Investigation of the interaction between truck tyre waste rubber particulate and penetration grade and polymer modified bituminous binders
- Authors: Mgangato, Siseko
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Truck equipment industry
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/48500 , vital:40882
- Description: Recent studies have investigated the waste tyre crumb rubber (TCR)-bitumen interaction by observing the swelling of waste TCR at elevated temperatures. It was found that the waste TCR-bitumen interaction alters the rigidity and shape of TCR, which causes the failure of asphalt mixtures. Consequently, the problem occurs when the waste TCR swells during waste TCR-bitumen interaction from mixing and transportation of the asphalt mixture. Extensive laboratory studies have shown that the rate of absorption of bitumen is correlated with the TCR rubber composition and particle size. However, it is possible that swelling of waste TCR can be prevented or reduced before waste TCR-bitumen interaction by means of pre-treating the rubber crumb as to prevent the alteration of bitumen properties. Therefore, this study seeks to investigate the interaction of truck tyre wastes rubber particulates (WRP)-bitumen with the pretreatment of truck tyre WRP with H2SO4, HNO3 and HCℓ. This treatment was done to make TCR suitable for the dry process asphalt mixtures, where TCR acts as a filler instead of altering bitumen binder properties. The investigation characterized truck tyre WRP-bituminous binder interaction by interacting a single truck tyre WRP with penetration grade (50/70 and 70/100) and industrial polymer modified binders (AE-2 and PolyMod). The interaction through kinetic study revealed that the swelling of truck tyre WRP is either a non-Fickian two-step swelling or anomalous diffusion mechanism of bituminous binders. In addition, the study showed that temperature has an effect on the diffusion, sorption and permeation coefficients; where coefficients increased as the temperature was increased. The characterization of which bituminous binder component was observed by the truck tyre WRP was studied using Fourier Transform Infra-Red Spectroscopy (FTIR), Carbon 13 Nuclear Magnetic Spectroscopy (13C NMR) and Thermalgravimetric Analysis (TGA). The study showed that by analysing the extracted bituminous binder from residual truck tyre WRP after the interaction, Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) consisting of molecular structure characteristics of bitumen constituent aromatics. So as to restricting the diffusion of bituminous binder into truck tyre WRP, the surface of truck tyre WRP was treated with H2SO4, HNO3 and HCℓ acids from concentrations of 1, 6 and 12 M. The H2SO4 and HCℓ treated WRP showed a change in molecular ii structure, toluene sorption coefficient, surface morphology and thermal characteristics (TGA and DSC). However, changes that were observed with the HNO3 treatment showed that the truck tyre WRP material was in fact being digested by the HNO3 acid. In all the respective acid treatments, the effects were distinct with 12 M acid concentration. This was observed with a decrease in toluene sorption coefficient with increasing acid concentration. From the treatment of the truck tyre WRP with H2SO4, HNO3 and HCℓ acids, the 6 M acid concentration showed desirable characteristics. Interaction of the respective acid treated truck tyre WRP-bituminous binder interaction was carried out following the drainage basket method. In this investigation, the 6 M acid (H2SO4, HNO3 and HCℓ) treated WRP was used and it was found that swelling followed a two-stage and anomalous non-Fickian diffusion patterns. Hence HNO3 absorbed the least binders and this was confirmed by the low sorption coefficients. Although the H2SO4 and HCℓ did not show a significant difference with 50/70 and 70/100 and a significant change with AE-2 and PolyMod binder absorption, the dynamic shear rheometre (DSR) measurements revealed that the residual binders (50/70, 70/100, AE2 and PolyMod) had a higher rutting temperature than respective original binder, where G*/sinδ is ≤ 1 kPa. These binders also had lower fatigue to cracking temperature through analysis of G*sinδ at 5 000 kPa. In addition, the measured phase angle at the respective rutting temperature showed to be between 45 ̊and 90 ̊which suggested that the binders were viscoelastic. Viscoelastic characteristics were therefore assessed using multiple stress creep recovery test (MSCR). The measured MSCR parameters, % recovery and non-recoverable compliance, showed that there was a slight gain in elasticity with 50/70 and 70/100 after the interaction. The AE-2 and PolyMod binders experienced a decrease in elasticity after the interaction. Despite unforeseen outcomes, the treatment of truck tyre WRP with H2SO4, HNO3 and HCℓ acids decreased the swelling phenomenon of truck tyre WRP in a bituminous binder.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
- Authors: Mgangato, Siseko
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Truck equipment industry
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/48500 , vital:40882
- Description: Recent studies have investigated the waste tyre crumb rubber (TCR)-bitumen interaction by observing the swelling of waste TCR at elevated temperatures. It was found that the waste TCR-bitumen interaction alters the rigidity and shape of TCR, which causes the failure of asphalt mixtures. Consequently, the problem occurs when the waste TCR swells during waste TCR-bitumen interaction from mixing and transportation of the asphalt mixture. Extensive laboratory studies have shown that the rate of absorption of bitumen is correlated with the TCR rubber composition and particle size. However, it is possible that swelling of waste TCR can be prevented or reduced before waste TCR-bitumen interaction by means of pre-treating the rubber crumb as to prevent the alteration of bitumen properties. Therefore, this study seeks to investigate the interaction of truck tyre wastes rubber particulates (WRP)-bitumen with the pretreatment of truck tyre WRP with H2SO4, HNO3 and HCℓ. This treatment was done to make TCR suitable for the dry process asphalt mixtures, where TCR acts as a filler instead of altering bitumen binder properties. The investigation characterized truck tyre WRP-bituminous binder interaction by interacting a single truck tyre WRP with penetration grade (50/70 and 70/100) and industrial polymer modified binders (AE-2 and PolyMod). The interaction through kinetic study revealed that the swelling of truck tyre WRP is either a non-Fickian two-step swelling or anomalous diffusion mechanism of bituminous binders. In addition, the study showed that temperature has an effect on the diffusion, sorption and permeation coefficients; where coefficients increased as the temperature was increased. The characterization of which bituminous binder component was observed by the truck tyre WRP was studied using Fourier Transform Infra-Red Spectroscopy (FTIR), Carbon 13 Nuclear Magnetic Spectroscopy (13C NMR) and Thermalgravimetric Analysis (TGA). The study showed that by analysing the extracted bituminous binder from residual truck tyre WRP after the interaction, Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) consisting of molecular structure characteristics of bitumen constituent aromatics. So as to restricting the diffusion of bituminous binder into truck tyre WRP, the surface of truck tyre WRP was treated with H2SO4, HNO3 and HCℓ acids from concentrations of 1, 6 and 12 M. The H2SO4 and HCℓ treated WRP showed a change in molecular ii structure, toluene sorption coefficient, surface morphology and thermal characteristics (TGA and DSC). However, changes that were observed with the HNO3 treatment showed that the truck tyre WRP material was in fact being digested by the HNO3 acid. In all the respective acid treatments, the effects were distinct with 12 M acid concentration. This was observed with a decrease in toluene sorption coefficient with increasing acid concentration. From the treatment of the truck tyre WRP with H2SO4, HNO3 and HCℓ acids, the 6 M acid concentration showed desirable characteristics. Interaction of the respective acid treated truck tyre WRP-bituminous binder interaction was carried out following the drainage basket method. In this investigation, the 6 M acid (H2SO4, HNO3 and HCℓ) treated WRP was used and it was found that swelling followed a two-stage and anomalous non-Fickian diffusion patterns. Hence HNO3 absorbed the least binders and this was confirmed by the low sorption coefficients. Although the H2SO4 and HCℓ did not show a significant difference with 50/70 and 70/100 and a significant change with AE-2 and PolyMod binder absorption, the dynamic shear rheometre (DSR) measurements revealed that the residual binders (50/70, 70/100, AE2 and PolyMod) had a higher rutting temperature than respective original binder, where G*/sinδ is ≤ 1 kPa. These binders also had lower fatigue to cracking temperature through analysis of G*sinδ at 5 000 kPa. In addition, the measured phase angle at the respective rutting temperature showed to be between 45 ̊and 90 ̊which suggested that the binders were viscoelastic. Viscoelastic characteristics were therefore assessed using multiple stress creep recovery test (MSCR). The measured MSCR parameters, % recovery and non-recoverable compliance, showed that there was a slight gain in elasticity with 50/70 and 70/100 after the interaction. The AE-2 and PolyMod binders experienced a decrease in elasticity after the interaction. Despite unforeseen outcomes, the treatment of truck tyre WRP with H2SO4, HNO3 and HCℓ acids decreased the swelling phenomenon of truck tyre WRP in a bituminous binder.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
Investigation of wild garlic plant extracts as potential devulcanizing agents
- Authors: Mpuputla, Mooketsi
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Plant products , Plant extracts Traditional medicine
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/49204 , vital:41610
- Description: Commercially available chemical compounds used as devulcanizing agents have been found to be relatively expensive, and harmful to human health. These include compounds such as diallyl disulfide (DADS) and diphenyl disulfide (DPDS). However, compounds like DADS and other sulfides are found in the readily available natural resource material, T. violacea, which is rich in sulfur-derived compounds that may exhibit potential use as devulcanizing agents. Hence, this study is aimed at examining the efficacy of the extracted sulfur compounds of T. violacea as potential devulcanizing agents. The sulfides of T. violacea were successfully extracted by means of sequential extraction using chloroform (CHCl3), ethyl acetate (EtOAc), and methanol (MeOH). Identification of present sulfides was done by phytochemical analysis, using the TLC method. The commercially available HPLC grade DADS reference standard was used to quantify the amount of DADS in each extract. Reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC) was used for quantification. The HPLC results showed that only the EtOAc and MeOH extracts contained DADS, while insignificant amount of DADS was seen in the CHCl3 extracts. The EtOAc roots, bulbs and leaf extracts (18.8 × 10-3, 8.84 × 10-3, 7.2 × 10-3 mg/mL) showed greater DADS concentration compared to the MeOH roots, bulbs and leaf extracts (5.3 × 10-3, 8.07 × 10-3, 1.9 × 10-3 mg/mL), respectively. RP-HPLC and Gel Permeation Chromatography (GPC) were the methods used to monitor and identify crosslink formation and devulcanizing. The vulcanization and devulcanization studies were carried out using the model compound, squalene. All extracts showed a decrease in the molecular weight distribution of the devulcanized products. The leaf extract, CHCl3 and EtOAc, showed the highest devulcanization efficacy overall, while the MeOH extracts showed least devulcanization efficacy as devulcanization agents. Thermal analysis studies were performed to investigate the interactions of the curatives used in the vulcanization system(s). Isothermal analysis of the vulcanization system was evident in a vulcanization reaction at an optimal time of 20 min, and at onset temperature of 177.6 oC. Upon devulcanization, DSC analysis gave evidence of the glass transition of squalene products. This indicates that no main-chain scission or backbone breakage occurred in reacting the vulcanized products with the devulcanizing agents.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
- Authors: Mpuputla, Mooketsi
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Plant products , Plant extracts Traditional medicine
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/49204 , vital:41610
