Student teacher's experiences of teaching mathematics using isiXhosa in foundation phase classrooms during teaching practice
- Bangiso, Innocentia Queen Zintle
- Authors: Bangiso, Innocentia Queen Zintle
- Date: 2024-12
- Subjects: Mathematics -- Study and teaching , Native language and education -- Africa , African languages -- Study and teaching
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/68297 , vital:76972
- Description: In South Africa, learning in the Foundation Phase happens in a child’s home language, thus all eleven official languages, nine of them being African languages, must and are used as languages of teaching and learning in this phase. Teacher training, however, does not happen in all eleven official languages. The dominant language of training teachers across the country is English, even in classroom contexts where the language of learning and teaching may be an African language. This raises concerns about whether student teachers trained in English can translate mathematics content knowledge into an African language. This is particularly concerning given the country’s consistent underperformance in mathematics and literacy. Against this backdrop, this qualitative study aimed to explore Foundation Phase student teachers’ perspectives on their experiences of teaching mathematics using isiXhosa during teaching practice. The question that this study sought to answer was: what are student teachers’ perspectives on their experiences of teaching mathematics in isiXhosa during teaching practice? Drawing upon classroom observations and semi-structured individual interviews as the primary methods of data collection, the study explored the mediation of mathematics learning using isiXhosa, the pedagogical challenges encountered by student teachers, the strategies employed to address these challenges, and the influence of university training on their preparation. Findings reveal a significant discrepancy between the language of instruction used in university training which is English, and the language required for teaching practice which is isiXhosa. Student teachers expressed struggles in translating theoretical knowledge into practical application, leading to diminished confidence and pedagogical inefficacy. However, participants also demonstrated resilience through innovative strategies such as code-switching, visual aids, and collaborative learning approaches. The study highlights the urgent need for comprehensive language support and pedagogical training programmes to bridge the gap between theory and practice in isiXhosa-medium mathematics instruction. Recommendations are provided for educational institutions, especially the case study university, to enhance the preparation of student teachers and promote effective mathematics education in multilingual contexts. , Thesis (MEd) -- Faculty of Education, School of Primary School Education: Foundation Phase, 2024
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2024-12
- Authors: Bangiso, Innocentia Queen Zintle
- Date: 2024-12
- Subjects: Mathematics -- Study and teaching , Native language and education -- Africa , African languages -- Study and teaching
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/68297 , vital:76972
- Description: In South Africa, learning in the Foundation Phase happens in a child’s home language, thus all eleven official languages, nine of them being African languages, must and are used as languages of teaching and learning in this phase. Teacher training, however, does not happen in all eleven official languages. The dominant language of training teachers across the country is English, even in classroom contexts where the language of learning and teaching may be an African language. This raises concerns about whether student teachers trained in English can translate mathematics content knowledge into an African language. This is particularly concerning given the country’s consistent underperformance in mathematics and literacy. Against this backdrop, this qualitative study aimed to explore Foundation Phase student teachers’ perspectives on their experiences of teaching mathematics using isiXhosa during teaching practice. The question that this study sought to answer was: what are student teachers’ perspectives on their experiences of teaching mathematics in isiXhosa during teaching practice? Drawing upon classroom observations and semi-structured individual interviews as the primary methods of data collection, the study explored the mediation of mathematics learning using isiXhosa, the pedagogical challenges encountered by student teachers, the strategies employed to address these challenges, and the influence of university training on their preparation. Findings reveal a significant discrepancy between the language of instruction used in university training which is English, and the language required for teaching practice which is isiXhosa. Student teachers expressed struggles in translating theoretical knowledge into practical application, leading to diminished confidence and pedagogical inefficacy. However, participants also demonstrated resilience through innovative strategies such as code-switching, visual aids, and collaborative learning approaches. The study highlights the urgent need for comprehensive language support and pedagogical training programmes to bridge the gap between theory and practice in isiXhosa-medium mathematics instruction. Recommendations are provided for educational institutions, especially the case study university, to enhance the preparation of student teachers and promote effective mathematics education in multilingual contexts. , Thesis (MEd) -- Faculty of Education, School of Primary School Education: Foundation Phase, 2024
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2024-12
Studies on soil acidity management strategies for sustainable agriculture
- Authors: Swart, Nicolas
- Date: 2024-12
- Subjects: Soil acidity , Soil fertility , Sustainable agriculture
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/69475 , vital:77260
- Description: Soil acidity is a widespread problem which reduces plant growth and yield. There are calls for alternative crop and soil management strategies that can be used by farmers to deal with soil acidification in a sustainable manner. Current literature suggests that the benefits of sustainable soil management systems on soil acidity are highly variable, and within the context of conservation agriculture (CA), farmers need recommendations for techniques to improve liming efficiency. Such techniques include acid resistant cultivars and soil amendments such as biochar. However, dedicated scientific research is still needed to increase our understanding of the benefits of integrating various sustainable agriculture approaches on reducing the acidity on cropped lands. A series of experiments were thus conducted to test whether the integration of reduced lime dosages with organic amendments such as biochar, along with acid resistant wheat cultivars could improve nutrient availability and reduce the harms of acidity on plant roots. It was hypothesised that if lower than recommended doses of lime are applied in combination with biochar and acid resistant cultivars, there will be significant improvement of nutrient availability, soil acidity amelioration benefits and crop growth. The first experiment was a 60–day incubation trial to examine the interaction effects of reduced lime application rates and black wattle (Acacia mearnsii) biochar on the acidity and plant nutrient availability of a sandy clay loam, acidic podzolic soil. The changes in pH water (pHw) across treatments were monitored at 10-day intervals over the incubation period. Additionally, the initial and final status of each treatment in terms of essential macro-and micronutrients, pH(KCl), extractable aluminium (ext Al), exchangeable acidity (EA) and acid saturation (AS) were also measured. The second experiment examined the genotype × biochar × lime interaction effects on wheat plant root growth in the acid soil. Soil incubation results showed that the interaction effect of lime rate and biochar was not significant (p>0.05) for any of the tested soil nutrient availability and soil acidity parameters, except for pHw. However, lime rate effects were significant (p<0.05) on AS, EA, pH(KCl) and ext Al. As lime rate increased, the acidity decreased. Increasing the lime application rate significantly (p<0.05) enhanced the cation exchange capacity (CEC), calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg) and phosphorous (P), but decreased potassium (K) and sulphur (S). The availability of micro-nutrients namely copper (Cu), iron (Fe), manganese (Mn) and zinc (Zn) also decreased as the lime rate increased. Biochar effects on EA, AS, pH(KCl) and ext Al were not significant (p>0.05). However, the biochar significantly reduced the availability of Ca and Mn but did not have a significant effecton all the other nutrients at the tested application rates. Unenriched biochar at 10 t ha-1 had an acidifying effect on the soil as it increased EA, when compared to enriched biochar. The significant (p <0.05) biochar × lime × time interaction effect on pHw showed that biochar applied without lime increased pHw, and the benefits were greatest at 10 t ha-1 biochar application rate. Similarly, lime applied without biochar also had a significant positive effect on pHw and the benefit increased at higher lime application rates. After 60 days of incubation, the lime applied at the highest rate of 5 t ha-1 without biochar (0 t ha-1 biochar) had the highest final pHw value. The 3-way interaction of lime, biochar and genotype was not significant (p>0.05). Koonap, the acid tolerant wheat variety outperformed the sensitive variety, Gariep under all treatments in the acid soil, as expected. There was, however, a significant (p<0.05) lime rate × biochar interaction. The highest application rates of lime (5 t ha-1) and biochar (10 t ha-1) were the best combination for root length for both the varieties. Overall, these results suggested a possible buffering effect of biochar at low lime application rates, thus limited benefits of combining reduced lime doses with biochar on reducing soil acidity or enhancing nutrient availability. The null hypothesis was thus rejected, and it was concluded that co-application of reduced lime rates and biochar will not significantly enhance benefits of liming. However, a positive interaction from co-application of biochar and lime on both pH and plant growth is possible at high application rates of both biochar and lime. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, School of Natural Resource Science and Management, 2024
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2024-12
- Authors: Swart, Nicolas
- Date: 2024-12
- Subjects: Soil acidity , Soil fertility , Sustainable agriculture
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/69475 , vital:77260
- Description: Soil acidity is a widespread problem which reduces plant growth and yield. There are calls for alternative crop and soil management strategies that can be used by farmers to deal with soil acidification in a sustainable manner. Current literature suggests that the benefits of sustainable soil management systems on soil acidity are highly variable, and within the context of conservation agriculture (CA), farmers need recommendations for techniques to improve liming efficiency. Such techniques include acid resistant cultivars and soil amendments such as biochar. However, dedicated scientific research is still needed to increase our understanding of the benefits of integrating various sustainable agriculture approaches on reducing the acidity on cropped lands. A series of experiments were thus conducted to test whether the integration of reduced lime dosages with organic amendments such as biochar, along with acid resistant wheat cultivars could improve nutrient availability and reduce the harms of acidity on plant roots. It was hypothesised that if lower than recommended doses of lime are applied in combination with biochar and acid resistant cultivars, there will be significant improvement of nutrient availability, soil acidity amelioration benefits and crop growth. The first experiment was a 60–day incubation trial to examine the interaction effects of reduced lime application rates and black wattle (Acacia mearnsii) biochar on the acidity and plant nutrient availability of a sandy clay loam, acidic podzolic soil. The changes in pH water (pHw) across treatments were monitored at 10-day intervals over the incubation period. Additionally, the initial and final status of each treatment in terms of essential macro-and micronutrients, pH(KCl), extractable aluminium (ext Al), exchangeable acidity (EA) and acid saturation (AS) were also measured. The second experiment examined the genotype × biochar × lime interaction effects on wheat plant root growth in the acid soil. Soil incubation results showed that the interaction effect of lime rate and biochar was not significant (p>0.05) for any of the tested soil nutrient availability and soil acidity parameters, except for pHw. However, lime rate effects were significant (p<0.05) on AS, EA, pH(KCl) and ext Al. As lime rate increased, the acidity decreased. Increasing the lime application rate significantly (p<0.05) enhanced the cation exchange capacity (CEC), calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg) and phosphorous (P), but decreased potassium (K) and sulphur (S). The availability of micro-nutrients namely copper (Cu), iron (Fe), manganese (Mn) and zinc (Zn) also decreased as the lime rate increased. Biochar effects on EA, AS, pH(KCl) and ext Al were not significant (p>0.05). However, the biochar significantly reduced the availability of Ca and Mn but did not have a significant effecton all the other nutrients at the tested application rates. Unenriched biochar at 10 t ha-1 had an acidifying effect on the soil as it increased EA, when compared to enriched biochar. The significant (p <0.05) biochar × lime × time interaction effect on pHw showed that biochar applied without lime increased pHw, and the benefits were greatest at 10 t ha-1 biochar application rate. Similarly, lime applied without biochar also had a significant positive effect on pHw and the benefit increased at higher lime application rates. After 60 days of incubation, the lime applied at the highest rate of 5 t ha-1 without biochar (0 t ha-1 biochar) had the highest final pHw value. The 3-way interaction of lime, biochar and genotype was not significant (p>0.05). Koonap, the acid tolerant wheat variety outperformed the sensitive variety, Gariep under all treatments in the acid soil, as expected. There was, however, a significant (p<0.05) lime rate × biochar interaction. The highest application rates of lime (5 t ha-1) and biochar (10 t ha-1) were the best combination for root length for both the varieties. Overall, these results suggested a possible buffering effect of biochar at low lime application rates, thus limited benefits of combining reduced lime doses with biochar on reducing soil acidity or enhancing nutrient availability. The null hypothesis was thus rejected, and it was concluded that co-application of reduced lime rates and biochar will not significantly enhance benefits of liming. However, a positive interaction from co-application of biochar and lime on both pH and plant growth is possible at high application rates of both biochar and lime. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, School of Natural Resource Science and Management, 2024
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2024-12
Supramolecular chemistry considerations of fluorenyl-derived host compounds
- Authors: McFarlane, Duncan William
- Date: 2024-12
- Subjects: Supramolecular chemistry , Organic compounds , Chemistry, Organic
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/69371 , vital:77227
- Description: This work examined various supramolecular aspects of 9-fluorenone-derived host compounds, namely 4,4’-(9-fluorenylidene)diphenol (H1), 9,9-(1,4-phenylene)bis(fluoren-9-ol) (H2), 9,9- (ethyne-1,2-diyl)bis(fluoren-9-ol) (H3) and 9,9-(biphenyl-4,4-diyl)bis(fluoren-9-ol) (H4). These compounds were successfully synthesized and then screened for their host ability for, and host behaviour in, various organic compounds. At the outset, molecular modelling calculations were carried out on each of the four host compounds. Various structural parameters and the geometries of the low energy conformers that were calculated were then compared with these aspects of the guest-free host molecules obtained from single crystal X-ray diffraction (SCXRD) analysis. The host behaviour of H1 was, furthermore, assessed in the presence of four alkylnitriles, namely acetonitrile (ACE), acrylonitrile (ACRY), propionitrile (PROP) and butyronitrile (BUT). All four guests complexed with H1 with 1:1 host:guest (H:G) ratios. From SCXRD analyses, each of the complexes crystallized in the monoclinic crystal system and the centrosymmetric space group P21/n, and the host packing was isostructural in each instance. The complexes were stabilized by a plethora of short inter- and intramolecular contacts. The thermal stabilities of the four complexes were also examined together with Hirshfeld surface considerations. Finally, lattice energy calculations were carried out and the results of these compared with the relative thermal stabilities of the four complexes. The compounds H2 and H3 were examined for their selectivity behaviour in mixtures of aniline, N-methylaniline and N,N’-dimethylaniline (ANI, NMA and DMA). Both host compounds were able to form complexes with ANI and DMA with various H:G ratios, while only H3 possessed enclathration ability for NMA (H:G 1:1). SCXRD analyses showed that all of the complexes were stabilized by means of classical (host)O‒H···N(guest) hydrogen bonds in addition to other short contacts. Equimolar binary guest competition experiments with H2 revealed an extremely high host selectivity for DMA (ANI/DMA and DMA/NMA experiments furnished crystals with > 91% DMA), while the experiment with all three anilines present also resulted in a complex with an , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, School of Biomolecular & Chemical Sciences, 2024
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2024-12
- Authors: McFarlane, Duncan William
- Date: 2024-12
- Subjects: Supramolecular chemistry , Organic compounds , Chemistry, Organic
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/69371 , vital:77227
