The obstinate notion that higher education is a meritocracy
- Sobuwa, Simpiwe, McKenna, Sioux
- Authors: Sobuwa, Simpiwe , McKenna, Sioux
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/187150 , vital:44574 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.14426/cristal.v7i2.184"
- Description: Student success is an enormous concern in light of the high drop-out rates in South African universities. There is a wealth of local and international research which provides complex explanations for these statistics, but the common-sense understanding is that those students who have the right attributes and who work hard will do well. While the notion of higher education as a meritocracy is pervasive, it is invalid given the effects of numerous other mechanisms at play in the students' educational experiences. This article draws from the literature to discuss the problems of the meritocratic explanation in how it fails to sufficiently account for the centrality of agency and the ways in which this intersects with societal structures. We argue that more useful understandings of student success and failure require social theory that acknowledges the complexities underpinning student success or failure.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Sobuwa, Simpiwe , McKenna, Sioux
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/187150 , vital:44574 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.14426/cristal.v7i2.184"
- Description: Student success is an enormous concern in light of the high drop-out rates in South African universities. There is a wealth of local and international research which provides complex explanations for these statistics, but the common-sense understanding is that those students who have the right attributes and who work hard will do well. While the notion of higher education as a meritocracy is pervasive, it is invalid given the effects of numerous other mechanisms at play in the students' educational experiences. This article draws from the literature to discuss the problems of the meritocratic explanation in how it fails to sufficiently account for the centrality of agency and the ways in which this intersects with societal structures. We argue that more useful understandings of student success and failure require social theory that acknowledges the complexities underpinning student success or failure.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
The origin of bedrock depression wetlands in the southern Cape of South Africa: a changing perspective
- Authors: Ellery, Steven
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Wetlands -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Geomorphology -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Physical geography -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Erosion -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Evolutionary paleoecology -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/67833 , vital:29152
- Description: The predominant theory of the origin of depression wetlands in southern Africa was developed by Goudie and Thomas (1985) and focuses primarily on mechanisms relating to deflation and erosion as the main drivers of wetland formation. This theory is based on wind driven deflation of animal watering areas where heavy grazing and trampling of vegetation promotes removal of sediment over short periods of time by wind, to create local depressions and impoundment of water. However, this theory applies in arid and semi-arid areas where grazing can reduce vegetation sufficiently to lead to deflation but does not fully explain the origins of depression wetlands that have formed in moist climates or on ancient erosion surfaces such as the African Erosion Surface (AES). This study investigates the origin of a depression wetland that has formed on sandstone bedrock through weathering and dissolution on the AES in South Africa. Wetlands like this act as groundwater recharge zones such that water flows away from the centre of the depression, taking with it any dissolved solutes derived from weathering of the bed of the depression. Fluctuations between wet and dry periods create both highly reducing conditions (during wet phases) and highly oxidising conditions (during dry phases) beneath the margins of these depression wetlands. Some of the main constituents of the sandstone in this wetland are iron(III) oxides, which are highly sensitive to redox conditions and have therefore been transported to and trapped in the margins of the depression. The redistribution of iron(III) oxides from the centre towards the margins of the depression has caused a net volume loss in the centre of the depression, causing sagging, and a net volume gain at the margins of the depression associated with swelling. This process occurs over periods upwards of a million years and explains the presence of depression wetlands in moist climates.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Ellery, Steven
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Wetlands -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Geomorphology -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Physical geography -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Erosion -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Evolutionary paleoecology -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/67833 , vital:29152
- Description: The predominant theory of the origin of depression wetlands in southern Africa was developed by Goudie and Thomas (1985) and focuses primarily on mechanisms relating to deflation and erosion as the main drivers of wetland formation. This theory is based on wind driven deflation of animal watering areas where heavy grazing and trampling of vegetation promotes removal of sediment over short periods of time by wind, to create local depressions and impoundment of water. However, this theory applies in arid and semi-arid areas where grazing can reduce vegetation sufficiently to lead to deflation but does not fully explain the origins of depression wetlands that have formed in moist climates or on ancient erosion surfaces such as the African Erosion Surface (AES). This study investigates the origin of a depression wetland that has formed on sandstone bedrock through weathering and dissolution on the AES in South Africa. Wetlands like this act as groundwater recharge zones such that water flows away from the centre of the depression, taking with it any dissolved solutes derived from weathering of the bed of the depression. Fluctuations between wet and dry periods create both highly reducing conditions (during wet phases) and highly oxidising conditions (during dry phases) beneath the margins of these depression wetlands. Some of the main constituents of the sandstone in this wetland are iron(III) oxides, which are highly sensitive to redox conditions and have therefore been transported to and trapped in the margins of the depression. The redistribution of iron(III) oxides from the centre towards the margins of the depression has caused a net volume loss in the centre of the depression, causing sagging, and a net volume gain at the margins of the depression associated with swelling. This process occurs over periods upwards of a million years and explains the presence of depression wetlands in moist climates.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
The perceived impact of father absence on adolescents’ self-esteem in a rural area in Mpumalanga
- Authors: Mhlongo, Lindokuhle Nqobile
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Absentee fathers -- South Africa -- Mpumalanga , Self-esteem in adolescence Self-esteem in children Adolescent psychology
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/42390 , vital:36652
- Description: There has been an upsurge in the number of single-parent female headed households which has led to the permanent absence of fathers in the lives of their children. Research has shown that the absence of fathers in the lives of their children can have negative implications for the child. This study aimed to investigate the self-esteem of adolescents from father absent families. The study was motivated by the researcher‟s observation of children from father absent families in the study area and also by the sparse South African literature in relation to the study‟s topic. In order to achieve the aim of the study, a qualitative, explorative-descriptive research design was used and an interpretive paradigm was adopted. A total number of 16 participants between ages 12-18 were recruited through a non-probability purposive sampling method. All the participants stayed in single-parent female headed households and the degree of father absence for these participants varied from fathers who were known by the participant but absent, to fathers who are unknown and absent. Data was collected through the use of one-on-one semi structured interviews that were conducted in the participants‟ home language. The data was analyzed through thematic analysis and Maslow‟s Theory of Motivation was used as a theoretical framework for interpreting the study‟s findings. Negative emotions towards self, feelings of inferiority and feelings of worthlessness were identified amongst the participants and these are indicative of low self-esteem. The participants believed that the absence of their fathers has contributed towards these negative feelings as they went through financial difficulties, abandonment/rejection, had threatened sense of belonging and also went through self- personalization of father absence. Additionally, several protective factors were identified and these enabled the participants to cope with the absence of their fathers. However, some of the participants indicated a positive sense of worth which they attributed mostly to the love they receive from others.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Mhlongo, Lindokuhle Nqobile
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Absentee fathers -- South Africa -- Mpumalanga , Self-esteem in adolescence Self-esteem in children Adolescent psychology
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/42390 , vital:36652