- Description: Commercially available chemical compounds used as devulcanizing agents have been found to be relatively expensive, and harmful to human health. These include compounds such as diallyl disulfide (DADS) and diphenyl disulfide (DPDS). However, compounds like DADS and other sulfides are found in the readily available natural resource material, T. violacea, which is rich in sulfur-derived compounds that may exhibit potential use as devulcanizing agents. Hence, this study is aimed at examining the efficacy of the extracted sulfur compounds of T. violacea as potential devulcanizing agents. The sulfides of T. violacea were successfully extracted by means of sequential extraction using chloroform (CHCl3), ethyl acetate (EtOAc), and methanol (MeOH). Identification of present sulfides was done by phytochemical analysis, using the TLC method. The commercially available HPLC grade DADS reference standard was used to quantify the amount of DADS in each extract. Reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC) was used for quantification. The HPLC results showed that only the EtOAc and MeOH extracts contained DADS, while insignificant amount of DADS was seen in the CHCl3 extracts. The EtOAc roots, bulbs and leaf extracts (18.8 × 10-3, 8.84 × 10-3, 7.2 × 10-3 mg/mL) showed greater DADS concentration compared to the MeOH roots, bulbs and leaf extracts (5.3 × 10-3, 8.07 × 10-3, 1.9 × 10-3 mg/mL), respectively. RP-HPLC and Gel Permeation Chromatography (GPC) were the methods used to monitor and identify crosslink formation and devulcanizing. The vulcanization and devulcanization studies were carried out using the model compound, squalene. All extracts showed a decrease in the molecular weight distribution of the devulcanized products. The leaf extract, CHCl3 and EtOAc, showed the highest devulcanization efficacy overall, while the MeOH extracts showed least devulcanization efficacy as devulcanization agents. Thermal analysis studies were performed to investigate the interactions of the curatives used in the vulcanization system(s). Isothermal analysis of the vulcanization system was evident in a vulcanization reaction at an optimal time of 20 min, and at onset temperature of 177.6 oC. Upon devulcanization, DSC analysis gave evidence of the glass transition of squalene products. This indicates that no main-chain scission or backbone breakage occurred in reacting the vulcanized products with the devulcanizing agents.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
ISGOP: A model for an information security governance platform
- Authors: Manjezi, Zandile
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Electronic data processing departments -- Security measures , Computer networks -- Security measures Data protection
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MIT
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/46130 , vital:39505
- Description: Sound information security governance is an important part of every business. However, the widespread ransomware attacks that occur regularly cast a shadow of doubt on information security governance practices. Countermeasures to prevent and mitigate ransomware attacks are well known, yet knowledge of these countermeasures is not enough to ensure good information security governance. What matters is how the countermeasures are implemented across a business. Therefore, an information security governance structure is needed to oversee the deployment of these countermeasures. This research study proposes an information security governance model called ISGoP, which describes an information security governance platform comprising a data aspect and a functional aspect. ISGoP adopted ideas from existing frameworks. An information security governance framework known as the Direct-Control Cycle was analyzed. This provided ISGoP with conceptual components, such as information security-related documents and the relationships that exist between them. It is important to understand these conceptual components when distributing information security-related documents across all level of management for a holistic implementation. Security related documents and their relationships comprise the data aspect of ISGoP. Another framework that influenced ISGoP is the SABSA framework. The SABSA framework is an enterprise architecture framework that enables interoperability. It ensures collaboration between the people working for a business. Ideas from the SABSA framework were used to identify roles within the information security governance framework. The SABSA life cycle stages were also adopted by ISGoP. Various functions define the functional aspect of ISGoP. These functions are organised according to the life cycle stages and the views defined for the various roles. A case study was used to evaluate the possible utility of ISGoP. The case study explored a prototype implementation of ISGoP in a company. In addition to demonstrating its utility, the case study also allowed the model to be refined. ISGoP as a model must be refined and modified for specific business circumstances but lays a solid foundation to assist businesses in implementing sound information security governance.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
- Authors: Manjezi, Zandile
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Electronic data processing departments -- Security measures , Computer networks -- Security measures Data protection
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MIT
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/46130 , vital:39505
- Description: Sound information security governance is an important part of every business. However, the widespread ransomware attacks that occur regularly cast a shadow of doubt on information security governance practices. Countermeasures to prevent and mitigate ransomware attacks are well known, yet knowledge of these countermeasures is not enough to ensure good information security governance. What matters is how the countermeasures are implemented across a business. Therefore, an information security governance structure is needed to oversee the deployment of these countermeasures. This research study proposes an information security governance model called ISGoP, which describes an information security governance platform comprising a data aspect and a functional aspect. ISGoP adopted ideas from existing frameworks. An information security governance framework known as the Direct-Control Cycle was analyzed. This provided ISGoP with conceptual components, such as information security-related documents and the relationships that exist between them. It is important to understand these conceptual components when distributing information security-related documents across all level of management for a holistic implementation. Security related documents and their relationships comprise the data aspect of ISGoP. Another framework that influenced ISGoP is the SABSA framework. The SABSA framework is an enterprise architecture framework that enables interoperability. It ensures collaboration between the people working for a business. Ideas from the SABSA framework were used to identify roles within the information security governance framework. The SABSA life cycle stages were also adopted by ISGoP. Various functions define the functional aspect of ISGoP. These functions are organised according to the life cycle stages and the views defined for the various roles. A case study was used to evaluate the possible utility of ISGoP. The case study explored a prototype implementation of ISGoP in a company. In addition to demonstrating its utility, the case study also allowed the model to be refined. ISGoP as a model must be refined and modified for specific business circumstances but lays a solid foundation to assist businesses in implementing sound information security governance.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
Labour dispute resolution in Uganda
- Chabo, Godsent, Ndimurwimo, Leah A
- Authors: Chabo, Godsent , Ndimurwimo, Leah A
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Dispute resolution (Law) -- Uganda , Labor disputes -- Uganda Arbitration, Industrial -- Uganda Industrial relations -- Uganda
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , LLM
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/48960 , vital:41566
- Description: The dissertation examines the Ugandan labour dispute resolution system by undertaking an analysis of international labour standards and a case study of South Africa’s labour dispute system. The study pronounces the legislative provisions of the Employment Act and Labour Disputes (Arbitration and Settlement) Act that exist for the effective and efficient resolution of labour disputes through an alternative dispute resolution (ADR) system. The study contends for the provision of a proactive and expeditious dispute resolution system that helps to resolve labour disputes in the most effective and efficient manner, without necessarily having to resort to the courts. The dissertation further examines the provisions of relevant international labour standards on labour dispute resolution to ascertain their adequacy as part frameworks that apply to Uganda’s obligation to provide ADR systems that respond to the needs of the labour relations community. The study contends that ratifying particular ILO conventions creates obligations upon a country to comply and apply provisions of these conventions in national legislation. It is further argued that by having ratified those international labour standards that provide for ADR, Uganda assumes specific obligations under international law, enjoining the country to provide the required ADR system of conciliation and arbitration, which is reliable and trusted by the countries citizens. A case study of South Africa is adopted with the primary focus on whether Uganda can learn from South African’s ADR system which is arguably more effective and efficient. South Africa has a labour dispute resolution system that has influenced majority of the Southern African Development Community (SADAC) law, hence prompting this study to borrow its ADR system predominantly the Commission for Conciliation Mediation and Arbitration (CCMA). Despite the differences between Uganda and South Africa, the study also indicates fundamental similarities. Preferably, disputes should be resolved at conciliation level, resulting in the minority of disputes being referred to arbitration or the Industrial Court. This is far from the reality of the situation in Uganda. The study acknowledges that the Labour Disputes (Arbitration and Settlement) Act and Employment Act have put up provisions to establish a fast and effective labour dispute system, however, the gap exists at implementing these effective provisions in the Labour Disputes (Arbitration and Settlement) Act and the Employment Act. These lacunae in implementation make the attainment of an effective and efficient labour dispute resolution difficult. For this reason, the author proposes several remedial interventions in line with international labour standards and lessons from South Africa’s system that look to the future and the continued provision of fast, effective, and user-friendly ADR services. For Uganda to solve successfully apply these remedies, a strong political will as well as concerted efforts from all role players in the labour relations community is required.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
- Authors: Chabo, Godsent , Ndimurwimo, Leah A
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Dispute resolution (Law) -- Uganda , Labor disputes -- Uganda Arbitration, Industrial -- Uganda Industrial relations -- Uganda
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , LLM
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/48960 , vital:41566
- Description: The dissertation examines the Ugandan labour dispute resolution system by undertaking an analysis of international labour standards and a case study of South Africa’s labour dispute system. The study pronounces the legislative provisions of the Employment Act and Labour Disputes (Arbitration and Settlement) Act that exist for the effective and efficient resolution of labour disputes through an alternative dispute resolution (ADR) system. The study contends for the provision of a proactive and expeditious dispute resolution system that helps to resolve labour disputes in the most effective and efficient manner, without necessarily having to resort to the courts. The dissertation further examines the provisions of relevant international labour standards on labour dispute resolution to ascertain their adequacy as part frameworks that apply to Uganda’s obligation to provide ADR systems that respond to the needs of the labour relations community. The study contends that ratifying particular ILO conventions creates obligations upon a country to comply and apply provisions of these conventions in national legislation. It is further argued that by having ratified those international labour standards that provide for ADR, Uganda assumes specific obligations under international law, enjoining the country to provide the required ADR system of conciliation and arbitration, which is reliable and trusted by the countries citizens. A case study of South Africa is adopted with the primary focus on whether Uganda can learn from South African’s ADR system which is arguably more effective and efficient. South Africa has a labour dispute resolution system that has influenced majority of the Southern African Development Community (SADAC) law, hence prompting this study to borrow its ADR system predominantly the Commission for Conciliation Mediation and Arbitration (CCMA). Despite the differences between Uganda and South Africa, the study also indicates fundamental similarities. Preferably, disputes should be resolved at conciliation level, resulting in the minority of disputes being referred to arbitration or the Industrial Court. This is far from the reality of the situation in Uganda. The study acknowledges that the Labour Disputes (Arbitration and Settlement) Act and Employment Act have put up provisions to establish a fast and effective labour dispute system, however, the gap exists at implementing these effective provisions in the Labour Disputes (Arbitration and Settlement) Act and the Employment Act. These lacunae in implementation make the attainment of an effective and efficient labour dispute resolution difficult. For this reason, the author proposes several remedial interventions in line with international labour standards and lessons from South Africa’s system that look to the future and the continued provision of fast, effective, and user-friendly ADR services. For Uganda to solve successfully apply these remedies, a strong political will as well as concerted efforts from all role players in the labour relations community is required.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
