Uncwadi lwemveli njengovimba wokukhulisa ulwimi lwesiXhosa
- Hela -Gxanyana, Honjiswa Erica
- Authors: Hela -Gxanyana, Honjiswa Erica
- Date: 2022-12
- Subjects: Xhosa literature -- Research Folk literature, Xhosa , Semiotics
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/59304 , vital:62029
- Description: Umphandi kolu phando uza kugxila ekuphononongeni imiba yolwimi evela kuncwadi lwemveli lwesiXhosa nengqina ukuba olu ncwadi lunguvimba wokukhulisa ulwimi. Uncwadi lwemveli ke luquka iintsomi, iimbali, izibongo, iingoma, izaci namaqhalo, amaqhina, intlalo yakwaNtu ebandakanya iintetho, izifungo, iintsikelelo, iziqhulo, imizobo, izixhobo ezisetyenziswayo nako konke okungqonge intlalo. Apha kolu phando umphandi uza kuqwalasela iintsomi, iimbali, iziqhulo, izaci, amaqhalo nezentlalo yamaXhosa njengovimba wokukhulisa ulwimi lwesiXhosa. Olu ncwadi lunguvimba nomthombo apho amaXhosa angaziphakulela ezidaphela kulwimi oluteketeke kuba xa siqwalasela isixhobo sothiyomagama ezintsomini (onomastics), izibhebhelele zamagama ambaxa akunika umfanekiso ntelekelelo ocace gca wento okanye umntu ekuthethwa ngaye ungakungqina oku. Olu ncwadi lwemveli lwesiXhosa luzibalula ngokwandisa iintetho eziveza iintsingiselo ezahlukileyo zisandisa zikhulisa olu lwimi kude kuyokuthi ga ngokusungulwa kwentethwana ezizizithethantonye ngaloo ndlela lukhule ulwimi lwesiXhosa. Umphandi kolu phando uza kugqoloda kolu ncwadi lwemveli eluveza njengovimba, isisele sokudimbaza ulwimi lwesiXhosa , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Humanities, School of language and Communications, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-12
- Authors: Hela -Gxanyana, Honjiswa Erica
- Date: 2022-12
- Subjects: Xhosa literature -- Research Folk literature, Xhosa , Semiotics
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/59304 , vital:62029
- Description: Umphandi kolu phando uza kugxila ekuphononongeni imiba yolwimi evela kuncwadi lwemveli lwesiXhosa nengqina ukuba olu ncwadi lunguvimba wokukhulisa ulwimi. Uncwadi lwemveli ke luquka iintsomi, iimbali, izibongo, iingoma, izaci namaqhalo, amaqhina, intlalo yakwaNtu ebandakanya iintetho, izifungo, iintsikelelo, iziqhulo, imizobo, izixhobo ezisetyenziswayo nako konke okungqonge intlalo. Apha kolu phando umphandi uza kuqwalasela iintsomi, iimbali, iziqhulo, izaci, amaqhalo nezentlalo yamaXhosa njengovimba wokukhulisa ulwimi lwesiXhosa. Olu ncwadi lunguvimba nomthombo apho amaXhosa angaziphakulela ezidaphela kulwimi oluteketeke kuba xa siqwalasela isixhobo sothiyomagama ezintsomini (onomastics), izibhebhelele zamagama ambaxa akunika umfanekiso ntelekelelo ocace gca wento okanye umntu ekuthethwa ngaye ungakungqina oku. Olu ncwadi lwemveli lwesiXhosa luzibalula ngokwandisa iintetho eziveza iintsingiselo ezahlukileyo zisandisa zikhulisa olu lwimi kude kuyokuthi ga ngokusungulwa kwentethwana ezizizithethantonye ngaloo ndlela lukhule ulwimi lwesiXhosa. Umphandi kolu phando uza kugqoloda kolu ncwadi lwemveli eluveza njengovimba, isisele sokudimbaza ulwimi lwesiXhosa , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Humanities, School of language and Communications, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-12
Understanding of business strategy at different levels of the organisation
- Authors: Ncuthushe, Mboneleli
- Date: 2022-12
- Subjects: Business planning , Organisation
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , Thesis
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/60122 , vital:63097
- Description: The purpose of this study was to investigate the factors that affect understanding of business strategy at different levels of the organisation. The investigation was done by looking at relationship between the business strategy (as a dependant variable) and the organisational structure, the employee level or position, skills, experience and education (as independent variables). These factors were investigated through the analysis of literature and empirical study. The results of this analysis were recorded through the last two chapters (chapter four and five). As in most organisations, there is sometimes different interpretations of business strategy by employees at different levels (or sometimes across) of the organisational structure. This study does not just seek to add value in the literature but also to equip managers tasked with enrolling out business strategies. The basis of the study emanates from corporate failures associated with the business strategies and the failure of implementation and this is discussed further in chapter one with reference to specific sources. The empirical study that was conducted attracted a good response, as there was more than 100 percent response rate, through the use of latest technology and social media. The main conclusions, managerial implications and theoretical framework that came through from the study, are clearly stated in the last chapter, chapter five and can help managers that formulate or implement to business strategies, to ensure that there is great understanding within their workplaces. , Thesis (MBA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, Business School, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-12
- Authors: Ncuthushe, Mboneleli
- Date: 2022-12
- Subjects: Business planning , Organisation
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , Thesis
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/60122 , vital:63097
- Description: The purpose of this study was to investigate the factors that affect understanding of business strategy at different levels of the organisation. The investigation was done by looking at relationship between the business strategy (as a dependant variable) and the organisational structure, the employee level or position, skills, experience and education (as independent variables). These factors were investigated through the analysis of literature and empirical study. The results of this analysis were recorded through the last two chapters (chapter four and five). As in most organisations, there is sometimes different interpretations of business strategy by employees at different levels (or sometimes across) of the organisational structure. This study does not just seek to add value in the literature but also to equip managers tasked with enrolling out business strategies. The basis of the study emanates from corporate failures associated with the business strategies and the failure of implementation and this is discussed further in chapter one with reference to specific sources. The empirical study that was conducted attracted a good response, as there was more than 100 percent response rate, through the use of latest technology and social media. The main conclusions, managerial implications and theoretical framework that came through from the study, are clearly stated in the last chapter, chapter five and can help managers that formulate or implement to business strategies, to ensure that there is great understanding within their workplaces. , Thesis (MBA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, Business School, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-12