- Description: This work examined various supramolecular aspects of 9-fluorenone-derived host compounds, namely 4,4’-(9-fluorenylidene)diphenol (H1), 9,9-(1,4-phenylene)bis(fluoren-9-ol) (H2), 9,9- (ethyne-1,2-diyl)bis(fluoren-9-ol) (H3) and 9,9-(biphenyl-4,4-diyl)bis(fluoren-9-ol) (H4). These compounds were successfully synthesized and then screened for their host ability for, and host behaviour in, various organic compounds. At the outset, molecular modelling calculations were carried out on each of the four host compounds. Various structural parameters and the geometries of the low energy conformers that were calculated were then compared with these aspects of the guest-free host molecules obtained from single crystal X-ray diffraction (SCXRD) analysis. The host behaviour of H1 was, furthermore, assessed in the presence of four alkylnitriles, namely acetonitrile (ACE), acrylonitrile (ACRY), propionitrile (PROP) and butyronitrile (BUT). All four guests complexed with H1 with 1:1 host:guest (H:G) ratios. From SCXRD analyses, each of the complexes crystallized in the monoclinic crystal system and the centrosymmetric space group P21/n, and the host packing was isostructural in each instance. The complexes were stabilized by a plethora of short inter- and intramolecular contacts. The thermal stabilities of the four complexes were also examined together with Hirshfeld surface considerations. Finally, lattice energy calculations were carried out and the results of these compared with the relative thermal stabilities of the four complexes. The compounds H2 and H3 were examined for their selectivity behaviour in mixtures of aniline, N-methylaniline and N,N’-dimethylaniline (ANI, NMA and DMA). Both host compounds were able to form complexes with ANI and DMA with various H:G ratios, while only H3 possessed enclathration ability for NMA (H:G 1:1). SCXRD analyses showed that all of the complexes were stabilized by means of classical (host)O‒H···N(guest) hydrogen bonds in addition to other short contacts. Equimolar binary guest competition experiments with H2 revealed an extremely high host selectivity for DMA (ANI/DMA and DMA/NMA experiments furnished crystals with > 91% DMA), while the experiment with all three anilines present also resulted in a complex with an , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, School of Biomolecular & Chemical Sciences, 2024
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2024-12
Synthesis of two tartaric acid-derived host compounds and their behaviour in mixed pyridines and mixed heterocyclic guest compounds
- Authors: Recchia, Daniella Loridana
- Date: 2024-12
- Subjects: Compounds -- guest/host , Chemistry, Organic , Chemistry
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/69441 , vital:77256
- Description: The host compounds (4R,5R)-bis(diphenylhydroxymethyl)-2-spiro-1’-cyclopentane-1,3-dioxolane (TADDOL5) and (4R,5R)-bis(diphenylhydroxymethyl)-2-spiro-1’-cyclohexane-1,3-dioxolane (TADDOL6) were successfully synthesized after initially reacting diethyl tartrate with either 1,1-dimethoxycyclopentane or 1,1-dimethoxycyclohexane to afford the intermediates diethyl 2-spiro-1’-cyclopentane-1,3-dioxolan-4,5-dicarboxylate or diethyl 2-spiro-1’-cyclohexane-1,3-dioxolan-4,5-dicarboxylate. These were then each subjected to a Grignard addition reaction with PhMgBr to furnish TADDOL5 and TADDOL6 in reasonably high yields (77 and 80%, respectively). Computational calculations were performed on TADDOL5 and TADDOL6 using the software programs Avogadro and ORCA. The optimised geometries of these host molecules were obtained using the MMFF94 force field in Avogadro, while ORCA was used to perform the computational modelling at the BLYP level using the 6-31G*, 6-31G**, 6-311G* and 6-311G** basis sets and, also, the B3LYP functional (with the same basis sets) to obtain the three lowest energy conformers. The final geometries of each conformer for both TADDOL5 and TADDOL6 at the B3LYP 6-311G* level were overlaid with the molecules obtained from their crystal structures. Significantly different geometries were thus noted for the calculated conformers compared with the guest-free TADDOL5 and TADDOL6 structures obtained from the SCXRD experiments. When TADDOL5 was crystallized independently from each of PYR, 2MP, 3MP and 4MP, 1:1 H:G inclusion complexes formed in each instance. This host compound was then investigated for its host separation ability of mixed pyridines through supramolecular chemistry protocols. These mixed guest experiments revealed that TADDOL5 possessed a notable selectivity towards 3MP and PYR (in the absence of 3MP) followed by 4MP and 2MP, and it was shown that TADDOL5 is a suitable host candidate for the separation of many of the mixed pyridines employed here. The results of the SCXRD analyses indicated that the only significant (host)π···π(guest) stacking interaction present was between TADDOL5 and the most favoured guest species PYR and 3MP. Furthermore, significantly shorter (host)O‒H···N(guest) hydrogen bonds were also observed in the complexes formed between this host compound and 3MP and PYR compared with these bonds involving disfavoured 4MP and 2MP. Hirshfeld surface considerations provided an explanation for the affinity of TADDOL5 for PYR (but not 3MP), while thermal analyses successfully explained this affinity: the 3MP-containing complex with the most preferred guest species was the most thermally stable one, followed by TADDOL5·PYR, as obtained through a consideration of the Ton values (the temperature at which the guest release event initiated) of the four complexes. As with TADDOL5, TADDOL6 formed 1:1 H:G inclusion compounds with each of the four pyridines. TADDOL6 was, furthermore, also assessed for its separation ability for mixed pyridines, and these guest competition experiments showed that the selectivity of TADDOL6 was for PYR and 3MP (in the absence of PYR), followed by 4MP and 2MP. (Interestingly, TADDOL5 preferred 3MP and then PYR, while both host compounds disfavoured 4MP and 2MP.) The results obtained in this work indicated that TADDOL6 may also serve as an efficient host candidate for the separation of many of these pyridyl solutions. SCXRD experiments demonstrated that the only significant (host)π···π(guest) stacking interactions were those between TADDOL6 and preferred PYR and 3MP, as was the case for TADDOL5. These experiments also revealed that the strongest (host)O‒H···N(guest) hydrogen bonds were between TADDOL6 and these favoured guest species. A consideration of Hirshfeld surfaces and quantification of the (guest)N···H(host) intermolecular interactions correlated with the host selectivity order, as did thermal analyses, where the Ton values confirmed that the thermal stabilities of these complexes decreased in the guest order PYR > 3MP > 4MP > 2MP. The behaviour of TADDOL5 was further investigated in guest compounds DIO, PYR, PIP and MOR. Each guest solvent formed 1:1 H:G inclusion complexes with the host species, with the exception of DIO, which formed a 2:1 H:G complex. Mixed guest experiments revealed a clear preference for PIP and MOR, while PYR and DIO were less favoured. The host selectivity was demonstrated to be in the order PIP > MOR > PYR > DIO. SCXRD experiments showed that TADDOL5 formed a much shorter (and more linear) (host)O‒H···N(guest) hydrogen bond with the most favoured guest, PIP, compared to those involving MOR and PYR. A (host)O‒H···O(guest) hydrogen bond was also observed in the DIO-containing inclusion complex. A consideration of the Hirshfeld surface interactions was not useful in explaining the host selectivity order for these heterocyclic guests, but thermal analyses confirmed that the most stable complex was the one with favoured PIP, followed by those with PYR, MOR and DIO. TADDOL6, on the other hand, formed 1:1 H:G inclusion compounds with all four of the heterocyclic guest solvents. Experiments in mixed guests showed that the selectivity of this host compound for these guests was in the order PYR > PIP > MOR > DIO, which differed from the TADDOL5 (which favoured PIP and then MOR). Interestingly, the strongest classical hydrogen bond was not formed with the most favoured guest PYR, but with PIP instead (this bond with TADDOL5 was also strongest with PIP, but PIP was favoured in that work). Hirshfeld surface investigations again were not useful in understanding the host selectivity behaviour. However, thermal analyses agreed with the observations made in the mixed guest experiments: the most stable complex was with PYR (favoured) and the least stable one was with DIO (least preferred). , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, School of Biomolecular & Chemical Sciences, 2024
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2024-12
- Authors: Recchia, Daniella Loridana
- Date: 2024-12
- Subjects: Compounds -- guest/host , Chemistry, Organic , Chemistry
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/69441 , vital:77256
- Description: The host compounds (4R,5R)-bis(diphenylhydroxymethyl)-2-spiro-1’-cyclopentane-1,3-dioxolane (TADDOL5) and (4R,5R)-bis(diphenylhydroxymethyl)-2-spiro-1’-cyclohexane-1,3-dioxolane (TADDOL6) were successfully synthesized after initially reacting diethyl tartrate with either 1,1-dimethoxycyclopentane or 1,1-dimethoxycyclohexane to afford the intermediates diethyl 2-spiro-1’-cyclopentane-1,3-dioxolan-4,5-dicarboxylate or diethyl 2-spiro-1’-cyclohexane-1,3-dioxolan-4,5-dicarboxylate. These were then each subjected to a Grignard addition reaction with PhMgBr to furnish TADDOL5 and TADDOL6 in reasonably high yields (77 and 80%, respectively). Computational calculations were performed on TADDOL5 and TADDOL6 using the software programs Avogadro and ORCA. The optimised geometries of these host molecules were obtained using the MMFF94 force field in Avogadro, while ORCA was used to perform the computational modelling at the BLYP level using the 6-31G*, 6-31G**, 6-311G* and 6-311G** basis sets and, also, the B3LYP functional (with the same basis sets) to obtain the three lowest energy conformers. The final geometries of each conformer for both TADDOL5 and TADDOL6 at the B3LYP 6-311G* level were overlaid with the molecules obtained from their crystal structures. Significantly different geometries were thus noted for the calculated conformers compared with the guest-free TADDOL5 and TADDOL6 structures obtained from the SCXRD experiments. When TADDOL5 was crystallized independently from each of PYR, 2MP, 3MP and 4MP, 1:1 H:G inclusion complexes formed in each instance. This host compound was then investigated for its host separation ability of mixed pyridines through supramolecular chemistry protocols. These mixed guest experiments revealed that TADDOL5 possessed a notable selectivity towards 3MP and PYR (in the absence of 3MP) followed by 4MP and 2MP, and it was shown that TADDOL5 is a suitable host candidate for the separation of many of the mixed pyridines employed here. The results of the SCXRD analyses indicated that the only significant (host)π···π(guest) stacking interaction present was between TADDOL5 and the most favoured guest species PYR and 3MP. Furthermore, significantly shorter (host)O‒H···N(guest) hydrogen bonds were also observed in the complexes formed between this host compound and 3MP and PYR compared with these bonds involving disfavoured 4MP and 2MP. Hirshfeld surface considerations provided an explanation for the affinity of TADDOL5 for PYR (but not 3MP), while thermal analyses successfully explained this affinity: the 3MP-containing complex with the most preferred guest species was the most thermally stable one, followed by TADDOL5·PYR, as obtained through a consideration of the Ton values (the temperature at which the guest release event initiated) of the four complexes. As with TADDOL5, TADDOL6 formed 1:1 H:G inclusion compounds with each of the four pyridines. TADDOL6 was, furthermore, also assessed for its separation ability for mixed pyridines, and these guest competition experiments showed that the selectivity of TADDOL6 was for PYR and 3MP (in the absence of PYR), followed by 4MP and 2MP. (Interestingly, TADDOL5 preferred 3MP and then PYR, while both host compounds disfavoured 4MP and 2MP.) The results obtained in this work indicated that TADDOL6 may also serve as an efficient host candidate for the separation of many of these pyridyl solutions. SCXRD experiments demonstrated that the only significant (host)π···π(guest) stacking interactions were those between TADDOL6 and preferred PYR and 3MP, as was the case for TADDOL5. These experiments also revealed that the strongest (host)O‒H···N(guest) hydrogen bonds were between TADDOL6 and these favoured guest species. A consideration of Hirshfeld surfaces and quantification of the (guest)N···H(host) intermolecular interactions correlated with the host selectivity order, as did thermal analyses, where the Ton values confirmed that the thermal stabilities of these complexes decreased in the guest order PYR > 3MP > 4MP > 2MP. The behaviour of TADDOL5 was further investigated in guest compounds DIO, PYR, PIP and MOR. Each guest solvent formed 1:1 H:G inclusion complexes with the host species, with the exception of DIO, which formed a 2:1 H:G complex. Mixed guest experiments revealed a clear preference for PIP and MOR, while PYR and DIO were less favoured. The host selectivity was demonstrated to be in the order PIP > MOR > PYR > DIO. SCXRD experiments showed that TADDOL5 formed a much shorter (and more linear) (host)O‒H···N(guest) hydrogen bond with the most favoured guest, PIP, compared to those involving MOR and PYR. A (host)O‒H···O(guest) hydrogen bond was also observed in the DIO-containing inclusion complex. A consideration of the Hirshfeld surface interactions was not useful in explaining the host selectivity order for these heterocyclic guests, but thermal analyses confirmed that the most stable complex was the one with favoured PIP, followed by those with PYR, MOR and DIO. TADDOL6, on the other hand, formed 1:1 H:G inclusion compounds with all four of the heterocyclic guest solvents. Experiments in mixed guests showed that the selectivity of this host compound for these guests was in the order PYR > PIP > MOR > DIO, which differed from the TADDOL5 (which favoured PIP and then MOR). Interestingly, the strongest classical hydrogen bond was not formed with the most favoured guest PYR, but with PIP instead (this bond with TADDOL5 was also strongest with PIP, but PIP was favoured in that work). Hirshfeld surface investigations again were not useful in understanding the host selectivity behaviour. However, thermal analyses agreed with the observations made in the mixed guest experiments: the most stable complex was with PYR (favoured) and the least stable one was with DIO (least preferred). , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, School of Biomolecular & Chemical Sciences, 2024
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2024-12
Synthesis, X-Ray characterization, spectroscopic and Hirshfeld surface analysis of dimeric metal centers featuring phenacyl-esters
- Authors: Qomfo, Vuyiseka
- Date: 2024-12
- Subjects: Spectrum analysis , Spectroscopic imaging , Diagnostic imaging -- Digital techniques
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/69426 , vital:77254
- Description: In this study, the synthesis and characterization of carboxylate paddlewheel copper complexes were investigated and reported. The complexes consist of O-, and N- donor ligands which coordinated in the apical positions of the copper (II) paddlewheel complexes. The primary focus was the investigation of the influence of the incoming substituents on the structure; more especially with regards to the spectral properties and thermal properties of the synthesized compounds. Synthesized complexes ranged from simple mononuclear complexes and dinuclear dimers to supramolecular 1D networks and a tetranuclear copper (II) compound. Characterization of complexes was done using analytical, and spectroscopic techniques such as single crystal diffraction studies, FT-IR spectroscopy, thermal analysis and Hirshfeld surface analysis. Structural analysis of the mononuclear complex obtained in the reaction of the Cu2(o-CH3-PhCO2)4(THF)2 with the ligand ,2-oxo-phenylethylnicotinate, revealed a square-planar geometry. The series of dinuclear paddlewheel complexes obtained with ligands (L = THF (1), C4H8O (2), C14H11NO3 (3)) revealed a square pyramidal geometry with the methyl-substituted phenyl carboxylate groups bridging the two copper atoms in the syn-syn coordination mode. Extended supramolecular complexes were synthesized via the reaction of three synthesized structurally bifunctional organic ligands and the tetrakis(μ-carboxylato-O,O)dicopper(II) core. Two of the six reactions synthesized successfully to form paddlewheel cage type structures; resulting in dinuclear paddlewheel complexes with four carboxylate ligands occupying the equatorial positions and the bifunctional ligands coordinating in the apical positions. Four of the nine reactions produced mononuclear copper complexes. Due to the inconsistent power supply because of load-shedding, the other three crystals synthesized could not be confirmed by single-crystal diffraction before the submission of this thesis. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, School of Biomolecular & Chemical Sciences, 2024
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2024-12
- Authors: Qomfo, Vuyiseka
- Date: 2024-12
- Subjects: Spectrum analysis , Spectroscopic imaging , Diagnostic imaging -- Digital techniques
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/69426 , vital:77254
- Description: In this study, the synthesis and characterization of carboxylate paddlewheel copper complexes were investigated and reported. The complexes consist of O-, and N- donor ligands which coordinated in the apical positions of the copper (II) paddlewheel complexes. The primary focus was the investigation of the influence of the incoming substituents on the structure; more especially with regards to the spectral properties and thermal properties of the synthesized compounds. Synthesized complexes ranged from simple mononuclear complexes and dinuclear dimers to supramolecular 1D networks and a tetranuclear copper (II) compound. Characterization of complexes was done using analytical, and spectroscopic techniques such as single crystal diffraction studies, FT-IR spectroscopy, thermal analysis and Hirshfeld surface analysis. Structural analysis of the mononuclear complex obtained in the reaction of the Cu2(o-CH3-PhCO2)4(THF)2 with the ligand ,2-oxo-phenylethylnicotinate, revealed a square-planar geometry. The series of dinuclear paddlewheel complexes obtained with ligands (L = THF (1), C4H8O (2), C14H11NO3 (3)) revealed a square pyramidal geometry with the methyl-substituted phenyl carboxylate groups bridging the two copper atoms in the syn-syn coordination mode. Extended supramolecular complexes were synthesized via the reaction of three synthesized structurally bifunctional organic ligands and the tetrakis(μ-carboxylato-O,O)dicopper(II) core. Two of the six reactions synthesized successfully to form paddlewheel cage type structures; resulting in dinuclear paddlewheel complexes with four carboxylate ligands occupying the equatorial positions and the bifunctional ligands coordinating in the apical positions. Four of the nine reactions produced mononuclear copper complexes. Due to the inconsistent power supply because of load-shedding, the other three crystals synthesized could not be confirmed by single-crystal diffraction before the submission of this thesis. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, School of Biomolecular & Chemical Sciences, 2024
