In vitro evaluation of vernonia amygdalina gold nanoparticles to stimulate apoptosis in breast cancer lines
- Authors: Pali, Zenande
- Date: 2022-12
- Subjects: Breast--Cancer--Treatment--Technological innovations , Apoptosis -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/59933 , vital:62696
- Description: Breast cancer is the most prevalent cancer in women and triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) is one of the most aggressive breast cancer subtypes. Current breast cancer therapies are associated with several side effects and less effective treatment. Therefore, the development of new approaches to improve cancer treatment are needed. The use of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) for anti-cancer effects is one of the most promising research areas in the field of nanotechnology, because nanoparticles are readily functionalized and can passively accumulate at the tumor site without affecting healthy tissues. The green synthesis of AuNPs is an eco-friendly, costeffective, fast, and non-toxic method that is associated with fewer side effects.The aim of this study was to evaluate the cytotoxicity and apoptotic activity exhibted by Vernonia amygdalina gold nanoparticles (VA-AuNPs) in triple negative breast cancer cell lines. The aqueous extract of Vernonia amygdalina was used to reduce gold salts to form VA-AuNPs. The VA-AuNPs were synthesised at a temperature of 100 °C and pH 7. The synthesised green AuNPs were charactised using ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy, dynamic light scattering, and high resolution transmission electron microscopy. Spherical VA-AuNPs were succesfully synthesized with average size of 17.11 ± 2.82 nm and a zeta potential of -36.55 ± 1.15 mV. The MTT assay revealed that VA-AuNPs significantly reduced (p cell viability for both mouse (E0771) and human (MDA-MB231) TNBC cell lines in a dose-dependent manner. The PrestoBlue assay showed a consistent decrease in cell numbers over time, suggesting either a decrease in proliferation or increase in apoptosis. The apoptotic effects of VAAuNPs were assessed using the CaspGLOW Fluorescein active caspase-8 staining kit. It indicated that caspase 8 was activated when cells were treated with VA-AuNPs. E0771 and MDA-MB231 cells were compared when treated with VA-AuNP and a similar trend was established. The HRTEM image showed VA-AuNPs in an vesiclelike structure inside the cell. It can be concluded that the VA-AuNPs showed anticancer activities against TNBC cells. Caspase 8 is activated by VA-AuNPs, confirming the induction of apoptosis, but does not exclude the activation of the intrinsic apoptotic pathway or inhibition of proliferation activity. E0771 and MDA-MB231 cells showed similar cytotoxic activity and thus expected that the mechanism of action in these cell lines should also be similar. Future in vivo research, using the mouse model inoculated with E0771 TNBC cells, should be justified and comparable with human TNBC cells. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, School of Biomolecular and Chemical Sciences, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-12
Infant feeding practices of mothers with infants under six months of age in the Nelson Mandela Bay Community Health Centres within Sub-district C
- Authors: Moss, Caryn Ruth
- Date: 2022-12
- Subjects: Breastfeeding , Breastfeeding -- Complications
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/60177 , vital:63212
- Description: Background: Infant feeding practices refers to the type of feeding methods that are used to provide nutrition to the infant. This includes breastfeeding, donor milk, formula milk, and complementary feeds. Globally, breastfeeding is the recommended infant feeding practice for infants under six months of age with the introduction of complementary feeds after six months of age (WHO, 2018a). The purpose of the study was to explore and describe the infant feeding practices of mothers with infants under six months of age in Nelson Mandela Bay. The researcher explored and described the different infant feeding practices of mothers with infants under six months of age. Method: A quantitative, descriptive study design was conducted and included 150 respondents, 18 years old and above, with infants under six months of age. Convenience sampling was used, and the respondents were from five Nelson Mandela Bay Community Health Centres (CHCs) in Sub-district C. Data were collected using a fieldworker employing a mask-to-mask approach to adhere to COVID-19 principles and a questionnaire with open-ended and closed-ended questions. Data were analysed using the statistical package for the social sciences (SPSS®) software with the use of descriptive statistical analysis. Results: The results revealed that 63% (n=94) of the respondents had breastfed their infant while 37% (n=56) had never breastfed their infant. Most of the respondents, 85% (n=128) recorded that they received advice after birth. Of the respondents, 37% (n=56), gave their infant formula milk instead of breastfeeding. In addition, 33% (n=29) of the infants were given soft foods at two months old as well as 32% (n=32.3) were given liquids at the same age. Conclusion: The study findings revealed that most mothers with infants under six months of age in the Nelson Mandela Bay CHCs Sub-district C introduced complementary feeds before their infants turned six months old. The results also revealed that respondents introduced complementary feeds because the infant was still hungry. Family members, friends, and healthcare practitioners play an important role when a mother chooses a feeding practice for her infant. Recommendations are made to mothers to provide age-appropriate feeding practices. Furthermore, viii recommendations are made to nurse educators to include training regarding up-to-date infant feeding practices to undergraduate nursing students. Lastly, it is recommended that research comparing infant feeding practices in the three Sub-districts in Nelson Mandela Bay be conducted. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Health Sciences, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-12
Infrastructure development: A framework for successful delivery of tower masts
- Authors: Wana, Sivuyise Viwe
- Date: 2022-12
- Subjects: telecommunication , Mobile network
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/60060 , vital:62870