- Description: There has been an upsurge in the number of single-parent female headed households which has led to the permanent absence of fathers in the lives of their children. Research has shown that the absence of fathers in the lives of their children can have negative implications for the child. This study aimed to investigate the self-esteem of adolescents from father absent families. The study was motivated by the researcher‟s observation of children from father absent families in the study area and also by the sparse South African literature in relation to the study‟s topic. In order to achieve the aim of the study, a qualitative, explorative-descriptive research design was used and an interpretive paradigm was adopted. A total number of 16 participants between ages 12-18 were recruited through a non-probability purposive sampling method. All the participants stayed in single-parent female headed households and the degree of father absence for these participants varied from fathers who were known by the participant but absent, to fathers who are unknown and absent. Data was collected through the use of one-on-one semi structured interviews that were conducted in the participants‟ home language. The data was analyzed through thematic analysis and Maslow‟s Theory of Motivation was used as a theoretical framework for interpreting the study‟s findings. Negative emotions towards self, feelings of inferiority and feelings of worthlessness were identified amongst the participants and these are indicative of low self-esteem. The participants believed that the absence of their fathers has contributed towards these negative feelings as they went through financial difficulties, abandonment/rejection, had threatened sense of belonging and also went through self- personalization of father absence. Additionally, several protective factors were identified and these enabled the participants to cope with the absence of their fathers. However, some of the participants indicated a positive sense of worth which they attributed mostly to the love they receive from others.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
The performance and preference of a specialist herbivore, Catorhintha schaffneri (Coreidae), on its polytypic host plant, Pereskia aculeata (Cactaceae)
- Authors: Egbon, Ikponmwosa Nathaniel
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Insects and biological pest control agents -- South Africa , Pereskia -- Biological control -- South Africa , Cactus -- Biological control -- South Africa , Coreida-- South Africa , Invasive plants -- Biological control -- South Africa , Catorhintha schaffneri
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/68250 , vital:29223
- Description: Plant species moved beyond their natural ranges may be liberated into enemy-free spaces, where they increase resource allocation to fitness, rather than defence against natural enemies, and become invasive as suggested by the Evolution of Increased Competitive Ability (EICA) Hypothesis. Several cacti are notable invaders and are targeted for biological control. The leafy cactus, Pereskia aculeata Miller, introduced into South Africa from South America, has become a target for biological control after becoming invasive. The absence of natural enemies of P. aculeata in the introduced range may be the reason for its invasiveness. This thesis seeks to investigate the role of the evolution of increased competitive ability (enemy release) as the probable driver of P. aculeata’s success, and ascertain how the plant’s intraspecific variation influences the impact, fitness of, and preference by its biological control agent, Catorhintha schaffneri Brailovsky and Garcia (Coreidae), in South Africa. Enemy release and evolution of traits in P. aculeata were examined by quantifying plant growth parameters of fifteen genotypes of P. aculeata from both the native and invaded distribution of the plant. Ten genotypes of P. aculeata were used in testing the effect of agent herbivory (impact and damage) under similar conditions. These studies indicated that most invaded-range genotypes were more vigorous than the native genotypes. Rapid growth may account for the quick access of invasive genotypes of P. aculeata to tree canopies. Catorhintha schaffneri damage varied between genotypes but differences in the damage and impact from the agent could not be explained by whether the plant originated in the introduced or native distribution. In sum, while the growth of the invasive genotypes largely conforms to the EICA hypothesis, the impact of C. schaffneri did not support the hypothesis. The influence of host variation in P. aculeata on the fitness of C. schaffneri within the context of local adaptation to plant genotypes from different localities was tested using agent survival, stage-specific and total developmental time, and the extent of damage to ten host genotypes. Maw’s Host Suitability Index (HIS) and Dobie’s Susceptibility Index (DSI) showed the preference by and performance of C. schaffneri on the different genotypes of the plant. Catorhintha schaffneri survived to the adult stage on 70% of genotypes tested. Evidence consistent with the assumption that C. schaffneri would be fitter on the native genotypes than the invasive genotypes due to local adaptation was not found. In addition, there was no evidence in support of fitter agents on the invasive genotypes than on the native genotypes as proposed by EICA hypothesis. Catorhintha schaffneri developed equally well on the invasive genotypes of P. aculeata as on the native genotypes. To establish whether host variation would affect diet selection by C. schaffneri, both nymphs and adults were examined in paired-choice and multiple-choice trials. The nymphs and adults chose their hosts regardless of host genotype differences. The agent may be good at selecting good succulent shoots from bad shoots, but is incapable of distinguishing a good host genotype from a poorer one. This thesis shows, therefore, that P. aculeata and its array of genotypes in South Africa could be effectively controlled by C. schaffneri, as it has the potential to suitably utilise and impact the different genotypes of the weed in South Africa with neither any demonstrable preference nor local adaptation for the native genotypes. Consequently, the use of C. schaffneri, as a biological control agent in the weed biological control programme of P. aculeata remains promising, as the agent is insensitive to the intraspecific variation of the invasive host plants.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Egbon, Ikponmwosa Nathaniel
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Insects and biological pest control agents -- South Africa , Pereskia -- Biological control -- South Africa , Cactus -- Biological control -- South Africa , Coreida-- South Africa , Invasive plants -- Biological control -- South Africa , Catorhintha schaffneri
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/68250 , vital:29223
- Description: Plant species moved beyond their natural ranges may be liberated into enemy-free spaces, where they increase resource allocation to fitness, rather than defence against natural enemies, and become invasive as suggested by the Evolution of Increased Competitive Ability (EICA) Hypothesis. Several cacti are notable invaders and are targeted for biological control. The leafy cactus, Pereskia aculeata Miller, introduced into South Africa from South America, has become a target for biological control after becoming invasive. The absence of natural enemies of P. aculeata in the introduced range may be the reason for its invasiveness. This thesis seeks to investigate the role of the evolution of increased competitive ability (enemy release) as the probable driver of P. aculeata’s success, and ascertain how the plant’s intraspecific variation influences the impact, fitness of, and preference by its biological control agent, Catorhintha schaffneri Brailovsky and Garcia (Coreidae), in South Africa. Enemy release and evolution of traits in P. aculeata were examined by quantifying plant growth parameters of fifteen genotypes of P. aculeata from both the native and invaded distribution of the plant. Ten genotypes of P. aculeata were used in testing the effect of agent herbivory (impact and damage) under similar conditions. These studies indicated that most invaded-range genotypes were more vigorous than the native genotypes. Rapid growth may account for the quick access of invasive genotypes of P. aculeata to tree canopies. Catorhintha schaffneri damage varied between genotypes but differences in the damage and impact from the agent could not be explained by whether the plant originated in the introduced or native distribution. In sum, while the growth of the invasive genotypes largely conforms to the EICA hypothesis, the impact of C. schaffneri did not support the hypothesis. The influence of host variation in P. aculeata on the fitness of C. schaffneri within the context of local adaptation to plant genotypes from different localities was tested using agent survival, stage-specific and total developmental time, and the extent of damage to ten host genotypes. Maw’s Host Suitability Index (HIS) and Dobie’s Susceptibility Index (DSI) showed the preference by and performance of C. schaffneri on the different genotypes of the plant. Catorhintha schaffneri survived to the adult stage on 70% of genotypes tested. Evidence consistent with the assumption that C. schaffneri would be fitter on the native genotypes than the invasive genotypes due to local adaptation was not found. In addition, there was no evidence in support of fitter agents on the invasive genotypes than on the native genotypes as proposed by EICA hypothesis. Catorhintha schaffneri developed equally well on the invasive genotypes of P. aculeata as on the native genotypes. To establish whether host variation would affect diet selection by C. schaffneri, both nymphs and adults were examined in paired-choice and multiple-choice trials. The nymphs and adults chose their hosts regardless of host genotype differences. The agent may be good at selecting good succulent shoots from bad shoots, but is incapable of distinguishing a good host genotype from a poorer one. This thesis shows, therefore, that P. aculeata and its array of genotypes in South Africa could be effectively controlled by C. schaffneri, as it has the potential to suitably utilise and impact the different genotypes of the weed in South Africa with neither any demonstrable preference nor local adaptation for the native genotypes. Consequently, the use of C. schaffneri, as a biological control agent in the weed biological control programme of P. aculeata remains promising, as the agent is insensitive to the intraspecific variation of the invasive host plants.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
The perspectives of victims of domestic violence and abuse: narratives from members of Masimanyane women’s support centre in East London, Eastern Cape Province, Resa.
