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An integrated training and client service guidance framework for professional Accountants of SMES

  • Authors: Beck, Tracy Geraldine
  • Date: 2022-12
  • Subjects: Training , Accountants -- Professional ethics
  • Language: English
  • Type: Doctoral's theses , Thesis
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/59467 , vital:62120
  • Description: Small and medium-sized accounting practices (SMPs) are vital to the accounting profession and represent most accounting practices globally. It is commonly assumed that SMPs employ the majority of professional accountants within the accounting field whose clients are typically small and medium-sized business entities (SMEs). SMEs account for most of the businesses around the world and play an important role in the development of economies as well as job creation. In a rapidly changing business environment, SMEs require a wider range of services and support from their professional accountants, thus, the needs and expectations of SMEs are constantly changing. Given the important contribution SMEs make to economic development, job creation, growth and innovation to communities globally, the success and survival rates of these businesses are of the utmost importance. Professional accountants of SMEs need to possess the relevant knowledge, skills, competencies and practical experience to provide professional business advisory services (non-accounting services) to create more value for the SME client. Research suggests that the SMEs decision to outsource business advisory services from their professional accountants is influenced by the relationship between the professional accountant and SME including the manner in which traditional compliance accounting services are provided (client services). In response, the objective of this study was to propose a graphical and narrative integrated training and client service framework to guide SME professional accountants. The framework provides guidance in respect of the knowledge, skills, competencies and practical experience a modern-day professional accountant should obtain during the various phases of learning and training whilst pursuing a career as a professional accountant. The framework further enhances the understanding of the traditional accounting services, client services and non-accounting services SME clients desire from their professional accountants as well as the role of professional accountants in providing or obtaining such services to ensure that the expectations of the client are met and, more importantly, contribute to the success of the SME. ABSTRACT vi An interpretivist research paradigm and a qualitative methodological approach were deemed most suitable for the current study. The interpretivist research paradigm approach enabled the researcher to understand the phenomena being studied by sharing the participants’ experiences in their own words thereby gaining a deeper understanding of the desires, services, skills and competencies they required or provided. The research population consisted of two population groups, firstly, professional accountants, accountants or bookkeepers who were either owners or were employed at SMPs and, secondly, SME owner-managers or the persons responsible for the accounting function employed at the SME. The research instrument used to guide the key-informant interviews in this research were two semi-structured interview schedules, one for each identified population group, which were divided into sections based on the themes and sub-themes. Based on key findings, the study proposes an integrated training and client service framework to guide SME professional accountants. The framework includes seven components, namely, formal higher education accounting programmes, workplace training, professional accountant, traditional accounting and client services, trust relationships, non-accounting services as well as networks of experts and other professionals. An important recommendation of the study is that professional accountants must effectively communicate and market their services to current as well as prospective SME clients to ensure that clients are aware of the potential services which can be provided or obtained from a trusted expert. The professional accountant could thus be regarded as a one-stop professional practice. The survival of the accounting profession in a constantly changing business environment is dependent on how the profession adapts to change including technological advancements. Professional accountants need to be able to provide value-added and specialist services to their SME clients as well as enhance the current quality level of client services. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Faculty of Business and Economics Science, School of Applied Accounting, 2022
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  • Date Issued: 2022-12

An investigation into the psychological impact of unemployment and coping mechanisms amongst graduates in Pietermaritzburg

  • Authors: Nkasa, Nonjabulo Fortunate
  • Date: 2022-12
  • Subjects: Unemployment -- Social aspects , Mental health
  • Language: English
  • Type: Master's theses , text
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/60209 , vital:63539
  • Description: Graduates expect to find employment after completing their tertiary qualifications, but they often face various challenges in finding employment. These challenges may be due to a variety of factors such as the type of qualification, structural changes in the economy, lack of experience, or the lack of relevant social networks. This has the potential to affect a graduate’s psychological well-being. The current study explored the psychological impact of unemployment in 100 unemployed graduates between 21 and 35 years of age in Pietermaritzburg. The study was quantitative and used two questionnaires, the GHQ-12 and a self-designed questionnaire, to collect data. Purposive sampling was used to obtain research participants. The Excel spreadsheet and a statistical software package called JASP (2020, version 0.12) was used to analyse data. The findings revealed that unemployment had a negative impact on the participants’ psychological well-being. Participants experienced feelings of high anxiety and depression, and felt stigmatised. Participants also felt shame and experienced lower self-esteem. Unemployment had a financial impact on participants, including financial dependency on family and friends. Some participants blamed themselves, the government system, and the education system for their unemployment. Participants reported to have a positive attitude towards employment, including remaining optimistic about their chances of finding employment. Participants used adaptive coping mechanisms, such as keeping a positive attitude, and maladaptive coping mechanisms, such as hiding their feelings. Further research needs to focus on psychological services that could assist unemployed graduates to find employment through building and maintaining their self-esteem and confidence which are key factors when initially seeking and obtaining work. Unemployment and its impact on psychological well-being has been shown to be to be a complex subject that requires intervention from different parties such as employers and health-care workers, as well as the education system. Keywords: Coping, graduates, psychological impact and unemployment , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Health Sciences, 2022
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  • Date Issued: 2022-12

An It risk management implementation strategy for a non-profit organisation in south africa

  • Authors: Exner, Ulandi
  • Date: 2022-12
  • Subjects: ITIL (Information technology management standard) -- South Africa , Nonprofit organizations -- South africa
  • Language: English
  • Type: Master's theses , text
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/59370 , vital:62075
  • Description: All organisations, for-profit or non-profit, have strategic objectives as their raison d’être. The achievement of these objectives is challenged by the occurrence and impact of unexpected events, commonly referred to as risks. The Digital Revolution in the late 70s introduced computers and the internet and opened up a whole new way of life. It also brought new challenges, namely IT risk. IT risk is business risk. Non-profit organisations, whose main priority is to maximise its available resources to serve the needs of their stakeholders and community, do not have adequate IT risk management practices in place because it is not top of mind for them. An effective IT risk management strategy provides several enhanced capabilities for organisations. Non-profit organisations have IT risk management standards, frameworks and methodologies to choose from, but these organisations do not have the required financial means and expertise or possibly the necessary appetite to implement these frameworks successfully. The primary objective of the study is to develop a proposed IT risk management implementation strategy for non-profit organisations to aid in the management of IT risk. The design science research paradigm was used for the study. Qualitative and quantitative research methods were used to understand the current landscape of a non-profit organisation in so far as their approach to managing IT risk. The findings of the literature review and mixed method research were used to develop a proposed IT risk implementation strategy. The evaluation of the implementation strategy in terms of its effectiveness and utility will form part of a future study. The proposed implementation strategy can be considered as an instrument for the NPO to aid in the management of IT risk. The conclusion of this study contributes to the field of IT risk research of non-profit organisations in South Africa. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Engineering, the Built Environment, and Technology, 2022
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  • Date Issued: 2022-12

Assessing Diabetes distress amongst type 2 Diabetic patients at the Mhlontlo sub-district healthcare clinics in the OR Tambo health District