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2024-12
The effect of the 2020 to 2021 alcohol ban on alcohol consumption and consumer preferences
- Authors: Dullabh, Curtis
- Date: 2024-12
- Subjects: Drinking customs , Alcoholic beverages , Consumer behavior -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/69565 , vital:77714
- Description: This study examines the effect of the alcohol ban from 2020 to 2021 on consumer preferences and consumption habits. The COVID-19 virus was first detected in China, in 2019. The virus spread rapidly, crippling health care systems across the world. As the disease spread, countries began looking at ways to reduce the strain on the health care system caused by other factors (Gu, 2020). The first case in South Africa was recorded on 5 March 2020. South Africa reacted quickly and decided to implement a hard lockdown on alcohol, 22 days after the first case was recorded (Murhula & Nunlall, 2021). Due to the high number of trauma-related cases, which affected the healthcare system and South Africa’s reputation for being a country that consumes high volumes of alcohol, the government needed swift action. This alcohol ban sent shock waves across the country and alcohol consumers began to panic (BBC, 2020). In addition, the alcohol ban caused people to alter their consumption behaviours and some even resorted to homebrewing alcohol during the lockdown. Alcohol was available through the illicit market, which came at a premium price with limited options. This study originated from the alcohol ban, as consumers were exposed to brands, they otherwise would not have considered if all alcohol beverages were available. The scarcity of alcohol products, the excessive prices of alcohol and the effort it took to obtain alcohol, played a major role in altering drinking behaviours and brand preferences post the alcohol ban. Results from the study indicated that age and gender played no significant role in alcohol consumption, brand preference across categories were affected with two of nine alcohol categories experiencing a decline in consumption, from before to after the ban. During the ban, the majority of respondents consumed alcohol with some resorting to homebrewed alcohol, which showed a significant increase in consumption during the ban. The opportunity to further this study would be to investigate the increase in low alcoholic beverages and non-alcohol beverages as key avenues for organisations within the alcohol industry. , Thesis (MBA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, Business School, 2024
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2024-12
- Authors: Dullabh, Curtis
- Date: 2024-12
- Subjects: Drinking customs , Alcoholic beverages , Consumer behavior -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/69565 , vital:77714
- Description: This study examines the effect of the alcohol ban from 2020 to 2021 on consumer preferences and consumption habits. The COVID-19 virus was first detected in China, in 2019. The virus spread rapidly, crippling health care systems across the world. As the disease spread, countries began looking at ways to reduce the strain on the health care system caused by other factors (Gu, 2020). The first case in South Africa was recorded on 5 March 2020. South Africa reacted quickly and decided to implement a hard lockdown on alcohol, 22 days after the first case was recorded (Murhula & Nunlall, 2021). Due to the high number of trauma-related cases, which affected the healthcare system and South Africa’s reputation for being a country that consumes high volumes of alcohol, the government needed swift action. This alcohol ban sent shock waves across the country and alcohol consumers began to panic (BBC, 2020). In addition, the alcohol ban caused people to alter their consumption behaviours and some even resorted to homebrewing alcohol during the lockdown. Alcohol was available through the illicit market, which came at a premium price with limited options. This study originated from the alcohol ban, as consumers were exposed to brands, they otherwise would not have considered if all alcohol beverages were available. The scarcity of alcohol products, the excessive prices of alcohol and the effort it took to obtain alcohol, played a major role in altering drinking behaviours and brand preferences post the alcohol ban. Results from the study indicated that age and gender played no significant role in alcohol consumption, brand preference across categories were affected with two of nine alcohol categories experiencing a decline in consumption, from before to after the ban. During the ban, the majority of respondents consumed alcohol with some resorting to homebrewed alcohol, which showed a significant increase in consumption during the ban. The opportunity to further this study would be to investigate the increase in low alcoholic beverages and non-alcohol beverages as key avenues for organisations within the alcohol industry. , Thesis (MBA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, Business School, 2024
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2024-12
The inhibitory effects of cannabinoids from cannabis sativa on the enzymes dipeptidyl peptidase-IV, sucrase and maltase as a new therapeutic treatment for type 2 diabetes
- Authors: Viljoen, Zenobia
- Date: 2024-12
- Subjects: Diabetes -- Treatment , Cannabinoids -- Therapeutic use , Medical Marijuana -- therapeutic use
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/69516 , vital:77264
- Description: Type 2 diabetes is one of the most prevalent diseases worldwide. The treatments used to manage diabetes often have severe side effects and patients develop resistance to traditional treatment. The project aimed to test if phytocannabinoids from Cannabis sativa inhibited key enzymes involved in glycaemic homeostatic regulation, namely dipeptidyl peptidase 4 (DPP-4), sucrase, and maltase. This study investigated the inhibitory effects of 3 M-128 M cannabidiol (CBD), cannabinol (CBN), cannabigerol (CBG), and Δ9- tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). CD spectroscopy was used to investigate the changes in the secondary structure of DPP-4 with interacting inhibitors. The effect of 1.25, 2.5, and 5 mg/kg rat THC cannabis extract on the activity of DPP-4 in blood plasma and rat pancreatic tissue of the diabetic rat model and obese rat model. The effect of 1.25, 2.5, and 5 mg/kg rat THC cannabis extract on glucagon concentration in the blood plasma of the diabetic rat model and obese rat model was investigated. The carbohydrate digestive enzymes namely -amylase, -glucosidase and maltase are not inhibited by any of the cannabinoids. CBN had inhibitory effects on sucrase. CBN, CBG, and CBD are mixed inhibitors of DPP-4, thus they can inhibit DPP-4 competitively and uncompetitively depending on the concentration of the cannabinoid. THC was shown in kinetic and rat model studies to be a very weak inhibitor of DPP-4. CD spectroscopy showed that sitagliptin (FDA-approved drug and competitive inhibitor) and CBG mimic the denatured structure of DPP-4. CBD, CBN and THC mimic the free (active) form of DPP-4. A reduction in pancreatic DPP-4 activity was observed with 2.5 and 5 mg/kg rat THC (diabetic model). This study showed that diet plays a role in glycaemic dysregulation (obese rat model) and that insulin-resistant rats had four times higher glucagon levels compared to the lean control (diabetic model). 1.25 mg/kg rat THC reduced blood plasma DPP-4 activity and blood plasma glucagon. Cannabis sativa can be a feasible treatment to help manage type 2 diabetes by inhibiting DPP-4, especially medical strains of Cannabis sativa with high concentrations of CBD and CBG. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, School of Biomolecular & Chemical Sciences, 2024
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2024-12
- Authors: Viljoen, Zenobia
- Date: 2024-12
- Subjects: Diabetes -- Treatment , Cannabinoids -- Therapeutic use , Medical Marijuana -- therapeutic use
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/69516 , vital:77264
- Description: Type 2 diabetes is one of the most prevalent diseases worldwide. The treatments used to manage diabetes often have severe side effects and patients develop resistance to traditional treatment. The project aimed to test if phytocannabinoids from Cannabis sativa inhibited key enzymes involved in glycaemic homeostatic regulation, namely dipeptidyl peptidase 4 (DPP-4), sucrase, and maltase. This study investigated the inhibitory effects of 3 M-128 M cannabidiol (CBD), cannabinol (CBN), cannabigerol (CBG), and Δ9- tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). CD spectroscopy was used to investigate the changes in the secondary structure of DPP-4 with interacting inhibitors. The effect of 1.25, 2.5, and 5 mg/kg rat THC cannabis extract on the activity of DPP-4 in blood plasma and rat pancreatic tissue of the diabetic rat model and obese rat model. The effect of 1.25, 2.5, and 5 mg/kg rat THC cannabis extract on glucagon concentration in the blood plasma of the diabetic rat model and obese rat model was investigated. The carbohydrate digestive enzymes namely -amylase, -glucosidase and maltase are not inhibited by any of the cannabinoids. CBN had inhibitory effects on sucrase. CBN, CBG, and CBD are mixed inhibitors of DPP-4, thus they can inhibit DPP-4 competitively and uncompetitively depending on the concentration of the cannabinoid. THC was shown in kinetic and rat model studies to be a very weak inhibitor of DPP-4. CD spectroscopy showed that sitagliptin (FDA-approved drug and competitive inhibitor) and CBG mimic the denatured structure of DPP-4. CBD, CBN and THC mimic the free (active) form of DPP-4. A reduction in pancreatic DPP-4 activity was observed with 2.5 and 5 mg/kg rat THC (diabetic model). This study showed that diet plays a role in glycaemic dysregulation (obese rat model) and that insulin-resistant rats had four times higher glucagon levels compared to the lean control (diabetic model). 1.25 mg/kg rat THC reduced blood plasma DPP-4 activity and blood plasma glucagon. Cannabis sativa can be a feasible treatment to help manage type 2 diabetes by inhibiting DPP-4, especially medical strains of Cannabis sativa with high concentrations of CBD and CBG. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, School of Biomolecular & Chemical Sciences, 2024
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2024-12
The legality of euthanasia conducted by medical practitioners
- Authors: Davids, Sesam Isipho
- Date: 2024-12
- Subjects: Euthanasia -- Law and legislation , Assisted suicide -- Law and legislation , Euthanasia -- Moral and ethical aspects
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/68681 , vital:77081
- Description: Euthanasia remains a contentious subject of debate in countries around the world and in South Africa. The South African court system has been faced with requests for the decriminalisation of euthanasia. However, it remains illegal to practice euthanasia in South Africa. This is set by common law as there is no legislation formally regulating euthanasia. Euthanasia provides relief from suffering for patients with terminal illnesses that cause severe suffering and a decrease in their quality of life. Individual autonomy is recognised as patients are given the ability to choose how to end their lives once they make the decision to terminate their lives. In this study, an examination on physician-assisted euthanasia and its current legal position in South Africa will be conducted. Key terms are defined, such as euthanasia - distinguishing active and passive euthanasia as well as physician-assisted suicide. South African law permits the withdrawal of life-sustaining treatments which may be viewed as passive euthanasia. This is done with the consent of the patient and the medical practitioners involved are not held criminally liable should the withholding of treatment cause the death of the patient. Relevant constitutional rights will be examined to make a case for the legalisation of physician-assisted euthanasia. These rights include the right to dignity, the right to life, the right to equality, the right to freedom of religion, belief and opinion, and the limitation clause. Common law, case law and statutory law will also be considered. The recommendations of the South African Law Commission in its report (project 86) will be examined as well. An analysis will be conducted on how foreign jurisdictions have accepted physician-assisted euthanasia and implemented legislative measures to safeguard and regulate how medical practitioners practice it. Canada is an example of such a jurisdiction and an analysis has been conducted on how courts in Canada have made a case for the decriminalisation of physician-assisted euthanasia. Canadian courts relied on rights such as the right to life and freedom of opinion. viii When arguing for or against the legalisation of euthanasia, the ethical perspectives of both arguments must be considered. The ‘slippery slope’ will be discussed to demonstrate an ethical argument against euthanasia. The ethical framework of utilitarianism will be discussed as an argument for euthanasia. In line with the title of this research, the physician’s role in the process of euthanasia will also be discussed. After weighing the key arguments, this research concludes that physician-assisted euthanasia ought to be legalised in South Africa. Recommendations are further suggested on how euthanasia ought to be regulated should it be legalised. The recommendations serve as a means of addressing the possibility of abuse and illegal conduct from medical practitioners and the public. Through this study, the aim is to contribute to the debate on physician-assisted euthanasia and to advance the development of a euthanasia-related legislation in South Africa. , Thesis (LLM) -- Faculty of Law, School of Criminal and Procedural Law, 2024
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2024-12
- Authors: Davids, Sesam Isipho
- Date: 2024-12
- Subjects: Euthanasia -- Law and legislation , Assisted suicide -- Law and legislation , Euthanasia -- Moral and ethical aspects
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/68681 , vital:77081
- Description: Euthanasia remains a contentious subject of debate in countries around the world and in South Africa. The South African court system has been faced with requests for the decriminalisation of euthanasia. However, it remains illegal to practice euthanasia in South Africa. This is set by common law as there is no legislation formally regulating euthanasia. Euthanasia provides relief from suffering for patients with terminal illnesses that cause severe suffering and a decrease in their quality of life. Individual autonomy is recognised as patients are given the ability to choose how to end their lives once they make the decision to terminate their lives. In this study, an examination on physician-assisted euthanasia and its current legal position in South Africa will be conducted. Key terms are defined, such as euthanasia - distinguishing active and passive euthanasia as well as physician-assisted suicide. South African law permits the withdrawal of life-sustaining treatments which may be viewed as passive euthanasia. This is done with the consent of the patient and the medical practitioners involved are not held criminally liable should the withholding of treatment cause the death of the patient. Relevant constitutional rights will be examined to make a case for the legalisation of physician-assisted euthanasia. These rights include the right to dignity, the right to life, the right to equality, the right to freedom of religion, belief and opinion, and the limitation clause. Common law, case law and statutory law will also be considered. The recommendations of the South African Law Commission in its report (project 86) will be examined as well. An analysis will be conducted on how foreign jurisdictions have accepted physician-assisted euthanasia and implemented legislative measures to safeguard and regulate how medical practitioners practice it. Canada is an example of such a jurisdiction and an analysis has been conducted on how courts in Canada have made a case for the decriminalisation of physician-assisted euthanasia. Canadian courts relied on rights such as the right to life and freedom of opinion. viii When arguing for or against the legalisation of euthanasia, the ethical perspectives of both arguments must be considered. The ‘slippery slope’ will be discussed to demonstrate an ethical argument against euthanasia. The ethical framework of utilitarianism will be discussed as an argument for euthanasia. In line with the title of this research, the physician’s role in the process of euthanasia will also be discussed. After weighing the key arguments, this research concludes that physician-assisted euthanasia ought to be legalised in South Africa. Recommendations are further suggested on how euthanasia ought to be regulated should it be legalised. The recommendations serve as a means of addressing the possibility of abuse and illegal conduct from medical practitioners and the public. Through this study, the aim is to contribute to the debate on physician-assisted euthanasia and to advance the development of a euthanasia-related legislation in South Africa. , Thesis (LLM) -- Faculty of Law, School of Criminal and Procedural Law, 2024
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2024-12
The lived experiences of final-year undergraduate diagnostic radiography students applying radiation protection measures during clinical practice
- Authors: Campbell, Sydney Samuel
- Date: 2024-12
- Subjects: Radiographers , College students -- South Africa , Experiential learning
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/68311 , vital:76973