- Description: In the South African context, the demand for network connectivity as a basic human right has increased (BusinessTech, 2022). In urban areas with functioning telecommunication network coverage the demand has heightened while there is also significant growth in the demand for network connectivity in remote and rural areas such as villages, small towns, as well as peri-urban areas. The rising demand for network coverage as well as the initiative to recognise network coverage as a basic human right prompted the South African government to put a plan in place for the supply of free internet data to low-income households (BusinessTech, 2022). The main aim of the study was to investigate the need for the construction, upgrade, and installation of telecommunications tower mast infrastructure in areas of the Eastern Cape that have a great need for the services. This was achieved by analysing the various requirements and challenges that technical teams are faced with within the telecommunications sector, and in doing so, the study aimed to understand the ways in which the infrastructure gap among different socio-economic groups in the country may be closed. The findings of the study suggest that, although there is a demand for construction of new tower mast infrastructure, there is a greater need for improving the existing infrastructure. It is recommended that this may be done through initiatives aimed at protecting the existing infrastructure against vandals, ensuring rural communities are assisted in the use of funds obtained from the leasing of land, there are more stringent consequence management processes in place for individuals who mismanage resources obtained from tower mast infrastructure, and that infrastructure sharing and the upgrade of existing infrastructure is the best alternative in increasing network coverage for rural areas. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Engineering, the Built Environment, and Technology, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-12
Inventory management decisions for effective inventory management in the South African automotive component manufacturing industry: pre-and since COVID-19
- Authors: Delport, Jason
- Date: 2022-12
- Subjects: Inventory management , Automobile industry and trade
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , Theses
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/59511 , vital:62145
- Description: Globalisation has enabled the automotive industry to source various automotive products worldwide. It assisted in increasing the economic growth of countries as it allowed the flow of goods and capital between countries and created many employment opportunities locally. Emerging markets, especially Africa, forms a pivotal part of the global automotive industry. The South African automotive industry as the largest manufacturing and third largest economic sector in South Africa, has been acknowledged by government as a prime source of economic growth. The South African manufacturing businesses, in particular the automotive component manufactures (ACMs) are reliant on inventory for automotive manufacturing. In 2019, the world was hit by the Coronavirus virus outbreak known as COVID-19, which became a global health pandemic that significantly affected the global economy. The pandemic and lockdown measures implemented, seriously affected the automotive industry, in particular inventory management as it led to raw materials inventory shortages due to delivery delays. Therefore, the primary objective of this study was to investigate the inventory management decisions influencing effective inventory management in the South African automotive component manufacturing (SAACM) industry prior to Covid-19 and whether and how it changed since the Covid-19 pandemic. The comprehensive literature review identified four inventory management decisions as independent variables (inventory forecasting, inventory storage, inventory control and inventory staff capabilities management) and effective inventory management as the dependent variable in the proposed hypothesised model. The model was tested to establish the influence of the identified four inventory management decisions on effective inventory management in ACMs prior to Covid-19 and then again since Covid-19. A quantitative research approach was followed to collect data required for the hypothesis testing. Nonprobability sampling in particular judgemental sampling was utilised for this study by selecting respondents employed by ACMs in South Africa as logistics managers, supply chain managers, production supervisors, master production schedulers, cycle count operators and warehouse staff. A selfadministered internet-based questionnaire was used to obtain the data from the target sample comprising 200 respondents, of which 162 were usable for further statistical analysis. Data was analysed first for prior to and then for since Covid-19 using Statistica Version 14 computer software. Exploratory factor analysis (EFA) was used to extract the variables and validate the measuring instrument. The Cronbach's alpha values for reliability were confirmed for each of the variables identified in the two sets of EFAs. All four independent variables (inventory v management decisions) and the dependent variable (effective inventory management) for prior to as well as since Covid-19 were found to be valid and reliable and retained for further analyses. The results of the Pearson product moment correlation coefficients reported mostly weak and moderate associations between variables for both prior to and since Covid-19. The results of the multiple regression analysis (MRA) for prior to Covid-19 found four statistically significant relationships between the four independent variables - inventory forecasting management, inventory storage management, inventory control management and inventory staff capabilities management and the dependent variable effective inventory management. The results of the MRA for since Covid-19 found two statistically significant relationships between two independent variables inventory forecasting management and inventory resource management and the dependent variable effective inventory management. The tested hypothesised model provides a framework for further testing in future ACM inventory management studies in other countries. Business managers and inventory management staff of global ACMs can use it as a guide for effective inventory management; on which specific inventory management decisions to always pay attention to and, which inventory management decisions to pay attention to when a long-lasting pandemic occurs such as Covid-19. It is recommended that regardless of the Covid-19 pandemic, inventory managers in ACMs in South Africa should consider inventory forecasting management methods such as demand forecasting, determining the economic order quantity (EOQ) for all inventory item orders and materials requirement planning (MRP). They should also use an inventory information sharing system and inventory replenishment procedure to ensure inventory is managed effectively. During a prolonged pandemic such as Covid-19, inventory managers in ACMs in South Africa should pay particular attention to inventory resource management specifically regarding re-order inventory levels and classifying all inventory items according to the importance of using ABC analysis. They should further offer employees inventory training to remain abreast of new inventory developments in the industry and for career advancement. , Thesis (MCom) -- Faculty of Business and Economics Science, School of Applied Accounting, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-12