  • Authors: Mboniso, Veronica
  • Date: 2022-12
  • Subjects: Diabetes , Medical care , Primary health care -- OR Tambo Health District
  • Language: English
  • Type: Master's theses , Thesis
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/60111 , vital:63096
  • Description: Diabetes mellitus is a chronic endocrine condition that requires lifestyle changes and a commitment to its management to ensure patient well-being, although this can be challenging for various reasons. In addition, diabetes is a behavioural and emotionally demanding condition that could affect the psychosocial well-being of a patient. Diabetes distress is quite common in people living with diabetes, as they lose hope easily, especially when their diabetes is uncontrolled. The research study identified and described factors contributing to diabetes distress amongst type 2 diabetic patients at Mhlontlo Sub-District healthcare clinics in the OR Tambo Health District. Probability sampling was used to select patients who were 18 years and older after approval from Nelson Mandela University (NMU) and relevant authorisation was obtained. The study was conducted between August and October 2021, using a quantitative, exploratory and descriptive research design. The data were collected using a self-administered questionnaire, which had been adapted from the Diabetes Distress Scale-17 (DDS-17) created by Polonsky et al. (2005). A total of 136 diabetic patients completed the questionnaire, which comprised three sections: demographic information (Section A); the DDS-17 (Section B); and contributing factors to diabetes distress in diabetic patients at Mhlontlo Sub-District healthcare clinics (Section C). The researcher conducted a pilot study in one of the clinics to check the feasibility of the questionnaire. After the data were collected, it was statistically analysed with the assistance of a statistician to generate descriptive and inferential statistics. The analysed data revealed that most of the diabetic patients indicated that they found travelling far to fetch medication and standing in long queues at the clinic distressing. Therefore, they wanted the Central Chronic Medicine Dispensing and Distribution (CCMDD) programme to be rolled out to bring medication to them. The results also revealed that the patients' diabetes distress was exacerbated by them having to travel to clinics in search of medication when their usual clinic had no adequate v stocks of medication. Another factor contributing to the patients’ diabetes distress was the lack of a doctor on site. The patients indicated that doctors should be available at the clinics, even periodically, to address problems that cannot be solved by nurses. The absence of haemoglucotest (HGT machines at clinics was another contributing factor to diabetes distress. Most of the patients in the study felt that they would manage their diabetes better if the government supplied these machines. The results informed various recommendations that might help the management of OR Tambo Health District to make changes and thus minimise the diabetes distress reported by its patients. However, the study had limitations, although it observed the principles of reliability and validity. Moreover, ethical considerations were guided by the Belmont Report, and the study adhered to the principles of informed consent, respect for persons, anonymity, confidentiality, beneficence, nonmaleficence and distributive justice. , Thesis (MNur) -- Faculty of Health Sciences, School of Lifestyle Sciences, 2022
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  • Date Issued: 2022-12

Beauty from Ashes:short term postfire regeneration of dune fynbos -thicket vegetation in the South Eastern Cape floristic region

  • Authors: Gcina, Sinenjongo
  • Date: 2022-12
  • Subjects: Fynbos ecology – Nelson Mandela University Campus Nature Reserve , Forest fires -- Prevention and control
  • Language: English
  • Type: Master's theses , text
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/59666 , vital:62319
  • Description: Aim This study aims to provide an understanding and a description of the short-term postfire regeneration and ecology of the fynbos-thicket vegetation on a coastal dune system in the southeastern Cape Floristic Region. Another aim is to assess the recovery of the vegetation community by assessing the growth forms and the disturbance response across a range of species from thicket and fynbos communities and to provide a belowground bud bank classification for each of these species in the coastal dune systems. Location The study site was the Mandela University Reserve and the Noordhoek dune fields, situated in Gqeberha, Eastern Cape, which is part of the south-eastern Cape Floristic Region. The study site hosts thicket-fynbos mosaic vegetation type that occurs in a Mediterranean-Climate Ecosystem (MCE). Methods Firstly, field observations and photographs of plant species were taken weekly to assess and identify the species that were emerging and persisting in the dune system in the first 12 months postfire. Phenological events of the species that emerged (e.g., flowering, fruiting, leaf growth, leaf yellowing, and leaf abscission) were also observed and reported on. Secondly, an excavation of 21 species (e.g., Jamesbrittenia microphylla, Euclea racemosa, Olea exasperata, Searsia laevigata) was conducted to classify the species into their belowground bud bank types. Results There was a rapid emergence of resprouters (facultative resprouters and obligate resprouters) in the first 12 months postfire. This was followed by their growth; primarily occurring after the rainfall events. The dominant resprouting species (facultative resprouters and obligate resprouters) entered the system two weeks after the fire. There was a significant difference in the time to the first emergence of the different regeneration groups postfire (P < 0.001): on average, obligate sprouters (OS) appeared 1 month after fire – two months earlier than facultative sprouters (FS) and four months earlier than non-sprouters (NS). There was no statistical evidence to suggest that the FS and non-sprouters NS emerged at different times postfire; however, most NS species were observed in the system 5 months after fire. 4 Exceptions were the NS species Pelargonium grossularoides and Mesembryanthemum aitonis, both annuals that emerged 1 month after fire. A wide range of OS species that appeared earlier in the system (e.g., Euclea racemosa, Olea exasperata, Searsia laevigata, and Lauridia tetragona) exhibit underground lateral growth with belowground bud banks (BBBs) from which they recover after disturbance. In total, six BBB types were recorded in this study, namely: bud-bearing root, rhizome, rhizophore, woody rhizome, stem tuber, and corms. The bud-bearing root from woody species was the dominant BBB in this system. Main conclusion The return of species that occurs in the first year after fire occurs rapidly in the first 2 months as resprouting species (primarily OS) appear in the system. Following this, the rate of return of species decreases as reseeding species (primarily NS) gradually reestablish and occupy the gaps in the dune fynbos-thicket vegetation. This study has shown that plant species in this ecosystem are adapted to fire disturbance as their populations are able to reestablish through various regeneration strategies, including resprouting from different types of BBB. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, School of Environmental Sciences, 2022
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  • Date Issued: 2022-12

Business cycle synchronization in SACU countries: a wavelet coherence analysis

  • Authors: Khoza, Sithobile X
  • Date: 2022-12
  • Subjects: Economic cycles , Synchronization -- (SACU) Countries
  • Language: English
  • Type: Master's theses , Thesis
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/60221 , vital:63844
  • Description: The discussion on the viability of the Southern African Customs Union (SACU) as a monetary union has been ongoing for years. SACU is the oldest Customs Union in history, formed in 1910. Employing the Optimum Currency Areas (OCA) theory, the study examined SACU’s readiness for a single currency. There are several technical requirements needed to form an OCA, however, one of the most vital of these with regards to a country’s suitability to enter a currency union is Business Cycle Synchronization. Therefore, SACU’s readiness was tested by establishing Business Cycle synchronization between the 5 member states. Although Business Cycles Synchronization have not been proven, SACU countries have moved towards a complete monetary union because of increasing macroeconomic convergence. Our study using Wavelet analysis sets out to establish if there is a synchronization of Business cycles with SACU members. Cyclical components were isolated, from the real GDP growth rate of each country from 1981 to 2020, using the Hodrick-Prescott filter (HP), Band-Pass filter (BP), and the Christiano-Fitzgerald Filter (CF). In the 2 by 2 analysis, our wavelet coherence showed that SACU countries are synchronized with each other, while South Africa displayed its dominance in the union by showing significant synchronization with all the members of the union both in the short and long run. The Vector wavelet analysis results concluded that, as a group, SACU shows much higher degrees of synchronization. The group synchronization is statistically significant throughout the period of study. Furthermore, there is an indication of consistent synchronization, in the long and short run. Overall, the results of our study conclude that there is synchronization in the SACU countries. Therefore, SACU counties can form an OCA as they meet the desirably requirements. , Thesis (MCom) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, 2022
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  • Date Issued: 2022-12