- Description: Radiographers use ionising radiation to produce radiographic images and the use of ionising radiation in healthcare has both benefits and risks for patients and healthcare professionals. It is therefore important that radiographers mitigate the risks associated with ionising radiation. It is for this reason that radiation protection measures are applied to ensure the safety of patients, staff, and the public. Furthermore, radiographers are also responsible for mentoring radiography students and inculcate the use of radiation protection measures when students undergo their workplace learning. This mentoring takes place in the clinical setting with its characteristics that may or may not advance the application of radiation protection measures. The aim of this study was to investigate the lived experiences of final-year undergraduate radiography students applying radiation protection measures in the clinical setting and to propose strategies to foster the integration of radiation protection theory into clinical practice. This study was located in the interpretivist paradigm using phenomenology as a research method and theoretical framework to achieve the stated aim. The target population for this qualitative study included all registered final-year undergraduate radiography students at the local university who perform their WPL at the accredited training hospitals in the Eastern Cape Province as this cohort of students have more clinical experience than the first-, second- and third-year students. The target population comprised 28 students. Purposive sampling was employed to select the group of radiography students to interview. The study used phenomenological interviews as a data collection tool and the collected data was explicated using a self-developed method. The trustworthiness of the study was ensured by applying Guba’s model of trustworthiness that includes credibility, transferability, confirmability, dependability and authenticity and was further enhanced by reflecting on the balanced integration, openness, concreteness, and resonance of the study. This study employed an ethical framework referred to as principlism that includes the notions of autonomy, beneficence, non-maleficence and justice.Data explication was conducted using three cycles of explication. Cycle one produced interpretive profiles for each participant. The interpretive profiles revealed the life histories of each participant as well as the utterances of participants related to the three sub-questions. Cycle two produced four themes. Theme one described participants’ being with others such as radiographers, clinical supervisors, medical doctors, and patients and revealed the tension between participants’ belonging and being unwanted. Theme two characterised the clinical setting as a place where several factors flow together to provide participants with their individualised experiences. Theme two revealed the emotional distress; the learning through trial-and-error; the independent learning; learning that is coupled with humiliation as experienced by participants. The clinical space was also characterised as a place to be survived, a place where students have to be inconspicuous and understand the acceptable levels of engagement with others. It is also a place where theory and practice at times is in alignment at other times not in alignment. The clinical setting could also be a place of self-doubt and insecurity, a place of personal growth, and a place where historical events are significant. Theme three disclosed the unspoken lessons that were conveyed through the actions and behaviours of individuals in the clinical environment. Unintended lesson one is that radiation protection measures are not important. Lesson two suggest that classroom teaching about radiation protection is not valid in the clinical setting, and finally that incivility towards radiography students is acceptable. Theme four revealed the difficulties experienced by radiography students when navigating ethical dilemmas. The theme revealed radiographers’ and radiologists’ indifference towards radiation protection, the non-application of radiation protection measures, and the inconsistency and apathy towards radiation protection measures. Cycle three viewed the experiences of participants through the lens of Dasein’s disclosedness. This revealed the exclusive language used by participants, the largely negative mood and participants’ disconnection from the imaging department.Finally, the study presented new and important insights by probing the topic of radiation protection in a novel way by using phenomenology to focus on the lived experiences of final-year undergraduate students applying radiation protection measures in the clinical setting. The findings of the study also allowed for the development of Enhancement strategies that could be used by institutions of higher education to promote the integration of the theory and practice of radiation protection measures in the clinical setting. It is recommended, though, that a study that includes all South African institutions of higher learning offering radiography be conducted using phenomenology. Furthermore, the views of South African radiographers and clinical supervisors should also be elicited to corroborate the views of participants in this study. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Education, School of Secondary Education, 2024
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2024-12
- Authors: Campbell, Sydney Samuel
- Date: 2024-12
- Subjects: Radiographers , College students -- South Africa , Experiential learning
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/68311 , vital:76973
- Description: Radiographers use ionising radiation to produce radiographic images and the use of ionising radiation in healthcare has both benefits and risks for patients and healthcare professionals. It is therefore important that radiographers mitigate the risks associated with ionising radiation. It is for this reason that radiation protection measures are applied to ensure the safety of patients, staff, and the public. Furthermore, radiographers are also responsible for mentoring radiography students and inculcate the use of radiation protection measures when students undergo their workplace learning. This mentoring takes place in the clinical setting with its characteristics that may or may not advance the application of radiation protection measures. The aim of this study was to investigate the lived experiences of final-year undergraduate radiography students applying radiation protection measures in the clinical setting and to propose strategies to foster the integration of radiation protection theory into clinical practice. This study was located in the interpretivist paradigm using phenomenology as a research method and theoretical framework to achieve the stated aim. The target population for this qualitative study included all registered final-year undergraduate radiography students at the local university who perform their WPL at the accredited training hospitals in the Eastern Cape Province as this cohort of students have more clinical experience than the first-, second- and third-year students. The target population comprised 28 students. Purposive sampling was employed to select the group of radiography students to interview. The study used phenomenological interviews as a data collection tool and the collected data was explicated using a self-developed method. The trustworthiness of the study was ensured by applying Guba’s model of trustworthiness that includes credibility, transferability, confirmability, dependability and authenticity and was further enhanced by reflecting on the balanced integration, openness, concreteness, and resonance of the study. This study employed an ethical framework referred to as principlism that includes the notions of autonomy, beneficence, non-maleficence and justice.Data explication was conducted using three cycles of explication. Cycle one produced interpretive profiles for each participant. The interpretive profiles revealed the life histories of each participant as well as the utterances of participants related to the three sub-questions. Cycle two produced four themes. Theme one described participants’ being with others such as radiographers, clinical supervisors, medical doctors, and patients and revealed the tension between participants’ belonging and being unwanted. Theme two characterised the clinical setting as a place where several factors flow together to provide participants with their individualised experiences. Theme two revealed the emotional distress; the learning through trial-and-error; the independent learning; learning that is coupled with humiliation as experienced by participants. The clinical space was also characterised as a place to be survived, a place where students have to be inconspicuous and understand the acceptable levels of engagement with others. It is also a place where theory and practice at times is in alignment at other times not in alignment. The clinical setting could also be a place of self-doubt and insecurity, a place of personal growth, and a place where historical events are significant. Theme three disclosed the unspoken lessons that were conveyed through the actions and behaviours of individuals in the clinical environment. Unintended lesson one is that radiation protection measures are not important. Lesson two suggest that classroom teaching about radiation protection is not valid in the clinical setting, and finally that incivility towards radiography students is acceptable. Theme four revealed the difficulties experienced by radiography students when navigating ethical dilemmas. The theme revealed radiographers’ and radiologists’ indifference towards radiation protection, the non-application of radiation protection measures, and the inconsistency and apathy towards radiation protection measures. Cycle three viewed the experiences of participants through the lens of Dasein’s disclosedness. This revealed the exclusive language used by participants, the largely negative mood and participants’ disconnection from the imaging department.Finally, the study presented new and important insights by probing the topic of radiation protection in a novel way by using phenomenology to focus on the lived experiences of final-year undergraduate students applying radiation protection measures in the clinical setting. The findings of the study also allowed for the development of Enhancement strategies that could be used by institutions of higher education to promote the integration of the theory and practice of radiation protection measures in the clinical setting. It is recommended, though, that a study that includes all South African institutions of higher learning offering radiography be conducted using phenomenology. Furthermore, the views of South African radiographers and clinical supervisors should also be elicited to corroborate the views of participants in this study. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Education, School of Secondary Education, 2024
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2024-12
The optimisation of Eucalyptus regeneration practices for improved survival, growth and uniformity in South African pulpwood plantations
- Authors: Hechter, Ullrich
- Date: 2024-12
- Subjects: Eucalyptus -- Regeneration -- South Africa , Forests and forestry -- Economic aspects , Forests and forestry
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/68862 , vital:77135
- Description: Commercial forestry plantations in South Africa play an important role in the economy of the country, contributing 1.2% towards the gross domestic product. Currently plantation forests occupy 1.1% (1.2 million hectares) of the South African land surface, of which 75 000 hectares are re-established each year. Eucalypts constitute 43% of planted area, of which 88% is grown for pulpwood. Achieving high tree survival (>90%) is important in terms of optimising rotation-end yield. The industry origin of a 90% survival benchmark is unclear, although company procedures incorporate this as the minimum threshold in terms of re-establishment success. Past research indicates that most mortality occurs within a narrow period post-establishment and is often associated with substandard re-establishment practices and/or a stressed micro-environment. An improved understanding is needed about the various mitigation measures needed to minimize mortality during eucalypt re-establishment. Before making decisions related to mortality mitigation measures, comprehensive data are required as to their commercial applicability as well as outcomes from multiple trials that accurately quantify any impacts on tree survival and financial return. The overall purpose of this dissertation was the optimisation of Eucalyptus re-establishment practices for improved survival, growth and uniformity in South African pulpwood plantations. To achieve this, five inter-linked objectives were determined. The first objective was to highlight the most important factors contributing to increased mortality in eucalypt plantations during re-establishment. This was achieved through conducting a literature review. Citations were ranked in terms of credibility, with the importance ratings (derived from the literature sources) applied to the different factors affecting survival and growth during eucalypt re-establishment. Of the various factors impacting early eucalypt mortality, water stress and planting stock quality were considered highly important. The manner and quality of site preparation (soil and slash), planting practices (planting depth included), timing of planting (during dry, hot periods), various post-planting operations (incorrect fertiliser placement or herbicide drift) and insect pests and diseases also contribute to mortality, but to a lesser extent. These factors cannot be considered in isolation due to the complex interactions that exist between them and determining the primary causes of mortality can be elusive, especially as their impacts tend to be additive by nature. The second objective was to link survival to silvicultural treatments, site-related physiographic factors and climatic variables in South Africa. This was achieved by conducting an integrated analysis of 43 Eucalyptus trials. Of the seven re-establishment practices considered, watering, planting depth and fertiliser application were significant, with plant size, pitting method, residue management and insecticide application were not significant. However, when environmental variables were included within the analyses, there were significant site x treatment interactions for planting depth, plant size, residue management and fertiliser application. This highlights the importance of taking site related factors into consideration when interpreting the causes of mortality. The third objective was to determine the interaction between planting density and mortality on Eucalyptus growth, uniformity and financial yield at rotation end in South Africa. This was carried out to verify whether planting at different densities may be used as a preventative (before planting) mitigation measure. One trial was used to answer four keys sub-objectives: 1) The impact of three planting densities (1 102, 1 500, 1 959 SPH) with no mortality on yield at rotation-end; 2) The impact of mortality (0%, 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%) on rotation-end yield; 3) The quantification of tree performance when planting at a higher density and accepting a certain degree of mortality; and 4) The financial impact of different planting densities and mortality on rotation-end profit. Higher planting densities resulted in smaller individual trees, but with an increase in stand level performance. At rotation-end, lower mortality (0% and 10%) had significantly higher volumes ha-1 than the higher mortality (30% and 40%). Planting at higher densities (1 722 and 1 959 SPH) and accepting a certain degree of mortality resulted in non-significant differences for volume at rotation-end compared to the fully stocked 1 500 SPH treatment. A higher SPH resulted in a higher yield, but with an increase in estimated establishment/tending and harvesting costs. In contrast, an increase in mortality and/or lower SPH (in the absence of mortality) resulted in more variable stand growth, together with an increase in estimated machine harvesting productivity and reduced costs. Irrespective of SPH, the higher the mortality the greater the loss of income, with the best profit within each treatment related to full stocking (0% mortality). Within the higher panting densities, the profit gained following low mortality (10 and 20%) was similar to that of no mortality (0%), indicating that higher mortality may be tolerated when planting at higher densities, confirming the 90% survival threshold the industry aims to achieve post-establishment. The fourth objective was to determine if silviculture intervention (blanking at 1, 2 and 3 months or coppicing and interplanting at 6 months) will result in acceptable eucalypt stocking, if mortality is higher than 10% (remedial mitigation measure). Data from a re-establishment trial were analysed to determine which of the mitigation measures performed best in terms of stocking and growth. Coppicing and interplanting with larger plants was not a viable option as a mitigation measure for mortality as most of the coppice shoots have died. This may have been a result of frost. Although high re-establishment costs may be incurred, disaster clearing to waste followed by replanting is an option if mortality is unacceptably high (as opposed to leaving the stand as is). The results of this objective confirm that blanking as the current Best Operating Practice is still appropriate in South African forestry (i.e., try to have survival >90% and blank as soon as possible to retain >90% of stems). Blanked plants do contribute to volume, but for this to occur, blanking should be carried out within 4 weeks after planting to gain maximum benefit. In addition, it highlights the importance of implementing remedial mitigation measures to achieve >90% survival so as to gain maximum benefit. Using the outcomes from objectives 1-4, the fifth objective focussed on the development of a decision support system (DSS) for implementation of mitigation measures to improve survival within commercial eucalypt pulpwood plantations in South Africa. Improved survival starts with the implementation of good re-establishment practices and good quality planting stock. Mitigation measures for poor survival can be implemented either prior to re-establishment (before mortality occurs) or post re-establishment (after mortality has occurred). If poor survival still occurs after the implementation of good silviculture practices and pre-re-establishment mitigation practices (planting at higher densities), one should consider the various options available in terms of post re-establishment mitigation practices (remedial practices) such as blanking or replanting if mortality is high. Overall, the outcomes from this dissertation provide benchmark data and derived information as to the necessity for various mortality mitigation options within the commercial forestry sector in South Africa. In addition, the DSS will assist with decision making in terms of implementing the best silviculture practices and mitigation measures for improved survival during eucalypt re-establishment in South African pulpwood plantations. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Science, School of Natural Resource Science & Management, 2024