Knee Joint Competence Post Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction in Amateur South Western Districts Rugby Players
- Authors: Potgieter, Quinten Christiaan
- Date: 2022-12
- Subjects: Neuromuscular depolarizing agents , Knee--Wounds and injuries -- South Western Districts , Rugby Players
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/60266 , vital:64289
- Description: Background: Globally, literature has shown that rugby players struggle to return to the same level of performance post anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction. This phenomenon is further exacerbated amongst South African Rugby players, compounded by the ranking of the national team amongst the top ten rugby teams worldwide. Paired with the psychosocial aspect of return to play, the physical and physiological competence of the knee joint is of pivotal importance. Purpose: To compare relative dynamic stability scores paired with electromyography (EMG) scores between the injured and uninjured legs, thereby enabling an explorative, descriptive report on dynamic proprioceptive abilities post ACL reconstruction (ACLR). The study findings therefore aim to inform rehabilitative practice in a rugby player who underwent ACLR. Study Design: A quantitative, explorative and descriptive design was used, with a purposive sampling strategy. Methods: Biographical and anthropometrical data was measured upon inception. Muscular activation was measured using electromyography (EMG) placements on quadriceps muscles which included the vastus medialis obliques (VMO), and vastus lateralis (VL). Dynamic proprioception was measured using the star excursion balance test (SEBT) and normalised to leg length. A neuromuscular fatigue protocol was used to measure the impact of neuromuscular fatigue on dynamic stability, and muscle activation between the injured and uninjured lower limbs. Results: A sample of 15 participants from the South Western Districts (SWD) rugby team, fitting the inclusion criteria, were included in the study. The average age was 27±2.7 years. The results indicated that fatigue did not significantly affect the SEBT scores between the injured and uninjured lower limbs. However, the VMO muscle activation showed a statistically significant difference in muscle firing in a pre-fatigue state. This difference was evident in two of the eight directions namely anteromedial direction (p = 0.041), and in the lateral direction (p = 0.047). Furthermore, these result differences were favoured in the uninjured limb. No significant differences between the injured and uninjured lower limbs were found in respect to VMO and VL muscle activation, in a fatigued state. vi Conclusion: Practically translated, the study results showed that the injured lower limb, showed no significant differences in dynamic stability during both the non-fatigued and the fatigued SEBT. Therefore, the finding of this study is a steppingstone towards informing return to play criteria for adequate dynamic knee stability and proprioception. It should be noted that further research is necessary to refine return to play criteria and thereby decrease the risk for re-injury. Keywords: anterior cruciate ligament; dynamic stability; neuro-muscular fatigue; reconstruction; re-injury; return-to-sport; rugby. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Health Sciences, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-12
Leader preparedness to manage employee wellness at Continental Tyres
- Authors: O’Reilly, Clynn
- Date: 2022-12
- Subjects: Employee management , Health promotion, Continental Tyres
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , Thesis
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/59809 , vital:62436
- Description: Many businesses are becoming more aware of the importance of employee well-being and health. There has been increasing public interest in merging wellness activities with an employer's obligations. This shift toward healthy workplaces and empowered individuals reflects a correlation between organisational well-being and pleasant psychological states. As a result, several programmes such as Employee Assistance Programmes (EAP) and Employee Wellness Programmes were established to address workplace wellness issues. Employee Wellness Programmes are intervention programmes targeted at improving the well-being of employees. The epidemic has underlined what was already obvious prior to the virus's emergence: that firms no longer require hero leaders. Today's most effective leadership at all levels is not about technical knowledge or knowing all the answers. It is about being human, displaying vulnerability, connecting with others, while being able to unlock their potential, in addition to communicating a clear direction. This study was conducted to determine the preparedness of leaders to manage employee wellness at lower, middle and upper management levels at Continental Tyres South Africa (SA). For this study, primary data was collected by means of semistructured interviews. Qualitative data was collected by conducting interviews with employees from lower, middle and upper management. Face-to-face interviews, using open ended questions, were used to assess managers’ preparedness to address staff wellbeing. Employee wellbeing is a vital component for any organisation's performance in all facets of business operations, according to the findings. Fundamental training is required to ensure leaders are prepared to deal with employee wellness issues. The absence of this training is a major contributor to inadequate policies, procedures, and cultures that should promote employee wellness in an organisation. The lack of training that would contribute to leader preparedness in managing employee wellness has been apparent in this study. Another emerging conclusion that was highlighted in this study is the lack of prioritisation of wellness initiatives and awareness of resources available to employees. This conclusion is a key factor in understanding why there is such a iii deficiency in fundamental training for leaders within the organisation. The lack of prioritisation could have a direct impact on the lack of training offered to leaders in the organisation. , Thesis (MBA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Science, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-12
Low energy storage off-grid photovoltaic systems
- Authors: Ribisi, Edwin Tebogo
- Date: 2022-12
- Subjects: Solar panels , Photovoltaic power systems
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/60489 , vital:65634