Caring behaviour of midwives who nurse woman during childbirth in Botswana

  • Authors: Potokwane, Nancy Osupile
  • Date: 2022-12
  • Subjects: Midwives , Childbirth, Botswana
  • Language: English
  • Type: Master's theses , Thesis
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/59821 , vital:62437
  • Description: Caring behaviour, which is defined as nurturing another to whom one feels a personal sense of commitment and responsibility, is fundamental to the psychosocial component of midwifery. Midwives ought to show respect, kindness and continuous psychosocial support during childbirth to women, who have the right to receive the highest possible standard of care and to be treated with dignity and respect before, during and after childbirth. However, an increasing number of complaints of the uncaring behaviour of midwives towards labouring women has indicated a problem that has not been fully researched. Therefore, the study aimed to identify and describe caring behaviours in the context of midwives in Botswana; determine the inhibiting factors of caring behaviours of midwives during childbirth; and make recommendations to midwives and unit managers based on Swanson’s (1991) Theory of Caring, which might lead to the optimisation of caring behaviour in Botswana midwives. A quantitative, descriptive research design was followed to answer the research questions, and a structured, self-administered questionnaire, which had been developed by the researcher based on the literature review, was used to capture data. A purposive sampling method was used to select 200 respondents working in maternity units in the Kgatleng and Greater Gaborone regional health districts in Botswana. The questionnaire was evaluated for reliability and validity to ensure that it consistently and accurately measured what it was intended to measure. A pilot study was conducted with 10 midwives who met the criteria for participation in the study to pre-test the feasibility of the questionnaire in preparation for the main study. In addition, ethical principles, such as informed consent, respect for persons, anonymity, confidentiality and beneficence were followed throughout the study. The questionnaire consisted of questions and statements. It was divided into three sections. Section A: Demographic attributes; Section B: Identification and description of the caring behaviour of midwives: Section C: Determination of the inhibiting factors of caring behaviours in midwifery. The data provided by the respondent’s answers to the questionnaires were statistically analysed using the Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS®): Version 27 with the assistance of a statistician, thereby generating descriptive and inferential statistics. v The results of the data analysis revealed that most of the respondents provided positive responses, thereby indicating caring behaviour in midwifery practice. However, several factors that inhibit the caring behaviour of midwives were identified, such as a shortage of staff, work overload, a poor working environment, the inconsistent selection of staff for professional development, a lack of equipment, the young age of some of the woman (less than 15 years), the parity of the woman (more than one child) and the negative behaviour of many of the women. Therefore, recommendations for midwives and unit managers based on the five processes of Swanson’s (1991) Theory of Caring were made that could be used to optimise midwifery care in Botswana. , Thesis (MNurs)-- Faculty of Faculty of Health Sciences, 2022
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  • Date Issued: 2022-12

Characterising termite mound spatial patterns in the Eastern Cape Karoo : applying drone remote sensing,GIS and spatial statistics

  • Authors: Mngcele, Lizalise Sive Nqaba
  • Date: 2022-12
  • Subjects: Drone aircraft in remote sensing – Eastern Cape Karoo , Termites , Geographic information Systems – South Africa
  • Language: English
  • Type: Master's theses , text
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/59555 , vital:62169
  • Description: The Eastern Cape Karoo in South Africa has been earmarked for potential Shale Gas development, which has necessitated the understanding of existing ecosystems to be quantiĄed pre-development, in order to have a baseline against which the exploration can be monitored. Termite mounds as baseline mechanisms, are known to be sensitive to ecosystem disturbance and because of their abundance in the exploration zone, have been studied as indicator species. They are both a surface and subsurface phenomena which makes them an ideal baseline monitoring mechanism. Termite mound height, basal circumference and geospatial data was collected against natural and anthropogenic factors: elevation, vegetation, water, soil, geology, human settlements and roads. Mound distributions were observed across four study sites, and seven plots, using a DJI Phantom 4 Pro drone, an aerial and ground survey. Observed mound data on the drone and aerial survey was compared to that of the ground survey. Overall, the drone survey outperformed the aerial survey in recording accurate termite mound data. This was largely attributed to the scale of the study which gave the drone a competitive advantage. It allowed for drone data to be collected at 40 m altitude with an image resolution of 2-6 cm/pixel on each plot. In addition, drone detection accuracy was improved through the ability to generate digital surface models (DSMs) through point clouds and overlaying them with orthomosaics. Considering observed mound spatial point patterns, both the drone and aerial survey were more than 50% percent consistent with the ground survey, although the drone survey detected 28.57% more accurate mound spatial point patterns than the aerial survey. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, School of Environmental Sciences, 2022
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  • Date Issued: 2022-12

Co-development of online violence against women and girls prevention interventions with school-going adolescents