Learners’ perception on the effect of infrastructure development on academic performance in Port Elizabeth public secondary schools
- Authors: Goduka, Nomava
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Infrastructure (Economics) -- Planning , School facilities -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth -- Finance Academic achievement
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/46053 , vital:39479
- Description: South Africa is striving to attain quality equal education; however, this ideal is affected by various factors such as discrimination, learner-related challenges (e.g. dilapidated rural schools, poverty, and violence), educator-related challenges (e.g. low morale and motivation, and poor administration and management of schools), and governmental issues (e.g. a lack of will, lacklustre attitudes, and an inability to deliver resources and/or services). While the National Department of Basic Education is battling to eradicate the backlog of school infrastructure and maintenance, mud schools are still prevalent in rural areas. The present state of poverty-stricken areas is most affected by the mentioned challenges and, as a result, it is necessary to determine the nature and extent of the consequences in terms of academic performance. This study, therefore, investigated the reality of the current rural school situation by investigating the perceptions of learners on the effect of infrastructure development on their academic performance in public secondary schools. Three secondary schools in the Motherwell area in Port Elizabeth were chosen for the research setting. A quantitative research approach was deemed suitable for the study, and a questionnaire was utilised for data collection. A total of 151 questionnaires were completed. The key findings derived from the data indicated that inadequate infrastructure has a negative impact on academic performance. Some of the key issues pertaining to infrastructure included inadequate leisure areas, laboratories, libraries, and sport fields. Overcrowding in classrooms were also found to be prevalent, and posed a major barrier to learning. The findings of the study provided insights into the reality of rural education and were used as a basis for offering recommendations that may assist stakeholders to improve the current situation.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
- Authors: Goduka, Nomava
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Infrastructure (Economics) -- Planning , School facilities -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth -- Finance Academic achievement
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/46053 , vital:39479
- Description: South Africa is striving to attain quality equal education; however, this ideal is affected by various factors such as discrimination, learner-related challenges (e.g. dilapidated rural schools, poverty, and violence), educator-related challenges (e.g. low morale and motivation, and poor administration and management of schools), and governmental issues (e.g. a lack of will, lacklustre attitudes, and an inability to deliver resources and/or services). While the National Department of Basic Education is battling to eradicate the backlog of school infrastructure and maintenance, mud schools are still prevalent in rural areas. The present state of poverty-stricken areas is most affected by the mentioned challenges and, as a result, it is necessary to determine the nature and extent of the consequences in terms of academic performance. This study, therefore, investigated the reality of the current rural school situation by investigating the perceptions of learners on the effect of infrastructure development on their academic performance in public secondary schools. Three secondary schools in the Motherwell area in Port Elizabeth were chosen for the research setting. A quantitative research approach was deemed suitable for the study, and a questionnaire was utilised for data collection. A total of 151 questionnaires were completed. The key findings derived from the data indicated that inadequate infrastructure has a negative impact on academic performance. Some of the key issues pertaining to infrastructure included inadequate leisure areas, laboratories, libraries, and sport fields. Overcrowding in classrooms were also found to be prevalent, and posed a major barrier to learning. The findings of the study provided insights into the reality of rural education and were used as a basis for offering recommendations that may assist stakeholders to improve the current situation.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
Learning and teaching
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Nelson Mandela University , Education, Higher -- Curricula , Education, Higher -- Study and teaching
- Language: English
- Type: text , book
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/44433 , vital:37379
- Description: Nelson Mandela University is recognised as a leader in embracing a humanising pedagogical philosophy or the ‘humanisation of education’. This is the touchstone of learning and teaching at our University for a number of reasons, of which I will name a few. It is about creating an environment that is conducive to bold thinking and questioning; dislodging outdated theories and narrow-minded preconceptions of teaching, learning and engagement in order to stimulate an alternative, emancipatory approach to higher education; and pioneering new programmatic interventions and recognitions of what teaching and learning in South Africa is about.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Nelson Mandela University , Education, Higher -- Curricula , Education, Higher -- Study and teaching
- Language: English
- Type: text , book
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/44433 , vital:37379
- Description: Nelson Mandela University is recognised as a leader in embracing a humanising pedagogical philosophy or the ‘humanisation of education’. This is the touchstone of learning and teaching at our University for a number of reasons, of which I will name a few. It is about creating an environment that is conducive to bold thinking and questioning; dislodging outdated theories and narrow-minded preconceptions of teaching, learning and engagement in order to stimulate an alternative, emancipatory approach to higher education; and pioneering new programmatic interventions and recognitions of what teaching and learning in South Africa is about.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
Linking onshore and offshore crustal features, integrating seismic and borehole data in the Gamtoos basin
- Authors: Makuzeni, Manyano
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Submarine geology , Geology Geophysics
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/49137 , vital:41604
- Description: The margin of the Southern Africa continent harbours the history about the fragmentation and separation of Gondwana in its basins. The integration of onshore and offshore geology is of primordial importance to understand the complete geological history and evolution of the southern African border. The study focuses on the Gamtoos Basin, where the sediment deposits on the onshore portion are generally unfossiliferous and therefore difficult to correlate with the offshore portion of the basin. In an attempt to do this, several datasets were integrated such as old 2-D seismic reflection data and borehole wells. This data, acquired by SOEKER in the 1970s was purchased from the Petroleum Agency of South Africa (PASA). Some data reprocessing involved digitization and conversion of the old seismic data from TIF format to SEG-Y format. Conventional seismic stratigraphic method (Mitchum, JR, et al., 1977) was used to identify seismic discontinuities and remarkable stratigraphic surfaces and units based on reflection configurations and facies characteristics, and ages of these surfaces were provided by well data. Seismic interpretation was first done on printed seismogram papers, and then integrated into the ‘Kingdom Suite’ software to ensure coherency at all crossing lines. Isochron and Isopach maps (using QGIS, Mirone and tools such as GMT) were created. The first results, allow us to estimate for the first time a precise age calibration of onshore deposit. Furthermore, the delimitation in 5 second-order seismic sequences along the Gamtoos Basin suggest a link between different basin filling dynamics and kinematic phases related to the opening of the Indian and Atlantic Oceans along the southern Africa margins. The study shows that the Gamtoos Basin is an essential area linking the geological histories of both East and Western parts of the Southern Africa continent.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
- Authors: Makuzeni, Manyano
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Submarine geology , Geology Geophysics
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/49137 , vital:41604
- Description: The margin of the Southern Africa continent harbours the history about the fragmentation and separation of Gondwana in its basins. The integration of onshore and offshore geology is of primordial importance to understand the complete geological history and evolution of the southern African border. The study focuses on the Gamtoos Basin, where the sediment deposits on the onshore portion are generally unfossiliferous and therefore difficult to correlate with the offshore portion of the basin. In an attempt to do this, several datasets were integrated such as old 2-D seismic reflection data and borehole wells. This data, acquired by SOEKER in the 1970s was purchased from the Petroleum Agency of South Africa (PASA). Some data reprocessing involved digitization and conversion of the old seismic data from TIF format to SEG-Y format. Conventional seismic stratigraphic method (Mitchum, JR, et al., 1977) was used to identify seismic discontinuities and remarkable stratigraphic surfaces and units based on reflection configurations and facies characteristics, and ages of these surfaces were provided by well data. Seismic interpretation was first done on printed seismogram papers, and then integrated into the ‘Kingdom Suite’ software to ensure coherency at all crossing lines. Isochron and Isopach maps (using QGIS, Mirone and tools such as GMT) were created. The first results, allow us to estimate for the first time a precise age calibration of onshore deposit. Furthermore, the delimitation in 5 second-order seismic sequences along the Gamtoos Basin suggest a link between different basin filling dynamics and kinematic phases related to the opening of the Indian and Atlantic Oceans along the southern Africa margins. The study shows that the Gamtoos Basin is an essential area linking the geological histories of both East and Western parts of the Southern Africa continent.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
Lower extremity strength training effects on balance and postural control in female elderly
- Authors: Rosenblatt, Desmarie
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Muscle strength
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/46359 , vital:39595