- Description: Electricity is one of humanity's most important resources for enhancing the quality of life. With over 770 million people worldwide still without access to electricity, this is a big global challenge that requires a variety of solutions if we humans are to achieve the 2030 sustainable development objectives, such as zero poverty and universal access to electricity. A major number of the 770 million people who lack access to electricity reside in regions with abundant sun irradiation. Electrification is a practical key to unlocking socio-economic development in impoverished regions. PV systems with batteries have a disadvantage of requiring high capital costs, with batteries being the most expensive component in such a system. Accumulation of maintenance and replacement costs of batteries are high throughout the lifespan of a PV system with batteries due to limited lifespan of batteries, typical 1-3 years. A batteryless PV system for daytime commercial purposes is proposed in the dissertation. An experimental set up of the proposed batteryless PV system was constructed and tested in a laboratory. A load controller for the batteryless PV system was implemented, loads were given priority levels and schedule times to be operated during the day. A DC dump load regulates DC bus voltage and also acts as a water heater. Furthermore, a simulation model was developed on MATLAB Simulink. The simulation model consisted of two case study scenarios, 3 solar panel system and 7 solar panel system of an internet café business. Better system performance was noticed when loads were given priority levels with no schedule times. This dissertation establishes the foundation for a completely batteryless solar system designed to cultivate daytime economic activities in impoverished communities to increase revenue opportunities. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Engineering, the Built Environment and Technology, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-12
Mesozooplankton and particle dynamics in Algoa Bay, South Africa
- Authors: Engelbrecht, Melindi Frances
- Date: 2022-12
- Subjects: Marine zooplankton – Algoa bay -- South Africa , Estuarine ecology , Zooplankton –Ecology --South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/59544 , vital:62157
- Description: Coastal ecosystems provide society with important ecosystem services: climate regulation, biogeochemical nutrient and waste cycling, food security, shoreline protection, tourism, and recreational support. Increased anthropogenic pressure on coastal ecosystems and changing environmental variables ultimately affect the provision of ecosystem services. Mesozooplankton are key trophic species and biological indicators of change within the marine environment and provide sound predictions of ecosystem responses to a changing climate due to their short life cycles and physiology linked to temperature. Algoa Bay has been the subject of extensive research and monitoring and encompasses a marine protected area (Addo Elephant National Park MPA). The Underwater Vision Profiler 5 (UVP5) was utilised with conventional sampling techniques of the PELTER monitoring program (i.e., Bongo nets) to investigate mesozooplankton (200 – 2000 µm) and particle (> 100 µm) dynamics within the dynamic coastal ecosystem of Algoa Bay, located within warmtemperate South Africa, in spring 2020 and summer 2021. This study revealed seasonal shifts in mesozooplankton taxa succession from spring herbivorous/omnivorous, dominated by copepods, to summer omnivorous/carnivorous mesozooplankton, dominated by copepods, Noctiluca sp., Cladocera, doliolids, salps and siphonophores. The mesozooplankton integrated abundance (mean ± standard error) increased from spring to summer, with 101 ± 26 (min. – max.: 18 – 200) x 103 ind m¯ 2 and 422 ± 80 (min. – max.: 37 – 1056) x 103 ind m¯ 2 , respectively. In summer, mesozooplankton composition was affected by the passage of a Natal Pulse, identified from satellite-derived sea level anomaly data. This study also provided the first vertical profiles of copepod distributions and suspended particles in Algoa Bay, with a peak of small particle (< 1 mm ESD) biomass close to the bottom and often, but not systematically, higher copepod abundances above the thermocline. The results presented herein are expected to contribute to the understanding of the coastal pelagic ecosystem in Algoa Bay in response to environmental perturbations , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, School of Environmental Sciences, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-12
Modular Omni-directional AGV Developmental Platform with Integrated Suspension, Power-plant and Control Systems
- Authors: Macfarlane, Alexander B. S
- Date: 2022-12
- Subjects: Automated guided vehicle systems , Electric automobiles--Batteries--Design and construction
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/59500 , vital:62123
- Description: The thesis focuses on the development of an industrial automatic guided vehicle (AGV) with omni-directional capabilities. The omni-directional strategy used was the "swerve drive" system, a system whereby a wheel can be rotated about both its y axis (rolling axis) and z axis (vertical axis). Unlike most commonly used swerve drive systems that have swerve capabilities on each wheel attached to the body of the vehicle, this research seeks to reduce cost by only having swerve capabilities on two diagonal wheels. The remaining two wheels will act as castor units. AC drives are used on the system in place of more traditional DC drives, due to their cost vs capability advantage over DC and their prevalence in the industrial environment. Since an AGV is a mobile platform any power source found on it is usually derived from batteries, a DC source. Usage of DC introduces several limitations including difficulty transforming voltage levels for different systems, inability to run AC drives directly from the power source and comparably larger conduction wires. These limitations were overcome by adding a stand-alone power-plant on the AGV in the form of an inverter. The inverter transformed the DC power supplied by a battery bank from 48 volts DC to 230 volts AC. Thus, the primary focus of this research is on the development and validation of a novel two wheel omni-directional drive system that makes use of inexpensive and readily available components that have already been proven to work in industry. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Engineering, the Built Environment, and Technology, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-12
Perceptions of Kwazulu-Natal radiographers regarding the role of professional development in clinical practice
- Authors: Zulu Anelisa
- Date: 2022-12
- Subjects: Radiography -- KwaZulu Natal , radiographers regarding
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/60290 , vital:64292