Uptake and storage of nutrients by primary producers in the Swartkops Estuary
- Authors: Whitfield, Emily Cailyn
- Date: 2022-12
- Subjects: Estuarine ecology --South Africa --Swartkops River Estuary , Eutrophication—Research
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/59611 , vital:62195
- Description: Estuaries occur at the interface between the terrestrial and marine environment and as such act as the last ‘filtering’ mechanism prior to nutrient pollution entering the adjacent ocean. This study focused on the Swartkops Estuary which is eutrophic and requires the removal of nutrients. The role of phytoplankton as nutrient filters and storage of nutrients by seagrass and salt marsh was investigated. This study found that phytoplankton temporarily took up a large percentage of dissolved inorganic nitrogen (max. 99%) and dissolved silica (max. 76%) and limited amounts of dissolved inorganic phosphorus (max. 18%). The amount of carbon, nitrogen and phosphorus stored by the salt marsh species Spartina maritima and Salicornia tegetaria and the seagrass species Zostera capensis were determined. It was found that the salt marsh grass Spartina maritima stored the most nutrients (149.61 ± 16.59 N g m-2 ; 105.44 ± 13.41 P g m-2 ; 1690.52 ± 168.90 C g m-2 ), while for the salt marsh succulent Salicornia tegetaria less nutrients were stored (27.01 ± 4.17 N g m-2 ; 22.97 ± 3.21 P g m-2 ; 458.66 ± 69.43 C g m-2 ). Zostera capensis also acted as a nutrient store (22.17 ± 6.94 N g m-2 ; 23.75 ± 4.70 P g m-2 ; 221.10 ± 26.74 C g m-2 ). The macrophytes were able to store nutrients for longer periods and thus prevent these nutrients from being exported into the adjacent ocean. On the contrary, phytoplankton uptake was temporary as the nutrients are released once the bloom decays. Without intervention there will be an increase of harmful algal blooms (HABs) and fish kills in the eutrophic Swartkops Estuary. Nutrient input from upstream wastewater treatment works, canals and stormwater run-off must be reduced. Conservation and management of the seagrass and salt marsh habitats is needed to ensure the long-term storage of nutrients , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, School of Environmental Sciences, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-12
- Authors: Whitfield, Emily Cailyn
- Date: 2022-12
- Subjects: Estuarine ecology --South Africa --Swartkops River Estuary , Eutrophication—Research
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/59611 , vital:62195
- Description: Estuaries occur at the interface between the terrestrial and marine environment and as such act as the last ‘filtering’ mechanism prior to nutrient pollution entering the adjacent ocean. This study focused on the Swartkops Estuary which is eutrophic and requires the removal of nutrients. The role of phytoplankton as nutrient filters and storage of nutrients by seagrass and salt marsh was investigated. This study found that phytoplankton temporarily took up a large percentage of dissolved inorganic nitrogen (max. 99%) and dissolved silica (max. 76%) and limited amounts of dissolved inorganic phosphorus (max. 18%). The amount of carbon, nitrogen and phosphorus stored by the salt marsh species Spartina maritima and Salicornia tegetaria and the seagrass species Zostera capensis were determined. It was found that the salt marsh grass Spartina maritima stored the most nutrients (149.61 ± 16.59 N g m-2 ; 105.44 ± 13.41 P g m-2 ; 1690.52 ± 168.90 C g m-2 ), while for the salt marsh succulent Salicornia tegetaria less nutrients were stored (27.01 ± 4.17 N g m-2 ; 22.97 ± 3.21 P g m-2 ; 458.66 ± 69.43 C g m-2 ). Zostera capensis also acted as a nutrient store (22.17 ± 6.94 N g m-2 ; 23.75 ± 4.70 P g m-2 ; 221.10 ± 26.74 C g m-2 ). The macrophytes were able to store nutrients for longer periods and thus prevent these nutrients from being exported into the adjacent ocean. On the contrary, phytoplankton uptake was temporary as the nutrients are released once the bloom decays. Without intervention there will be an increase of harmful algal blooms (HABs) and fish kills in the eutrophic Swartkops Estuary. Nutrient input from upstream wastewater treatment works, canals and stormwater run-off must be reduced. Conservation and management of the seagrass and salt marsh habitats is needed to ensure the long-term storage of nutrients , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, School of Environmental Sciences, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-12
Urban space production and sustainable development: a case of waterfall city in Gauteng, South Africa
- Authors: Ntakana, Khulekani
- Date: 2022-12
- Subjects: Sustainable urban development -- Gauteng -- South Africa , Gated Communities -- Gauteng -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/59633 , vital:62250
- Description: The year 1994 marked the dawn of the new, democratic South Africa. It also brought its own sets of challenges to the country. One such challenge was urban space. Regrettably, the new dispensation inherited still very much race-based urban areas. Urban space is understood to be a social outcome, the result of an historical process, an unequal accumulation of time, a presupposition, and a milieu of social production (Balbim, 2016). The distinguishing feature of urban space in South Africa is the phenomenon of exclusion, which causes deformity, and disappearance of urban structure. Exclusion has become a permanent visual reality in cities in which walled and gated communities divide the urban tissue and take up a large part of the urban space. The social action and struggle against the exclusionary process of globalisation such as the commodification and privatisation of urban space have always been on the international urban agenda. The study’s literature review suggests that government attitudes towards human settlements should change, particularly in terms of policymaking to combat the contemporary urban disparities such as fragmentation (also known as “enclave urbanism”). Fragmented cities do not function