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2024-12
- Authors: Hechter, Ullrich
- Date: 2024-12
- Subjects: Eucalyptus -- Regeneration -- South Africa , Forests and forestry -- Economic aspects , Forests and forestry
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/68862 , vital:77135
- Description: Commercial forestry plantations in South Africa play an important role in the economy of the country, contributing 1.2% towards the gross domestic product. Currently plantation forests occupy 1.1% (1.2 million hectares) of the South African land surface, of which 75 000 hectares are re-established each year. Eucalypts constitute 43% of planted area, of which 88% is grown for pulpwood. Achieving high tree survival (>90%) is important in terms of optimising rotation-end yield. The industry origin of a 90% survival benchmark is unclear, although company procedures incorporate this as the minimum threshold in terms of re-establishment success. Past research indicates that most mortality occurs within a narrow period post-establishment and is often associated with substandard re-establishment practices and/or a stressed micro-environment. An improved understanding is needed about the various mitigation measures needed to minimize mortality during eucalypt re-establishment. Before making decisions related to mortality mitigation measures, comprehensive data are required as to their commercial applicability as well as outcomes from multiple trials that accurately quantify any impacts on tree survival and financial return. The overall purpose of this dissertation was the optimisation of Eucalyptus re-establishment practices for improved survival, growth and uniformity in South African pulpwood plantations. To achieve this, five inter-linked objectives were determined. The first objective was to highlight the most important factors contributing to increased mortality in eucalypt plantations during re-establishment. This was achieved through conducting a literature review. Citations were ranked in terms of credibility, with the importance ratings (derived from the literature sources) applied to the different factors affecting survival and growth during eucalypt re-establishment. Of the various factors impacting early eucalypt mortality, water stress and planting stock quality were considered highly important. The manner and quality of site preparation (soil and slash), planting practices (planting depth included), timing of planting (during dry, hot periods), various post-planting operations (incorrect fertiliser placement or herbicide drift) and insect pests and diseases also contribute to mortality, but to a lesser extent. These factors cannot be considered in isolation due to the complex interactions that exist between them and determining the primary causes of mortality can be elusive, especially as their impacts tend to be additive by nature. The second objective was to link survival to silvicultural treatments, site-related physiographic factors and climatic variables in South Africa. This was achieved by conducting an integrated analysis of 43 Eucalyptus trials. Of the seven re-establishment practices considered, watering, planting depth and fertiliser application were significant, with plant size, pitting method, residue management and insecticide application were not significant. However, when environmental variables were included within the analyses, there were significant site x treatment interactions for planting depth, plant size, residue management and fertiliser application. This highlights the importance of taking site related factors into consideration when interpreting the causes of mortality. The third objective was to determine the interaction between planting density and mortality on Eucalyptus growth, uniformity and financial yield at rotation end in South Africa. This was carried out to verify whether planting at different densities may be used as a preventative (before planting) mitigation measure. One trial was used to answer four keys sub-objectives: 1) The impact of three planting densities (1 102, 1 500, 1 959 SPH) with no mortality on yield at rotation-end; 2) The impact of mortality (0%, 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%) on rotation-end yield; 3) The quantification of tree performance when planting at a higher density and accepting a certain degree of mortality; and 4) The financial impact of different planting densities and mortality on rotation-end profit. Higher planting densities resulted in smaller individual trees, but with an increase in stand level performance. At rotation-end, lower mortality (0% and 10%) had significantly higher volumes ha-1 than the higher mortality (30% and 40%). Planting at higher densities (1 722 and 1 959 SPH) and accepting a certain degree of mortality resulted in non-significant differences for volume at rotation-end compared to the fully stocked 1 500 SPH treatment. A higher SPH resulted in a higher yield, but with an increase in estimated establishment/tending and harvesting costs. In contrast, an increase in mortality and/or lower SPH (in the absence of mortality) resulted in more variable stand growth, together with an increase in estimated machine harvesting productivity and reduced costs. Irrespective of SPH, the higher the mortality the greater the loss of income, with the best profit within each treatment related to full stocking (0% mortality). Within the higher panting densities, the profit gained following low mortality (10 and 20%) was similar to that of no mortality (0%), indicating that higher mortality may be tolerated when planting at higher densities, confirming the 90% survival threshold the industry aims to achieve post-establishment. The fourth objective was to determine if silviculture intervention (blanking at 1, 2 and 3 months or coppicing and interplanting at 6 months) will result in acceptable eucalypt stocking, if mortality is higher than 10% (remedial mitigation measure). Data from a re-establishment trial were analysed to determine which of the mitigation measures performed best in terms of stocking and growth. Coppicing and interplanting with larger plants was not a viable option as a mitigation measure for mortality as most of the coppice shoots have died. This may have been a result of frost. Although high re-establishment costs may be incurred, disaster clearing to waste followed by replanting is an option if mortality is unacceptably high (as opposed to leaving the stand as is). The results of this objective confirm that blanking as the current Best Operating Practice is still appropriate in South African forestry (i.e., try to have survival >90% and blank as soon as possible to retain >90% of stems). Blanked plants do contribute to volume, but for this to occur, blanking should be carried out within 4 weeks after planting to gain maximum benefit. In addition, it highlights the importance of implementing remedial mitigation measures to achieve >90% survival so as to gain maximum benefit. Using the outcomes from objectives 1-4, the fifth objective focussed on the development of a decision support system (DSS) for implementation of mitigation measures to improve survival within commercial eucalypt pulpwood plantations in South Africa. Improved survival starts with the implementation of good re-establishment practices and good quality planting stock. Mitigation measures for poor survival can be implemented either prior to re-establishment (before mortality occurs) or post re-establishment (after mortality has occurred). If poor survival still occurs after the implementation of good silviculture practices and pre-re-establishment mitigation practices (planting at higher densities), one should consider the various options available in terms of post re-establishment mitigation practices (remedial practices) such as blanking or replanting if mortality is high. Overall, the outcomes from this dissertation provide benchmark data and derived information as to the necessity for various mortality mitigation options within the commercial forestry sector in South Africa. In addition, the DSS will assist with decision making in terms of implementing the best silviculture practices and mitigation measures for improved survival during eucalypt re-establishment in South African pulpwood plantations. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Science, School of Natural Resource Science & Management, 2024
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2024-12
The review of a disciplinary finding or sanction in terms of section 158(1)(h) of the labour relations act 66 of 1995
- Authors: August, Joshua Cliff
- Date: 2024-12
- Subjects: Labor discipline , Labor laws and legislation -- South Africa , South Africa.-- Labour Relations Act, 1995
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/68670 , vital:77080
- Description: When an employer subjects an employee to a formal disciplinary process, the employer appoints a presiding officer to whom it cedes either wholly or partly its decision-making powers. Wholly in that the presiding officer would render a finding and impose a sanction. Partly, in that the presiding officer would render a finding and only provide the employer with a recommendation on sanction, which the employer would either accept or reject. The State in its capacity as employer has been afforded the ability to utilise section 158(1)(h) of the Labour Relations Act, 1995 (LRA) to review the decisions of presiding officers appointed over internal disciplinary proceedings. Despite the wording of section 158(1)(h), the courts have restricted its use by employees employed by the State. The courts have held that a State employee would have to utilise the ordinary dispute resolution pathways made available in the LRA to challenge the decisions the State takes in its capacity as an employer. When exercising the prerogative to discipline, all employers, including the State, must primarily comply with the substantive and procedural requirements outlined in Schedule 8 of the LRA. Notwithstanding the primary measure of fairness, the employer’s decision to discipline and dismiss would also be pitched and measured against its adopted internal disciplinary code and procedure document. It has been questioned in a Labour Court judgement whether the State should continue to be afforded the benefit of the section 158(1)(h) review. The Labour Court judgement ventures into the consequences the use of section 158(1)(h) would have on the unfair dismissal dispute resolution pathway afforded by the LRA and proposed that it would be ideal for the State to utilise alternatives when attempting to alter the sanction or finding of its internal presiding officers. The alternatives proposed include the internal review of findings or sanctions, the unilateral substitution of sanctions, increasing sanctions on appeal and the practice of subjecting the employee to a second hearing. Applying the alternatives to the current circumstances and collective bargaining agreements applicable in the public service, the State would not be able to utilise the alternatives, save for subjecting the employee to a second hearing in exceptional circumstances. In all other instances, including convening an internal review, increasing a sanction during an appeal, or unilaterally substituting the sanction would conflict with the prevailing internal disciplinary code and procedure in the public service. In as much as the Labour Court judgment attempts to put into perspective the consequences the use of section 158(1)(h) would have on the subsequent dispute resolution pathways, the State should not be unduly bound by irrational findings or sanctions imposed by presiding officers appointed to preside over its internal disciplinary hearings. , Thesis (LLM) -- Faculty of Law, School of Mercantile Law, 2024
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2024-12
- Authors: August, Joshua Cliff
- Date: 2024-12
- Subjects: Labor discipline , Labor laws and legislation -- South Africa , South Africa.-- Labour Relations Act, 1995
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/68670 , vital:77080
- Description: When an employer subjects an employee to a formal disciplinary process, the employer appoints a presiding officer to whom it cedes either wholly or partly its decision-making powers. Wholly in that the presiding officer would render a finding and impose a sanction. Partly, in that the presiding officer would render a finding and only provide the employer with a recommendation on sanction, which the employer would either accept or reject. The State in its capacity as employer has been afforded the ability to utilise section 158(1)(h) of the Labour Relations Act, 1995 (LRA) to review the decisions of presiding officers appointed over internal disciplinary proceedings. Despite the wording of section 158(1)(h), the courts have restricted its use by employees employed by the State. The courts have held that a State employee would have to utilise the ordinary dispute resolution pathways made available in the LRA to challenge the decisions the State takes in its capacity as an employer. When exercising the prerogative to discipline, all employers, including the State, must primarily comply with the substantive and procedural requirements outlined in Schedule 8 of the LRA. Notwithstanding the primary measure of fairness, the employer’s decision to discipline and dismiss would also be pitched and measured against its adopted internal disciplinary code and procedure document. It has been questioned in a Labour Court judgement whether the State should continue to be afforded the benefit of the section 158(1)(h) review. The Labour Court judgement ventures into the consequences the use of section 158(1)(h) would have on the unfair dismissal dispute resolution pathway afforded by the LRA and proposed that it would be ideal for the State to utilise alternatives when attempting to alter the sanction or finding of its internal presiding officers. The alternatives proposed include the internal review of findings or sanctions, the unilateral substitution of sanctions, increasing sanctions on appeal and the practice of subjecting the employee to a second hearing. Applying the alternatives to the current circumstances and collective bargaining agreements applicable in the public service, the State would not be able to utilise the alternatives, save for subjecting the employee to a second hearing in exceptional circumstances. In all other instances, including convening an internal review, increasing a sanction during an appeal, or unilaterally substituting the sanction would conflict with the prevailing internal disciplinary code and procedure in the public service. In as much as the Labour Court judgment attempts to put into perspective the consequences the use of section 158(1)(h) would have on the subsequent dispute resolution pathways, the State should not be unduly bound by irrational findings or sanctions imposed by presiding officers appointed to preside over its internal disciplinary hearings. , Thesis (LLM) -- Faculty of Law, School of Mercantile Law, 2024
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2024-12
Toughened wood plastic composites for low technology and advanced manufacturing applications
- Authors: Mabutho, Briswell
- Date: 2024-12
- Subjects: Plastic-impregnated wood , Polymeric composites
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/69360 , vital:77225
- Description: The utilization of wood plastic composites (WPCs) has increasingly emerged as an appealing alternative for products where traditional wood and conventional composites would typically be used. This is primarily due to their cost-effectiveness, mouldability, recyclability, renewability, and potential biodegradability. However, the incorporation of wood flour (WF) in thermoplastics to produce WPCs presents several challenges, two of which are addressed in the current study: the WF-thermoplastic matrix adhesion, and the resulting brittleness of the WPC. The hydrophilic nature of WF filler and the hydrophobic polypropylene matrix, which typically lead to poor mixing due to their differing surface energies. Consequently, the current research focuses on enhancing WF-matrix (i.e. polypropylene, PP) adhesion and dispersion through compatibilization using maleic anhydride grafted polypropylene (MAPP). Additionally, the brittleness of WPC, exacerbated by the WF content, is addressed through the incorporation of crumb rubber (CR), a process commonly referred to as "toughening" the WPC. Prior to the use of CR in WPCs, optimization of the CR amount and compatibility within the PP-matrix were conducted to establish a toughening system that would achieve the highest impact strength without significantly affecting the tensile strength. The CR was compatibilized by employing dynamic vulcanization of varying amounts of ethylene propylene diene monomer rubber (EPDM) in the CR/PP blends using both sulphur and dicumyl peroxide cure systems. The results indicated that the sulphur dynamic cure system exhibited higher crosslinking efficiency, as reflected by the highest impact strength. Furthermore, to enhance WPC processability and adhesion, WF alkalization was conducted following a central composite design to optimize treatment temperature, time, and alkali concentration. This optimization resulted in improved WPC processability and mechanical properties at mild alkalization conditions. Subsequently, the optimum CR/EPDM dynamic cure system was employed to toughen both untreated and alkalized WPCs, resulting in toughened WPCs with improved thermal stability, impact strength, and elongation at break, while the tensile strength was only slightly compromised. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Science, School of Biomolecular & Chemical Sciences, 2024
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2024-12
- Authors: Mabutho, Briswell
- Date: 2024-12
- Subjects: Plastic-impregnated wood , Polymeric composites
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/69360 , vital:77225