- Description: Professional development in the form of continuing education is associated with professional competence and good service delivery to the patient, and this understanding of professional development applies to the radiography profession. A manager may prompt participation in professional development, or the needs of a radiography department may influence it, or it may be driven by the personal and professional ambitions of the radiographer. Participation could also be due to regulatory body requirements, which require tracking and documentation as in the case of the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA) which may audit the professional’s continuing professional development (CPD) compliance. Professional development is a concept inclusive of all learning such as CPD; postgraduate qualifications; staff development; and reflective practice, pursued for the betterment of the radiographers’ professional expertise. Few if any qualitative studies have sought to explore South African radiographers’ perceptions of professional development as a concept inclusive of all learning. The purpose of the study was to explore and describe the perceptions of KwaZulu-Natal radiographers regarding the role of professional development in clinical practice to make recommendations to radiography managers on how to optimise the participation of radiographers in professional development. Bandura’s social learning theory was used as the theoretical framework for a study of the perceptions of practising KZN radiographers regarding the role of professional development in clinical practice and exploring how people learn from one another, including concepts such as observational learning, imitation, and modelling. The target population for the study consisted of practising radiographers working in the public and private, rural and urban hospitals in KZN. Data were gathered using semi-structured one-on-one interviews and were coded using Tesch’s eight steps. The trustworthiness of this study was enhanced using Lincoln and Guba’s (1985) model of trustworthiness, namely: credibility, transferability, dependability and confirmability. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Health Sciences, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-12
Post Pandemic Professional Practice: Dynamics and How Spatial Design, Functionality and Perceptions are Adapting
- Authors: King, Kirsty
- Date: 2022-12
- Subjects: Built Environment -- South Africa , Pattern perception
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/59476 , vital:62121
- Description: On 23 March 2020, the onset of the Covid 19 Pandemic in South Africa brought with it anxiety, uncertainty and volatility. Change was forced upon everyday life in an unprecedented way. The aim of this study was to determine how professional practices in the built environment are adapting to the forced changes from the perspective of spatial design, functionality and perception. By means of literature reviews and survey responses, insight can be obtained as to the effect of the forced changes on professional practices in South Africa. The effect of the changes and how they are being adapted to, and implemented within the built environment, becomes important, in order to fully understand such changes, from the point-of-view of quality-control mechanisms, skills and knowledge transfer and communication. A mixed-use research approach was used to gather the data; and the outcome of the study aims to identify how the forced change fully affected work-place practices and the people in them. An initial pilot questionnaire was circulated to a small group of professionals in the built environment. Following this, a web-based survey was distributed via the professional-practice governing bodies to Architects, Engineers and Quantity Surveyors within South Africa. Both professionally registered and candidate professionals were invited to participate in the survey. A low response rate of 31% was received. The data from the 47 respondents were captured on the data base. The data were then analysed by the researcher; and by a semantic approach, themes and trends were identified and assumptions were made, based on the results. The respondents identified with the forced changes; and it has emerged that the forced changes are only implemented when necessary or legislated. It was also evident that the remote working environment is not conducive to productive work flow, skills development and quality control in the built-environment sector. The study further makes recommendations, based on the objectives identified. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Engineering, the Built Environment, and Technology, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-12
Protection of the environment from pollution emanating from offshore oil installations
- Authors: Kuture, Dudzai Chandisaita
- Date: 2022-12
- Subjects: Marine pollution -- South Africa , Marine Law – South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/59710 , vital:62383
- Description: The desperate need for South Africa to develop its oil industry is driven by the goal of improving the social and economic situation in the State. This goal has sparked an interest in expanding the exploration and exploitation of oil within the marine environment to the extent of venturing into uncharted deeper waters.1 This interest has been met with a constant reminder of the Deepwater Horizon explosion as one of the many events that stirred up concerns within the global community on the possibility of an oil spill causing pollution within the marine environment. Also, that explosion and its effects have demonstrated the need for the global community to closely monitor and effectively regulate environmental matters, including the exploration and exploitation of oil and the prevention of oil pollution.2 Therefore, the recent discovery of additional oil deposits in South Africa has confirmed the need to revisit the current legal system regulating the impact on the marine environment including the exploration and exploitation of oil.3 An oil spill causing pollution amongst other pollutants is a significant contributor to loss and damage to the marine environment and its habitat. In developing States like South Africa, an oil spill causing pollution can present challenges due to the scarcity of resources, technology, and knowledge to prepare, prevent and combat the spreading of the pollutant. As it stands, in the event of an oil spill, States must rely on international cooperation and expertise to ensure that the impact does not cause irreversible harm and degradation to the marine environment. South Africa within the global community gives effect to international law by adopting domestic laws that regulate the exploration and exploitation of oil to protect the environment from oil spills causing oil pollution within the marine environment. In addition, the liability caused by oil spills plays a vital role in the need to rehabilitate the marine environment and compensate the aggrieved parties. , Thesis (LLM) -- Faculty of Law, Department of Public law , 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-12