as a system but more and more as juxtaposed and uncoordinated fragments drifting apart (Bénit-Gbaffou, 2008). This has an immense impact on several sustainability influencing variables. Urban fragmentation can also have profound effects on human social dynamics and well-being by reducing the number of green spaces in cities. As loss of biodiversity continues, total core area and habitat cohesion decrease while edge density and shape complexity increase. Cities are required to be more sustainable, more accessible, and equal. Cities are now witnessing the emergence of real estate products that are far from achieving the previously mentioned goals, particularly inclusivity. Inclusivity in cities can be achieved by a contemporary urban development approach referred to as ‘inclusive urban space production’. Inclusive urban space production is a pro-poor approach that equally values and incorporates the contributions of all city stakeholders in addressing development issues, including the marginalised groups. The aim of this inquiry was, therefore, to examine factors that influence urban space production to generate a responsive urban space production model, referred to in this study as the “IUSP model”. The study also aimed at examining the role of the state and xx other stakeholders involved in the production of urban space, including the private sector and the community. Participation by all of them is essential to enhance inclusive urban space production for sustainability. A theoretical model for inclusive urban space production was developed based on an intensive literature review. Also, a concurrent partially mixed method design was employed in this inquiry. A study of Waterfall City was conducted to understand exclusive developments and their effect on the larger urban system. And a survey questionnaire was disseminated using random sampling. This was to measure the postulated model. Results from these two concurrent approaches were merged to yield the final model. The findings from the case study were analysed using ATLAS.ti and the findings from the survey questionnaire were analysed using several analyses techniques including EFA, correlation and regression. Both sets of results indicated that the intention to promote inclusive developments is predicted by seventeen dependent variables categorically presented under urban development characteristics, exclusive development enablers, inclusive development barriers, and sustainability criteria. The results of this inquiry are significant because they bring together the interdisciplinary perspectives to discern comprehensively the idea of inclusivity and sustainability in urban space production. The responsive model developed as a key product of this study aims to assist policymakers, planners, designers, landscapers, and developers as a guideline for facilitating inclusive and sustainable urban development. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Engineering, the Built Environment, and Technology, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-12
- Authors: Ntakana, Khulekani
- Date: 2022-12
- Subjects: Sustainable urban development -- Gauteng -- South Africa , Gated Communities -- Gauteng -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/59633 , vital:62250
- Description: The year 1994 marked the dawn of the new, democratic South Africa. It also brought its own sets of challenges to the country. One such challenge was urban space. Regrettably, the new dispensation inherited still very much race-based urban areas. Urban space is understood to be a social outcome, the result of an historical process, an unequal accumulation of time, a presupposition, and a milieu of social production (Balbim, 2016). The distinguishing feature of urban space in South Africa is the phenomenon of exclusion, which causes deformity, and disappearance of urban structure. Exclusion has become a permanent visual reality in cities in which walled and gated communities divide the urban tissue and take up a large part of the urban space. The social action and struggle against the exclusionary process of globalisation such as the commodification and privatisation of urban space have always been on the international urban agenda. The study’s literature review suggests that government attitudes towards human settlements should change, particularly in terms of policymaking to combat the contemporary urban disparities such as fragmentation (also known as “enclave urbanism”). Fragmented cities do not function as a system but more and more as juxtaposed and uncoordinated fragments drifting apart (Bénit-Gbaffou, 2008). This has an immense impact on several sustainability influencing variables. Urban fragmentation can also have profound effects on human social dynamics and well-being by reducing the number of green spaces in cities. As loss of biodiversity continues, total core area and habitat cohesion decrease while edge density and shape complexity increase. Cities are required to be more sustainable, more accessible, and equal. Cities are now witnessing the emergence of real estate products that are far from achieving the previously mentioned goals, particularly inclusivity. Inclusivity in cities can be achieved by a contemporary urban development approach referred to as ‘inclusive urban space production’. Inclusive urban space production is a pro-poor approach that equally values and incorporates the contributions of all city stakeholders in addressing development issues, including the marginalised groups. The aim of this inquiry was, therefore, to examine factors that influence urban space production to generate a responsive urban space production model, referred to in this study as the “IUSP model”. The study also aimed at examining the role of the state and xx other stakeholders involved in the production of urban space, including the private sector and the community. Participation by all of them is essential to enhance inclusive urban space production for sustainability. A theoretical model for inclusive urban space production was developed based on an intensive literature review. Also, a concurrent partially mixed method design was employed in this inquiry. A study of Waterfall City was conducted to understand exclusive developments and their effect on the larger urban system. And a survey questionnaire was disseminated using random sampling. This was to measure the postulated model. Results from these two concurrent approaches were merged to yield the final model. The findings from the case study were analysed using ATLAS.ti and the findings from the survey questionnaire were analysed using several analyses techniques including EFA, correlation and regression. Both sets of results indicated that the intention to promote inclusive developments is predicted by seventeen dependent variables categorically presented under urban development characteristics, exclusive development enablers, inclusive development barriers, and sustainability criteria. The results of this inquiry are significant because they bring together the interdisciplinary perspectives to discern comprehensively the idea of inclusivity and sustainability in urban space production. The responsive model developed as a key product of this study aims to assist policymakers, planners, designers, landscapers, and developers as a guideline for facilitating inclusive and sustainable urban development. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Engineering, the Built Environment, and Technology, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-12