- Authors: Sigodla, Asavela
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Family violence Abused women
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSoc (Criminology)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/16419 , vital:40718
- Description: Domestic violence and abuse also known as Gender-based violence (GBV) including rape, mutilation, murder and sexual abuse, is a profound health problem for women across the globe. Although domestic violence and sexual abuse is a significant cause of female morbidity and mortality, it is almost never seen as a public health issue. Domestic violence and abuse can happen to anyone of any race, age, sexual orientation, religion or gender. This study draws attention on exploring victim’s narrative perspectives on domestic violence and abuse against women in East London at Masimanyane Women’s Support Centre (MWSC) in Eastern Cape Province of South Africa. The study employed a qualitative research approach, with In-Depth Interviews (IDI), Focus Group Discussions (FDGs), and review of related literature for data collection. The findings of this study were based only from participants who were victims of domestic violence and abuse, as some of the views were stated by visitors. This resulted in some situations where the witnesses of domestic violence and abuse, just like victims themselves did not want to report their incidents. Women may not reveal that they are suffering from domestic violence and abuse, as they fear of the image that they may be portraying about themselves and their family as a whole like social pressure and stigma of defamation. Although domestic abuse and violence increases all the time women are encouraged to open up on such cases about abuse. Real change in these cases can only be brought by changing the mind-set of society through education and better law enforcement. This study was anchored by both the Social Learning Theory and Feminist Theory. Upon recommendations, this study has seen that there should be government interventions and programs that help victims of domestic violence and abuse and also to work in a way of preventing the domestic violence and abuse.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Sigodla, Asavela
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Family violence Abused women
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSoc (Criminology)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/16419 , vital:40718
- Description: Domestic violence and abuse also known as Gender-based violence (GBV) including rape, mutilation, murder and sexual abuse, is a profound health problem for women across the globe. Although domestic violence and sexual abuse is a significant cause of female morbidity and mortality, it is almost never seen as a public health issue. Domestic violence and abuse can happen to anyone of any race, age, sexual orientation, religion or gender. This study draws attention on exploring victim’s narrative perspectives on domestic violence and abuse against women in East London at Masimanyane Women’s Support Centre (MWSC) in Eastern Cape Province of South Africa. The study employed a qualitative research approach, with In-Depth Interviews (IDI), Focus Group Discussions (FDGs), and review of related literature for data collection. The findings of this study were based only from participants who were victims of domestic violence and abuse, as some of the views were stated by visitors. This resulted in some situations where the witnesses of domestic violence and abuse, just like victims themselves did not want to report their incidents. Women may not reveal that they are suffering from domestic violence and abuse, as they fear of the image that they may be portraying about themselves and their family as a whole like social pressure and stigma of defamation. Although domestic abuse and violence increases all the time women are encouraged to open up on such cases about abuse. Real change in these cases can only be brought by changing the mind-set of society through education and better law enforcement. This study was anchored by both the Social Learning Theory and Feminist Theory. Upon recommendations, this study has seen that there should be government interventions and programs that help victims of domestic violence and abuse and also to work in a way of preventing the domestic violence and abuse.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
The photo-physicochemical properties and in vitro photodynamic therapy activity of differently substituted-zinc (II)-phthalocyanines and graphene quantum dots conjugates on MCF7 breast cancer cell line
- Nene, Lindokuhle C, Managa, Muthumuni E, Oluwole, David O, Mafukidze, Donovan M, Sindelo, Azole, Nyokong, Tebello
- Authors: Nene, Lindokuhle C , Managa, Muthumuni E , Oluwole, David O , Mafukidze, Donovan M , Sindelo, Azole , Nyokong, Tebello
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/187449 , vital:44653 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ica.2019.01.012"
- Description: Several differently substituted Zn(II) phthalocyanines (ZnPcs) were prepared and conjugated to GQDs. The photophysical properties were determined for both the Pcs and their respective conjugates including the fluorescence/triplet quantum yields and lifetimes as well as the singlet oxygen generating abilities. Upon conjugation to GQDs, the fluorescence of the Pcs decreased (insignificant decrease in some cases), with an increase in the triplet quantum yields. However, the singlet quantum yields of the Pcs in the conjugates did not show an increase with the increase in the triplet quantum yields, this is suspected to be due to the screening effect. The cytotoxicity of the complexes in vitro decreased upon conjugation, as a result of the reduced actual number of Pcs units provided in the conjugate for therapy. Upon introduction of cationic charges, the photodynamic therapy activity of the complexes increased.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Nene, Lindokuhle C , Managa, Muthumuni E , Oluwole, David O , Mafukidze, Donovan M , Sindelo, Azole , Nyokong, Tebello
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/187449 , vital:44653 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ica.2019.01.012"
- Description: Several differently substituted Zn(II) phthalocyanines (ZnPcs) were prepared and conjugated to GQDs. The photophysical properties were determined for both the Pcs and their respective conjugates including the fluorescence/triplet quantum yields and lifetimes as well as the singlet oxygen generating abilities. Upon conjugation to GQDs, the fluorescence of the Pcs decreased (insignificant decrease in some cases), with an increase in the triplet quantum yields. However, the singlet quantum yields of the Pcs in the conjugates did not show an increase with the increase in the triplet quantum yields, this is suspected to be due to the screening effect. The cytotoxicity of the complexes in vitro decreased upon conjugation, as a result of the reduced actual number of Pcs units provided in the conjugate for therapy. Upon introduction of cationic charges, the photodynamic therapy activity of the complexes increased.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
The photophysicochemical properties and photodynamic therapy activity of phenyldiazenyl phenoxy substituted phthalocyanines when incorporated into Pluronic® F127 micelles
- Motloung, Banele M, Sekhosana, Kutloano E, Managa, Muthumuni, Prinsloo, Earl, Nyokong, Tebello
- Authors: Motloung, Banele M , Sekhosana, Kutloano E , Managa, Muthumuni , Prinsloo, Earl , Nyokong, Tebello
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/186769 , vital:44532 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.poly.2019.114157"
- Description: The synthesis, photophysicochemical properties and photodynamic activity (PDT) of 4(4-phenyldiazenyl) phenoxy substituted indium (III) (InPc) and zinc (ZnPc) phthalocyanines when alone or incorporated into Pluronic_ F127 micelles are presented in this study. The InPc exhibited higher singlet oxygen (UD) at 0.47 compared to the ZnPc at 0.20 in dimethylsulfoxide. The UD values in the presence of Pluronic_ F127 and in water, were 0.32 for InPc and 0.09 for ZnPc. The triplet quantum yields (UT) were 0.92 for InPc and 0.32 for ZnPc in DMSO. The PDT activity followed the same trend as the singlet oxygen quantum yields. At the highest concentration, InPc in Pluronic_ F127 gave 22% cell viability compared to 34% for complex ZnPc. The partition coefficient Kp values were determined using the water and octanol system. InPc had a larger Kp suggesting that it is more likely to be taken up by the cancer cells, hence it exhibited better PDT activity.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Motloung, Banele M , Sekhosana, Kutloano E , Managa, Muthumuni , Prinsloo, Earl , Nyokong, Tebello
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/186769 , vital:44532 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.poly.2019.114157"
- Description: The synthesis, photophysicochemical properties and photodynamic activity (PDT) of 4(4-phenyldiazenyl) phenoxy substituted indium (III) (InPc) and zinc (ZnPc) phthalocyanines when alone or incorporated into Pluronic_ F127 micelles are presented in this study. The InPc exhibited higher singlet oxygen (UD) at 0.47 compared to the ZnPc at 0.20 in dimethylsulfoxide. The UD values in the presence of Pluronic_ F127 and in water, were 0.32 for InPc and 0.09 for ZnPc. The triplet quantum yields (UT) were 0.92 for InPc and 0.32 for ZnPc in DMSO. The PDT activity followed the same trend as the singlet oxygen quantum yields. At the highest concentration, InPc in Pluronic_ F127 gave 22% cell viability compared to 34% for complex ZnPc. The partition coefficient Kp values were determined using the water and octanol system. InPc had a larger Kp suggesting that it is more likely to be taken up by the cancer cells, hence it exhibited better PDT activity.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
The Politics of Language Education in Africa:
- Kaschula, Russell H, Kretzer, Michael M
- Authors: Kaschula, Russell H , Kretzer, Michael M
- Date: 2019
- Language: English
- Type: text , book
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/174739 , vital:42505 , ISBN , https://doi.org/10.1093/acrefore/9780190228637.013.750