  • Authors: Ndungu, Jane
  • Date: 2022-12
  • Subjects: Prevention , Transformative communication
  • Language: English
  • Type: Master's theses , text
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/60188 , vital:63214
  • Description: Background: Violence against women and girls (VAWG)amongst adolescents remains a global public health problem. Globally, an estimated 24 per cent of girls aged 15-19 are reported to have experienced VAWG before the age of 20. Experience of VAWG has far reaching health and educational consequences. Thus, the prevention of VAWG needs to be a priority. In recent years, there has been an increase in web-based or online violence prevention interventions. However, these interventions are either secondary prevention interventions, or primary prevention interventions, focused on emergency or protective solutions. Current evidence indicates that group-based participatory violence prevention interventions are an important approach to the primary prevention of VAWG but there remains a gap in understanding if these interventions can be delivered online. Further, it remains unclear if co-development of group-based participatory violence prevention interventions with young people – which has been proposed to enhance contextualisation of interventions – can occur online. Goal and specific objectives: This study aimed to explore and understand the feasibility of co-developing an online group-based participatory VAWG prevention intervention for adolescents. The specific objectives of this study were (i) from the perspective of experts understand the feasibility, acceptability and challenges of a group-based participatory VAWG prevention intervention developed and delivered online, (ii) from the perspective of adolescents, understand the feasibility, acceptability and challenges of a group-based participatory VAWG prevention intervention developed and delivered online and (iii) Undertake an online co-development process of an online group-based participatory VAWG prevention intervention with adolescents. ix Methods: This qualitative study was conducted in Gqeberha (formerly known as Port Elizabeth), in the Nelson Mandela Bay municipality, Eastern Cape Province of South Africa. The study was guided by the intervention development framework: 6 Essential Steps for Quality Intervention Development (6SQuID). Data were collected online using in-depth semi-structured interviews, with 20 experts sampled through convenience and snowball strategies and 18 purposively sampled adolescents, to achieve objectives one and two. This was then followed by a co-development process with high school-going adolescents (ages 18- 19 years) to achieve objective three. In the co-development process, the candidate worked with a small group of adolescents (four adolescents) for five sessions online, over a period of two weeks. In these sessions, the co-development team engaged in discussions on sexual violence, which resulted in creation of a problem tree and populated a theory of change table. Data were transcribed in English, verbatim and analysed using thematic network analyses. Findings: Findings for the first objective about understanding from the perspective of experts the feasibility, acceptability and challenges of a group-based participatory VAWG prevention intervention developed and delivered online, showed experts identified several opportunities for these. Specifically, experts identified the potential of bringing these interventions to scale, which has been a challenge for in-person interventions, as well as accessing hard to reach groups, such as people in conflict settings, those on the move and people with limited mobility. However, experts felt there were many complex questions in the development of an online VAWG prevention intervention that needed resolving. Some of the challenges raised by experts included concerns of achieving privacy, trust, and safety online, which are central to achieving transformative communication. Experts also struggled to grapple with how a sense of community could be achieved online. There were also concerns amongst experts about material challenges such as access to devices, access to data and poor connectivity. x Interestingly, younger experts were more open to online participatory interventions than the more experienced experts. Findings for objective two “from the perspective of adolescents, understand the feasibility, acceptability and challenges of a group-based participatory VAWG prevention intervention developed and delivered online”, young people reported they were keen and open to the idea of online group-based participatory VAWG prevention interventions. They discussed how they enjoyed engaging in online groups and often experienced a sense of belonging in these groups. Yet, like the experts, school-going adolescents were concerned about safety, privacy, and trust in online groups. These concerns shaped adolescents’ willingness to disclose sensitive information online and ability to engage in open dialogue. Concern over privacy, trust and safety online also influenced adolescents’ choices over which apps to engage with, and with whom. Young people were active in thinking through and addressing how they dealt with safety, privacy and trust issues online. The third objective was “to undertake an online co-development process of an online group-based participatory VAWG prevention intervention with adolescents”, which was done over two weeks. A range of positive outcomes were identified. Firstly, young people enjoyed the level of autonomy and their depth of involvement in the process. They had come into the process anticipating being lectured to and were pleasantly surprised to find that their role was central, and they would drive the process. Secondly, adolescents were eager to be involved and appreciated being ‘heard’. This allowed for a more extensive exploration of their understanding on the topic, and development of the intervention activities that emerged. Thirdly, young people found it easy to build rapport online, both amongst each other, and with the facilitator, which made communication in the group easier. Importantly, this group of adolescents had their own laptops, or cell phones to use, and the project provided data for the young people to participate. However, there were also challenges to the process of coxi development. The central challenge was that young people and facilitator often slipped into a form of teacher-learner communication, driven by their prior histories of didactic education, which led the adolescents to ‘fearing’ to give ‘wrong’ responses. The facilitator also struggled on how to maintain adolescents’ autonomy of thought, while also incorporating ‘scientific evidence’ in the emerging intervention activities. Furthermore, the more talkative school-going adolescents took the centre stage in the discussions, with the quieter ones remaining quiet. Conclusions: The findings of this study showed that the feasibility of taking group-based participatory interventions online are possible, but this is shaped by a complex set of factors, that impact on the possibilities for transformative communication, and on the creation of safe social spaces – such as trust, privacy, safety. The central question is whether the theoretical constructs of transformative communication and safe social spaces are achievable online. A significant step in moving towards enabling transformative communication online will be addressing the issues of privacy, safety and trust. Careful training of facilitators around skills to facilitate group-based participatory VAWG prevention interventions online is also recommended. The complexities of delivering online participatory interventions require careful consideration, and this needs to be developed and thought about in conjunction with school-going adolescents (the target group), to ensure that interventions resonate with their needs and requirements. Future directions in this research field are provided. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Health Sciences, 2022
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  • Date Issued: 2022-12

Comparison of in vitro activities of selected Ganoderma species in relation to skin diseases

  • Authors: Van Aardt, Robin Kaylah
  • Date: 2022-12
  • Subjects: Ganoderma diseases of plants -- South Africa , Macrophages
  • Language: English
  • Type: Master's theses , text
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/61143 , vital:69766
  • Description: Ganoderma species of macrofungi have been reported to have a multitude of medicinal properties, however, there is limited information on this genus in South Africa. The goal of this study was to compare biological activities of selected Ganoderma spp. in relation to skin diseases with emphasis on the antibacterial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and cytotoxic in vitro activities. Ethanolic and aqueous extracts prepared from six samples of G. lucidum [two commercial products (MG-LZ8 and Medi Mushroom Reishi extract), polar, antler, fruiting body and mycelium] and ten cultivated Ganoderma spp. were screened for bioactivities. Antibacterial activity was assessed using the 2-(4-iodophenyl)-3-(4-nitrophenyl)-5-phenyl-2H-tetrazolium (INT) assay against skin pathogens (Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pyogenes, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae). Cytotoxicity was determined using bisBenzamide H 33342 trihydrochloride/propidium iodide (Hoechst/ PI) staining on the B16F10 melanoma cell line. The 2,2-Diphenyl-1- picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and Ferric reducing ability of plasma (FRAP) assays were used to investigate antioxidant activity. Immune modulatory effects included detection of phagocytic activity and phenotypic changes of RAW 264.7 murine macrophage cells. The phenotypic macrophage polarisation of the extracts on RAW 264.7 murine macrophage cells was tested by treating the cells with the extracts and measuring the fluorescence of cell surface markers. CD86 was used as indicator for the M1 phenotype and CD206 as a general marker for M2 phenotypes. The commercially available and cultivated G. lucidum extracts did not show antibacterial activity within the 0-2mg/mL concentration range tested. The commercially available MG-LZ8 G. lucidum extract expressed cytotoxic activity with an IC50 value of 21.26 µg/mL while the ethanolic conk fruiting body and mycelial G. lucidum extract showed a significant reduction in live cells, indicating anti-proliferative activity. G. destructans mycelial ethanol extract displayed anti-proliferative activity at a concentration of 200 μg/mL which shows great potential as a mycelial extract. All the G. lucidum extracts exhibited free radical scavenging abilities with the Ganoderma spp. showing little to no measurable activity. G. lucidum and Ganoderma spp extracts had similar responses without inflammatory activity for the concentration ranges tested. The extracts did not increase macrophage phagocytic activity using the pHrodo™ Green E. coli iii BioParticles™ Conjugate. G. lucidum and Ganoderma spp. extracts induced macrophage polarisation toward the M2 phenotype, with the G. lucidum antler and conk fruiting body extracts displaying significant activity. This study illustrates one of the first investigations of the bioactivity of indigenous Ganoderma spp.; G. destructans type and G. eickeri, spp. nov. identified by Coeztee et al (2015). , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, School of Biochemistry and Microbiology, 2023
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  • Date Issued: 2022-12