- Description: The utilization of wood plastic composites (WPCs) has increasingly emerged as an appealing alternative for products where traditional wood and conventional composites would typically be used. This is primarily due to their cost-effectiveness, mouldability, recyclability, renewability, and potential biodegradability. However, the incorporation of wood flour (WF) in thermoplastics to produce WPCs presents several challenges, two of which are addressed in the current study: the WF-thermoplastic matrix adhesion, and the resulting brittleness of the WPC. The hydrophilic nature of WF filler and the hydrophobic polypropylene matrix, which typically lead to poor mixing due to their differing surface energies. Consequently, the current research focuses on enhancing WF-matrix (i.e. polypropylene, PP) adhesion and dispersion through compatibilization using maleic anhydride grafted polypropylene (MAPP). Additionally, the brittleness of WPC, exacerbated by the WF content, is addressed through the incorporation of crumb rubber (CR), a process commonly referred to as "toughening" the WPC. Prior to the use of CR in WPCs, optimization of the CR amount and compatibility within the PP-matrix were conducted to establish a toughening system that would achieve the highest impact strength without significantly affecting the tensile strength. The CR was compatibilized by employing dynamic vulcanization of varying amounts of ethylene propylene diene monomer rubber (EPDM) in the CR/PP blends using both sulphur and dicumyl peroxide cure systems. The results indicated that the sulphur dynamic cure system exhibited higher crosslinking efficiency, as reflected by the highest impact strength. Furthermore, to enhance WPC processability and adhesion, WF alkalization was conducted following a central composite design to optimize treatment temperature, time, and alkali concentration. This optimization resulted in improved WPC processability and mechanical properties at mild alkalization conditions. Subsequently, the optimum CR/EPDM dynamic cure system was employed to toughen both untreated and alkalized WPCs, resulting in toughened WPCs with improved thermal stability, impact strength, and elongation at break, while the tensile strength was only slightly compromised. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Science, School of Biomolecular & Chemical Sciences, 2024
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2024-12
Undergraduate bachelor of nursing students’ learning experiences of the operating room environment in public and private hospitals in the Eastern Cape
- Authors: de Vega, Jaunita Martina
- Date: 2024-12
- Subjects: Operating room nurses -- South Africa , Operating rooms -- South Africa , Nursing -- Study and teaching -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/69794 , vital:78035
- Description: As per the regulations outlined by the South African Nursing Council (SANC), nursing students must fulfil a specified number of clinical hours to become registered practitioners. Regulation R425 and R174 mandates that undergraduate nursing students complete clinical hours in General Nursing Science (GNS), including a component in the operating room (OR) as part of their specialization. However, the educational experiences of Bachelor of Nursing (BON) students in the OR setting are not always positive. The intensity and urgency of perioperative activities in the OR can sometimes leave nursing students feeling threatened and overwhelmed, hindering their ability to view the OR as a conducive clinical learning environment (CLE). The purpose of the study was to gain an understanding of undergraduate nursing students’ learning experiences of the OR environment in public and private hospitals while achieving the learning objectives for course completion. The study followed a qualitative, exploratory, descriptive and contextual design. Undergraduate nursing students based at a higher education institution (HEI) undergoing a four-year BON degree and who had exposure to the OR environment were invited to participate in the study. Data collection involved interviewing 20 participants using focus group discussions. Data was transcribed verbatim and analysed thematically using Tesch’s method of analysis. Vygotsky’s theory of sociocultural learning was used as a lens to explore the OR learning experiences of the nursing students placed at both public and private hospitals. An adapted version of the AGREE II tool was used as a framework to develop recommendations to optimise the learning experiences of nursing students in the OR environment. The analysis yielded three overarching themes and nine related sub-themes. It was evident that these students encountered challenges when adapting to the OR environment. These challenges were attributed to factors such as the reception and support they received in the CLE, their level of preparedness for OR procedures, and the numerous factors influencing their learning opportunities within the OR. The findings propose that enhancing nursing students’ preparation, along with implementing a structured induction programme, could lead to a more favourable experience in the OR and optimise learning outcomes. Additionally, fostering supportive mentorship programmes with OR professional nurses or staff trained to introduce nursing students to the OR, promoting professional communication between nursing education institutions (NEIs) and hospital OR management, are pivotal measures for maximizing learning opportunities and nurturing the professional growth of nursing students within the OR environment. Recommendations were developed using an adapted version of the AGREE II tool as a framework to optimise the learning experiences of nursing students in the OR environment. , Thesis (MCur) -- Faculty of Health Sciences, School of Clinical Care & Medicinal Sciences, 2024
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2024-12
- Authors: de Vega, Jaunita Martina
- Date: 2024-12
- Subjects: Operating room nurses -- South Africa , Operating rooms -- South Africa , Nursing -- Study and teaching -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/69794 , vital:78035
- Description: As per the regulations outlined by the South African Nursing Council (SANC), nursing students must fulfil a specified number of clinical hours to become registered practitioners. Regulation R425 and R174 mandates that undergraduate nursing students complete clinical hours in General Nursing Science (GNS), including a component in the operating room (OR) as part of their specialization. However, the educational experiences of Bachelor of Nursing (BON) students in the OR setting are not always positive. The intensity and urgency of perioperative activities in the OR can sometimes leave nursing students feeling threatened and overwhelmed, hindering their ability to view the OR as a conducive clinical learning environment (CLE). The purpose of the study was to gain an understanding of undergraduate nursing students’ learning experiences of the OR environment in public and private hospitals while achieving the learning objectives for course completion. The study followed a qualitative, exploratory, descriptive and contextual design. Undergraduate nursing students based at a higher education institution (HEI) undergoing a four-year BON degree and who had exposure to the OR environment were invited to participate in the study. Data collection involved interviewing 20 participants using focus group discussions. Data was transcribed verbatim and analysed thematically using Tesch’s method of analysis. Vygotsky’s theory of sociocultural learning was used as a lens to explore the OR learning experiences of the nursing students placed at both public and private hospitals. An adapted version of the AGREE II tool was used as a framework to develop recommendations to optimise the learning experiences of nursing students in the OR environment. The analysis yielded three overarching themes and nine related sub-themes. It was evident that these students encountered challenges when adapting to the OR environment. These challenges were attributed to factors such as the reception and support they received in the CLE, their level of preparedness for OR procedures, and the numerous factors influencing their learning opportunities within the OR. The findings propose that enhancing nursing students’ preparation, along with implementing a structured induction programme, could lead to a more favourable experience in the OR and optimise learning outcomes. Additionally, fostering supportive mentorship programmes with OR professional nurses or staff trained to introduce nursing students to the OR, promoting professional communication between nursing education institutions (NEIs) and hospital OR management, are pivotal measures for maximizing learning opportunities and nurturing the professional growth of nursing students within the OR environment. Recommendations were developed using an adapted version of the AGREE II tool as a framework to optimise the learning experiences of nursing students in the OR environment. , Thesis (MCur) -- Faculty of Health Sciences, School of Clinical Care & Medicinal Sciences, 2024
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2024-12
Vocational Education and the relentless struggles of TVET graduates in the Eastern Cape, South Africa: A Freirean approach
- Authors: Majola, Ezekiel
- Date: 2024-12
- Subjects: Vocational education -- Eastern Cape -- South Africa , Technical education -- Eastern Cape -- South Africa , School-to-work transition -- Eastern Cape -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/${Handle} , vital:76985
- Description: This study employs Paulo Freire’s framework to contribute to debates surrounding social justice and transformation in vocational education and training (TVET). By offering a critical perspective on dominant discourse and practices, it challenges prevailing trajectories of powerful knowledge and inherent assumptions and biases in TVET. Drawing on a Freirean framework, the research provides insights to develop more equitable and transformative practices by addressing power, privilege, and social inequality in TVET. Through dialogue and collaboration with students, it promotes critical consciousness and relevant skills and knowledge. Highlighting the significance of context, it underscores the need to understand the social and cultural context of learning. Demonstrating the potential of a Freirean framework to challenge the status quo, it promotes more equitable and empowering practices in TVET. The chosen methodology for this study is Participatory Action Research (PAR), integrating theory, action, and participation to address social issues. Recruiting 15 NC(V) graduates from Algoa TVET College, forming a Learning Cycle Group (LCG), the study aimed to comprehend graduates’ experiences, challenges, and opportunities. Life narrative interviews and LCG meetings generated data, ensuring every participant had a voice and strengthening group cohesion. Data were grounded in ethical values such as respect, equality, inclusion, democratic participation, active learning, making a difference, collective action, and personal integrity. Employing Paulo Freire’s theoretical framework, this study offers a novel perspective on TVET in South Africa, fostering dialogue with TVET students to challenge conventional discourses. It aimed to develop an alternative conceptualisation of TVET by incorporating student experiences and perspectives, promoting positive change through dialogue and addressing power dynamics and social justice issues. The study explores Powell’s (2014) question regarding TVET colleges’ role in expanding opportunities for students and asks: “How do TVET graduates experience life after graduation? Are they empowered and satisfied with their social status?” Sub-questions inquire about students’ expectations upon enrolling, opportunities after completing NC(V) programs, and the extent to which TVET colleges address unemployment and socio-economic injustices, aiming to inspire the development of praxis and frameworks that better serve the needs of TVET graduates and address social concerns.The study’s findings, analysed through Freire’s ideology in “We Make the Road by Walking” (1990) and “Pedagogy of Hope” (1994), reveal that the NC(V) program predominantly attracts underprivileged students and is rarely their first choice. This research highlights that the NC(V) program does not fully empower or transform students’ circumstances, instead perpetuating cycles of poverty, unemployment, and social inequality—contrary to Freire’s vision of education as a tool for liberation and societal change. The program fails to provide meaningful employment opportunities, leaving graduates often unemployed or in low-paying jobs, unable to escape poverty. This underscores the program’s inadequacies. Furthermore, insufficient support structures and practical application opportunities further diminish graduates’ employability. The study’s findings emphasise the need for systemic reforms in the NC(V) program. Embracing Freire’s principles and moving beyond traditional banking education models to more inclusive, participatory approaches is essential. This transformation is crucial for the TVET system to genuinely empower students and foster significant personal and societal change. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Education, School of Secondary School Education, 2024
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2024-12
- Authors: Majola, Ezekiel
- Date: 2024-12
- Subjects: Vocational education -- Eastern Cape -- South Africa , Technical education -- Eastern Cape -- South Africa , School-to-work transition -- Eastern Cape -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/${Handle} , vital:76985
- Description: This study employs Paulo Freire’s framework to contribute to debates surrounding social justice and transformation in vocational education and training (TVET). By offering a critical perspective on dominant discourse and practices, it challenges prevailing trajectories of powerful knowledge and inherent assumptions and biases in TVET. Drawing on a Freirean framework, the research provides insights to develop more equitable and transformative practices by addressing power, privilege, and social inequality in TVET. Through dialogue and collaboration with students, it promotes critical consciousness and relevant skills and knowledge. Highlighting the significance of context, it underscores the need to understand the social and cultural context of learning. Demonstrating the potential of a Freirean framework to challenge the status quo, it promotes more equitable and empowering practices in TVET. The chosen methodology for this study is Participatory Action Research (PAR), integrating theory, action, and participation to address social issues. Recruiting 15 NC(V) graduates from Algoa TVET College, forming a Learning Cycle Group (LCG), the study aimed to comprehend graduates’ experiences, challenges, and opportunities. Life narrative interviews and LCG meetings generated data, ensuring every participant had a voice and strengthening group cohesion. Data were grounded in ethical values such as respect, equality, inclusion, democratic participation, active learning, making a difference, collective action, and personal integrity. Employing Paulo Freire’s theoretical framework, this study offers a novel perspective on TVET in South Africa, fostering dialogue with TVET students to challenge conventional discourses. It aimed to develop an alternative conceptualisation of TVET by incorporating student experiences and perspectives, promoting positive change through dialogue and addressing power dynamics and social justice issues. The study explores Powell’s (2014) question regarding TVET colleges’ role in expanding opportunities for students and asks: “How do TVET graduates experience life after graduation? Are they empowered and satisfied with their social status?” Sub-questions inquire about students’ expectations upon enrolling, opportunities after completing NC(V) programs, and the extent to which TVET colleges address unemployment and socio-economic injustices, aiming to inspire the development of praxis and frameworks that better serve the needs of TVET graduates and address social concerns.The study’s findings, analysed through Freire’s ideology in “We Make the Road by Walking” (1990) and “Pedagogy of Hope” (1994), reveal that the NC(V) program predominantly attracts underprivileged students and is rarely their first choice. This research highlights that the NC(V) program does not fully empower or transform students’ circumstances, instead perpetuating cycles of poverty, unemployment, and social inequality—contrary to Freire’s vision of education as a tool for liberation and societal change. The program fails to provide meaningful employment opportunities, leaving graduates often unemployed or in low-paying jobs, unable to escape poverty. This underscores the program’s inadequacies. Furthermore, insufficient support structures and practical application opportunities further diminish graduates’ employability. The study’s findings emphasise the need for systemic reforms in the NC(V) program. Embracing Freire’s principles and moving beyond traditional banking education models to more inclusive, participatory approaches is essential. This transformation is crucial for the TVET system to genuinely empower students and foster significant personal and societal change. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Education, School of Secondary School Education, 2024
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2024-12
Young adults’ use of social media platforms in maintaining passion and intimacy within romantic love relationships
- Authors: Maytham, Lauren
- Date: 2024-12
- Subjects: Intimacy (Psychology) , Young adults , Online dating
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/69816 , vital:78037
- Description: As technology has advanced, social media platforms have multiplied worldwide, allowing individuals to remain in contact with loved ones near and far. Despite the separation caused by distance, individuals can connect with each other, with social media playing an important role in developing and maintaining modern relationships. This, too, with romantic relationships. Existing research often overlooks the lived experiences of young adults maintaining romantic relationships through social media platforms in South Africa. This study addresses this gap by understanding how social media platforms enhance passion and intimacy, offering insights into the complexities of relationships. Young adults can interact with their romantic partners and explore alternative ways to maintain intimacy and passion when they are not physically together. The primary aim of this research is to understand the lived experiences of young adults who use social media platforms to maintain romantic love relationships. To pursue this aim, the researcher employed a qualitative phenomenological research design with a sample of eight participants, consisting of young adults aged 18 to 35. The participants were obtained using purposive and snowball sampling. The data was collected via online interviews utilising in-depth interviews. The data from participants' interviews was categorised, transcribed, and analysed for themes using Braun and Clarke's (2006) thematic analysis. The researcher adhered to ethical principles throughout the research. The findings revealed that routine interactions, such as messaging and video calls, are essential in maintaining relational stability and intimacy. Moreover, social media enhances passion by facilitating the sharing of romantic content, which in turn builds anticipation for physical reunions. However, maintaining privacy and boundaries is essential, requiring mutual understanding and respect. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Health Sciences, School of Behavioural & Lifestyle Sciences, 2024