- Description: Language policies in sub-Saharan African nations emerge out of specific political, historical, socioeconomic, and linguistic conditions. Education plays a crucial role for all spheres of language policy. Policies either upgrade or downgrade indigenous languages through their application at various educational institutions. The most significant example is the selection of the language (s) used as languages of learning and teaching at higher-education institutions. The region’s colonial history also influences the language policies of the independent African states. Language policy in Senegal is an example of a francophone country focusing on a linguistic assimilation policy in which minor reforms in favor of indigenous languages have taken place.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Kaschula, Russell H , Kretzer, Michael M
- Date: 2019
- Language: English
- Type: text , book
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/174739 , vital:42505 , ISBN , https://doi.org/10.1093/acrefore/9780190228637.013.750
- Description: Language policies in sub-Saharan African nations emerge out of specific political, historical, socioeconomic, and linguistic conditions. Education plays a crucial role for all spheres of language policy. Policies either upgrade or downgrade indigenous languages through their application at various educational institutions. The most significant example is the selection of the language (s) used as languages of learning and teaching at higher-education institutions. The region’s colonial history also influences the language policies of the independent African states. Language policy in Senegal is an example of a francophone country focusing on a linguistic assimilation policy in which minor reforms in favor of indigenous languages have taken place.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
The posttraumatic growth of Oprah Winfrey: a psychobiography
- Authors: Oosthuysen, Yolandé
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Winfrey, Oprah , Posttraumatic growth Psychology -- Biographical methods , Post-traumatic stress disorder -- Patients -- Rehabilitation
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/43115 , vital:36737
- Description: Posttraumatic growth is a unique outcome of trauma that is relatively new to empirical investigation and not yet fully understood. Psychobiographies provide a valuable method to interpret and evaluate the applicability of psychological theories, such as posttraumatic growth. This study explored the unique manifestation of posttraumatic growth in the life of Oprah Winfrey. An exploratory-descriptive design was employed to examine the life history of Winfrey. She was selected through purposive sampling, based on her traumatic life history and extraordinary success in the television industry. Primary and secondary sources of biographical and historical data were used during the process of data collection. The data was processed according to Alexander’s data analysis method in conjunction with an analytic framework to organise the data. To maintain ethical principles, the researcher was guided by respect, empathy and accountability in dealing with any personal information regarding Winfrey. The findings demonstrated the occurrence of all five factors of the posttraumatic growth model, proposed by Calhoun and Tedeschi, in Winfrey’s life. The order of these factors, according to a number of identified instances in the data, matched the order of variance percentages per factor identified by Tedeschi and Calhoun. The analysis of PTG in the life of Winfrey, according to the PTG theoretical model, indicates the applicability and value of the model to interpret positive change as it manifests in the lives of individuals after trauma.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Oosthuysen, Yolandé
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Winfrey, Oprah , Posttraumatic growth Psychology -- Biographical methods , Post-traumatic stress disorder -- Patients -- Rehabilitation
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/43115 , vital:36737
- Description: Posttraumatic growth is a unique outcome of trauma that is relatively new to empirical investigation and not yet fully understood. Psychobiographies provide a valuable method to interpret and evaluate the applicability of psychological theories, such as posttraumatic growth. This study explored the unique manifestation of posttraumatic growth in the life of Oprah Winfrey. An exploratory-descriptive design was employed to examine the life history of Winfrey. She was selected through purposive sampling, based on her traumatic life history and extraordinary success in the television industry. Primary and secondary sources of biographical and historical data were used during the process of data collection. The data was processed according to Alexander’s data analysis method in conjunction with an analytic framework to organise the data. To maintain ethical principles, the researcher was guided by respect, empathy and accountability in dealing with any personal information regarding Winfrey. The findings demonstrated the occurrence of all five factors of the posttraumatic growth model, proposed by Calhoun and Tedeschi, in Winfrey’s life. The order of these factors, according to a number of identified instances in the data, matched the order of variance percentages per factor identified by Tedeschi and Calhoun. The analysis of PTG in the life of Winfrey, according to the PTG theoretical model, indicates the applicability and value of the model to interpret positive change as it manifests in the lives of individuals after trauma.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
The potential for concept cartoons to assist natural sciences teachers with developing scientific jargon for primary school learners
- Authors: Abrahams, Warda
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Science--Study and teaching
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/40219 , vital:35984
- Description: The study was undertaken to investigate whether a teaching tool Concept Cartoons may assist Intermediate Phase (IP) Natural Sciences teachers with the development and understanding of scientific jargon, when implemented in Natural Sciences investigations. As a novice Natural Sciences teacher it was important to find a teaching tool which would assist second language learners with scientific concepts, particularly focusing on science investigations. The focal aim was to search for a fun, captivating, educational resource that would cater for these learners’ barriers to science learning. This research falls within a constructivist worldview, and the research method employed was a case study. Data were collected through qualitative approach, via semi-structured interviews. A total of nine participating Intermediate Phase Natural Sciences teachers from the Port Elizabeth Northern Areas schools contributed towards the findings of this study. This study was an investigation undertaken to see whether a different teaching approach may encourage change. The findings of this study suggested that Concept Cartoons used in Natural Sciences investigations created an educational effect towards the learners understanding of science concepts. Intermediate Phase learners were introduced to Concept Cartoons to assist with their understanding of science terminology during practical investigations. The results of this investigation suggested that Concept Cartoons assisted English second-language learners with scientific jargon and served as an educative curriculum material for Intermediate Phase teachers. Furthermore Grade 4 findings suggested English home-language speakers struggled with scientific language, compared to their second-language peers who achieved greater results due to the amount of effort and determination they dedicated to translating these concepts. Further studies suggested this maybe because science terminology does not form part of their everyday vocabulary, therefore experiencing difficulty with scien1. Concept Cartoons: teachers and scientific investigations 2. Concept Cartoons: design, characters and speech bubbles 3. Concept Cartoons: enabling scientific talk 4. Concept Cartoons: scientific jargon 5. Concept Cartoons: scientific jargon and ESL learners 6. Concept Cartoons: teacher learning. This study, which aimed at introducing Concept Cartoons as an educative curriculum tool in Natural Sciences investigations, is expected to fill an important gap in literature surrounding teaching science jargon to English second-language learners.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Abrahams, Warda
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Science--Study and teaching
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/40219 , vital:35984
- Description: The study was undertaken to investigate whether a teaching tool Concept Cartoons may assist Intermediate Phase (IP) Natural Sciences teachers with the development and understanding of scientific jargon, when implemented in Natural Sciences investigations. As a novice Natural Sciences teacher it was important to find a teaching tool which would assist second language learners with scientific concepts, particularly focusing on science investigations. The focal aim was to search for a fun, captivating, educational resource that would cater for these learners’ barriers to science learning. This research falls within a constructivist worldview, and the research method employed was a case study. Data were collected through qualitative approach, via semi-structured interviews. A total of nine participating Intermediate Phase Natural Sciences teachers from the Port Elizabeth Northern Areas schools contributed towards the findings of this study. This study was an investigation undertaken to see whether a different teaching approach may encourage change. The findings of this study suggested that Concept Cartoons used in Natural Sciences investigations created an educational effect towards the learners understanding of science concepts. Intermediate Phase learners were introduced to Concept Cartoons to assist with their understanding of science terminology during practical investigations. The results of this investigation suggested that Concept Cartoons assisted English second-language learners with scientific jargon and served as an educative curriculum material for Intermediate Phase teachers. Furthermore Grade 4 findings suggested English home-language speakers struggled with scientific language, compared to their second-language peers who achieved greater results due to the amount of effort and determination they dedicated to translating these concepts. Further studies suggested this maybe because science terminology does not form part of their everyday vocabulary, therefore experiencing difficulty with scien1. Concept Cartoons: teachers and scientific investigations 2. Concept Cartoons: design, characters and speech bubbles 3. Concept Cartoons: enabling scientific talk 4. Concept Cartoons: scientific jargon 5. Concept Cartoons: scientific jargon and ESL learners 6. Concept Cartoons: teacher learning. This study, which aimed at introducing Concept Cartoons as an educative curriculum tool in Natural Sciences investigations, is expected to fill an important gap in literature surrounding teaching science jargon to English second-language learners.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