Psychologists’ perceptions of the growth and change promoting factors in psychotherapy within a culturally diverse South Africa
- Authors: Heyneke, Wilmie
- Date: 2022-12
- Subjects: Psychotherapy -- South Africa , therapeutic alliance
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/60155 , vital:63207
- Description: The therapeutic relationship established between a psychologist and a client is considered one of the main factors determining successful psychotherapy outcomes. While this may be the case, there remain inconsistencies in the literature and debate regarding its influence, especially when contextual factors such as diverse beliefs, may influence the therapeutic relationship. Furthermore, there is a scarcity of information focusing on psychologists’ experiences working within the culturally diverse South African context. This study aimed to better understand, from a psychologist’s perspective, the growth and change promoting factors they feel are influencing successful therapeutic outcomes within the South African context. This was pursued recognising that the diverse belief systems in South Africa, which do not always adhere to biomedical conceptualisations of health and illness, may influence the therapeutic interaction. This study explored the following research question: What are the key factors that promote growth and change in individual psychotherapy within the diverse South African context? Drawing on a qualitative approach, an explorative descriptive research design was chosen as it enabled the researcher to explore the perceptions of the participants on the given topic. The sampling technique that was employed was non-probability purposive sampling and psychologists registered with the Health Professionals Council of South Africa formed part of the sample. In-depth online interviewing was employed as the data collection tool, using online platforms like Microsoft Teams and Zoom. Data were analysed using Braun and Clarke’s thematic analysis guidelines and themes that were identified was reported. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Health Sciences, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-12
Reciprocal peer reviews : evaluating potential bias and conflict of interest
- Authors: Baca, Zolile
- Date: 2022-12
- Subjects: Reciprocal , Peer review , Conflict of interests
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , Thesis
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/59358 , vital:62074
- Description: External quality assessments are conducted to provide independent reasonable assurance that an internal audit activity is operating in conformance with the Institute of Internal Auditors’ (IIA) Standards, Code of Ethics, and the extent of compliance with international best practices. The assurance provided by an internal audit activity is relied on by various stakeholders in the organisation for decision-making purposes. Therefore, it is crucial for an independent external quality assessment process to be credible and trustworthy for internal audit stakeholders to know that the internal audit activity conforms with the Standards and Code of Ethics, which in turn allows the stakeholders to rely on assurances and advice provided by the internal audit activity. The objective of this study was to determine the potential existence of a conflict of interest and or bias, in fact or in appearance, when reciprocal peer reviews are performed by people working within the same district and who are familiar with each other. A qualitative research method was followed to achieve the objective of this study and answer the primary research question. A single case study approach was followed in this study using municipalities in the Overberg District to answer the primary research question, with a purposive sampling method used to select relevant participants for the study. Participants were the Audit Committee members, the Municipal Managers, and the Chief Audit Executives from the municipalities in the Overberg District. An interview guide was administered by the researcher to collect the primary research data through semi-structured interviews. The interviews were electronically recorded after permission was obtained from each participant, and each interview session was also transcribed. The primary data collected was then analysed using the In vivo coding method. Each interview transcript was manually analysed to identify key words, phrases or statements that agreed or disagreed with the IIA’s guidance pronouncements in relation to the performance of external quality assessments, with a specific focus on the use of reciprocal peer reviews. The findings of this study indicated that most participants did not perceive reciprocal peer reviews performed by persons working within the same district to be without bias and or conflict of interest, in fact or in appearance because of familiarities and close relations that exist between persons working in the same district in the same sector. The findings revealed that participants would consider the process and results of reciprocal peer reviews to be credible and trustworthy if they were conducted across the district or even across the provincial borders. The findings further showed that participants perceived a full external assessment to be the most reliable and trustworthy method to be used because of the external assessors or assessment teams having the necessary training, knowledge, and experience to perform external quality assessments which give the credibility and trustworthiness that is required for the external quality assessment process.. , Thesis (MCOM) -- Faculty of Faculty of Business and Economics Science, School of Applied Accounting, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-12
Representation of history in Tsitsi Dangarembga’s trilogy – nervous conditions, the book of not and this mournable body
- Authors: Mutsambi, Tinoten
- Date: 2022-12
- Subjects: Women and literature --Zimbabwe--History --20th century , Identification (Psychology) in literature
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/59446 , vital:62116