Using night time data as a measure of gross domestic product in Sub-Saharan Africa
- Authors: Hamman, Nicolene
- Date: 2022-12
- Subjects: Data , Gross domestic product -- Sub-Saharan Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral's theses , Thesis
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/59457 , vital:62119
- Description: Over the last decade, a bold move has been made by researchers to shift focus on improving and establishing accurate and reliable measures of economic activity across the globe. With an everchanging global economic landscape, unreliable GDP statistics and the lack thereof have held a nascent impact on formulating appropriate stabilization policies. This, in turn, have affected the affairs of nations, especially low income and developing ones. In an attempt to find alternative ways to measure economic activity, night time lights data have emerged in numerous empirical studies as a novel way of attempting to measure economic growth and development. Various studies have found this to be useful for countries that do not have statistical capabilities such as poor nations, while other studies have put forward arguments in favour of a possible non-linear relationship between GDP and night time lights data. Against this background, this study implores night time lights data extensively to establish whether it can serve as a possible measure of GDP in Sub-Saharan Africa between 1992 and 2012. Based on the results obtained from testing for a positive correlation between GDP and night time lights data in Sub-Saharan Africa, the study further aim to use night time lights data as a measure of GDP in the regressions against proxies of well-being, urbanization, and environmental degradation. The significance of the study relates to the fact that the estimation accuracy of GDP is positively influenced by spatial and radiation resolution of night time lights data. In addition, by taking a country-specific approach using more advanced econometric estimation techniques, this study improves on the empirical literature pertaining to African countries. All facets of pooled ordinary least squares (POLS), the pooled mean group estimators, as well as the wavelet coherence estimation techniques were the three approaches used to investigated correlations between night time lights data and economic activity. Overall findings indicate little evidence that night time lights data derived from the DMSP-OLS archive can serve as a strong measure of GDP in regressions across the Sub-Saharan African region. Recommendations and avenues for future research are outlined at the end of the study. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Business and Economics Science, School of Applied Accounting, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-12
- Authors: Hamman, Nicolene
- Date: 2022-12
- Subjects: Data , Gross domestic product -- Sub-Saharan Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral's theses , Thesis
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/59457 , vital:62119
- Description: Over the last decade, a bold move has been made by researchers to shift focus on improving and establishing accurate and reliable measures of economic activity across the globe. With an everchanging global economic landscape, unreliable GDP statistics and the lack thereof have held a nascent impact on formulating appropriate stabilization policies. This, in turn, have affected the affairs of nations, especially low income and developing ones. In an attempt to find alternative ways to measure economic activity, night time lights data have emerged in numerous empirical studies as a novel way of attempting to measure economic growth and development. Various studies have found this to be useful for countries that do not have statistical capabilities such as poor nations, while other studies have put forward arguments in favour of a possible non-linear relationship between GDP and night time lights data. Against this background, this study implores night time lights data extensively to establish whether it can serve as a possible measure of GDP in Sub-Saharan Africa between 1992 and 2012. Based on the results obtained from testing for a positive correlation between GDP and night time lights data in Sub-Saharan Africa, the study further aim to use night time lights data as a measure of GDP in the regressions against proxies of well-being, urbanization, and environmental degradation. The significance of the study relates to the fact that the estimation accuracy of GDP is positively influenced by spatial and radiation resolution of night time lights data. In addition, by taking a country-specific approach using more advanced econometric estimation techniques, this study improves on the empirical literature pertaining to African countries. All facets of pooled ordinary least squares (POLS), the pooled mean group estimators, as well as the wavelet coherence estimation techniques were the three approaches used to investigated correlations between night time lights data and economic activity. Overall findings indicate little evidence that night time lights data derived from the DMSP-OLS archive can serve as a strong measure of GDP in regressions across the Sub-Saharan African region. Recommendations and avenues for future research are outlined at the end of the study. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Business and Economics Science, School of Applied Accounting, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-12
Using spatial explicit capture-recapture model to investigate the demography and spatial dynamics of lion prides in Pilanesberg National Park