- Description: Background: The global, exponential growth in the elderly population and increased longevity has been well documented. South Africa has the highest proportion of older population in sub-Saharan Africa. Empirical research is lacking on the efficacy of exercise interventions for the elderly to prevent fall risk and increase independent living associated with quality of life. Maintenance of muscular strength of the lower body is important to compensate for various physiological deficits due to the ageing process. Aim: The aim of the study was to determine the effects of an eight-week lower extremity strength training intervention on balance and postural control in female elderly, aged 65 years and older, living in a high socio-economic, urban, residential area in Nelson Mandela Bay in the Eastern Cape region of South Africa. Design and Methods: A true-experimental, pre-test, post-test study design, was used with a comparative experimental and control group. A total number of 21 participants met the inclusion criteria and were randomly assigned to an experimental or control group. The experimental group participated in an eight-week strength training intervention, attending exercise sessions, twice a week. Peak isometric strength of the knee flexors/extensors, adductors/abductors of the hip, and plantar / dorsi-flexors of the ankle were assessed post-intervention, using the FET2 handheld dynamometer. Balance was assessed by means the displacement of centre of pressure during the limits of stability and the ellipse area for postural sway assessment on a Kistler force plate, post-intervention. Medial/lateral displacement of centre of pressure and the mean velocity while descending a self-designed, two-step stair case, were determined after the intervention by measures obtained from a Kistler force plate. Descriptive statistics were calculated for measures of central tendency including means standard deviations. T-scores were used to standardise results obtained. Non-parametric, inferential statistics were used to determine the statistical significance of the results. The Wilcoxon matched pairs test and the Mann-Whitney U tests determined the significance of within group comparisons. Statistical significance was set at p<0.05. Spearman rank order correlations were used to measure the strength of associations Results: Lower extremity isometric strength in musculature around the hip, knee and ankle joints, as well as postural sway in a stationary position with eyes opened, have improved significantly after an eight-week resistance training Programme. Improvements in balance has been indicated by limits of stability in the postural sway stance with eyes closed, and dynamic balance during stair descending, were both not significant. Conclusion: The importance of physical interventions to enable the elderly in living a healthy and independent lifestyle should be promoted in all settings. Muscle strength gains and postural sway improvements could have been attributed to neural adaptation and calls for further investigation into the efficacy of strength training over longer durations. The relevance of incorporating stair negotiation as a functional activity of daily living should potentially be included in exercise Programmeprescription by biokineticists, as insufficient control of dynamic balance has been reported to increase fall risk.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
- Authors: Rosenblatt, Desmarie
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Muscle strength
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/46359 , vital:39595
- Description: Background: The global, exponential growth in the elderly population and increased longevity has been well documented. South Africa has the highest proportion of older population in sub-Saharan Africa. Empirical research is lacking on the efficacy of exercise interventions for the elderly to prevent fall risk and increase independent living associated with quality of life. Maintenance of muscular strength of the lower body is important to compensate for various physiological deficits due to the ageing process. Aim: The aim of the study was to determine the effects of an eight-week lower extremity strength training intervention on balance and postural control in female elderly, aged 65 years and older, living in a high socio-economic, urban, residential area in Nelson Mandela Bay in the Eastern Cape region of South Africa. Design and Methods: A true-experimental, pre-test, post-test study design, was used with a comparative experimental and control group. A total number of 21 participants met the inclusion criteria and were randomly assigned to an experimental or control group. The experimental group participated in an eight-week strength training intervention, attending exercise sessions, twice a week. Peak isometric strength of the knee flexors/extensors, adductors/abductors of the hip, and plantar / dorsi-flexors of the ankle were assessed post-intervention, using the FET2 handheld dynamometer. Balance was assessed by means the displacement of centre of pressure during the limits of stability and the ellipse area for postural sway assessment on a Kistler force plate, post-intervention. Medial/lateral displacement of centre of pressure and the mean velocity while descending a self-designed, two-step stair case, were determined after the intervention by measures obtained from a Kistler force plate. Descriptive statistics were calculated for measures of central tendency including means standard deviations. T-scores were used to standardise results obtained. Non-parametric, inferential statistics were used to determine the statistical significance of the results. The Wilcoxon matched pairs test and the Mann-Whitney U tests determined the significance of within group comparisons. Statistical significance was set at p<0.05. Spearman rank order correlations were used to measure the strength of associations Results: Lower extremity isometric strength in musculature around the hip, knee and ankle joints, as well as postural sway in a stationary position with eyes opened, have improved significantly after an eight-week resistance training Programme. Improvements in balance has been indicated by limits of stability in the postural sway stance with eyes closed, and dynamic balance during stair descending, were both not significant. Conclusion: The importance of physical interventions to enable the elderly in living a healthy and independent lifestyle should be promoted in all settings. Muscle strength gains and postural sway improvements could have been attributed to neural adaptation and calls for further investigation into the efficacy of strength training over longer durations. The relevance of incorporating stair negotiation as a functional activity of daily living should potentially be included in exercise Programmeprescription by biokineticists, as insufficient control of dynamic balance has been reported to increase fall risk.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
Machinability of rapidly solidified aluminium alloy for optical applications
- Authors: Abbas, Abdalla Abbas Said
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Aluminum alloys , Mechatronics
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEng
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/45975 , vital:39402
- Description: The production of metal mirrors and critical components for optical devices and aerospace application requires extreme high accuracy and outstanding surface quality. Thus, to achieve such high dimensional accuracies, they are being mainly produced through ultra-high precision machining. Aluminium alloys have been used in the production of components for optics application as well as spaceborne for so many years but with the advancement in technology and demands for a superior material, a new modified grade of aluminium was developed by a rapid solidification process. These grades exhibit a much better mechanical and physical properties while having a finer microstructure. The only downside is the limited research in the correlation of surface roughness and reflectance when single point diamond turned. In this study, rapidly solidified aluminium RSA 905 were used to investigate the effect of varying the cutting parameters on the machined surface finish and its corresponding surface reflectance. The cutting parameters were cutting speed, feed rate and depth of cut. The surface roughness was measured using Taylor Hopson PGI Profilometer while the reflectance factor was measured by using VERTEX 80v Spectrometer. The results were used to develop two predictive models namely; response surface and artificial neural network which have indicated a very high accuracy to the experimental measurements. Finally, the results were very promising for the diamond turning of RSA 905 where it has achieved a very low values of surface roughness and high reflectance in the visual range without the need of any additional production/fabrication steps and to ensure that bi-metallic binding does not take place in extreme low temperatures. Therefore, RSA 905 is a very promising material for optical applications in the visual spectrum.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
- Authors: Abbas, Abdalla Abbas Said
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Aluminum alloys , Mechatronics
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEng
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/45975 , vital:39402
- Description: The production of metal mirrors and critical components for optical devices and aerospace application requires extreme high accuracy and outstanding surface quality. Thus, to achieve such high dimensional accuracies, they are being mainly produced through ultra-high precision machining. Aluminium alloys have been used in the production of components for optics application as well as spaceborne for so many years but with the advancement in technology and demands for a superior material, a new modified grade of aluminium was developed by a rapid solidification process. These grades exhibit a much better mechanical and physical properties while having a finer microstructure. The only downside is the limited research in the correlation of surface roughness and reflectance when single point diamond turned. In this study, rapidly solidified aluminium RSA 905 were used to investigate the effect of varying the cutting parameters on the machined surface finish and its corresponding surface reflectance. The cutting parameters were cutting speed, feed rate and depth of cut. The surface roughness was measured using Taylor Hopson PGI Profilometer while the reflectance factor was measured by using VERTEX 80v Spectrometer. The results were used to develop two predictive models namely; response surface and artificial neural network which have indicated a very high accuracy to the experimental measurements. Finally, the results were very promising for the diamond turning of RSA 905 where it has achieved a very low values of surface roughness and high reflectance in the visual range without the need of any additional production/fabrication steps and to ensure that bi-metallic binding does not take place in extreme low temperatures. Therefore, RSA 905 is a very promising material for optical applications in the visual spectrum.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
Management competencies of clinical and hospital managers in the eastern cape department of health: implications for further management training
- Authors: Chetty, Urvani
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Medical personnel
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/47509 , vital:40130
- Description: Healthcare has been identified as a basic need and one of the key economic drivers in South Africa (Pravin Gordhan, 2017). With the majority of South Africans reliant on the public health sector for the management, the prevention and cure of all their healthcare issues and needs come the dire requirement of exceptional skills from healthcare professionals. Hospital and clinical managers play the dual role of clinician and manager, often without proper management training. With the impending introduction of the National Health Insurance (NHI) and ever-challenging constraints of medico-legal litigation on healthcare, it is imperative that healthcare professionals are adequately equipped with the core management competencies. The aim of the study is to identify management competencies of Clinical and Hospital managers and establish an implication/indication for further management training. This study used competencies identified in healthcare management courses currently offered in South Africa in conjunction with literature reviewed. A sample population of Clinical and Hospital managers in the public sector of the Eastern Cape was used using a non-random purposive/judgement probability sampling technique–the “snowball” sampling technique. The questionnaire link (Questionpro) was distributed to all respondents via email and WhatsApp distribution followed from the Eastern Cape Department of Health Head Office to the Chief Executive Officers of hospitals in the Eastern Cape and the Human Resources Director of the Eastern Cape Department of Health. The online link was made available for completion; thereafter data was collated and analysed using the STATISTICA programme. Based on a literature review, the theoretical model proposed six core competencies-leadership, risk management, financial management, corporate governance and ethics, people/human resources management and quality and evidence-based management. Of the six competencies, Clinical and Hospital Managers exhibited Leadership, Corporate Governance and Ethics and Quality and Evidence-based Management in high levels. The qualitative analysis demonstrated respondents’ intentions to study further, often in management fields and shared a unanimous need for management training for better job efficacy and performance. The researcher has made recommendations to aid in improving management skills as well as areas for further research such as short courses and mentorship programmes and further comparative studies between the private and public sector. The study concluded that management competencies are significant for Clinical and Hospital Managers and should be addressed in the future to aid in better clinical outcomes.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