Converged data and sensing over optical fiber networks

  • Authors: Shumane, Vela
  • Date: 2022-12
  • Subjects: Optical fiber subscriber loops -- South Africa , Chemical detectors , Internet -- Technological innovations
  • Language: English
  • Type: Master's theses , text
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/59968 , vital:62722
  • Description: Internet connectivity, data and sensors have become increasingly important across all spheres of business and industry, especially in the mining sector. Recent years have seen deeper mining explorations as a result of the depletion of natural resources in shallow strata. Due to complex and unexpected geological conditions as well as significant ground stresses, deep stratum mining operations encounter a number of difficulties. It is essential that the mining industry be more innovative with their equipment and monitoring systems given the rise in expenses caused by energy consumption, concessions to surface integrity, worldwide freshwater shortage, as well as health and safety of miners. Any attempt to eliminate these mining consequences must start with early discovery. An effective plan to anticipate, prevent, or manage geohazards events must be in place because to these complex and unpredictably occurring geological circumstances. Due to their capacity to combine gigabits of data from remote locations within the mine to a centralized control centre, optical fiber offers a variety of distinctive advantages within the mining industry. In order to attain maximum productivity, modern and effective mining operations use enhanced control techniques and increasing mechanization. Additionally, optical fibers can be utilized in a mine to safely monitor seismic activity, methane, roof collapses, rock bursts, explosions, and dangerous underground mine settings. Multimode or multi-core fibers represent a particularly intriguing alternative for transmissions over small distances, especially for broad band local area networks like LANs, as they enable the use of affordable components. Due to the current state of these issues, there is a drive to create fiber optic communication links that can also function as distributed optical fiber sensors, where each point along the fiber can function as a continuous array of sensors. In this thesis, we suggested and experimentally demonstrated a converged solution for precise vibration sensing and high-speed data in mining applications. With wireless access for people and equipment inside cavities, the solution uses multimode fiber to link nearby mining cavities. To track vibrations and earth tremors causing rock falls, polarization-based vibration sensors over multimode fiber is used. With a modal dispersion penalty of just 1.6 dB, photonic data transmission across 100 m of multimode fiber is successfully accomplished. Successful 1.7 GHz wireless transmission across a distance of 1 m is demonstrated, and vibrations between 50 Hz and 1 kHz may be reliably detected to within 0.02 percent of the true value. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, School of Computer Science, Mathematics, Physics and Statistics, 2022
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  • Date Issued: 2022-12

Cost control challenges in Eastern Cape Department of Health

  • Authors: Ntete, Patrick
  • Date: 2022-12
  • Subjects: Cost control, Eastern Cape , Health Department
  • Language: English
  • Type: Master's theses , Thesis
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/59799 , vital:62435
  • Description: Cost control in the South African public health sector has become a major concern due to the amount of money that the government loses every financial year. If costs in the South African public health sector are not kept under control there might be catastrophic consequences. Regardless of the challenges in controlling costs in the health sector, scant studies have explored the cost control phenomenon, which is seen as a scientific management technique to control and lessen the cost of conducting business. Keeping costs under control in the health sector became particularly important during the COVID-19 pandemic when the budgetary burden on the health sector worsened. This study aimed to identify challenges to cost control in the Eastern Cape Department of Health and come up with recommendations on how the challenges can be addressed. The study followed a qualitative research approach and an interview schedule with open-ended questions was prepared to answer the research questions that were formulated. The research sample consisted of 13 employees of the Eastern Cape Department of Health with work experience ranging between 11 and 15 years to ensure credible data. The study’s findings revealed that the participants who were interviewed had an idea of the cost control concept; that cost containment committees help reduce costs by monitoring and evaluating expenditure to ensure that the funds that are spent result in added value; that cost control is an important concept in the health sector, as it ensures that expenditure is reduced and that the influx of undocumented immigrants exerts unexpected pressure on the health sector as these people are generally not taken into account when the budget is drawn up. Findings from the study could assist in formulating strategies that can be employed to improve cost control in the health sector, for example, immunisation and educating employees and management about cost control measures and how they can be implemented. , Thesis (MBA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Science, 2022
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  • Date Issued: 2022-12

Development of a continuous flow process towards the synthesis of fluvastatin: a lipid lowering drug

  • Authors: Singata, Mzuvukile
  • Date: 2022-12
  • Subjects: Drug development – South Africa , Drugs --Law and legislation , Pharmaceutical technology -- South Africa
  • Language: English
  • Type: Master's theses , text
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/59587 , vital:62175
  • Description: Access to pharmaceuticals in low to middle income countries affects not only the health of a nation, but also the economy. Global pandemics such as the SARS COVID-19 pandemic have demonstrated this disparity. A potential solution to this crisis is an efficient and reliable means of local production of active pharmaceutical ingredients. Current manufacturing plants heavily rely on batch processes as their primary form of production. Batch production has been shown to have numerous disadvantages that impede the reliable production of drugs. Flow chemistry presents a possible solution to this impediment. Numerous advantages of flow chemistry make this technology a better and safer option for production; these include improved safety, faster reaction times and improved reaction control. In this research we present the use of flow chemistry towards the synthesis of fluvastatin, a lipid lowering drug for individuals that suffer from hypercholesterolemia, which is characterised by elevated levels of low-density lipoprotein that is sometimes referred to as bad cholesterol. Chapter 1 provides a detailed description of the background to the problem of hypercholesterolemia; in this chapter the role of cholesterol in the body and how it can end up becoming a problem is outlined. An in-depth analysis of flow chemistry is provided and finally the problem statement, aims and objectives are presented. Chapter 2 give a detailed description of the instrumentation and chemicals used in the research. A description of experimental methodology towards the synthesis of all intermediates in batch and flow systems is provided. Chapter 3 provides all the data collected from the research and describes a multivariate optimization of the intermediates towards the synthesis of fluvastatin. The first intermediate was successfully synthesized in batch (60%) and flow systems at an improved conversion of 98% in a residence time of 15 minutes. The second intermediate was also obtained in batch (32%) and using continuous flow systems at a conversion of 75% and a residence time of 25 minutes. The third intermediate was successfully cyclized in batch using ZnCl2 (50%) and via continuous flow using Amberlite IR120 in a packed column reactor at a residence time of 15 minutes at 95°C, to obtain a conversion of 98%. The final intermediate was successfully synthesized in batch (62%) and in flow; it was obtained at 98% at a residence time of 15 minutes using continuous flow. Chapter 4 provides a conclusion of the study; it also provides a description of the future work and recommendations for this research. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, School of Biomolecular and Chemical Sciences, 2022
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  • Date Issued: 2022-12

Development of a crumb rubber adsorbent for the sorption of lead and copper from waste water: Optimization of sorption in a binary component system