- Authors: Bettings, Isabella Aletta
- Date: 2022-12
- Subjects: Lions--Behavior--South Africa , Animals tracks -- Pilanesberg National Park -- North West
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/59655 , vital:62318
- Description: Lions are apex predators that play a vital role in the ecosystem. They regulate prey species through predation and other non-consumptive means. Factors that have influenced the decline of lion populations across Africa in the last half century, are loss of habitat, human wildlife conflict and the depletion of prey species. Extensive reintroductions of lions have been conducted across South Africa in order to restore their numbers in protected areas. The Pilanesberg National Park (PNP) was one of many protected areas that reintroduced lions. Their numbers were well documented by management until 2005 where they lost track of the population numbers. During this unfortunate period, there was an observed decline in prey numbers. The aim of this dissertation was to estimate the abundance, movement, and sex ratio of lions, in PNP. Abundance, movement, and sex ratio were determined by a three-month intensive lion survey. The location of each lion encounter was recorded on a mobile device which had an application installed called Cybertracker (v3). Photographs were taken of each Lion to build identification kits. For the data analysis, I used the Bayesian spatial explicit capture-recapture (SECR) model. This model takes time, space, and the robustness of an individual lion into account. Robustness is the measure of how well a lion maintains their functionality, when various stressors are applied (Harmsen, Foster, & Quigley, 2020). The estimated lion population in PNP was 44 lions (>1 year) with a density of 8.8 lions per 100 km2 . The estimated mean home range size of male lions was 279 km2 with a highest probability density (HPD) range of 179 – 385 km2 . The estimated mean home range of female lions was 191 km2 with a HPD range of 135 – 262 km2 . The larger home range size for male lions and smaller home range size for females is found v throughout the African continent in protected areas. The estimated sex ratio was 0.9♀:1♂, which is unexpected as PNP sex ratios between male and female lions is usually 2♀:1♂. A future sampling design for PNP was produced from the completed lion survey dataset. I drove a total of 7350 km and evaluated the influence of varied sampling efforts (i.e., kms driven) on precision estimates and relative bias for abundance, movement, and sex ratio. I found that a minimum of 4 000 km was needed to adequately estimate the lion abundance, movement, and sex ratio in this small fenced protected area. These findings can be used to help guide management to the most cost-effective sampling method and still obtain accurate estimates for monitoring lions. By showing management what is required for appropriate lion surveys this might help improve future monitoring. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, School of Natural Resource Management, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-12
- Authors: Bettings, Isabella Aletta
- Date: 2022-12
- Subjects: Lions--Behavior--South Africa , Animals tracks -- Pilanesberg National Park -- North West
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/59655 , vital:62318
- Description: Lions are apex predators that play a vital role in the ecosystem. They regulate prey species through predation and other non-consumptive means. Factors that have influenced the decline of lion populations across Africa in the last half century, are loss of habitat, human wildlife conflict and the depletion of prey species. Extensive reintroductions of lions have been conducted across South Africa in order to restore their numbers in protected areas. The Pilanesberg National Park (PNP) was one of many protected areas that reintroduced lions. Their numbers were well documented by management until 2005 where they lost track of the population numbers. During this unfortunate period, there was an observed decline in prey numbers. The aim of this dissertation was to estimate the abundance, movement, and sex ratio of lions, in PNP. Abundance, movement, and sex ratio were determined by a three-month intensive lion survey. The location of each lion encounter was recorded on a mobile device which had an application installed called Cybertracker (v3). Photographs were taken of each Lion to build identification kits. For the data analysis, I used the Bayesian spatial explicit capture-recapture (SECR) model. This model takes time, space, and the robustness of an individual lion into account. Robustness is the measure of how well a lion maintains their functionality, when various stressors are applied (Harmsen, Foster, & Quigley, 2020). The estimated lion population in PNP was 44 lions (>1 year) with a density of 8.8 lions per 100 km2 . The estimated mean home range size of male lions was 279 km2 with a highest probability density (HPD) range of 179 – 385 km2 . The estimated mean home range of female lions was 191 km2 with a HPD range of 135 – 262 km2 . The larger home range size for male lions and smaller home range size for females is found v throughout the African continent in protected areas. The estimated sex ratio was 0.9♀:1♂, which is unexpected as PNP sex ratios between male and female lions is usually 2♀:1♂. A future sampling design for PNP was produced from the completed lion survey dataset. I drove a total of 7350 km and evaluated the influence of varied sampling efforts (i.e., kms driven) on precision estimates and relative bias for abundance, movement, and sex ratio. I found that a minimum of 4 000 km was needed to adequately estimate the lion abundance, movement, and sex ratio in this small fenced protected area. These findings can be used to help guide management to the most cost-effective sampling method and still obtain accurate estimates for monitoring lions. By showing management what is required for appropriate lion surveys this might help improve future monitoring. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, School of Natural Resource Management, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-12
Older persons’ perceptions of services that support positive ageing in the Khayelitsha and Gugulethu districts of the Western cape
- Authors: Tshefu-Mavimbela, Siphokazi
- Date: 2022-11
- Subjects: Aging -- Western Cape , Older people -- Western Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/60389 , vital:64705