The prediction of, and changes in,medullated fibre levels when processing mohair into top
- Authors: Van Zyl, Andreas Marius
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Mohair Industry -- South Africa , Textile Fibers Testing
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/45767 , vital:38962
- Description: The prediction of, and changes in, medullated fibre levels during early stage processing of mohair, from greasy to top, have been studied. Commercial lots, representative of the South African and Basuto mohair clips, covering a wide range of properties, with respect to objectionable medullated (kemp type) fibres, length and fibre diameter, were sampled for testing at three different processing stages, viz. greasy, preparatory gilled sliver, and top. All samples were tested with an Optical Fibre Diameter Analyser (OFDA100) for medullated- and fibre diameter related properties. Various statistical analyses were conducted to determine the most significant correlations and best prediction of changes in medullated fibre levels, during processing. As expected, the medullated fibre levels of the Basuto lots were much higher than those of the Cape lots. Moreover, the inclusion or exclusion of flat fibres, in combination with other medullated fibres, resulted in significant differences in the outcome of some of the statistical analysis. It was found that flat fibre levels were highly correlated with the standard deviation of fibre diameter at all processing stages, and also, the greasy standard deviation of fibre diameter was the best predictor of flat fibre levels in the top. Further, the percentage reduction in flat fibres, from greasy to preparatory gilled sliver, was more than double that of the reduction in flat fibres from preparatory gilled sliver to top. Similarly, the percentage reduction in objectionable medullated (including flat) fibres, from greasy to preparatory gilled sliver, was about 1.7 times more than that of the reduction from preparatory gilled sliver to top.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Van Zyl, Andreas Marius
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Mohair Industry -- South Africa , Textile Fibers Testing
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/45767 , vital:38962
- Description: The prediction of, and changes in, medullated fibre levels during early stage processing of mohair, from greasy to top, have been studied. Commercial lots, representative of the South African and Basuto mohair clips, covering a wide range of properties, with respect to objectionable medullated (kemp type) fibres, length and fibre diameter, were sampled for testing at three different processing stages, viz. greasy, preparatory gilled sliver, and top. All samples were tested with an Optical Fibre Diameter Analyser (OFDA100) for medullated- and fibre diameter related properties. Various statistical analyses were conducted to determine the most significant correlations and best prediction of changes in medullated fibre levels, during processing. As expected, the medullated fibre levels of the Basuto lots were much higher than those of the Cape lots. Moreover, the inclusion or exclusion of flat fibres, in combination with other medullated fibres, resulted in significant differences in the outcome of some of the statistical analysis. It was found that flat fibre levels were highly correlated with the standard deviation of fibre diameter at all processing stages, and also, the greasy standard deviation of fibre diameter was the best predictor of flat fibre levels in the top. Further, the percentage reduction in flat fibres, from greasy to preparatory gilled sliver, was more than double that of the reduction in flat fibres from preparatory gilled sliver to top. Similarly, the percentage reduction in objectionable medullated (including flat) fibres, from greasy to preparatory gilled sliver, was about 1.7 times more than that of the reduction from preparatory gilled sliver to top.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
The predictors of student performance in a blended learning environment at Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) in Tanzania: a case study conducted at the University of Dar-es-Salaam
- Authors: Kabudi, Tumaini John
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Prediction of scholastic success -- Tanzania -- Case studies , Motivation in education -- Tanzania -- Case studies , Academic achievement -- Tanzania -- Case studies , Blended learning -- Tanzania -- Case studies , Chuo Kikuu cha Dar es Salaam -- Students
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/68358 , vital:29242
- Description: Blended Learning is an important technological platform which has the potential to enhance the efficiency and efficacy of educational provision, especially in Tanzania universities. Despite a high level of investment into Blended learning, students face various challenges that have impeded them performing well in Blended learning courses. The purpose of this research is to examine and explore how student’s performance in a Blended learning environment is influenced by motivation and learning strategies; using the University of Dar es Salaam as a case study. This is a pragmatic research that utilises a mixed research design. The research design includes both qualitative design (in-depth single case study) and quantitative design (survey). The target population for this study is students participating in Blended learning modules. Primary data will be collected by means of Motivational Strategies for Learning Questionnaire and observation. It was found that motivation and learning strategies are significant predictors of student performance in a Blended learning environment. In terms of the motivation categories, Intrinsic Goal Orientation and Self-efficacy have statistically significant effect on student performance. With learning strategies sub factors, it was found out that Rehearsal, Effort Regulation and Peer Learning have significance effect on student performance. Moreover, age and gender significantly influence performance. The findings obtained are significant in building a better understanding of the influence that the mentioned predictors have on predicting the performance of students in Blended learning courses in Tanzania.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Kabudi, Tumaini John
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Prediction of scholastic success -- Tanzania -- Case studies , Motivation in education -- Tanzania -- Case studies , Academic achievement -- Tanzania -- Case studies , Blended learning -- Tanzania -- Case studies , Chuo Kikuu cha Dar es Salaam -- Students
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/68358 , vital:29242
- Description: Blended Learning is an important technological platform which has the potential to enhance the efficiency and efficacy of educational provision, especially in Tanzania universities. Despite a high level of investment into Blended learning, students face various challenges that have impeded them performing well in Blended learning courses. The purpose of this research is to examine and explore how student’s performance in a Blended learning environment is influenced by motivation and learning strategies; using the University of Dar es Salaam as a case study. This is a pragmatic research that utilises a mixed research design. The research design includes both qualitative design (in-depth single case study) and quantitative design (survey). The target population for this study is students participating in Blended learning modules. Primary data will be collected by means of Motivational Strategies for Learning Questionnaire and observation. It was found that motivation and learning strategies are significant predictors of student performance in a Blended learning environment. In terms of the motivation categories, Intrinsic Goal Orientation and Self-efficacy have statistically significant effect on student performance. With learning strategies sub factors, it was found out that Rehearsal, Effort Regulation and Peer Learning have significance effect on student performance. Moreover, age and gender significantly influence performance. The findings obtained are significant in building a better understanding of the influence that the mentioned predictors have on predicting the performance of students in Blended learning courses in Tanzania.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
The preparation of BODIPY and porphyrin dyes and their cyclodextrin inclusion complexes and Pluronic® F-127 encapsulation micelles for use in PDT and PACT
- Authors: Molupe, Nthabeleng
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Dyes and dyeing -- Chemistry , Drug delivery systems , Fluorescence spectroscopy , Cancer -- Photochemotherapy , Photosensitizing compounds -- Therapeutic use , Cyclodextrins -- Biotechnology , Nanoparticles
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/117574 , vital:34528
- Description: Several novel BODIPY dyes ((4,4′-difluoro-1,7-tetramethyl-3,5-(3-dithiophene)-2,6-diiodo-8-(4-dimethylamino)-4-bora-3a,4a-diaza-s-indacene (1c), 4,4′-difluoro-1,7-tetramethyl-3,5-(3 dithiophene)-2,6-diiodo-8-(4-methylthio)-4-bora-3a,4a-diaza-s-indacene (3c) and 4,4′-difluoro-1,7-tetramethyl-3,5-(4-dibenzyloxybenzene)-2,6-diiodo-8-(4-methylbenzoate)-4 bora-3a,4a-diaza-s-indacene (4c)) and porphyrins (tetraacenaphthylporphyrin (7a) and Sn(IV) tetraacenaphthylporphyrin (7b)) were synthesized and characterized. Previously reported BODIPY dyes (4,4′-difluoro-1,7-tetramethyl-3,5-(2-dihydroxy)-2,6-diiodo-8-(4-bromo)-4-bora-3a,4a-diaza-s-indacene (5) and 4,4′-difluoro-1,7-tetramethyl-3,5-(2-dithiophene)-2,6-diiodo-8-(phenyl)-4-bora-3a,4a-diaza-s-indacene (6)) were also used. Pluronic® F-127 and cyclodextrins were used as solubilizing drug delivery agents for the synthesized BODIPY dyes. The encapsulation of BODIPY dyes with Pluronic® F-127 micelles improved the water solubility of the BODIPY 5. Further modification of Pluronic® F-127 by coating with folate-functionalized chitosan for targeted delivery of BODIPY 1c and 6 was explored. The BODIPY dyes and their encapsulation complexes exhibited significant inhibition of human MCF-7 breast cancer cell growth. When cyclodextrins were used as nanocarriers, the inclusion complexes of BODIPY 4c with mβCD were found to enhance the water-solubility of the dye. Greater photoinactivation of Staphylococcus aureus was observed for the inclusion complexes when compared to the effect of solutions of non-complexed BODIPY 4c. The cyclodextrin inclusion complexes of porphyrin 7b with mβCD were also found to enhance the water-solubility of 7b. When the photodynamic effect was evaluated, solutions of the porphyrin alone and their inclusion complexes were found to have significant photodynamic effects against human MCF-7 breast cancer cells.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Molupe, Nthabeleng