  • Authors: Hlabana,Relebohile Gladys
  • Date: 2022-12
  • Subjects: Port Elizabeth (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , South Africa
  • Language: English
  • Type: Master's theses , text
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/59688 , vital:62356
  • Description: Waste tyre is becoming a global environmental problem due to challenges in its disposal management and the fact that it poses fire hazards and metal leaching risk. Waste tyre can also breed mosquitos if it traps water thereby becoming an environmental health problem. There is also a portion of unused tyre in a waste tyre that is valuable and should be recycled. In South Africa waste tyre recycling is in three industries, one of which is crumb rubber where waste tyre is applied into various sized particles called crumb rubber. Crumb rubber can be applied in environmental remediation as an organic and inorganic pollutants’ adsorbent. Considering the fact that South Africa’s environment is loaded with heavy metal pollutants due to contributions by mining and agriculture as examples, it is postulated that crumb rubber produced in South Africa could be used to remediate the environment of these toxic metals. In this study adsorption of Pb (II) and Cu (II) from the synthetic waste water using waste tyre crumb rubber produced in South Africa was studied. Crumb rubber was activated using aqueous NaOH (0.02%) to make crumb rubber wettable followed by it being treated with 0.02 % acidified KMnO4 for modification of its ability to sorp positively charged metal species. Trial sorption experiments on 50 mg / L Cu (II) were successful with sorption of over 70% in 250 minutes. Final optimization of the sorption of combined Pb (II) and Cu (II) was studied using a full factorial design and optimum conditions of sorption were found to be pH 5.4; [metal] 0.617 mmol / L for Pb (II); and pH 5.4; the optimization of Cu (II) was found to be pH 5.4; [metal] 0.777 mmol / L. In Pb (II) sorptions the mechanism of adsorption on the activated crumb rubber was found to be following the Freundlich model indicating that the adsorption seemed to occur on a multilayer adsorbent, while the mechanism of copper(II) adsorption on to the activated crumb rubber was found to be following Langmuir model, indicating that the adsorption seemed to occur on a monolayer. With adsorption percentages ranging from 98.2 % to 100.0 %, for Pb (II), the crumb rubber produced under the conditions of this study, can be used in South Africa for selective removal of Pb (II). , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, School of Biomolecular and Chemical Sciences, 2022
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  • Date Issued: 2022-12

Development of a therapeutic drug monitoring model for aminoglycosides at a private hospital in the Eastern Cape

  • Authors: Swanepoel, Caro Mae
  • Date: 2022-12
  • Subjects: Aminoglycosides -- Eastern Cape , Nephrotoxicity -- Eastern Cape , Drug Monitoring
  • Language: English
  • Type: Master's theses , text
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/60276 , vital:64291
  • Description: Background: Aminoglycosides are highly effective against Gram-negative bacteria, including ESKAPE pathogens. However, aminoglycosides can cause nephrotoxicity and ototoxicity. Therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) performed in patients receiving aminoglycosides can potentially reduce the development of antimicrobial resistance as well as aminoglycoside-induced toxicity and side effects. Primary Aim: The study aimed to identify TDM practices and subsequently develop a model for aminoglycoside TDM at a private hospital in the Eastern Cape. Methodology: Phase One involved the collection of data from the hospital’s database, using a purpose-designed data collection tool. Data from 135 eligible patients who received aminoglycoside therapy from June 2019 to June 2020 were reviewed. Data was captured, coded and analysed (using differential analysis). Semi-structured interviews were conducted (Phase Two) with three physicians and five pharmacists. Interview transcripts were coded using a combination of inductive and deductive coding techniques, followed by thematic analysis. The data was triangulated and used, together with recommendations from similar guidelines, to design a context-specific model for aminoglycoside TDM at the hospital. Results and Discussion: Results from Phases One and Two showed that TDM was not being performed correctly at the hospital. The overall incidence of aminoglycoside TDM was 19.26% (N = 135). The highest incidence of TDM occurred in ICU patients (n = 31; 51.61%). Drug monitoring was not consistently conducted in elderly (≥65 years) patients, or in those with signs of renal impairment; even though interviewed physicians and pharmacists identified elderly and renally impaired patients as “high risk” patients. Challenges regarding implementation of aminoglycoside TDM were explored. A lack of competent staff and time constraints were identified as major barriers to quality TDM services. Conclusion: The daily practices and TDM challenges at the site were considered during the design of the aminoglycoside TDM model, which can potentially facilitate better execution and monitoring practices for aminoglycosides at the private hospital. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Health Sciences 2022
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  • Date Issued: 2022-12

Different dimensions of inequality and sustainable economic growth in Africa

  • Authors: Raimi, Rasaq Being
  • Date: 2022-12
  • Subjects: Inequality , Sustainable development , Economic growth -- Africa
  • Language: English
  • Type: Doctoral's theses , Thesis
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/59884 , vital:62483
  • Description: The recent unprecedented economic growth across Africa for over two decades has been anticipated to alleviate poverty and close up the wide inequality gap in the continent; its impact, however, on the vast majority of people in Africa appears to be insignificant as more households are still battling with poverty and the inequality gap is still wide. This has, however, raised empirical questions regarding the nature of the relationship that exists between economic growth and inequality in Africa. Hence, these questions have created gaps in the literature as some studies found positive relationship while other results state otherwise. The study fills the existing gap by re-examining the relationship between dimensions of inequality and sustainable growth in Africa. The study applied parametric and non-parametric econometric techniques on more recent inequalities data covering 28 African countries. Specifically, the study examined the relationship between income inequality and sustainable growth in Africa, investigated the relationship between education inequality and sustainable growth in Africa, analysed the relationship between gender inequality and sustainable growth in Africa and discussed the relationship between land inequality and sustainable growth in Africa. The study covered the period of 1998-2020 and the data for the study were sourced from Standardised World Income Inequality Data Base (SWIID), World Economic Forum, World Bank Online Data Base, Benaabdelaali et al‘s (2012) paper and Ziesemer, THW‘s (2016) paper. Result from the analysis of income inequality and sustainable growth indicates a positive unidirectional relationship between the two variables. The findings suggest that African growth promotes more income inequality and income inequality does not interrupt the growth potential of the continent. The findings further reveal a positive relationship between sustainable growth and poverty rate in African region. This suggests that African economic growth alone cannot solve African poverty problem. Analysis of sustainable growth and education inequality shows an inverse relationship between the two variables. The result indicates that sustainable growth helps in reducing education inequality but a further increase in education inequality drags down sustainable growth in the long-run. Also, poverty is found to have a positive relationship with education inequality in Africa. However, no causal relationship is found between sustainable growth and education inequality but rather a unidirectional causality running from poverty to education inequality in Africa. iv In relation to the gender inequality analysis, the study also found a negative relationship between the two variables. Specifically, while sustainable growth is found to be bridging gender gap, gender inequality on the other hand is found to be a limiting factor on sustainable growth in Africa. The results also indicate a strong positive significant relationship between poverty and gender inequality in Africa. The analysis reveals the vulnerability of African women to poverty and also suggests that many African countries are yet to harness the enormous potentials possessed by women for their regional development. Furthermore, the study found a negative relationship between sustainable growth and land inequality in Africa. The result indicates that unequal land distribution is among the factors preventing Africa from achieving its high dream of sustainable growth and it is further responsible for the severe poverty especially among the rural dwellers where agricultural land is considered as an important determinant of family income. One way causality running from land inequality to sustainable growth is also established via granger causality result which further indicates that uneven land distribution has effects on sustainable growth. Based on these findings, the study concludes that economic growth though has been helping in bridging some dimensions of inequality in Africa, income related inequality is exempted. Also, it is evident that economic growth alone is not adequate to close the wide inequality gap that has persisted for so long in Africa. In conclusion, the study recommended among other things that many African policy makers need to intensify their developmental efforts to reach everyone in their countries so as to effectively fight the ugly poverty situation across the continent. Also, salary structure needs to be revisited across Africa via introduction of appropriate tax to redistribute income and help the low income earners to relatively meet up with the higher income earners. This will help in closing income gap and at the same time alleviate poverty. , Thesis (PHD) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Science, 2022
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  • Date Issued: 2022-12