- Description: Globally people are growing older, and nearly every country is experiencing an increase in their ageing populace. In 1960 older people made up 5 % of the world population, while in 2018, they were about 9% of the overall population. Projections are that in 2050 people over the age of 65 will make up 16% of the overall population. To respond to an ageing population, a government must ensure that its policy framework can respond to the needs of its citizens. A society that supports a positive ageing environment improves older people’s well-being. In our complex society, each person is dependent on others in various ways, and social, emotional and practical interdependence is a feature of the human social condition. This means that older people do not function well in isolation but need support for positive ageing. This research project focused on older people’s perceptions of services that support their positive ageing in the Khayelitsha and Gugulethu districts of the Western Cape, South Africa. The theoretical framework employed in the study is Systems Theory. The research approach utilised in the study is qualitative with an explorative and descriptive research design. A non-probability purposive, criterion-based sampling technique was employed. The researcher recruited eleven older persons aged sixty years and above in the Khayelitsha and Gugulethu areas. An NGO that works with older persons’ served as gatekeepers. Semi-structured telephonic interviews were conducted. The data collected was analysed using thematic data analysis. The trustworthiness of the research process was enhanced using Guba’s model. Ethical principles as set out in the Belmont report were also adhered to. The key findings of the current study indicated that in Khayelitsha and Gugulethu areas, there are available services that support positive ageing, such as clubs, excursions and social grants. Environmental aspects challenging positive ageing included unfavourable home conditions such as financial burden and ill-treatment, poverty and unemployment, health problems, and COVID-19 effects. Older people mentioned that there are available but inadequate services such as municipal services and care facilities. Thus, they recommended that there should be poverty alleviation schemes, community development projects such as crafting, gardening, sewing, and more institutions and home-based care for older people. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Health Sciences, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-11
- Authors: Tshefu-Mavimbela, Siphokazi
- Date: 2022-11
- Subjects: Aging -- Western Cape , Older people -- Western Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/60389 , vital:64705
- Description: Globally people are growing older, and nearly every country is experiencing an increase in their ageing populace. In 1960 older people made up 5 % of the world population, while in 2018, they were about 9% of the overall population. Projections are that in 2050 people over the age of 65 will make up 16% of the overall population. To respond to an ageing population, a government must ensure that its policy framework can respond to the needs of its citizens. A society that supports a positive ageing environment improves older people’s well-being. In our complex society, each person is dependent on others in various ways, and social, emotional and practical interdependence is a feature of the human social condition. This means that older people do not function well in isolation but need support for positive ageing. This research project focused on older people’s perceptions of services that support their positive ageing in the Khayelitsha and Gugulethu districts of the Western Cape, South Africa. The theoretical framework employed in the study is Systems Theory. The research approach utilised in the study is qualitative with an explorative and descriptive research design. A non-probability purposive, criterion-based sampling technique was employed. The researcher recruited eleven older persons aged sixty years and above in the Khayelitsha and Gugulethu areas. An NGO that works with older persons’ served as gatekeepers. Semi-structured telephonic interviews were conducted. The data collected was analysed using thematic data analysis. The trustworthiness of the research process was enhanced using Guba’s model. Ethical principles as set out in the Belmont report were also adhered to. The key findings of the current study indicated that in Khayelitsha and Gugulethu areas, there are available services that support positive ageing, such as clubs, excursions and social grants. Environmental aspects challenging positive ageing included unfavourable home conditions such as financial burden and ill-treatment, poverty and unemployment, health problems, and COVID-19 effects. Older people mentioned that there are available but inadequate services such as municipal services and care facilities. Thus, they recommended that there should be poverty alleviation schemes, community development projects such as crafting, gardening, sewing, and more institutions and home-based care for older people. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Health Sciences, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-11
The regulation of communications surveillance in Nigeria
- Authors: Osuntogun, Tope Adefemi
- Date: 2022-08
- Subjects: Social Communication , Electronic surveillance --Nigeria
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral's theses , Thesis
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/60885 , vital:69011
- Description: This study examines the manner in which communications surveillance is regulated in Nigeria, with the aim of providing recommendations to ensure a new surveillance regime that provides adequate safeguards for human rights, particularly the right to privacy. The rapid innovation in ICT has brought new challenges to the right to privacy, among which is communications surveillance. Communications surveillance is an important tool of law enforcement as it enables remote gathering of evidence through interception of communication and acquisition of the metadata of electronic communications. Communications surveillance could therefore be an egregious intrusion on a person’s intimate private sphere and should only be permitted only when necessary. The clandestine nature of communications surveillance, however, increases the risk of unlawfulness as a person under surveillance will be unable to challenge the process unless they are notified. The benchmark in international law is that laws regulating communications surveillance must be lawful, non-arbitrary and provide adequate safeguards for the right to privacy. This study establishes that the legal framework on communications surveillance in Nigeria does not meet this standard. Using the South African legal framework as a comparator and drawing on relevant international and regional law on the right to privacy and communications surveillance, this study recommends reforms for the current legal framework on communications surveillance in Nigeria. , Thesis (LLD) -- Faculty of Law, School of Private Law, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-08
