
- Description: Handicrafts made in Kenya are popular with tourists and provides income to many artists. One such artist is Joseph Morris Njau Mung’othi, who renamed himself Morris ‘Foit’ out of respect for a Czech professor, Francis Foit who mentored him. The use of natural materials [non-timber forest products (NTFP)] for making handicrafts is common, but what is less common is the use of dead wood for making sculptures. This is a case study of a Kenyan sculptor who uses deadwood for carving, and has risen out of poverty by selling his art. He educated his five children and accumulated assets including a two-storeyed house-cum-studio and a car. Furthermore, his art gave him opportunities to travel to Uganda, Botswana and the United States. He is also the founder of an art center in Nairobi called the Kuona Trust, which supports local artists to exhibit and sell their work. This case study clearly demonstrates how the use of a NTFP product (in this case deadwood) helped Foit’s family rise above poverty.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Foit, Morris , Pullanikkatil, Deepa
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , book chapter
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/433613 , vital:72987 , ISBN 978-3-319-75580-9 , https://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007/978-3-319-75580-9_13
- Description: Handicrafts made in Kenya are popular with tourists and provides income to many artists. One such artist is Joseph Morris Njau Mung’othi, who renamed himself Morris ‘Foit’ out of respect for a Czech professor, Francis Foit who mentored him. The use of natural materials [non-timber forest products (NTFP)] for making handicrafts is common, but what is less common is the use of dead wood for making sculptures. This is a case study of a Kenyan sculptor who uses deadwood for carving, and has risen out of poverty by selling his art. He educated his five children and accumulated assets including a two-storeyed house-cum-studio and a car. Furthermore, his art gave him opportunities to travel to Uganda, Botswana and the United States. He is also the founder of an art center in Nairobi called the Kuona Trust, which supports local artists to exhibit and sell their work. This case study clearly demonstrates how the use of a NTFP product (in this case deadwood) helped Foit’s family rise above poverty.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
The hypolithic invertebrate community in the eastern Karoo: the role of rock size, microclimate and recolonization
- Authors: Van der Westhuizen, Tara
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Habitat (Ecology) -- South Africa -- Karoo , Biotic communities -- South Africa -- Karoo Invertebrates Ecosystem management -- South Africa -- Karoo Soil microbial ecology
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/44191 , vital:37128
- Description: Hypolithic habitats are important for the persistence of fauna that utilize these habitats as refuges and resource patches. Little is known, however, about the composition and structure of this community in the semi-arid Karoo. The current study therefore aims to explore the patterns and processes behind hypolithic communities, through determining the effect of rock size and baboon presence on the hypolithic community, the influence of rock size on the microclimate experienced under rocks, as well as determining the short- (over five days) and long- (over 12 months) term colonisation of the hypolithic habitat following a rock rolling disturbance, in a semi-arid Karoo environment. The hypolithic fauna encountered, and the temperature and moisture content experienced under a range of rock sizes were measured. Additionally, hypolithic fauna under rocks that were rolled to mimic rock rolling by baboons were sampled after a set period (i.e. over five days and 12 months). Large rocks were found to provide a more stable microclimate than small rocks. The probability of hypolithic fauna presence was influenced by rock size and season, and hypolithic fauna abundance (except in the dry season), richness, body size and biomass did not correlate with rock size. Additionally, the probability of detecting hypolithic fauna under intermediate sized and larger rocks was greater in the presence of baboons than in the absence of baboons, and in the presence of baboons hypolithic fauna richness increased with rock size. Furthermore, it was shown that hypolithic fauna abundance and biomass did not differ under rolled rocks over a short- (i.e. over five days) or long- (i.e. over 12 months) term period. The short-term colonisation of hypolithic habitats was not influenced by season or rock density. Lastly, most of the change in hypolithic community composition (over 12 months) occurred in the first three months and thereafter the hypolithic community composition approached pre-disturbance levels in month 12. The hypolithic habitat was shown to be influenced by a variety of conditions and processes affecting hypolithic community composition and structure. This study therefore contributes to our understanding of the hypolithic invertebrate community in the eastern Karoo, and the influence of rock size, baboon presence, microclimate and colonisation on hypolithic community composition and structure.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Van der Westhuizen, Tara
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Habitat (Ecology) -- South Africa -- Karoo , Biotic communities -- South Africa -- Karoo Invertebrates Ecosystem management -- South Africa -- Karoo Soil microbial ecology