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Dyes and dyeing -- Chemistry , Drug delivery systems , Fluorescence spectroscopy , Cancer -- Photochemotherapy , Photosensitizing compounds -- Therapeutic use , Cyclodextrins -- Biotechnology , Nanoparticles
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/117574 , vital:34528
- Description: Several novel BODIPY dyes ((4,4′-difluoro-1,7-tetramethyl-3,5-(3-dithiophene)-2,6-diiodo-8-(4-dimethylamino)-4-bora-3a,4a-diaza-s-indacene (1c), 4,4′-difluoro-1,7-tetramethyl-3,5-(3 dithiophene)-2,6-diiodo-8-(4-methylthio)-4-bora-3a,4a-diaza-s-indacene (3c) and 4,4′-difluoro-1,7-tetramethyl-3,5-(4-dibenzyloxybenzene)-2,6-diiodo-8-(4-methylbenzoate)-4 bora-3a,4a-diaza-s-indacene (4c)) and porphyrins (tetraacenaphthylporphyrin (7a) and Sn(IV) tetraacenaphthylporphyrin (7b)) were synthesized and characterized. Previously reported BODIPY dyes (4,4′-difluoro-1,7-tetramethyl-3,5-(2-dihydroxy)-2,6-diiodo-8-(4-bromo)-4-bora-3a,4a-diaza-s-indacene (5) and 4,4′-difluoro-1,7-tetramethyl-3,5-(2-dithiophene)-2,6-diiodo-8-(phenyl)-4-bora-3a,4a-diaza-s-indacene (6)) were also used. Pluronic® F-127 and cyclodextrins were used as solubilizing drug delivery agents for the synthesized BODIPY dyes. The encapsulation of BODIPY dyes with Pluronic® F-127 micelles improved the water solubility of the BODIPY 5. Further modification of Pluronic® F-127 by coating with folate-functionalized chitosan for targeted delivery of BODIPY 1c and 6 was explored. The BODIPY dyes and their encapsulation complexes exhibited significant inhibition of human MCF-7 breast cancer cell growth. When cyclodextrins were used as nanocarriers, the inclusion complexes of BODIPY 4c with mβCD were found to enhance the water-solubility of the dye. Greater photoinactivation of Staphylococcus aureus was observed for the inclusion complexes when compared to the effect of solutions of non-complexed BODIPY 4c. The cyclodextrin inclusion complexes of porphyrin 7b with mβCD were also found to enhance the water-solubility of 7b. When the photodynamic effect was evaluated, solutions of the porphyrin alone and their inclusion complexes were found to have significant photodynamic effects against human MCF-7 breast cancer cells.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
The prevalence of insufficient iodine intake in pregnancy in Africa: protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis
- Businge, Charles Bitamazire, Longo-Mbenza , Benjamin, Kengne, Andre Pascal
- Authors: Businge, Charles Bitamazire , Longo-Mbenza , Benjamin , Kengne, Andre Pascal
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Africa , Iodine , Pregnancy
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/11260/5882 , vital:44662 , https://DOI:10.1186/s13643-019-1092-7
- Description: Background: Insufficient iodine intake in pregnancy is associated with many adverse pregnancy outcomes. About 90% of African countries are at risk of iodine deficiency due to poor soils and dietary goitrogens. Pregnancy predisposes to insufficient iodine nutrition secondary to increased physiological demand and increased renal loss. Iodine deficiency is re-emerging in countries thought to be replete with pregnant women being the most affected. This review seeks to identify the degree of iodine nutrition in pregnancy on the entire African continent before and after the implementation of national iodization programmes. Methods: A systematic search of published literature will be conducted for observational studies that directly determined the prevalence of insufficient iodine intake among pregnant women in Africa. Electronic databases and grey literature will be searched for baseline data before the implementation of population-based iodine supplementation and for follow-up data up to December 2018. Screening of identified articles and data extraction will be conducted independently by two investigators. Risk of bias and methodological quality of the included studies will be assessed using a risk of bias tool. Appropriate meta-analytic techniques will be used to pool prevalence estimates from studies with similar features, overall and by major characteristics including the region of the study, time period (before and after implementation of iodization programmes), sample size and age. Heterogeneity of the estimates across studies will be quantified and publication bias investigated. This protocol is reported according to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analysis protocols (PRISMA-P) 2015 guidelines. Discussion: This review will help ascertain the impact of national iodization programmes on the iodine nutrition status in pregnancy in Africa and advise policy on the necessity for monitoring and mitigating iodine deficiency in pregnancy in Africa. This review is part of a thesis that will be submitted to the Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, for the award of a PhD in Medicine whose protocol has been granted ethics approval (UCT HREC 135/2018). In addition, the results will be published in a peer-reviewed journal. Systematic review registration: PROSPERO CRD42018099434 Keywords: Iodine, Insufficiency, Pregnancy, Africa
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Businge, Charles Bitamazire , Longo-Mbenza , Benjamin , Kengne, Andre Pascal
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Africa , Iodine , Pregnancy
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/11260/5882 , vital:44662 , https://DOI:10.1186/s13643-019-1092-7
- Description: Background: Insufficient iodine intake in pregnancy is associated with many adverse pregnancy outcomes. About 90% of African countries are at risk of iodine deficiency due to poor soils and dietary goitrogens. Pregnancy predisposes to insufficient iodine nutrition secondary to increased physiological demand and increased renal loss. Iodine deficiency is re-emerging in countries thought to be replete with pregnant women being the most affected. This review seeks to identify the degree of iodine nutrition in pregnancy on the entire African continent before and after the implementation of national iodization programmes. Methods: A systematic search of published literature will be conducted for observational studies that directly determined the prevalence of insufficient iodine intake among pregnant women in Africa. Electronic databases and grey literature will be searched for baseline data before the implementation of population-based iodine supplementation and for follow-up data up to December 2018. Screening of identified articles and data extraction will be conducted independently by two investigators. Risk of bias and methodological quality of the included studies will be assessed using a risk of bias tool. Appropriate meta-analytic techniques will be used to pool prevalence estimates from studies with similar features, overall and by major characteristics including the region of the study, time period (before and after implementation of iodization programmes), sample size and age. Heterogeneity of the estimates across studies will be quantified and publication bias investigated. This protocol is reported according to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analysis protocols (PRISMA-P) 2015 guidelines. Discussion: This review will help ascertain the impact of national iodization programmes on the iodine nutrition status in pregnancy in Africa and advise policy on the necessity for monitoring and mitigating iodine deficiency in pregnancy in Africa. This review is part of a thesis that will be submitted to the Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, for the award of a PhD in Medicine whose protocol has been granted ethics approval (UCT HREC 135/2018). In addition, the results will be published in a peer-reviewed journal. Systematic review registration: PROSPERO CRD42018099434 Keywords: Iodine, Insufficiency, Pregnancy, Africa
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
The protection against child labour in South Africa
- Authors: Abrahams, Collis
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Child labor
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , LLM
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/40204 , vital:35986
- Description: This treatise seeks to describe the legal protection of children against child labour in South Africa. It does so within the context of international-law-protection in the form of Conventions of the International Labour Organisation. The treatise distinguishes between the concepts of child labour and child work and traces the history of international law prohibiting and regulating child labour. The two most important ILO Conventions, Convention 138 of 1973 and 182 of 1998 are considered in some detail before the national legislature is explained and analysed. From the discussion it is apparent that South Africa is giving effect to the applicable ILO Conventions. Not only does national legislation prohibit child labour, the state also adopted nation-wide programmes to eradicate child labour. Despite the efforts there is still room for improvement. The fight to eradicate child labour must continue!
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Abrahams, Collis
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Child labor
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , LLM
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/40204 , vital:35986
- Description: This treatise seeks to describe the legal protection of children against child labour in South Africa. It does so within the context of international-law-protection in the form of Conventions of the International Labour Organisation. The treatise distinguishes between the concepts of child labour and child work and traces the history of international law prohibiting and regulating child labour. The two most important ILO Conventions, Convention 138 of 1973 and 182 of 1998 are considered in some detail before the national legislature is explained and analysed. From the discussion it is apparent that South Africa is giving effect to the applicable ILO Conventions. Not only does national legislation prohibit child labour, the state also adopted nation-wide programmes to eradicate child labour. Despite the efforts there is still room for improvement. The fight to eradicate child labour must continue!