- Authors: Chetty, Urvani
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Medical personnel
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/47509 , vital:40130
- Description: Healthcare has been identified as a basic need and one of the key economic drivers in South Africa (Pravin Gordhan, 2017). With the majority of South Africans reliant on the public health sector for the management, the prevention and cure of all their healthcare issues and needs come the dire requirement of exceptional skills from healthcare professionals. Hospital and clinical managers play the dual role of clinician and manager, often without proper management training. With the impending introduction of the National Health Insurance (NHI) and ever-challenging constraints of medico-legal litigation on healthcare, it is imperative that healthcare professionals are adequately equipped with the core management competencies. The aim of the study is to identify management competencies of Clinical and Hospital managers and establish an implication/indication for further management training. This study used competencies identified in healthcare management courses currently offered in South Africa in conjunction with literature reviewed. A sample population of Clinical and Hospital managers in the public sector of the Eastern Cape was used using a non-random purposive/judgement probability sampling technique–the “snowball” sampling technique. The questionnaire link (Questionpro) was distributed to all respondents via email and WhatsApp distribution followed from the Eastern Cape Department of Health Head Office to the Chief Executive Officers of hospitals in the Eastern Cape and the Human Resources Director of the Eastern Cape Department of Health. The online link was made available for completion; thereafter data was collated and analysed using the STATISTICA programme. Based on a literature review, the theoretical model proposed six core competencies-leadership, risk management, financial management, corporate governance and ethics, people/human resources management and quality and evidence-based management. Of the six competencies, Clinical and Hospital Managers exhibited Leadership, Corporate Governance and Ethics and Quality and Evidence-based Management in high levels. The qualitative analysis demonstrated respondents’ intentions to study further, often in management fields and shared a unanimous need for management training for better job efficacy and performance. The researcher has made recommendations to aid in improving management skills as well as areas for further research such as short courses and mentorship programmes and further comparative studies between the private and public sector. The study concluded that management competencies are significant for Clinical and Hospital Managers and should be addressed in the future to aid in better clinical outcomes.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
Managing staff wellness of educators in Nelson Mandela Bay related to their knowledge, perceptions and practices of a healthy lifestyle
- Authors: Coetzee, Jeslyn
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Educators -- -- South Africa -- Nelson Mandela Bay
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/46335 , vital:39568
- Description: Non-communicable diseases have become a major cause of mortality, resulting in 55% of deaths in South Africa in 2015. Educators seem to be a high-risk population with high rates of obesity and hypertension. This study, a quantitative descriptive study, was completed with primary school educators in Nelson Mandela Bayas the study population, with the aim of better understanding their knowledge, perceptions and practices with regard to a healthy lifestyle in order to manage and improve their staff wellness, and investigates these areas separately as objectives. A focus was placed on salt and sugar intake in light of recent legislation and taxation on these items in South Africa. The study has three components, namely; anthropometry, a dietary intake assessment via 24-hour dietary recalls and a behavioural questionnaire. Ethics was considered by ensuring the anonymity of participants, using participant numbers and ensuring the written consent of all participants before the commencement of the study. Data collection took place over a period of three days. Educators showed high levels of obesity, with 45,7%(n=21)being categorised as obese class three. Twenty-five percent of the participants reported to have been diagnosed with hypertension. Participants fared well with questions that referred to more general knowledge of nutrition and aspects of staff wellness that was looked at showed that 47,7 % described their job performance as ‘good’, while also noting that 20,5þlt that everything was an effort most of the time. Recommendations include the benefit of an Employee Wellness Programme in order to educate and encourage teachers around different aspects of their health and wellness. Intrinsic motivation is necessary and drastic changes need to be made in order to improve the dire situation in this population of the country.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
- Authors: Coetzee, Jeslyn
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Educators -- -- South Africa -- Nelson Mandela Bay
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/46335 , vital:39568
- Description: Non-communicable diseases have become a major cause of mortality, resulting in 55% of deaths in South Africa in 2015. Educators seem to be a high-risk population with high rates of obesity and hypertension. This study, a quantitative descriptive study, was completed with primary school educators in Nelson Mandela Bayas the study population, with the aim of better understanding their knowledge, perceptions and practices with regard to a healthy lifestyle in order to manage and improve their staff wellness, and investigates these areas separately as objectives. A focus was placed on salt and sugar intake in light of recent legislation and taxation on these items in South Africa. The study has three components, namely; anthropometry, a dietary intake assessment via 24-hour dietary recalls and a behavioural questionnaire. Ethics was considered by ensuring the anonymity of participants, using participant numbers and ensuring the written consent of all participants before the commencement of the study. Data collection took place over a period of three days. Educators showed high levels of obesity, with 45,7%(n=21)being categorised as obese class three. Twenty-five percent of the participants reported to have been diagnosed with hypertension. Participants fared well with questions that referred to more general knowledge of nutrition and aspects of staff wellness that was looked at showed that 47,7 % described their job performance as ‘good’, while also noting that 20,5þlt that everything was an effort most of the time. Recommendations include the benefit of an Employee Wellness Programme in order to educate and encourage teachers around different aspects of their health and wellness. Intrinsic motivation is necessary and drastic changes need to be made in order to improve the dire situation in this population of the country.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
Managing the corporate reputation of a transforming organisation: a study of multimedia University of Kenya
- Authors: Mtange, Margaret Mulekani
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Organizational change -- Management , Universities and colleges -- Kenya -- Sociological aspects -- Case studies , Universities and colleges -- Research -- Economic aspects -- Kenya -- Case studies
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DPhil
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/50837 , vital:42873
- Description: Universities, like other organisations, are challenged to manage corporate identity and reputation to maintain a competitive edge. Few studies in Africa focus on the impact of internal communication on corporate identity and reputation management during organisational transformation. Thus, this study interrogated how a transforming and complex university in Kenya managed the corporate identity, image and reputation for competitive advantage. The purpose of the study was to establish how Multimedia University of Kenya (MMU) management communicated with its employees to nurture the corporate identity, image and reputation during a ten-year period of transformation. The study draws insights from in-depth interviews with 23 university management members, 178 self-administered questionnaires through random stratification of MMU employees, and content review of two MMU strategic plans ranging from 2011 to 2021. The findings suggest that MMU management used formal and interactive channels to create awareness of organisational transformation. These channels included face-to-face engagements, formal meetings and mediated communication through telephone conversations and intranet that facilitated record keeping. The management engaged in top-down and bottom-up communication to build employee trust, while employees expressed reservations of bottom-up information accuracy, suggesting information exclusion. On the contrary, the employees preferred digital and interpersonal channels for internal communication, which included telephone conversations, social media, personal visits by MMU management, and university events. Publicity activities were to disseminate information to prospective students and sponsors through selected private television, vernacular radio, and MMU radio stations, traditional print media, and the MMU website to communicate the MMU brand and image. Employees acknowledged that MMU brands itself as a leader in telecommunication, technology, mechanical, manufacturing, and media training through state-of-the-art equipment, robust faculty, and problem-solving ventures through research. The current study proposes stronger employee involvement, executive packaging and positioning, coaching successful faculty members as brand ambassadors, retraining employees, and employee participation in policy formulation to enhance new culture. In addition, these opositions will enhance the corporate identity, brand, as well as university performance, product quality, policy and processes to enrich the corporate reputation during transformation. The findings challenge university management to actively engage the corporate communication function, emphasise employee participation, and focus on the continual improvement of corporate identity and reputation management practices for competitive advantage. The current study proposes a participative, multi-layered and multi-dimensional communication model for efficient and excellent internal communication. The current study recommends that corporate communication practitioner be strategically positioned to coordinate employee engagement, utilise appropriate communication channels and counsel university management on corporate identity, image and reputation management during organisational transformation.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
- Authors: Mtange, Margaret Mulekani
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Organizational change -- Management , Universities and colleges -- Kenya -- Sociological aspects -- Case studies , Universities and colleges -- Research -- Economic aspects -- Kenya -- Case studies
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DPhil
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/50837 , vital:42873