Economic impact assessment of the national youth development agency (NYDA) grant fund in the Eastern Cape

  • Authors: Fotoyi, Asanda
  • Date: 2022-12
  • Subjects: Economic impact analysis , Youth development, Eastern Cape
  • Language: English
  • Type: Doctoral's theses , Thesis
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/59424 , vital:62093
  • Description: Since the dawn of democracy in South Africa, the country has adopted several youth policies aimed at promoting young peoples’ education and training, employment, entrepreneurship, and healthy lifestyles. Still, however, the country battles high youth unemployment rates, which increased from 35.7% in 2010 to 41.0% in 2019. Such issues exist despite the NYDA being established in 2008 to coordinate youth strategies in the country. The NYDA strategic areas include: economic participation, education and skills development, health and wellbeing, knowledge management, and governance. Of note is that NYDA grant funding has been specifically designed to provide young South African entrepreneurs with an opportunity to access both financial and nonfinancial business support to establish or expand their businesses. Over a period of 7 years (2013-2019), the NYDA has grant funded a significant number of youth-owned businesses across the country, to the value of about R204.5 million. Given the large amount of public funds invested through NYDA grant funding, it is important to assess whether or not this investment has been favourable in terms of achieving its goals. This determination is especially important, as governmental resources are scarce and subject to opportunity cost, in that some alternatives have been forgone in favour of the NYDA mandate. The present study was, therefore, necessary, as, since the inception of NYDA grant funding, its economic impact has not been scientifically measured or assessed. As such, there has not been any scientific basis to justify NYDA grant funding. In particular, this thesis assessed the economic impact of the NYDA grant funding in the Eastern Cape. The effectiveness of the NYDA grant funding was examined against its objectives: improved entrepreneurship participation, business skills development and support, and improved creation of job opportunities. The primary hypothesis was tested using a cost-benefit analysis (CBA). The CBA method was adopted as it is a well-established economic assessment method to test policy interventions. This method is also based on methodological rigour and was determined to be most applicable for this present research endeavour. v The notion behind using the CBA was to quantify the net benefits of NYDA grant funding for youth businesses by comparing the benefits with the corresponding costs. In order to determine other factors that influence the turnovers of NYDA grant funding recipients’ businesses, secondary hypotheses were then tested by using a least absolute deviation (LAD) regression analysis in respect to cross-sectional data relating to the respondents’ annual turnovers over the years 2014-2019. The LAD estimation method was used primarily due to its robustness in comparison to ordinary least squares (OLS). This study made use of a questionnaire to collect data on the demographics of the NYDA grant funding beneficiaries. As well as the beneficiaries’ business characteristics, their subjective perceptions on the impact of the NYDA support interventions, and business-specific challenges. The Raosoft calculator was used to calculate the sample size at a 5% margin of error. The scientifically sound sample size of the respondents, according to the Raosoft calculator, was 246 out of 681 clients. The respondents were drawn from the Eastern Cape areas by means of face-to-face survey interviews as well as a digitised research instrument that was circulated using several online platforms (e.g., email, WhatsApp, and Facebook). The total number of respondents who ultimately participated in this study was 253. In order to achieve Denzin’s (1978) triangulation, a focus group session was also conducted with selected NYDA grant beneficiaries. The focus group discussion for this research was held using the online platform, Microsoft Teams (MS Teams). The survey analysis findings of the study suggest that the demographics of the NYDA grant funding beneficiaries are a general reflection of the Eastern Cape’s overall youth entrepreneurship trends. As such, there were more male youth entrepreneurs compared to female youth entrepreneurs. The involvement of youth in business improved in correspondence with age -groups. The population groups of the grant funding beneficiaries also reflected the country’s racial demographics. In terms of business characteristics, the survey analysis findings revealed that NYDA grant funded businesses function across various sectors of the economy and largely operate out of homes. These businesses primarily serve local households and communities, have generally been operating for 3-5 years, and were largely started because the owner recognised an opportunity in the market. In terms of business assistance from vi NYDA, it was found that the grant funding was mostly utilised for asset finance. In terms of business challenges, market conditions were highlighted as negatively impacting youth businesses. However, the participating business owners were primarily inward-looking when seeking to address their challenges. A further finding from the survey analysis revealed that many NYDA grant funded businesses tended to increase the number of jobs created in the period under review. The CBA findings, in turn, showed that the public expenditure in Eastern Cape youth businesses through NYDA grant funding was economically viable during the period under review, since the benefit-cost ratio (BCR) exceeded ‘1’ (the net present value (NPV) was also positive). The regression estimation findings further indicated gender, education, and industry gross domestic product (GDP) growth rates also had a significant impact on the annual turnovers of the youth businesses. The focus group findings highlighted that most beneficiaries derive value from NYDA grant funding. However, there is scope for improvement in the areas of access to finance, turnaround times, access to markets, links to the entrepreneurship ecosystem, administrative burden, mentorship, monitoring and evaluation (M&E), and organisational culture. Based on the findings of the study, this thesis concludes that in the period under review, in the Eastern Cape, NYDA grant funding yields positive social returns; and delivered on its objectives (i.e., improved entrepreneurship participation, business skills development and support, and improved creation of job opportunities). The empirical findings of this study further supports this thesis’s recommendation for: 1) improvements in the NYDA grant funding budget; 2) closing gender gaps in youth entrepreneurship; 3) improving participation of disabled youth in business support services; 4) promoting entrepreneurship as a career path; 5) providing youth business support in rural areas; 6) diversifying economic sectors of youth businesses; 7) offering access to finance for youth business growth and expansion; 8) establishing youth businesses access to markets; 9) reducing administrative burdens for youth businesses; 10) improving accessibility of business development trainings; 11) offering mentorship for youth entrepreneurs, 12) providing infrastructure for youth businesses; 13) extend Covid-19 relief support for youth businesses; and 14) standardising practises in youth business support services. , Thesis (PHD) -- Faculty of Business and Economics Science, 2022
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  • Date Issued: 2022-12

Educational interventions for primary caregivers related to infection prevention and control in stroke patients in a rural setting of Mutasa district, Zimbabwe