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2024-12
- Authors: Maytham, Lauren
- Date: 2024-12
- Subjects: Intimacy (Psychology) , Young adults , Online dating
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/69816 , vital:78037
- Description: As technology has advanced, social media platforms have multiplied worldwide, allowing individuals to remain in contact with loved ones near and far. Despite the separation caused by distance, individuals can connect with each other, with social media playing an important role in developing and maintaining modern relationships. This, too, with romantic relationships. Existing research often overlooks the lived experiences of young adults maintaining romantic relationships through social media platforms in South Africa. This study addresses this gap by understanding how social media platforms enhance passion and intimacy, offering insights into the complexities of relationships. Young adults can interact with their romantic partners and explore alternative ways to maintain intimacy and passion when they are not physically together. The primary aim of this research is to understand the lived experiences of young adults who use social media platforms to maintain romantic love relationships. To pursue this aim, the researcher employed a qualitative phenomenological research design with a sample of eight participants, consisting of young adults aged 18 to 35. The participants were obtained using purposive and snowball sampling. The data was collected via online interviews utilising in-depth interviews. The data from participants' interviews was categorised, transcribed, and analysed for themes using Braun and Clarke's (2006) thematic analysis. The researcher adhered to ethical principles throughout the research. The findings revealed that routine interactions, such as messaging and video calls, are essential in maintaining relational stability and intimacy. Moreover, social media enhances passion by facilitating the sharing of romantic content, which in turn builds anticipation for physical reunions. However, maintaining privacy and boundaries is essential, requiring mutual understanding and respect. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Health Sciences, School of Behavioural & Lifestyle Sciences, 2024
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2024-12
A community school model to reconceptualise basic school functionality for quality education in low-income South African communities
- Authors: Malangeni, Silindile Portia
- Date: 2024-04
- Subjects: Education -- Economic aspects -- South Africa , Community and school , Educational sociology
- Language: English
- Type: Doctral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/64000 , vital:73636
- Description: Despite efforts to improve educational outcomes, systemic issues such as poverty, social inequality, and limited resources continue to hinder providing an equitable and inclusive learning environment (Taylor, 2018). It is, therefore, unsurprising that, in recent years, the discourse surrounding education in low-income South African communities has increasingly focused on the need for innovative models that not only redefine the functionality of schools but also prioritise the delivery of quality education (Janks and McKinney, 2021). Therefore, the aims of this study were twofold: The primary aim was to explore and understand, with multi-stakeholders in education, the reconceptualisation of basic school functionality for quality education in low-income South African communities. The study's second aim was to develop a conceptual framework that can serve as a guide for promoting basic functionality and quality education in community schools and other schools operating in similar contexts that wish to implement a community school model to enhance their basic functionality for improved quality education. Through a collaborative process, the participants in this study attempted to address a significant gap in the literature, namely how these aims could be achieved in a way that would benefit communities and schools. My interest in this topic was piqued while serving as a social work intern and Manyano Network schools’ project coordinator under the Centre for the Community School (CCS) at Nelson Mandela University; hence, the focus of this thesis on whether schools would benefit in terms functionality if they partnered with their communities and other external stakeholders in the vicinity. However, communities are seldom actively involved in schools and school activities on an ongoing daily basis. To address the country's current educational challenges, stakeholders within and outside schools must work together to redefine and reassess their roles and responsibilities within community schools. This involves exploring how they can best serve these communities and schools to create opportunities for an improved future for everyone. Using the critical participatory action research (CPAR) design and methodology in this study ensured that all participants' voices were heard. Two theoretical lenses, complementary learning systems framework (CLSF) and social constructionism theory in education, were employed in the study, providing insights into the multi-faceted nature of South African community schools. Furthermore, a critical transformative philosophical paradigm and its assumptions, epistemology, ontology, and axiology, were implemented as a lens to interpret and understand the data. The iterative design of the research process ensured that the participants also engaged in a critical discourse analysis of the data that emerged, of which the trustworthiness was enhanced using dialogic and process, catalytic, rhetoric, democratic and outcome validity. The emergence of the data through this collaborative engagement was underpinned by the ethical values of mutual respect, equality, inclusion, democratic participation, active learning, making a difference, collective action, and personal integrity. Data generation occurred with the action learning set through three data generation cycles, according to the CPAR, and comprised principals, teachers, school governing body, school volunteers, parents, afterschool programme member, and a member from the CCS, using dialogues, collage-making, drawings, personal reflective journals, personal communication, and document analysis. Thematic data analysis resulted in the following co-generated themes: the key requirements for basic school functioning, multi-stakeholders' conceptualisation of what constitutes a community school, the key role players and the contextual factors in community schools that affect the achievement of basic school functioning and quality education, the successes that can be achieved in a community school, and the benefits and key strategies required for this process. The participants’ voices allowed for rich, in-depth collaboration and engagement that led to critical reflection within the study. Furthermore, through iterative processes, collaborative engagement and participation, a proposition for a community school model to reconceptualise basic school functionality was co-constructed in response to the fourth sub-question of the study. The findings of this study further reveal the building blocks of the conceptual framework, including revisiting who constitutes the stakeholder community school, foregrounding relationship building, and assessing the complexity and values of a contextually relevant community school. Moreover, the findings reveal that this process model must have structure, principles, and an inclusive methodology. This study has made valuable theoretical and methodological contributions through the participants’ voices, with the research study embedded within CPAR principles.This study is unique; I am unaware of any similar study having been conducted in a community school in South Africa. Furthermore, the collaborative approach used in the study helped ensure that its methodology could be of value to principals and other school stakeholders in addressing various complex challenges confronting community schools in these contexts. Most notably, the findings add to the theoretical body of knowledge around basic community school functionality, especially those in low-income communities. , Thesis (DPhil) -- Faculty of Education, School of Postgraduate Education, 2024
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2024-04
- Authors: Malangeni, Silindile Portia
- Date: 2024-04
- Subjects: Education -- Economic aspects -- South Africa , Community and school , Educational sociology
- Language: English
- Type: Doctral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/64000 , vital:73636
- Description: Despite efforts to improve educational outcomes, systemic issues such as poverty, social inequality, and limited resources continue to hinder providing an equitable and inclusive learning environment (Taylor, 2018). It is, therefore, unsurprising that, in recent years, the discourse surrounding education in low-income South African communities has increasingly focused on the need for innovative models that not only redefine the functionality of schools but also prioritise the delivery of quality education (Janks and McKinney, 2021). Therefore, the aims of this study were twofold: The primary aim was to explore and understand, with multi-stakeholders in education, the reconceptualisation of basic school functionality for quality education in low-income South African communities. The study's second aim was to develop a conceptual framework that can serve as a guide for promoting basic functionality and quality education in community schools and other schools operating in similar contexts that wish to implement a community school model to enhance their basic functionality for improved quality education. Through a collaborative process, the participants in this study attempted to address a significant gap in the literature, namely how these aims could be achieved in a way that would benefit communities and schools. My interest in this topic was piqued while serving as a social work intern and Manyano Network schools’ project coordinator under the Centre for the Community School (CCS) at Nelson Mandela University; hence, the focus of this thesis on whether schools would benefit in terms functionality if they partnered with their communities and other external stakeholders in the vicinity. However, communities are seldom actively involved in schools and school activities on an ongoing daily basis. To address the country's current educational challenges, stakeholders within and outside schools must work together to redefine and reassess their roles and responsibilities within community schools. This involves exploring how they can best serve these communities and schools to create opportunities for an improved future for everyone. Using the critical participatory action research (CPAR) design and methodology in this study ensured that all participants' voices were heard. Two theoretical lenses, complementary learning systems framework (CLSF) and social constructionism theory in education, were employed in the study, providing insights into the multi-faceted nature of South African community schools. Furthermore, a critical transformative philosophical paradigm and its assumptions, epistemology, ontology, and axiology, were implemented as a lens to interpret and understand the data. The iterative design of the research process ensured that the participants also engaged in a critical discourse analysis of the data that emerged, of which the trustworthiness was enhanced using dialogic and process, catalytic, rhetoric, democratic and outcome validity. The emergence of the data through this collaborative engagement was underpinned by the ethical values of mutual respect, equality, inclusion, democratic participation, active learning, making a difference, collective action, and personal integrity. Data generation occurred with the action learning set through three data generation cycles, according to the CPAR, and comprised principals, teachers, school governing body, school volunteers, parents, afterschool programme member, and a member from the CCS, using dialogues, collage-making, drawings, personal reflective journals, personal communication, and document analysis. Thematic data analysis resulted in the following co-generated themes: the key requirements for basic school functioning, multi-stakeholders' conceptualisation of what constitutes a community school, the key role players and the contextual factors in community schools that affect the achievement of basic school functioning and quality education, the successes that can be achieved in a community school, and the benefits and key strategies required for this process. The participants’ voices allowed for rich, in-depth collaboration and engagement that led to critical reflection within the study. Furthermore, through iterative processes, collaborative engagement and participation, a proposition for a community school model to reconceptualise basic school functionality was co-constructed in response to the fourth sub-question of the study. The findings of this study further reveal the building blocks of the conceptual framework, including revisiting who constitutes the stakeholder community school, foregrounding relationship building, and assessing the complexity and values of a contextually relevant community school. Moreover, the findings reveal that this process model must have structure, principles, and an inclusive methodology. This study has made valuable theoretical and methodological contributions through the participants’ voices, with the research study embedded within CPAR principles.This study is unique; I am unaware of any similar study having been conducted in a community school in South Africa. Furthermore, the collaborative approach used in the study helped ensure that its methodology could be of value to principals and other school stakeholders in addressing various complex challenges confronting community schools in these contexts. Most notably, the findings add to the theoretical body of knowledge around basic community school functionality, especially those in low-income communities. , Thesis (DPhil) -- Faculty of Education, School of Postgraduate Education, 2024
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2024-04
A comparison of implementation platforms for the visualisation of animal family trees
- Authors: Kanotangudza, Priviledge
- Date: 2024-04
- Subjects: Business intelligence -- Computer programs , Human-computer interaction , Computer science
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/64105 , vital:73653
- Description: Genealogy is the study of family history. Family trees are used to show ancestry and visualise family history. Animal family trees are different from human family trees as animals have more offspring to represent in a family tree visualisation. Auctioneering organisations, such as Boere Korporasie Beperk (BKB), provide livestock auction catalogues containing pictures of the animal on sale, the animal’s family tree and its breeding and selection data. Modern-day farming has become data-driven and livestock farmers use various online devices and platforms to obtain information, such as real-time milk production, animal health monitoring and to manage farming operations. This study investigated and compared two Business Intelligence (BI) platforms namely Microsoft Power BI and Tableau (Salesforce) and the Python programming language used in the implementation of cattle family tree charts. Animal family tree visualisation requirements were identified from analysing data collected from 23 agriculture users and auction attendees who responded to an online questionnaire. The results of an online survey showed that agriculture users preferred an animal family tree that resembled a human one, which is not currently used in livestock auction catalogues. A conference paper was published based on the survey results. The Design Science Research Methodology (DSRM) was used to aid in creating animal family tree charts using Power BI, Tableau and Python. The author compared the visualisation tools against selected criteria, such as learnability, portability interoperability and security. Usability evaluations using eye tracking were conducted with agriculture users in a usability lab to compare the artefacts developed using Power BI and Python. Tableau was discarded during the implementation process as it did not produce the required family tree visualisation The Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) theory, which seeks to predict the acceptance and use of technology based on users' perception of its usefulness and ease of use, was used to guide the research study in evaluating the artefacts. According to TAM, the adoption of the proposed technology to solve the problem of a static animal family tree in livestock auction catalogues was dependent on the agriculture user’s beliefs. This was based upon that the technology would help them make better buying decisions at livestock auctions effortlessly. The other theory used in this study was the Task Technology Fit (TTF). This theory was used mainly to create the task list to be used in the usability test. The results showed that the author of this work and the agriculture users preferred the artefact produced by Power BI. The learnability and development time was shorter and the User Interface (UI) created was more intuitive. The findings of this study indicated that the present auction catalogue could be supplemented using interactive online animal family tree visualisations created using Power BI. This study recommended that livestock auctioneering organisations should, in addition to providing paper catalogues, provide farmers with an online platform to view the family trees of cattle on auction to enhance purchasing decisions. , Thesis (MCom) -- Faculty of Science, School of Computer Science, Mathematics, Physics and Statistics, 2024
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2024-04
- Authors: Kanotangudza, Priviledge
- Date: 2024-04
- Subjects: Business intelligence -- Computer programs , Human-computer interaction , Computer science