- Description: Universities, like other organisations, are challenged to manage corporate identity and reputation to maintain a competitive edge. Few studies in Africa focus on the impact of internal communication on corporate identity and reputation management during organisational transformation. Thus, this study interrogated how a transforming and complex university in Kenya managed the corporate identity, image and reputation for competitive advantage. The purpose of the study was to establish how Multimedia University of Kenya (MMU) management communicated with its employees to nurture the corporate identity, image and reputation during a ten-year period of transformation. The study draws insights from in-depth interviews with 23 university management members, 178 self-administered questionnaires through random stratification of MMU employees, and content review of two MMU strategic plans ranging from 2011 to 2021. The findings suggest that MMU management used formal and interactive channels to create awareness of organisational transformation. These channels included face-to-face engagements, formal meetings and mediated communication through telephone conversations and intranet that facilitated record keeping. The management engaged in top-down and bottom-up communication to build employee trust, while employees expressed reservations of bottom-up information accuracy, suggesting information exclusion. On the contrary, the employees preferred digital and interpersonal channels for internal communication, which included telephone conversations, social media, personal visits by MMU management, and university events. Publicity activities were to disseminate information to prospective students and sponsors through selected private television, vernacular radio, and MMU radio stations, traditional print media, and the MMU website to communicate the MMU brand and image. Employees acknowledged that MMU brands itself as a leader in telecommunication, technology, mechanical, manufacturing, and media training through state-of-the-art equipment, robust faculty, and problem-solving ventures through research. The current study proposes stronger employee involvement, executive packaging and positioning, coaching successful faculty members as brand ambassadors, retraining employees, and employee participation in policy formulation to enhance new culture. In addition, these opositions will enhance the corporate identity, brand, as well as university performance, product quality, policy and processes to enrich the corporate reputation during transformation. The findings challenge university management to actively engage the corporate communication function, emphasise employee participation, and focus on the continual improvement of corporate identity and reputation management practices for competitive advantage. The current study proposes a participative, multi-layered and multi-dimensional communication model for efficient and excellent internal communication. The current study recommends that corporate communication practitioner be strategically positioned to coordinate employee engagement, utilise appropriate communication channels and counsel university management on corporate identity, image and reputation management during organisational transformation.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
Mechatronics based highspeed rotational piezo actuator
- Authors: Raffler, Oliver
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Piezoelectric materials , Piezoelectric devices Mechatronics
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DPhil
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/${Handle} , vital:39811
- Description: The aim of this thesis is the development of a novel mechatronics-based high speed piezo actuator for rotational and linear motion. Mainly, the thesis deals with the development of a system for mechanical coupling of any number of piezostacks. This mechanical coupling allows the actuator to achieve a significantly increased deflection compared to current approaches. The developed concept offers the possibility of a linear or rotary motion. It is also possible to combine the two types of movement. In the first step, in order to gain a better understanding of the topic, the piezo technology and especially the existing piezo actuators and -motors are examined. Currently, the force generated by the piezo actuators is mainly transmitted by friction. The only exception is the PAD-Actuator, which transmits force by means of form locking. The concept developed here also transmits its force by means of form locking and, in addition to that, offers a novel and unique drive concept in the field of piezo actuators. In the course of this thesis a new concept for the mechanical coupling of piezo actuators was developed, simulated and subsequently manufactured. Thus the system could be examined under real conditions. The investigations carried out mainly dealt with quasi-static and dynamic investigations. In addition to that, the emission of the airborne and structure-borne noise of the system was analysed.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
- Authors: Raffler, Oliver
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Piezoelectric materials , Piezoelectric devices Mechatronics
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DPhil
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/${Handle} , vital:39811
- Description: The aim of this thesis is the development of a novel mechatronics-based high speed piezo actuator for rotational and linear motion. Mainly, the thesis deals with the development of a system for mechanical coupling of any number of piezostacks. This mechanical coupling allows the actuator to achieve a significantly increased deflection compared to current approaches. The developed concept offers the possibility of a linear or rotary motion. It is also possible to combine the two types of movement. In the first step, in order to gain a better understanding of the topic, the piezo technology and especially the existing piezo actuators and -motors are examined. Currently, the force generated by the piezo actuators is mainly transmitted by friction. The only exception is the PAD-Actuator, which transmits force by means of form locking. The concept developed here also transmits its force by means of form locking and, in addition to that, offers a novel and unique drive concept in the field of piezo actuators. In the course of this thesis a new concept for the mechanical coupling of piezo actuators was developed, simulated and subsequently manufactured. Thus the system could be examined under real conditions. The investigations carried out mainly dealt with quasi-static and dynamic investigations. In addition to that, the emission of the airborne and structure-borne noise of the system was analysed.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
Microfinances efficiencies in promoting sustainability of women owned SMMEs in Port Elizabeth
- Authors: Koti, Kundai
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Microfinance -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Women owned business enterprises
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/49870 , vital:41811
- Description: Microfinance is considered to be a vital catalyst for the sustainability of small, micro and medium enterprises (SMMEs).The low economic growth of South Africa emerging from the 2008 Global Financia Crisis makes the contribution made by microfinance is of particular importance. However, the SMME sector of the economy is plagued by a high rate of business failure. In an effort to improve the current situation, the purpose of this study was to identify which aspects of microfinance are vital and which business practices are essential to enhance business performance and achieve sustainability. The effectiveness of microfinance, with a deeper insight into what other factors aid in enhancing the sustainability of women owned SMMEs, were investigated. The study was carried out as an explorative, multiple, case study using qualitative methods of data collection. Qualitative data were collected using semi-structured interviews with three managers of microfinance institutions (MFIs), and open-ended questionnaires with 21 female owners of SMMEs in Port Elizabeth, Nelson Mandela Bay. Nonprobability, purposive sampling was used. Data were analysed by means of thematic analysis and coding.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
- Authors: Koti, Kundai
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Microfinance -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Women owned business enterprises
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/49870 , vital:41811
- Description: Microfinance is considered to be a vital catalyst for the sustainability of small, micro and medium enterprises (SMMEs).The low economic growth of South Africa emerging from the 2008 Global Financia Crisis makes the contribution made by microfinance is of particular importance. However, the SMME sector of the economy is plagued by a high rate of business failure. In an effort to improve the current situation, the purpose of this study was to identify which aspects of microfinance are vital and which business practices are essential to enhance business performance and achieve sustainability. The effectiveness of microfinance, with a deeper insight into what other factors aid in enhancing the sustainability of women owned SMMEs, were investigated. The study was carried out as an explorative, multiple, case study using qualitative methods of data collection. Qualitative data were collected using semi-structured interviews with three managers of microfinance institutions (MFIs), and open-ended questionnaires with 21 female owners of SMMEs in Port Elizabeth, Nelson Mandela Bay. Nonprobability, purposive sampling was used. Data were analysed by means of thematic analysis and coding.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
Mothers’ perceptions of the effects of the babies in mind programme on maternal mental health and mother-infant attachment: a South African narrative study
- Naicker, Samantha, Cronje, Johan
- Authors: Naicker, Samantha , Cronje, Johan
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Mother and infant
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/46414 , vital:39590
- Description: The focus of this study is on mothers, motherhood and the Babies in Mind programme as an early intervention strategy for mothers in South Africa. The rate of maternal mental ill health in our country is alarming. Research consistently confirms that maternal mental health directly affects infant and child mental health. One of the major determinants of mental health is mother-infant attachment. Studies have indicated the range of deleterious effects that maternal mental ill-health and mother-infant attachment issues have on offspring from infancy to adulthood. This has implications for the mental health of future generations and society at large. Researchers have called for evidence-based interventions that address maternal mental health and mother-infant attachment, especially in developing countries. South Africa has no national prevention or treatment programme to address these needs. This study investigated the Babies in Mind programme as an early intervention option to address the gap in promoting maternal mental health and mother-infant attachment. A social constructionist, narrative study was employed to meet the objectives of the study. The aim was to explore mothers’ perceptions of the impact of the Babies in Mind programme, with particular reference to their mental health and their relationships to their infants. Focus was placed on understanding the social constructions of motherhood at the community level and how these constructions were reconstructed through the programme. Purposive sampling was employed and focus groups were conducted to collect the relevant data. The data was analysed using thematic analysis. The findings indicated that mothers’ experiences of the Babies in Mind programme were positive and there were improvements in their mental health and relationships to their infants. A relationship model for mothers was developed based on the themes that emerged from the data analysis. A platform for continued support and discussion was organised via a social media (Whatsapp) support group. Twelve 7guidelines were suggested for the implementation of intervention programmes such as the Babies in Mind programme at the community level.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
- Authors: Naicker, Samantha , Cronje, Johan
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Mother and infant
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/46414 , vital:39590