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
The psychological sequelae of the impact of violence perpetrated against men in intimate partner relationships: A systematic review
- Authors: Warmington, Meagan Patricia
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Intimate partner violence -- South Africa , Gender based Violence -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/45646 , vital:38923
- Description: Men who are victims of intimate partner violence seem to be largely ignored in research and literature. This in part is linked to the perception of men as perpetrators, rather than as victims of violence. While intimate partner violence has been studied extensively across the world, through a number of disciplines, there appears to be a glaring gap in the literature. Men who are victims of intimate partner violence may experience the emotional and psychological consequences of violence differently, given the factors influencing the role of men in society. The resulting shame, guilt and even rejection may be factors explaining why these cases of violence are underreported. This research used a systematic review methodology and data was collected through online databases. Significant thematic findings identified included 1) the impact of stigma, 2) misrepresentation of the article content focus, and 3) the lack of awareness surrounding the act of male abuse within intimate partner relationships. The study findings suggested that male victims of intimate partner violence are likely to experience the psychological and emotional experiences that follow the experience. Further insight was given regarding the need to develop interventions that take into account the required social, psychological and emotional needs of men in violent intimate partner relationships.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Warmington, Meagan Patricia
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Intimate partner violence -- South Africa , Gender based Violence -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/45646 , vital:38923
- Description: Men who are victims of intimate partner violence seem to be largely ignored in research and literature. This in part is linked to the perception of men as perpetrators, rather than as victims of violence. While intimate partner violence has been studied extensively across the world, through a number of disciplines, there appears to be a glaring gap in the literature. Men who are victims of intimate partner violence may experience the emotional and psychological consequences of violence differently, given the factors influencing the role of men in society. The resulting shame, guilt and even rejection may be factors explaining why these cases of violence are underreported. This research used a systematic review methodology and data was collected through online databases. Significant thematic findings identified included 1) the impact of stigma, 2) misrepresentation of the article content focus, and 3) the lack of awareness surrounding the act of male abuse within intimate partner relationships. The study findings suggested that male victims of intimate partner violence are likely to experience the psychological and emotional experiences that follow the experience. Further insight was given regarding the need to develop interventions that take into account the required social, psychological and emotional needs of men in violent intimate partner relationships.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
The relationship between cultural intelligence and cross-cultural psychological capital amongst expatriates
- Authors: Lamont, Mia Adri
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Cultural intelligence , Business anthropology Management -- Cross-cultural studies Corporate culture Work environment
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/40467 , vital:36168
- Description: This study explored the relationship between Cross-cultural (CC) PsyCap and Cultural Intelligence (CQ) amongst expatriates. The literature review revealed preliminary relationships between the two constructs and illuminated the need to broaden and extend current research to expatriates specifically. The study followed a quantitative research design in the form of non-experimental, cross-sectional research using convenience and snowball sampling. A composite questionnaire comprising the CC PsyCap scale and Cultural Intelligence Scale (CQS) was used to measure CC PsyCap and CQ levels. This self-report measure was distributed via various social media platforms (N=102). Overall, the measurement models revealed high reliability in the present study. Although the modified hope subscale did not appear to be suited to the expatriate sample in the present study, confirmatory factor analysis revealed acceptable validity for both instruments overall. Significant differences were found in the means of CC PsyCap and CQ between demographic groups. Relationships between the constructs were tested through correlation-and regression analyses and several significant positive relationships were found between the constructs and their dimensions. Two of the strongest relationships found were between CC self-efficacy and CQ and between motivational CQ and CC PsyCap. Further, CC PsyCap was shown to account for a part of the variance in CQ and vice versa. This research adds to insights gained from the previously validated cross-cultural PsyCap measure and studies on the relationships between the two constructs.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Lamont, Mia Adri
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Cultural intelligence , Business anthropology Management -- Cross-cultural studies Corporate culture Work environment
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/40467 , vital:36168
- Description: This study explored the relationship between Cross-cultural (CC) PsyCap and Cultural Intelligence (CQ) amongst expatriates. The literature review revealed preliminary relationships between the two constructs and illuminated the need to broaden and extend current research to expatriates specifically. The study followed a quantitative research design in the form of non-experimental, cross-sectional research using convenience and snowball sampling. A composite questionnaire comprising the CC PsyCap scale and Cultural Intelligence Scale (CQS) was used to measure CC PsyCap and CQ levels. This self-report measure was distributed via various social media platforms (N=102). Overall, the measurement models revealed high reliability in the present study. Although the modified hope subscale did not appear to be suited to the expatriate sample in the present study, confirmatory factor analysis revealed acceptable validity for both instruments overall. Significant differences were found in the means of CC PsyCap and CQ between demographic groups. Relationships between the constructs were tested through correlation-and regression analyses and several significant positive relationships were found between the constructs and their dimensions. Two of the strongest relationships found were between CC self-efficacy and CQ and between motivational CQ and CC PsyCap. Further, CC PsyCap was shown to account for a part of the variance in CQ and vice versa. This research adds to insights gained from the previously validated cross-cultural PsyCap measure and studies on the relationships between the two constructs.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
The relationship between employee wellness and gratitude
- Authors: Jordaan, Chrizelle
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Employee health promotion -- South Africa , Work environment -- Psychological aspects Gratitude Psychology, Industrial
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/39984 , vital:35636
- Description: A lack of research studies and available literature on the relationship between employee wellness and gratitude revealed enormous potential for further exploration and investigation, especially within a South African context. This is a relatively new field with limited literature and research evidence available. From the commencement of the research it was evident that there is possibility to successfully research if a relationship between employee wellness and gratitude exists, which formed the primary objective of the current study. The current study therefore aims to contribute to the existing body of knowledge regarding the possible relationship that exists between employee wellness and gratitude within South African organisations. The researcher utilised a quantitative research technique by making use of a composite questionnaire measuring employee wellness and gratitude respectively. The results were then analysed in an attempt to establish if a relationship exists between employee wellness and gratitude, based on the responses gathered from the research population. The research sample consisted of 121 employees working in the waste collection industry. A combination of the Mental Health Continuum – Short Form, Gratitude Questionnaire (6-item form) as well as a demographic variable information page was utilised to gather data for the current study. The results indicated that significant findings between the demographic variables and the individual constructs respectively, however, the relationship between the dimensions of employee wellness and gratitude was lower than expected. Based on the results obtained within this study, it was concluded that a small relationship exists between employee wellness and gratitude. Chapter 5 includes a discussion on the recommendations for both the organisation as well as future researchers.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Jordaan, Chrizelle
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Employee health promotion -- South Africa , Work environment -- Psychological aspects Gratitude Psychology, Industrial
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/39984 , vital:35636
- Description: A lack of research studies and available literature on the relationship between employee wellness and gratitude revealed enormous potential for further exploration and investigation, especially within a South African context. This is a relatively new field with limited literature and research evidence available. From the commencement of the research it was evident that there is possibility to successfully research if a relationship between employee wellness and gratitude exists, which formed the primary objective of the current study. The current study therefore aims to contribute to the existing body of knowledge regarding the possible relationship that exists between employee wellness and gratitude within South African organisations. The researcher utilised a quantitative research technique by making use of a composite questionnaire measuring employee wellness and gratitude respectively. The results were then analysed in an attempt to establish if a relationship exists between employee wellness and gratitude, based on the responses gathered from the research population. The research sample consisted of 121 employees working in the waste collection industry. A combination of the Mental Health Continuum – Short Form, Gratitude Questionnaire (6-item form) as well as a demographic variable information page was utilised to gather data for the current study. The results indicated that significant findings between the demographic variables and the individual constructs respectively, however, the relationship between the dimensions of employee wellness and gratitude was lower than expected. Based on the results obtained within this study, it was concluded that a small relationship exists between employee wellness and gratitude. Chapter 5 includes a discussion on the recommendations for both the organisation as well as future researchers.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