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/64105 , vital:73653
- Description: Genealogy is the study of family history. Family trees are used to show ancestry and visualise family history. Animal family trees are different from human family trees as animals have more offspring to represent in a family tree visualisation. Auctioneering organisations, such as Boere Korporasie Beperk (BKB), provide livestock auction catalogues containing pictures of the animal on sale, the animal’s family tree and its breeding and selection data. Modern-day farming has become data-driven and livestock farmers use various online devices and platforms to obtain information, such as real-time milk production, animal health monitoring and to manage farming operations. This study investigated and compared two Business Intelligence (BI) platforms namely Microsoft Power BI and Tableau (Salesforce) and the Python programming language used in the implementation of cattle family tree charts. Animal family tree visualisation requirements were identified from analysing data collected from 23 agriculture users and auction attendees who responded to an online questionnaire. The results of an online survey showed that agriculture users preferred an animal family tree that resembled a human one, which is not currently used in livestock auction catalogues. A conference paper was published based on the survey results. The Design Science Research Methodology (DSRM) was used to aid in creating animal family tree charts using Power BI, Tableau and Python. The author compared the visualisation tools against selected criteria, such as learnability, portability interoperability and security. Usability evaluations using eye tracking were conducted with agriculture users in a usability lab to compare the artefacts developed using Power BI and Python. Tableau was discarded during the implementation process as it did not produce the required family tree visualisation The Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) theory, which seeks to predict the acceptance and use of technology based on users' perception of its usefulness and ease of use, was used to guide the research study in evaluating the artefacts. According to TAM, the adoption of the proposed technology to solve the problem of a static animal family tree in livestock auction catalogues was dependent on the agriculture user’s beliefs. This was based upon that the technology would help them make better buying decisions at livestock auctions effortlessly. The other theory used in this study was the Task Technology Fit (TTF). This theory was used mainly to create the task list to be used in the usability test. The results showed that the author of this work and the agriculture users preferred the artefact produced by Power BI. The learnability and development time was shorter and the User Interface (UI) created was more intuitive. The findings of this study indicated that the present auction catalogue could be supplemented using interactive online animal family tree visualisations created using Power BI. This study recommended that livestock auctioneering organisations should, in addition to providing paper catalogues, provide farmers with an online platform to view the family trees of cattle on auction to enhance purchasing decisions. , Thesis (MCom) -- Faculty of Science, School of Computer Science, Mathematics, Physics and Statistics, 2024
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2024-04
A critical analysis of the interpretation of a permanent establishment created where a subsidiary acts as a dependent agent for its parent company
- Authors: Potgieter, Gizelle Kara
- Date: 2024-04
- Subjects: Double taxation , Taxation
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/65389 , vital:74112
- Description: In recent years, the need arose to amend the DAPE provisions in the OECD MTC due to the ever-evolving nature of the tax avoidance strategies employed globally. This research study analysed the amendments that were made to the DAPE provisions of Article 5(5) of the 2014 OECD MTC, including the related OECD Commentary thereto and the extent to which the Commentary can be relied on. The relevance of the amended DAPE provisions were discussed by analysing the PE definition in SA’s domestic tax law, SA’s position on the MLI and consequently its position on Article 12 of the MLI which incorporates the amended DAPE provisions into existing DTAs. The scope of the research was limited to the DAPE provisions, and the research did not focus on the PE provisions in general. The focal point of the study was specifically on SA subsidiaries acting as dependent agents for its parent companies located in foreign jurisdictions, thereby creating deemed PEs for the foreign parent companies in SA based on the relevant criteria set out in Article 5(5) of the OECD MTC. The research study further explored specific French court cases that focussed on the interpretation of the DAPE provisions in the relevant DTAs and commented on the appropriateness of the decisions reached in these cases. The primary objective of the research was to determine how the DAPE provisions should be interpreted for purposes of SA’s domestic law, as well as its DTAs concluded with both France and Ireland. The research study therefore concluded with an interpretation of a case study based on a similar set of facts to the foreign court cases explored, where an SA subsidiary acted as a dependent agent on behalf of its foreign parent company. The conclusion reached on the appropriate interpretation for domestic law purposes differed significantly to the interpretation for purposes of the DTAs as a result of the significant amendments that were made to the DAPE provisions in the 2017 MTC. , Thesis (MCom) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, School of Accounting, 2024
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2024-04
- Authors: Potgieter, Gizelle Kara
- Date: 2024-04
- Subjects: Double taxation , Taxation
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/65389 , vital:74112
- Description: In recent years, the need arose to amend the DAPE provisions in the OECD MTC due to the ever-evolving nature of the tax avoidance strategies employed globally. This research study analysed the amendments that were made to the DAPE provisions of Article 5(5) of the 2014 OECD MTC, including the related OECD Commentary thereto and the extent to which the Commentary can be relied on. The relevance of the amended DAPE provisions were discussed by analysing the PE definition in SA’s domestic tax law, SA’s position on the MLI and consequently its position on Article 12 of the MLI which incorporates the amended DAPE provisions into existing DTAs. The scope of the research was limited to the DAPE provisions, and the research did not focus on the PE provisions in general. The focal point of the study was specifically on SA subsidiaries acting as dependent agents for its parent companies located in foreign jurisdictions, thereby creating deemed PEs for the foreign parent companies in SA based on the relevant criteria set out in Article 5(5) of the OECD MTC. The research study further explored specific French court cases that focussed on the interpretation of the DAPE provisions in the relevant DTAs and commented on the appropriateness of the decisions reached in these cases. The primary objective of the research was to determine how the DAPE provisions should be interpreted for purposes of SA’s domestic law, as well as its DTAs concluded with both France and Ireland. The research study therefore concluded with an interpretation of a case study based on a similar set of facts to the foreign court cases explored, where an SA subsidiary acted as a dependent agent on behalf of its foreign parent company. The conclusion reached on the appropriate interpretation for domestic law purposes differed significantly to the interpretation for purposes of the DTAs as a result of the significant amendments that were made to the DAPE provisions in the 2017 MTC. , Thesis (MCom) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, School of Accounting, 2024
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2024-04
A critical evaluation of the state of capital asset management in Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality and its impact on service delivery
- Authors: Ndleleni, Neziwe
- Date: 2024-04
- Subjects: Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality (South Africa) , Asset-liability management , Asset management accounts -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/65285 , vital:74088
- Description: Over the past decades, municipalities have emerged as a significant sphere of government that provides essential services to the general population, thereby improving their standard of living. While the communities have been vocal in their demand for improved service delivery, some municipalities are finding it difficult to provide sustainable services because of their deteriorating infrastructure. As a result,this exhibits a negative impact on the citizens' standard of living. Good capital asset management and efficient use of resources, including suitable amenities to offer services as needed by communities, are required to improve the quality of services. Municipalities must comply with this directive, adhere to the governance requirement, alongside their consequent obligations to follow laws and regulations, execute their duties and deliver promises set within the communities that they serve. The objective of this research was to critically examine the state of capital asset management in NMBM and its influence on service delivery.The research adopted a qualitative method of enquiry. The researcher employed a qualitative methodology to acquire data using an interview schedule. Some basic findings suggest that aspects of capital asset management, including leadership, planning and budgetary concerns, a scarcity of technical staff, managerial dedication and engagement, political support, insufficient or absent capital asset conditions, present a challenge in NMBM. The study recommends that management take steps to enhance the implementation of an asset management policy, at the same time developing strategies and interventions to assist related service delivery directorates and personnel in the application, controlling andmonitoring of capital assets. It is necessary to improve the competence and efficiency of assets as well prioritise the required services and sustainability. The argument reflects that the techniques suggested in conjunction with the findings provide novel perspectives on the problems associated with capital assetmanagement. In the end, putting these recommendations into practice might greatly enhance asset management and service delivery in NMBM. , Thesis (MBA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, Business School, 2024
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2024-04
- Authors: Ndleleni, Neziwe
- Date: 2024-04
- Subjects: Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality (South Africa) , Asset-liability management , Asset management accounts -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/65285 , vital:74088
- Description: Over the past decades, municipalities have emerged as a significant sphere of government that provides essential services to the general population, thereby improving their standard of living. While the communities have been vocal in their demand for improved service delivery, some municipalities are finding it difficult to provide sustainable services because of their deteriorating infrastructure. As a result,this exhibits a negative impact on the citizens' standard of living. Good capital asset management and efficient use of resources, including suitable amenities to offer services as needed by communities, are required to improve the quality of services. Municipalities must comply with this directive, adhere to the governance requirement, alongside their consequent obligations to follow laws and regulations, execute their duties and deliver promises set within the communities that they serve. The objective of this research was to critically examine the state of capital asset management in NMBM and its influence on service delivery.The research adopted a qualitative method of enquiry. The researcher employed a qualitative methodology to acquire data using an interview schedule. Some basic findings suggest that aspects of capital asset management, including leadership, planning and budgetary concerns, a scarcity of technical staff, managerial dedication and engagement, political support, insufficient or absent capital asset conditions, present a challenge in NMBM. The study recommends that management take steps to enhance the implementation of an asset management policy, at the same time developing strategies and interventions to assist related service delivery directorates and personnel in the application, controlling andmonitoring of capital assets. It is necessary to improve the competence and efficiency of assets as well prioritise the required services and sustainability. The argument reflects that the techniques suggested in conjunction with the findings provide novel perspectives on the problems associated with capital assetmanagement. In the end, putting these recommendations into practice might greatly enhance asset management and service delivery in NMBM. , Thesis (MBA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, Business School, 2024
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2024-04
A cyber security strategy to mitigate cloud computing risks within the investment management sector in Cape Town
- Authors: Monareng, Glacier Jamela
- Date: 2024-04
- Subjects: Cloud computing , Computer security , Computer science
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/64717 , vital:73866
- Description: Adoption of cloud computing has become a transformative force in modern information technology, revolutionizing how organisations procure, manage, and deliver IT resources as well as IT services. This treatise explores the implementation of cloud computing in the investment management sector. It focuses on potential cloud security risks, broader implications for businesses and IT ecosystems, and subsequently the treatise conceptualises a strategy that may help in responding to these security risks. The study began by surveying the motivations behind cloud adoption in the investment sector, emphasising the potential cost savings, scalability, and flexibility cloud services offer. It then delves into the challenges faced during implementation, including security concerns, data privacy, compliance issues, and the intricacies of transitioning legacy systems to cloud environments. In response to these challenges, the treatise outlines strategies for successful cloud implementation within the investment sector, in Cape Town, South Africa. It highlights the significance of selecting appropriate cloud service models (for example, IaaS, PaaS, or SaaS) and deployment options (for example, public, private, hybrid, or multi-cloud) to align with organisational needs and objectives. The study followed a qualitative research study. In collecting data an open-ended online survey was sent to participants. The participants were from an investment company in Cape Town. The study employed the design science research paradigm with the aim of developing an artefact. The methodology used was the Nelson Mandela University-Design Science Strategy Methodology (NMU-DSSM) In conclusion, this treatise conceptualises a strategy that may help companies investing in cloud computing technologies to mitigate cyber security and cloud risks. It recommends practices that underscore cloud computing's transformative potential while acknowledging its complexity and challenges. The strategy may serve as a valuable resource for IT professionals, decision-makers, and organisations embarking on the cloud journey, offering guidance and perspectives to navigate the complexities and to realise the potential benefits of cloud technology. , Thesis (MPhil) -- Faculty of Engineering, the Built Environment and Technology, School of Information Technology, 2024
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2024-04
- Authors: Monareng, Glacier Jamela
- Date: 2024-04
- Subjects: Cloud computing , Computer security , Computer science
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/64717 , vital:73866
- Description: Adoption of cloud computing has become a transformative force in modern information technology, revolutionizing how organisations procure, manage, and deliver IT resources as well as IT services. This treatise explores the implementation of cloud computing in the investment management sector. It focuses on potential cloud security risks, broader implications for businesses and IT ecosystems, and subsequently the treatise conceptualises a strategy that may help in responding to these security risks. The study began by surveying the motivations behind cloud adoption in the investment sector, emphasising the potential cost savings, scalability, and flexibility cloud services offer. It then delves into the challenges faced during implementation, including security concerns, data privacy, compliance issues, and the intricacies of transitioning legacy systems to cloud environments. In response to these challenges, the treatise outlines strategies for successful cloud implementation within the investment sector, in Cape Town, South Africa. It highlights the significance of selecting appropriate cloud service models (for example, IaaS, PaaS, or SaaS) and deployment options (for example, public, private, hybrid, or multi-cloud) to align with organisational needs and objectives. The study followed a qualitative research study. In collecting data an open-ended online survey was sent to participants. The participants were from an investment company in Cape Town. The study employed the design science research paradigm with the aim of developing an artefact. The methodology used was the Nelson Mandela University-Design Science Strategy Methodology (NMU-DSSM) In conclusion, this treatise conceptualises a strategy that may help companies investing in cloud computing technologies to mitigate cyber security and cloud risks. It recommends practices that underscore cloud computing's transformative potential while acknowledging its complexity and challenges. The strategy may serve as a valuable resource for IT professionals, decision-makers, and organisations embarking on the cloud journey, offering guidance and perspectives to navigate the complexities and to realise the potential benefits of cloud technology. , Thesis (MPhil) -- Faculty of Engineering, the Built Environment and Technology, School of Information Technology, 2024
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2024-04