- Description: The focus of this study is on mothers, motherhood and the Babies in Mind programme as an early intervention strategy for mothers in South Africa. The rate of maternal mental ill health in our country is alarming. Research consistently confirms that maternal mental health directly affects infant and child mental health. One of the major determinants of mental health is mother-infant attachment. Studies have indicated the range of deleterious effects that maternal mental ill-health and mother-infant attachment issues have on offspring from infancy to adulthood. This has implications for the mental health of future generations and society at large. Researchers have called for evidence-based interventions that address maternal mental health and mother-infant attachment, especially in developing countries. South Africa has no national prevention or treatment programme to address these needs. This study investigated the Babies in Mind programme as an early intervention option to address the gap in promoting maternal mental health and mother-infant attachment. A social constructionist, narrative study was employed to meet the objectives of the study. The aim was to explore mothers’ perceptions of the impact of the Babies in Mind programme, with particular reference to their mental health and their relationships to their infants. Focus was placed on understanding the social constructions of motherhood at the community level and how these constructions were reconstructed through the programme. Purposive sampling was employed and focus groups were conducted to collect the relevant data. The data was analysed using thematic analysis. The findings indicated that mothers’ experiences of the Babies in Mind programme were positive and there were improvements in their mental health and relationships to their infants. A relationship model for mothers was developed based on the themes that emerged from the data analysis. A platform for continued support and discussion was organised via a social media (Whatsapp) support group. Twelve 7guidelines were suggested for the implementation of intervention programmes such as the Babies in Mind programme at the community level.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
Narratives of the commuter: experiences of commuting in the Port Elizabeth Northern Areas
- Authors: Lingham, Rochin Shelley
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Commuters -- South Africa --Port Elizbeth , Traffic Safefty -- South Africa --Port Elizabeth
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/46911 , vital:39731
- Description: Transportation is a fundamental element of human existence. As urban areas continue to grow at a rapid speed public transport increasingly takes on the role of providing citizens with access to participate in activities of the city. Research has shown that individual perception of public transport is influenced by passenger response to collective mobility when on board modes of transport. This study aimed to investigate the minibus taxi commuters’ constructions and relevance of their taxi commuting experiences in the Port Elizabeth Northern Areas. Building on existing work it asks: How do commuters in the Northern Areas of Port Elizabeth describe and narrate their taxi commuting experiences? This thesis is interested in the experience of public transport as told by those who make use of the industry. The study focuses on both commuters and drivers and the way they characterize the social experience of commuting in taxis. These individuals provide first-hand experience and insight of the industry. The purpose of this study is to foreground the voices of those who have first-hand experience of dependency on the public transport industry.It is these voices that must be heard and considered in policy formation. The study found simultaneous vulnerabilities exist between taxi drivers and taxi commuters resulting in both groups being held captive by the taxi industry.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
- Authors: Lingham, Rochin Shelley
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Commuters -- South Africa --Port Elizbeth , Traffic Safefty -- South Africa --Port Elizabeth
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/46911 , vital:39731
- Description: Transportation is a fundamental element of human existence. As urban areas continue to grow at a rapid speed public transport increasingly takes on the role of providing citizens with access to participate in activities of the city. Research has shown that individual perception of public transport is influenced by passenger response to collective mobility when on board modes of transport. This study aimed to investigate the minibus taxi commuters’ constructions and relevance of their taxi commuting experiences in the Port Elizabeth Northern Areas. Building on existing work it asks: How do commuters in the Northern Areas of Port Elizabeth describe and narrate their taxi commuting experiences? This thesis is interested in the experience of public transport as told by those who make use of the industry. The study focuses on both commuters and drivers and the way they characterize the social experience of commuting in taxis. These individuals provide first-hand experience and insight of the industry. The purpose of this study is to foreground the voices of those who have first-hand experience of dependency on the public transport industry.It is these voices that must be heard and considered in policy formation. The study found simultaneous vulnerabilities exist between taxi drivers and taxi commuters resulting in both groups being held captive by the taxi industry.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
National Wool Growers Association programme for communal farmers in Amahlathi local Municipality
- Authors: Yeki, Precious Nomantande
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Farmers -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Wool industry – South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/50676 , vital:42331
- Description: By 2030, the majority of the world's population will live in urban areas and the farming populations we see today will be less. For the foreseeable future, meeting the needs of the future means confronting the problems that small farmers face in their daily struggle. The South African experience in relation to the agricultural sector is still principally dualistic, comprising of the large-scale commercial farming dominated by white farmers as well as small-scale sectors dominated by black farmers and this is distinctive in the local context of writings on agricultural and rural development. As a result, the government has adopted various approaches to promote Transformation in the sector, with mixed results. The well-known are the agricultural development programmes and black farmer empowerment programmes which also include land reform. This paper reviews one of the agricultural development programmes which seek to empower small holder farmers. The study assesses the impact of the National Wool Growers Association (NWGA) Wool Programme on the communal farmers productivity and agricultural income in Amahlathi Local Municipality. The NWGA has been the custodian for transformation and it has been a good vehicle to represent all wool producers in South Africa. The research discovered that the programme has a positive influence on productivity and agricultural income, yet there is a room for improvement both for the NWGA and the government. It was highlighted that the programme offers extension services, infrastructure for shearing shed, wool and carcass competition, shearing training to both shearers and wool farmers. The study also found that women and youth need to be included, in the programme.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
- Authors: Yeki, Precious Nomantande
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Farmers -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Wool industry – South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/50676 , vital:42331
- Description: By 2030, the majority of the world's population will live in urban areas and the farming populations we see today will be less. For the foreseeable future, meeting the needs of the future means confronting the problems that small farmers face in their daily struggle. The South African experience in relation to the agricultural sector is still principally dualistic, comprising of the large-scale commercial farming dominated by white farmers as well as small-scale sectors dominated by black farmers and this is distinctive in the local context of writings on agricultural and rural development. As a result, the government has adopted various approaches to promote Transformation in the sector, with mixed results. The well-known are the agricultural development programmes and black farmer empowerment programmes which also include land reform. This paper reviews one of the agricultural development programmes which seek to empower small holder farmers. The study assesses the impact of the National Wool Growers Association (NWGA) Wool Programme on the communal farmers productivity and agricultural income in Amahlathi Local Municipality. The NWGA has been the custodian for transformation and it has been a good vehicle to represent all wool producers in South Africa. The research discovered that the programme has a positive influence on productivity and agricultural income, yet there is a room for improvement both for the NWGA and the government. It was highlighted that the programme offers extension services, infrastructure for shearing shed, wool and carcass competition, shearing training to both shearers and wool farmers. The study also found that women and youth need to be included, in the programme.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
Noise pollution at sea
- Authors: Karomo, Adelaide Aquiline
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Marine pollution
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , LLM
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/48091 , vital:40470
- Description: Marine species heavily rely on sound to perform day to day functions and, since the advent of industrialisation, anthropogenic noise in the marine environment has been on the increase and is expected to increase further as countries continue to develop. The impacts of anthropogenic noise on marine species have been deeply scrutinised especially by the international community and it has been established that this humaninduced noise at sea must be reduced to conserve marine biodiversity. A background of the major contributors to anthropogenic noise is discussed, as well as the international instruments regulating them. For instance the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (hereinafter referred to as “the UNCLOS”),1 is discussed because it is the primary instrument regulating activities at sea and the protection of the marine environment and the species therein. South Africa has ratified the UNCLOS and is under a legal obligation to comply with its provisions by implementing them into domestic rules and regulations. Furthermore, the applicable global and regional instruments dealing with marine environmental protection from anthropogenic noise are weighed against the national South African legislation and this assessment serves the purpose of ascertaining the extent to which South Africa has complied with its international law obligation. The dissertation goes a step further by identifying and assessing the efforts made by foreign jurisdictions, specifically Australia, Greenland, the United Kingdom and the United States of America. This determination is meant to determine whether there are lessons South Africa can learn, if any, from these jurisdictions in order to improve its current marine environmental protection legislation in fulfilment of international law. The dissertation also shows that there is need to improve the South African environmental protection legislation by taking into account some of the developments made by international organisations, such as the International Maritime Organisation (hereinafter referred to as “the IMO”) and by foreign jurisdictions. These improvements to South African legislation would comprise of adopting activity-specific regulations, such as the IMO’s guidelines on minimising noise emitted by commercial shipping vessels and the United Kingdom’s Joint Nature Conservation Committee (hereinafter referred to as the “JNCC”) guidelines on seismic surveys. The regulations adopted by the international community are especially essential to fill the gap as far as the South African regulation of noise emitted by offshore renewable energy processes and naval operations are concerned.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
- Authors: Karomo, Adelaide Aquiline
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Marine pollution
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , LLM
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/48091 , vital:40470