- Description: This dissertation analyses Tsitsi Dangarembga’s novels Nervous Conditions (1988), The Book of Not (2006) and This Mournable Body (2018). The three novels under study capture a great deal of Zimbabwe’s history, spanning from the colonial era as depicted in Nervous Conditions, through the period before and after independence in The Book of Not, to the contemporary post independence Zimbabwe in This Mournable Body. Reading these three novels and analysing their depiction of historic events is important as they cover significant and contested epochs in Zimbabwean history, making it possible for us to examine the intersection between history and literature. Moreover, since most Zimbabwean narratives that depict the country’s history have been male authored, Dangarembga’s novels offer an interesting opportunity to study the depiction of history from a female perspective , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Humanities, School of Language, Media and Communication, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-12
Residential private property valuation accuracy in south Africa: A case study of Knysna in the Western Cape province
- Authors: Qusheka, Siphokazi
- Date: 2022-12
- Subjects: Real property -- Valuation -- Knysna , Right of property -- Knysna
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/59876 , vital:62482
- Description: a Department of Building and Real Estate, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong b Faculty of Built Environment, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia Property valuation end-users generally rely on property value opinion provided by valuers in making informed real estate investment decisions. However, the inaccuracy of valuation estimates could be attributed to the adoption of inappropriate property valuation methods and such inaccurate estimates could mislead real estate investors and stakeholders. This could result in individual loss and national loss due to the importance of the real estate sector to the national economy. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Engineering, the Built Environment, and Technology, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-12
Selected Aspects of the Crime of Necrophilia
- Authors: Somandi, Siphuxolo
- Date: 2022-12
- Subjects: Rape , Necrophilia , Crime of Necrophilia
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/60421 , vital:64874
- Description: The treatise begins by defining rape pre and post-Constitution. Through the analysis of the latter, it refers to the Masiya case, particularly in light of extending the definition of rape to align it with the spirit, purport and objects of the Bill of Rights. It further focuses on the rights that Masiya identified as being infringed upon whenever the act of rape occurs. The treatise thereafter discusses the crime of committing sexual acts with a corpse, formerly known as necrophilia. It argues that not all sexual acts with a corpse are committed with the sole purpose of having sexual intercourse with a "corpse". For an illustration of the latter, the treatise categorises the circumstances of sexual acts committed with corpses into Categories A and B and uses cases in each Category as an aid. Some of the sexual acts by perpetrators begin with the sole purpose of rape but because the rape cannot be achieved due to the resistance of the victim, the perpetrator has no choice but to overcome the resistance of the victim, which in the context of this treatise means killing the victim. The perpetrator thereafter proceeds with what was initially intended, the rape of the victim. However, in the cases considered, the perpetrator is saved by expert evidence to the effect that the victim was dead at the time of penetration and therefore the perpetrator in addition to being convicted for murder is convicted of committing a sexual act with a corpse. The treatise thus argues that not all sexual acts with a corpse are committed with the sole purpose of having sexual intercourse with the corpse. The treatise highlights the fact that a sexual act with a corpse is a crime of intention. The differing circumstances in which the said crime is committed carries with it a difference in intention and thus should be criminalised differently. This is particularly so when one considers that expert evidence is used to confirm whether or not the victim was dead or alive at the time of the sexual penetration. This confirms that the perpetrator could not have known that the victim was dead at the time of penetration and thus for all intents and purposes, the perpetrator believed he is raping the victim, who he considers to be alive. he treatise thus argues that the perpetrator cannot be saved by expert evidence that surmises that the perpetrator intended to have sexual intercourse with a corpse, the intention that the perpetrator did not carry at the time of committing the crime. The treatise further argues that because rape has been identified as a crime that infringes on human rights, these rights are not extinguished by death thus the same rights are infringed by sexual acts with a corpse. With the aid of some international authorities, the treatise argues that a Category B sexual act committed with a corpse could be criminalised under attempted rape. , Thesis (LLM) -- Faculty of Law, Department of Criminal and Procedural Law, 2022
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2022-12
Strategic architecture for quantity surveying Firms in South Africa
- Authors: Mokonenyane, Mofumahatsana Dibuseng
- Date: 2022-12
- Subjects: Sustainable architecture , Quantity surveyors
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/59521 , vital:62149
- Description: Quantity surveying firms are a crucial part of the construction industry because they are involved in the financial aspects of the projects, and their role and benefits have been documented across various studies. Furthermore, they provide services such as estimating, cost control and feasibility studies in numerous industries and these services are not limited to the construction industry. They are crucial in ensuring that the project proceeds according to budget, quality and time. Despite the noted benefits of quantity surveying firms, there has been a noticeable decline in the survival rate of the firms over the past ten years. It has been documented that several external and internal environmental factors affect the firms and thus have caused a decline in the survival rate. The volatility of internal and external forces that affect the industry has formed the basis of this study. Previous studies have failed to highlight the strategies to reduce threats and utilise opportunities. This study aims to establish common internal and external environmental factors affecting quantity surveying firms and determine these firms’ strategic architecture. A qualitative study was conducted using semi-structured interviews to assess the internal and external environment and strategic nature of Quantity surveying firms. In addition, a thematic analysis was administered to identify themes. The themes that arose from the external business environment were technology, political instability, tendering irregularities, lack of availability of work and the practice of green building. The technology theme highlighted the respondents’ views of the technological environment and the role of BIM and