- Authors: Osuntogun, Tope Adefemi
- Date: 2022-08
- Subjects: Social Communication , Electronic surveillance --Nigeria
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral's theses , Thesis
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/60885 , vital:69011
- Description: This study examines the manner in which communications surveillance is regulated in Nigeria, with the aim of providing recommendations to ensure a new surveillance regime that provides adequate safeguards for human rights, particularly the right to privacy. The rapid innovation in ICT has brought new challenges to the right to privacy, among which is communications surveillance. Communications surveillance is an important tool of law enforcement as it enables remote gathering of evidence through interception of communication and acquisition of the metadata of electronic communications. Communications surveillance could therefore be an egregious intrusion on a person’s intimate private sphere and should only be permitted only when necessary. The clandestine nature of communications surveillance, however, increases the risk of unlawfulness as a person under surveillance will be unable to challenge the process unless they are notified. The benchmark in international law is that laws regulating communications surveillance must be lawful, non-arbitrary and provide adequate safeguards for the right to privacy. This study establishes that the legal framework on communications surveillance in Nigeria does not meet this standard. Using the South African legal framework as a comparator and drawing on relevant international and regional law on the right to privacy and communications surveillance, this study recommends reforms for the current legal framework on communications surveillance in Nigeria. , Thesis (LLD) -- Faculty of Law, School of Private Law, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-08
Catatonia a manifestation of serious mental Illness: prevalence, presentation, management, and outcomes in a mental health unit
- Authors: Zingela, Zukiswa
- Date: 2022-07
- Subjects: Mental Health , Catatonia , Psychomotor disorders
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/60400 , vital:64706
- Description: Catatonia is a psychomotor abnormality that may be caused by severe physical or mental illness or by substances. It has a wide-ranging prevalence from less than 10% to just over 60%, worldwide. This thesis investigated multiple aspects of catatonia in an acute mental health unit setting. Critical aspects examined include the psychological experience of catatonia and assessment, prevalence, presentation, management, and treatment outcomes of catatonia. The research design was a prospective descriptive triangulation study that used a mixed quantitative and qualitative approach. The theoretical framework applied in this thesis was a positivist paradigm approach to explore the quantitative data collected, with application of deductive reasoning, supported by statistical analysis to detect correlations between catatonia and demographic and clinical data. The research explored the experience of a person with catatonia from the beginning to the end of the catatonic episode, inclusive of neglected areas such as the patient’s psychological and experiences. Sources of information included participant reports, clinical notes, and assessments conducted using screening tools for catatonia. Key knowledge gaps on catatonia were identified as target areas for this thesis. These are the prevalence of catatonia in a South African setting; the use of assessment tools like the Bush Francis Catatonia Screening Instrument (BFCSI), the Bush Francis Catatonia Rating Scale (BFCRS), and the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (5th Edition; DSM-5) in this setting; interventions for catatonia; treatment outcomes; and the subjective experiences of catatonia, as described by patients. To date, there have been five publications produced from this thesis. The first paper was on the protocol for the research and was published in the British Medical Journal (BMJ) Open and presented the literature review, research design, and methodology for the planned Abstract ii research on catatonia (which has ultimately been presented in this current thesis). This paper also identified the aforementioned critical knowledge gaps. The second paper was published in the Biomedicine Central (BMC) International Journal of Mental Health Systems. This paper described a 6-month prevalence rate of catatonia of 11.9%, and concluded that the BFCSI and BFCRS had the highest inter-rater reliability (IRR) and pick-up rate when screening for catatonia, while the DMS-5 had low IRR, and the lowest correlation with the BFCSI and BFCRS. The 12-month prevalence rate was found to be 18.3% and was described in the third paper which was published in the PLOS One Psychiatry. Both lorazepam and electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) were found to be the most widely used treatment at the study site, with good response rates and outcomes. The results were published in the 4th paper in SAGE Open. The fifth paper was on the subjective and psychological experience and published in the BMC Psychology journal. It described the psychological and subjective experience of catatonia as narrated by participants which is characterised by intense experiences of fear, anxiety, and sadness that manifested as extreme withdrawal, combined with obedience or submission. This research has yielded new knowledge with potential applications at a regional, national, and global level. New knowledge yielded includes the need for screening of patients for catatonia across all acute settings, the need for training of both medical and nursing personnel in the assessment of catatonia, the effectiveness of screening and assessment tools, effective interventions for catatonia and outcomes. The descriptions of catatonia at an emotional, cognitive, and behavioural level also highlight the need to develop psychological strategies and targeted psychological interventions to complement the current management strategies. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Health Sciences, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-07