- Description: Marine species heavily rely on sound to perform day to day functions and, since the advent of industrialisation, anthropogenic noise in the marine environment has been on the increase and is expected to increase further as countries continue to develop. The impacts of anthropogenic noise on marine species have been deeply scrutinised especially by the international community and it has been established that this humaninduced noise at sea must be reduced to conserve marine biodiversity. A background of the major contributors to anthropogenic noise is discussed, as well as the international instruments regulating them. For instance the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (hereinafter referred to as “the UNCLOS”),1 is discussed because it is the primary instrument regulating activities at sea and the protection of the marine environment and the species therein. South Africa has ratified the UNCLOS and is under a legal obligation to comply with its provisions by implementing them into domestic rules and regulations. Furthermore, the applicable global and regional instruments dealing with marine environmental protection from anthropogenic noise are weighed against the national South African legislation and this assessment serves the purpose of ascertaining the extent to which South Africa has complied with its international law obligation. The dissertation goes a step further by identifying and assessing the efforts made by foreign jurisdictions, specifically Australia, Greenland, the United Kingdom and the United States of America. This determination is meant to determine whether there are lessons South Africa can learn, if any, from these jurisdictions in order to improve its current marine environmental protection legislation in fulfilment of international law. The dissertation also shows that there is need to improve the South African environmental protection legislation by taking into account some of the developments made by international organisations, such as the International Maritime Organisation (hereinafter referred to as “the IMO”) and by foreign jurisdictions. These improvements to South African legislation would comprise of adopting activity-specific regulations, such as the IMO’s guidelines on minimising noise emitted by commercial shipping vessels and the United Kingdom’s Joint Nature Conservation Committee (hereinafter referred to as the “JNCC”) guidelines on seismic surveys. The regulations adopted by the international community are especially essential to fill the gap as far as the South African regulation of noise emitted by offshore renewable energy processes and naval operations are concerned.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
Non-standard employment in terms of the labour relations act
- Authors: Tatchell, Veronique
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Labor laws and legislation -- South Africa , South Africa -- Labour Relations Act, 1995 , Flexible work arrangements -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , LLM
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/49027 , vital:41594
- Description: Historically, employers utilised non-standard or atypical forms of employment in order to avoid statutory obligations in respect of these employees, and in turn justify differential treatment of said employees.1 As a result, non-standard employees were not on the same footing as their permanent counterparts. They were not remunerated on the same level, were not privy to advancement and training opportunities, and did not enjoy a sense of job security due to the ease at which their employment could be terminated, rendering them a vulnerable class of workers.2 There was pandemonium in the employment sphere of society due to the abusive practices faced by employees employed in terms of Temporary Employment Services, this was accompanied by a call to ban labour broking. The legislature, while acknowledging the important role that this form of employment plays in the labour market and broader economy, opted for increased regulation of this and other types of non-standard employment; instead of an outright ban. As a result thereof, the Labour Relations Act3 was amended by the Labour Relations Amendment Act,4 with a view of improving the regulation and protection of employees engaged in these forms of non-standard or atypical employment. This study seeks to determine whether the amendments have achieved the purpose of enhancing the job security of these employees.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
- Authors: Tatchell, Veronique
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Labor laws and legislation -- South Africa , South Africa -- Labour Relations Act, 1995 , Flexible work arrangements -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , LLM
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/49027 , vital:41594
- Description: Historically, employers utilised non-standard or atypical forms of employment in order to avoid statutory obligations in respect of these employees, and in turn justify differential treatment of said employees.1 As a result, non-standard employees were not on the same footing as their permanent counterparts. They were not remunerated on the same level, were not privy to advancement and training opportunities, and did not enjoy a sense of job security due to the ease at which their employment could be terminated, rendering them a vulnerable class of workers.2 There was pandemonium in the employment sphere of society due to the abusive practices faced by employees employed in terms of Temporary Employment Services, this was accompanied by a call to ban labour broking. The legislature, while acknowledging the important role that this form of employment plays in the labour market and broader economy, opted for increased regulation of this and other types of non-standard employment; instead of an outright ban. As a result thereof, the Labour Relations Act3 was amended by the Labour Relations Amendment Act,4 with a view of improving the regulation and protection of employees engaged in these forms of non-standard or atypical employment. This study seeks to determine whether the amendments have achieved the purpose of enhancing the job security of these employees.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
Occurrence of early stage fishes associated with Anaulus australis in a temperate South African surf zone, with notes on feeding ecology and incidental microplastic consumption in a dominant species
- Authors: McGregor, Steven
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Estuarine fishes -- Ecology
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/48489 , vital:40881
- Description: Surf zones are important fish nursery areas, however, microhabitats and threats to fishes within them remain understudied. Diatom accumulations in surf zones are a worldwide phenomenon on certain beach types and discolour the water, offering refuge from visual predators and feeding opportunities for fishes, thus providing a microhabitat for early stage fishes. Surf diatom accumulations require long lasting rip current-entrained gyres to occur, which also entrap buoyant microplastics. These microplastics may then be consumed by filter feeding fishes such as the Southern mullet Chelon richardsonii. This work aimed to assess the extent of association of early stage fishes with diatom Anaulus australis accumulations and the feeding ecology and incidence of microplastic ingestion in the commercially important and dominant surf zone mugilid C. richardsonii. Early stage fishes were sampled within and outside of A. australis accumulations in the Sundays Beach surf zone on the southeast coast of South Africa, using a 4.5 x 1.5 m modified larval seine net with 500 µm mesh. Later developmental stage C. richardsonii were captured using a cast net. A total of 338 replicate larval fish seine hauls were done, capturing 1074 fishes including 33 taxa from 19 families. To assess ontogenetic shifts in diet of the dominant species C. richardsonii, stomach contents of 150 fish were categorised and assessed by prey abundance, frequency of occurrence, volume, index of relative importance and dietary niche breadth and compared across all developmental stages, excluding flexion and preflexion. Dominant families of early stage fishes were Sparidae, Soleidae, Mugilidae and Clupeidae that comprised 93 % of the catch, with dominant species including Heteromycteris capensis, Rhabdosargus holubi, Solea turbynei, Diplodus capensis and Chelon richardsonii. Species diversity and catch per unit effort (CPUE) were significantly higher within accumulations compared to outside, as was the CPUE of postflexion larvae and early juveniles. Generalized Linear Models showed that temperature, dissolved oxygen (mg l-1 ), turbidity and A. australis biomass (µg Chl a l -1 ) were the most significant factors affecting the overall CPUE and that of dominant species. It was suggested that after reaching the postflexion stage of development, fishes utilise diatom accumulations opportunistically when and where they are present. A diet study of the dominant species showed an ontogenetic dietary shift in C. richardsonii using A. australis accumulations as a feeding area, with postflexion larvae feeding mostly on copepods and microplastic fibres, while later developmental stages consumed predominantly A. australis cells and sand. Microplastic fibres were present in 40 % of fish sampled and microplastic fragments in 5 %, with both types found in all developmental stages assessed. It was suggested that C. richardsonii were unable to distinguish microplastics from their natural prey and incidentally ingested them. This presents a conservation concern, because chemicals associated with microplastics could bioaccumulate and biomagnify up the food chain if key baitfish species such as C. richardsonii are ingesting plastic. This study was the first to assess the association of early stage fishes with surf diatom accumulations, and the first to record microplastic ingestion in C. richardsonii. Understanding the function of microhabitats for early stage fishes and threats within them is needed to understand the life history strategies and survival of fishes in key coastal nursery and feeding areas.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
- Authors: McGregor, Steven
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Estuarine fishes -- Ecology
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/48489 , vital:40881
- Description: Surf zones are important fish nursery areas, however, microhabitats and threats to fishes within them remain understudied. Diatom accumulations in surf zones are a worldwide phenomenon on certain beach types and discolour the water, offering refuge from visual predators and feeding opportunities for fishes, thus providing a microhabitat for early stage fishes. Surf diatom accumulations require long lasting rip current-entrained gyres to occur, which also entrap buoyant microplastics. These microplastics may then be consumed by filter feeding fishes such as the Southern mullet Chelon richardsonii. This work aimed to assess the extent of association of early stage fishes with diatom Anaulus australis accumulations and the feeding ecology and incidence of microplastic ingestion in the commercially important and dominant surf zone mugilid C. richardsonii. Early stage fishes were sampled within and outside of A. australis accumulations in the Sundays Beach surf zone on the southeast coast of South Africa, using a 4.5 x 1.5 m modified larval seine net with 500 µm mesh. Later developmental stage C. richardsonii were captured using a cast net. A total of 338 replicate larval fish seine hauls were done, capturing 1074 fishes including 33 taxa from 19 families. To assess ontogenetic shifts in diet of the dominant species C. richardsonii, stomach contents of 150 fish were categorised and assessed by prey abundance, frequency of occurrence, volume, index of relative importance and dietary niche breadth and compared across all developmental stages, excluding flexion and preflexion. Dominant families of early stage fishes were Sparidae, Soleidae, Mugilidae and Clupeidae that comprised 93 % of the catch, with dominant species including Heteromycteris capensis, Rhabdosargus holubi, Solea turbynei, Diplodus capensis and Chelon richardsonii. Species diversity and catch per unit effort (CPUE) were significantly higher within accumulations compared to outside, as was the CPUE of postflexion larvae and early juveniles. Generalized Linear Models showed that temperature, dissolved oxygen (mg l-1 ), turbidity and A. australis biomass (µg Chl a l -1 ) were the most significant factors affecting the overall CPUE and that of dominant species. It was suggested that after reaching the postflexion stage of development, fishes utilise diatom accumulations opportunistically when and where they are present. A diet study of the dominant species showed an ontogenetic dietary shift in C. richardsonii using A. australis accumulations as a feeding area, with postflexion larvae feeding mostly on copepods and microplastic fibres, while later developmental stages consumed predominantly A. australis cells and sand. Microplastic fibres were present in 40 % of fish sampled and microplastic fragments in 5 %, with both types found in all developmental stages assessed. It was suggested that C. richardsonii were unable to distinguish microplastics from their natural prey and incidentally ingested them. This presents a conservation concern, because chemicals associated with microplastics could bioaccumulate and biomagnify up the food chain if key baitfish species such as C. richardsonii are ingesting plastic. This study was the first to assess the association of early stage fishes with surf diatom accumulations, and the first to record microplastic ingestion in C. richardsonii. Understanding the function of microhabitats for early stage fishes and threats within them is needed to understand the life history strategies and survival of fishes in key coastal nursery and feeding areas.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020