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/44191 , vital:37128
- Description: Hypolithic habitats are important for the persistence of fauna that utilize these habitats as refuges and resource patches. Little is known, however, about the composition and structure of this community in the semi-arid Karoo. The current study therefore aims to explore the patterns and processes behind hypolithic communities, through determining the effect of rock size and baboon presence on the hypolithic community, the influence of rock size on the microclimate experienced under rocks, as well as determining the short- (over five days) and long- (over 12 months) term colonisation of the hypolithic habitat following a rock rolling disturbance, in a semi-arid Karoo environment. The hypolithic fauna encountered, and the temperature and moisture content experienced under a range of rock sizes were measured. Additionally, hypolithic fauna under rocks that were rolled to mimic rock rolling by baboons were sampled after a set period (i.e. over five days and 12 months). Large rocks were found to provide a more stable microclimate than small rocks. The probability of hypolithic fauna presence was influenced by rock size and season, and hypolithic fauna abundance (except in the dry season), richness, body size and biomass did not correlate with rock size. Additionally, the probability of detecting hypolithic fauna under intermediate sized and larger rocks was greater in the presence of baboons than in the absence of baboons, and in the presence of baboons hypolithic fauna richness increased with rock size. Furthermore, it was shown that hypolithic fauna abundance and biomass did not differ under rolled rocks over a short- (i.e. over five days) or long- (i.e. over 12 months) term period. The short-term colonisation of hypolithic habitats was not influenced by season or rock density. Lastly, most of the change in hypolithic community composition (over 12 months) occurred in the first three months and thereafter the hypolithic community composition approached pre-disturbance levels in month 12. The hypolithic habitat was shown to be influenced by a variety of conditions and processes affecting hypolithic community composition and structure. This study therefore contributes to our understanding of the hypolithic invertebrate community in the eastern Karoo, and the influence of rock size, baboon presence, microclimate and colonisation on hypolithic community composition and structure.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
The Impact of capital structure on performance of banks in South Africa
- Authors: Jiza, Andiswa Abongile
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Banks and banking Capital management and capital structure
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom (Economics)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/16895 , vital:40783
- Description: The study examined the relationship between capital structure and bank performance in South Africa using five small banks and the two big banks from 2002-2017. Fixed effects model, Pooled and the random effects model were utilised to test the relationship between capital structure and bank performance. Return on assets and the earnings per share were used as a measure for financial performance while the debt to equity ratio and the debt to assets ratio were used as proxies for capital structure. The results show that there is a negative significant relationship between return on assets and the two capital structure measures meaning that higher leverage ratios lead to lower profits measured by return on assets. while there is a negative significant relationship between earnings per share and the capital structure meaning that higher leverage ratios lead to lower profits. The study recommends that financial managers of banks should maintain lower debt than equity in their mix of capital structure as more debts is not good for the performance of banks.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Jiza, Andiswa Abongile
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Banks and banking Capital management and capital structure
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom (Economics)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/16895 , vital:40783
- Description: The study examined the relationship between capital structure and bank performance in South Africa using five small banks and the two big banks from 2002-2017. Fixed effects model, Pooled and the random effects model were utilised to test the relationship between capital structure and bank performance. Return on assets and the earnings per share were used as a measure for financial performance while the debt to equity ratio and the debt to assets ratio were used as proxies for capital structure. The results show that there is a negative significant relationship between return on assets and the two capital structure measures meaning that higher leverage ratios lead to lower profits measured by return on assets. while there is a negative significant relationship between earnings per share and the capital structure meaning that higher leverage ratios lead to lower profits. The study recommends that financial managers of banks should maintain lower debt than equity in their mix of capital structure as more debts is not good for the performance of banks.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019