The relationship between exposure to traumatised complainants and secondary traumatic stress among police detective officers
- Authors: Vilakazi, Julias Makhosonke
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Police -- Job stress -- South africa , Traumatic shock -- Psychological aspects
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/45668 , vital:38925
- Description: South Africa is faced with high incidents of sexual violence and abuse, affecting a large part of the population either directly or indirectly.Previous studies have shown that a contact with victims of violent crime may cause psychological symptoms of Secondary traumatic Stress (STS) in police officers. Despite this knowledge, there appears to be a lack of studies that focus specifically on police detective officers (PDOs) in South Africa. Aim: This study aimed to investigate the relationship between exposure to traumatic complainants and STS among PDOs in the SAPS-FCS unit. Findings: The results have shown that most of the PDOs were exposed to traumatised complainants as they often conduct investigation, testify in court, escort complainants for biopsychosocial services and collect evidence from both complainants and perpetrators. The study further found that most PDOs were experiencing a degree of STS symptoms. Additionally, no significant statistical relationship was found between exposure to traumatised complainants and STS. Nonetheless, there is a statistically significant relationship between type of crimes and STS among PDOs in the SAPS-FCS unit. This study sheds light on how the PDOs are indirectly affected by the crimes experienced by complainants’, such as indecent assault and child molestation. This research can be used as a platform for the development of various interventions with police officials exposed to or affected by indirectly trauma. Future research should investigate other pivotal risks and protective factors such as environmental factors and personal factors that may have impacted on the development of STS in the PDOs.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Vilakazi, Julias Makhosonke
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Police -- Job stress -- South africa , Traumatic shock -- Psychological aspects
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/45668 , vital:38925
- Description: South Africa is faced with high incidents of sexual violence and abuse, affecting a large part of the population either directly or indirectly.Previous studies have shown that a contact with victims of violent crime may cause psychological symptoms of Secondary traumatic Stress (STS) in police officers. Despite this knowledge, there appears to be a lack of studies that focus specifically on police detective officers (PDOs) in South Africa. Aim: This study aimed to investigate the relationship between exposure to traumatic complainants and STS among PDOs in the SAPS-FCS unit. Findings: The results have shown that most of the PDOs were exposed to traumatised complainants as they often conduct investigation, testify in court, escort complainants for biopsychosocial services and collect evidence from both complainants and perpetrators. The study further found that most PDOs were experiencing a degree of STS symptoms. Additionally, no significant statistical relationship was found between exposure to traumatised complainants and STS. Nonetheless, there is a statistically significant relationship between type of crimes and STS among PDOs in the SAPS-FCS unit. This study sheds light on how the PDOs are indirectly affected by the crimes experienced by complainants’, such as indecent assault and child molestation. This research can be used as a platform for the development of various interventions with police officials exposed to or affected by indirectly trauma. Future research should investigate other pivotal risks and protective factors such as environmental factors and personal factors that may have impacted on the development of STS in the PDOs.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
The relationship between leadership behaviours and employee inclusion
- Authors: Jagers,Leizel Hilary
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Leadership -- South Africa , Diversity in the workplace Organizational behavior Work -- Psychological aspects Psychology, Industrial
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/40084 , vital:35753
- Description: In recent times, the discussion on diversity has shifted to that of inclusion. Employee inclusion plays an integral role in the quality of the organisational environment to create an organisation that maximises and leverages diverse talents, backgrounds and perspectives of all employees to increase organisational success. Inclusion has emerged as a contemporary area of exploration while diversity embraces a rich body of research. Leadership theorists have yet to discover an approach to inclusive leadership. It is interesting to note the lack of integration concerning the relationship between leadership behaviours and employee inclusion within a South African context, thus it is worth exploring what meaning and interpretation employee inclusion holds in a diverse South African work context. The aim of this study was to determine whether a relationship exists between leadership behaviours and employee inclusion. A literature study was conducted to explore work previously done regarding leadership behaviours and employee inclusion. For the empirical study, a positivistic paradigm with a quantitative research method was utilised. The confectionary organisation under study is situated in the Eastern Cape province of South Africa. The leadership behaviours of production line managers (n = 11) contributing to employee inclusion of production line workers (n = 141) was studied by means of a survey in the research design. To compensate for the simplistic responses to complex issues, both closed-ended and open-ended surveys were administered. Random sampling was selected as the sampling strategy for this study. In addition, the research study made use of both inferential and descriptive statistic techniques. A statistically significant relationship exists between leadership behaviours and employee inclusion. The findings reveal that production line managers generally believe that they exhibit leadership behaviours associated with employee inclusion, whereas production line workers generally believe that their managers exhibit certain, but not all leadership behaviours associated with employee inclusion. Furthermore, production line managers leaned towards a positive point of view of their perception of the extent to which production line workers experience employee inclusion. However, most of production line workers leaned towards a negative point of view whilst the minority leaned towards a positive point of view in relation to the extent to which they experience employee inclusion. These findings suggest that components of leadership behaviour namely commitment, courage, cognizance of bias, curiosity, cultural intelligence and collaboration correlate strongly to employee inclusion in terms of uniqueness and belongingness. The leadership behaviours discussed in the literature and empirical study can contribute to future studies in terms of creating an inclusive leadership approach or style as this has not been discovered yet. Leaders should be aware of their leadership behaviours and familiarise themselves with and implement the preferred leadership behaviours for employee inclusion through self-development initiatives, leadership training and social change initiatives. Furthermore, leaders should practice leadership behaviours and techniques based on each situation, individual or group with a specific focus on the six signature traits of an inclusive leader and finally, organisations should create opportunities for employees to give feedback to their managers to raise awareness around the importance of employee inclusion.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Jagers,Leizel Hilary
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Leadership -- South Africa , Diversity in the workplace Organizational behavior Work -- Psychological aspects Psychology, Industrial
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/40084 , vital:35753
- Description: In recent times, the discussion on diversity has shifted to that of inclusion. Employee inclusion plays an integral role in the quality of the organisational environment to create an organisation that maximises and leverages diverse talents, backgrounds and perspectives of all employees to increase organisational success. Inclusion has emerged as a contemporary area of exploration while diversity embraces a rich body of research. Leadership theorists have yet to discover an approach to inclusive leadership. It is interesting to note the lack of integration concerning the relationship between leadership behaviours and employee inclusion within a South African context, thus it is worth exploring what meaning and interpretation employee inclusion holds in a diverse South African work context. The aim of this study was to determine whether a relationship exists between leadership behaviours and employee inclusion. A literature study was conducted to explore work previously done regarding leadership behaviours and employee inclusion. For the empirical study, a positivistic paradigm with a quantitative research method was utilised. The confectionary organisation under study is situated in the Eastern Cape province of South Africa. The leadership behaviours of production line managers (n = 11) contributing to employee inclusion of production line workers (n = 141) was studied by means of a survey in the research design. To compensate for the simplistic responses to complex issues, both closed-ended and open-ended surveys were administered. Random sampling was selected as the sampling strategy for this study. In addition, the research study made use of both inferential and descriptive statistic techniques. A statistically significant relationship exists between leadership behaviours and employee inclusion. The findings reveal that production line managers generally believe that they exhibit leadership behaviours associated with employee inclusion, whereas production line workers generally believe that their managers exhibit certain, but not all leadership behaviours associated with employee inclusion. Furthermore, production line managers leaned towards a positive point of view of their perception of the extent to which production line workers experience employee inclusion. However, most of production line workers leaned towards a negative point of view whilst the minority leaned towards a positive point of view in relation to the extent to which they experience employee inclusion. These findings suggest that components of leadership behaviour namely commitment, courage, cognizance of bias, curiosity, cultural intelligence and collaboration correlate strongly to employee inclusion in terms of uniqueness and belongingness. The leadership behaviours discussed in the literature and empirical study can contribute to future studies in terms of creating an inclusive leadership approach or style as this has not been discovered yet. Leaders should be aware of their leadership behaviours and familiarise themselves with and implement the preferred leadership behaviours for employee inclusion through self-development initiatives, leadership training and social change initiatives. Furthermore, leaders should practice leadership behaviours and techniques based on each situation, individual or group with a specific focus on the six signature traits of an inclusive leader and finally, organisations should create opportunities for employees to give feedback to their managers to raise awareness around the importance of employee inclusion.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019