other software. Tendering irregularities threatened prospective tenderpreneurs as the respondents viewed the process as flawed and requiring better regulation. Lack of work was highlighted as a further factor. Although not many respondents mentioned this theme, green building is an emerging theme within the South African market. Two main themes were identified in the internal business environment: fee discounting and human resources. Fee discounting refers to the reduction of fees to secure work, while human resources were highlighted as an important factor and are regarded as the fuel that keeps the organisation running. Owing to the varying nature of factors within the external and internal business environment, it was concluded that there is no formal generic strategy that can be utilised to mitigate internal and external environmental factors. The client relationships were highlighted as an important factor, while client relationships were discussed under the balanced scorecard section of the study. The two main themes derived from the balanced scorecard were the financial perspective and client relationships under customer. Increased revenue per customer and venturing into new markets were the main themes mentioned within the financial perspective. The importance of nurturing client relationships was identified as an important factor under the customer section of the balanced scorecard. iii | P a g e The findings of this study will assist the stakeholders within the built environment in determining common internal and external environmental issues facing the industry. The recommendation will assist stakeholders in establishing probable solutions that can be implemented to overcome these challenges. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Engineering, the Built Environment, and Technology, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-12
Termination of employment in the public service sector: the constitutionality of the deeming provisions
- Authors: Mbewana, Inga
- Date: 2022-12
- Subjects: unfair labor practices--South Africa , labor law and legislation--South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/60080 , vital:62940
- Description: In terms of the South African Public Service Act,1 an employee who absents him- /herself from official duties without permission of his or her head of department, office or institution for a period exceeding one calendar month is deemed to have been discharged by operation of law. A similar provision can also be found in section 14 of the Employment of Educators Act,2 which expressly refers to fourteen (14) consecutive day’s unauthorised absence as opposed to thirty (30) days. Employees whose services have been terminated by operation of law are deprived an opportunity to defend themselves prior to the dismissal as prescribed by the Labour Relations Act3 (LRA). South African courts have grappled with several cases relating to dismissal by operation of law in the public service. The nature of these provisions is such that employees in the public sector are discharged from their duties without any hearing to offer them the opportunity to state their side and/or give a reasonable explanation for their absence. These provisions will thus be referred to herein as “the deeming provisions”. The deeming provisions provide that the discharge / dismissal is “on account of misconduct” however, it does not provide for a pre-dismissal procedure that is to be followed when dismissal is on account of misconduct, as prescribed by the LRA. It has been settled in our law that dismissal by operation of law is not dismissal for the purposes of the LRA. The employees dismissed by operation of law are regarded as if they are not entitled to a hearing. The right to fair labour practices protects everyone including public sector employees, 4 and such right is given effect to by way of enactment of the LRA. The LRA serves to protect public sector employees except where the exclusion is specified. This treatise seeks to challenge the necessity and constitutionality of the deeming provisions on the basis of its contravention of the constitutional right to fair labour practices. , Thesis (LLM) -- Faculty of Law, Department of Mercantile law, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-12
The co-evolution of Africa’s eastern margin and its primate fauna: implications for hominin evolution
- Authors: Mambalu, Philasande
- Date: 2022-12
- Subjects: Port Elizabeth (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/59755 , vital:62418
- Description: I investigated potential links between the diversification of African primate lineages and the physical evolution of the continent. I compared published phylogenetic trees based on mitochondrial and nuclear DNA for five clades: (a) Lorisoidea (galagos and pottos); (b) arboreal guenon monkeys (Cercopithecus and its allies); (c) living apes (including humans); (d) Papionini (baboons); and (e) savanna or “vervet” monkeys (Chlorocebus). I compared primate divergence dates with the ages of tectonic events, patterns of climatic change, and their palaeo-vegetational consequences. Based on present primate distributions, I estimated likely geographic locations of the divergence events. Finally, I compared the phylogenetic patterns of the primate clades with hominin evolutionary scenarios. Phylogenetic comparisons indicated three time periods when rates of speciation increased across the five primate clades: the Eocene – Oligocene transition (34 – 32 Ma); the mid-late Miocene (10 – 5 Ma); and the Pliocene – Pleistocene transition (2.7 – 2.3 Ma). Concentrated bursts of lineage splitting indicate a broadscale causal relationship between environmental change and lineage divergence. Human evolution followed similar biogeographic patterns to those of other primate clades. Tectonic events, climatic changes and palaeo-vegetational shifts are intimately connected, and have synergistic effects on biotic diversity. Tectonic events influence climatic change through their effects on oceanic circulation, planetary temperatures and rainfall patterns. Additionally, tectonic uplift and erosion may create geographic barriers to organismal dispersal across the continent, increasing the likelihood of geographic separation of populations and speciation. Recently evolved primate species show high levels of hybridisation for several generations after their initial divergence. Genus Homo generated ~10 species over 2.5 Ma. The emergence of these taxa likely involved substantial hybridisation, as demonstrated by the presence of Neanderthal genes within the H. sapiens genome. I suggest that this hybridisation contributed to the difficulties palaeoanthropologists often experience in distinguishing fossil hominin taxa. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, School of Environmental Sciences, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-12