  • Authors: Chikanya, Violet Kestha
  • Date: 2022-12
  • Subjects: Educational interventions -- Zimbabwe , Cross infection -- Prevention -- Zimbabwe , Primary caregivers
  • Language: English
  • Type: Doctoral theses , text
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/60133 , vital:63146
  • Description: Infection prevention and control offer safe and effective practices for patients and healthcare workers in any setting, including the home environment. Understanding and applying principles are based on knowledge and training of caregivers. The incidence of stroke has increased significantly in some sub-Saharan countries. Most patients with stroke are admitted into hospital during the acute phase of care, and are then discharged for further care and management at home. Recovery at home after a stroke takes a long time under the care of primary caregivers with either little or no health care training, exposing these patients to a variety of risky infections. Education on infection prevention and control is therefore encouraged to guide primary caregivers in caring for these patients. The study objectives sought to explore and describe knowledge and practices of primary caregivers, and information given by village health workers to primary caregivers to prevent and control chest infections, skin infections and urinary tract infections in home-based stroke patients in a rural setting in Mutasa district, Zimbabwe. The study also sought to develop and validate educational interventions for primary caregivers to prevent and control chest infections, skin infections and urinary tract infections in home-based stroke patients. A quantitative research paradigm was used in the study. Multistage random sampling was used to select 20 wards and 200 villages. Using a margin of error of 5% and 95% confidence, the sample consisted of 200 primary caregivers and 200 village health workers. The study was conducted in three phases. Phase One comprised data collection from primary caregivers and village health workers regarding prevention and control of chest, skin, and urinary tract infections. Data were collected using a structured interviewer-administered questionnaire for primary caregivers and a self-administered questionnaire for village health workers. The research instruments collected data on socio-demographics, knowledge, practices and infection prevention and control information given by village health workers to primary caregivers. The Visual Basic for Applications package was used for data analysis. x The study results revealed that a significant number of primary caregivers had low knowledge levels in terms of stroke and infections that frequently occur in home-based stroke patients. About a third of primary caregivers did not know the standard infection prevention and control measures to prevent infections, and a substantial proportion of the primary caregivers did not practise the recommended measures to prevent and control chest, skin and urinary tract infections in home-based stroke patients. It was found that village health workers provided limited health education on stroke, its complications, and measures to prevent and control chest, skin and urinary tract infections to primary caregivers. In Phase Two, educational interventions in the form of a job aid comprising worksheets for primary caregivers to prevent and control chest, skin and urinary tract infections in home-based stroke patients in a rural setting were developed. In Phase Three, the draft job aid was reviewed by an eight-member expert panel. Feedback from the reviewers was used to develop the final job aid for enhancing the knowledge and practices of primary caregivers in terms of infection prevention and control in home-based stroke patients. Throughout the study, the researcher adhered to ethical considerations, namely respect for persons, beneficence, and justice. The quality of data collected was ensured by applying the principles of validity and reliability in the development stage of the questionnaire and by conducting a pilot study. Rigorous evaluation of the developed job aid is required to establish its validity. It is recommended that the job aid be included in nurse training and continuing education programs. The trainings should be cascaded to the village health workers and primary caregivers of other bed-ridden patients. The job aid will also reach more caregivers if translated to other local languages. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Health Sciences, 2022
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  • Date Issued: 2022-12

Effects of Lignin on the properties of reclaimed rubber /natural rubber blends

  • Authors: Makhelema, Junith Matshidiso
  • Date: 2022-12
  • Subjects: Lignin – South Africa , Tires – Recycling
  • Language: English
  • Type: Master's theses , text
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/59744 , vital:62409
  • Description: The environmental challenge posed by waste tyres is a serious global crisis from which South Africa is not isolated. The concept of tyre rubber reclamation into reusable rubber over the years has been on the increase, however, despite the environmental and economic advantages offered by the reclaiming process the main demerits of the resulting rubber include its relatively poor physical and mechanical properties when compared to newly manufactured rubber. The deterioration of these properties arises from the structural changes which occur during the reclaiming process. To overcome this disadvantage, reclaimed rubber can be blended with other rubbers such as natural rubber to compensate for its weak properties. However, there is stilll a limited industrial application of reclaimed/natural rubber blends due to their brittleness and relatively poor impact strength. By adding reinforcing fillers, the mechanical properties of the blends can be significantly improved. In recent years, there has been a renewed interest in the use of lignocellulosic materials as fillers, modifiers and reinforcements in polymeric materials. They are receiving attention because they are the most abundantly available raw materials on earth, and they offer greater versatility compared to inorganic fillers. Being the most abundant renewable agricultural derived lignocellulosic biomass after cellulose, and as far as polymer composites and blends are concerned, lignin has shown promise as a well-received and sustainable alternative to inorganic fillers due to its low-cost production and ability to improve on the biodegradability of polyolefins and minimise loss of ultimate mechanical properties of polymer matrices. The main aim of the research is to investigate the effect of lignin on the properties of reclaimed/natural rubber (RR/NR) blends for possible low-density and eco-friendly rubber materials. The motivation for the research arises from the global challenges that are connected to the dynamic increase of rubber wastes, especially in the form of used tyres and the potential availability of lignin from its annual production from the sugarcane pulp mills, which is regarded as waste. A mixture design of experiments was used to formulate different blends of lignin with reclaimed and natural rubber. The rubber blends and the lignin-rubber , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, School of Biomolecular and Chemical Sciences, 2022
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  • Date Issued: 2022-12

Evaluation of the mesozooplankton functional diversity indices in Algoa Bay as proxies to assess the stability of the food chain leading to the African penguin (Spheniscus demersus)

  • Authors: Rukuni, Praxedes Vimbai
  • Date: 2022-12
  • Subjects: Marine zooplankton --South Africa -- Algoa bay , Penguins -- South Africa -- Conservation , Fishes -- Predators of -- South Africa -- Algoa Bay
  • Language: English
  • Type: Master's theses , text
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/59956 , vital:62698
  • Description: Current unprecedented environmental changes threaten food web and ecosystem stability, which is particularly concerning in areas with vulnerable species such as the endangered African penguin Spheniscus demersus. In this study I adopted a holistic approach integrating many ecosystem levels to better understand African penguin behavioural ecology and food web stability. I investigated interplay between physico-chemical parameters and zooplankton functional diversity at various temporal and spatial scales in Algoa Bay. The study further investigated the applicability of zooplankton functional diversity (FD) in inferring African penguin food web stability by comparing the FD of zooplankton found in anchovies regurgitated from African penguins and the ones found in the Bay PELTER Stations. Gut contents of anchovies regurgitated from Bird Island and St Croix penguins were also evaluated using Frequency of Occurrence and Dominance methods and compared between colonies. Zooplankton FD in Algoa Bay varied over time but not at spatial scales with chlorophyll-a, Sea Surface Temperature (SST), turbidity and salinity being potential drivers of zooplankton FD. Chlorophyll-a and salinity were positively correlated with FD, meanwhile FD was inversely correlated to turbidity and SST. The study also observed minor differences in the physico-chemical parameters associated with African penguin foraging grounds, though different dietary preferences were found between the anchovies regurgitated from penguins from the two colonies. Anchovies regurgitated by penguins from Bird Island targeted large sized groups such as Decapods, meanwhile anchovies from the St Croix penguin colony targeted small sized Ostracods and Cirripedia. This study therefore, provides insight on the influence of fluctuations in physico-chemical parameters in shaping zooplankton communities in Algoa Bay. The study also emphasises anchovy dietary plasticity, switching from selective feeding to opportunistic feeding in instances of prey shortages which contributes to a stable African penguin food web in the face of climate change. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, School of Environmental Sciences, 2022
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  • Date Issued: 2022-12
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