- Authors: Zingela, Zukiswa
- Date: 2022-07
- Subjects: Mental Health , Catatonia , Psychomotor disorders
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/60400 , vital:64706
- Description: Catatonia is a psychomotor abnormality that may be caused by severe physical or mental illness or by substances. It has a wide-ranging prevalence from less than 10% to just over 60%, worldwide. This thesis investigated multiple aspects of catatonia in an acute mental health unit setting. Critical aspects examined include the psychological experience of catatonia and assessment, prevalence, presentation, management, and treatment outcomes of catatonia. The research design was a prospective descriptive triangulation study that used a mixed quantitative and qualitative approach. The theoretical framework applied in this thesis was a positivist paradigm approach to explore the quantitative data collected, with application of deductive reasoning, supported by statistical analysis to detect correlations between catatonia and demographic and clinical data. The research explored the experience of a person with catatonia from the beginning to the end of the catatonic episode, inclusive of neglected areas such as the patient’s psychological and experiences. Sources of information included participant reports, clinical notes, and assessments conducted using screening tools for catatonia. Key knowledge gaps on catatonia were identified as target areas for this thesis. These are the prevalence of catatonia in a South African setting; the use of assessment tools like the Bush Francis Catatonia Screening Instrument (BFCSI), the Bush Francis Catatonia Rating Scale (BFCRS), and the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (5th Edition; DSM-5) in this setting; interventions for catatonia; treatment outcomes; and the subjective experiences of catatonia, as described by patients. To date, there have been five publications produced from this thesis. The first paper was on the protocol for the research and was published in the British Medical Journal (BMJ) Open and presented the literature review, research design, and methodology for the planned Abstract ii research on catatonia (which has ultimately been presented in this current thesis). This paper also identified the aforementioned critical knowledge gaps. The second paper was published in the Biomedicine Central (BMC) International Journal of Mental Health Systems. This paper described a 6-month prevalence rate of catatonia of 11.9%, and concluded that the BFCSI and BFCRS had the highest inter-rater reliability (IRR) and pick-up rate when screening for catatonia, while the DMS-5 had low IRR, and the lowest correlation with the BFCSI and BFCRS. The 12-month prevalence rate was found to be 18.3% and was described in the third paper which was published in the PLOS One Psychiatry. Both lorazepam and electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) were found to be the most widely used treatment at the study site, with good response rates and outcomes. The results were published in the 4th paper in SAGE Open. The fifth paper was on the subjective and psychological experience and published in the BMC Psychology journal. It described the psychological and subjective experience of catatonia as narrated by participants which is characterised by intense experiences of fear, anxiety, and sadness that manifested as extreme withdrawal, combined with obedience or submission. This research has yielded new knowledge with potential applications at a regional, national, and global level. New knowledge yielded includes the need for screening of patients for catatonia across all acute settings, the need for training of both medical and nursing personnel in the assessment of catatonia, the effectiveness of screening and assessment tools, effective interventions for catatonia and outcomes. The descriptions of catatonia at an emotional, cognitive, and behavioural level also highlight the need to develop psychological strategies and targeted psychological interventions to complement the current management strategies. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Health Sciences, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-07
Developing metacognition through the use of Technology in self-organised learning environments in grade 11 Physical Sciences
- Authors: Tsamago, Hodi Elias
- Date: 2022-06
- Subjects: Metacognition , Technology
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral's theses , Thesis
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/59910 , vital:62687
- Description: The study was carried out to investigate the effect of the use of technology in self-organised learning environments (SOLEs) (in Physical Sciences classrooms) on learners’ metacognitive skills. The study contributes by identifying a technology-enhanced pedagogy that can effectively equip learners with metacognitive skills, which many studies have reported as having an effect on Physical Sciences learners’ conceptual understanding. The study followed an experimental (control group quasi-experimental) methods design, in which both qualitative and quantitative data were collected and analysed. A multistep stratified sampling method (which caters for both quantitative and qualitative facets) was employed to choose four schools (two rural and two urban) to participate in the study. These schools were randomly chosen from the population of all schools offering Physical Sciences in Grade 11 in the Capricorn District of Limpopo Province, South Africa were assigned to urban experimental group and rural experimental group (UEG and REG) and urban control group and rural control group (UCG and RCG) using geographical demographics. The participants were selected using both simple random sampling (for quantitative methods) and purposive sampling (for qualitative methods). The experimental groups were taught by the researcher using self-organised learning environments (SOLEs) pedagogy, while control groups were taught (also by the researcher of the study) using a traditional chalk-and-talk approach. A Physical Sciences concepts pre-/post-test and the Metacognitive Self-Assessment Scale (MSAS) questionnaire were used to glean the quantitative data, while focus group interviews (FGIs) were used to obtain the qualitative data. The analysis of the quantitative data employed both descriptive (mean, standard deviation and graphs) and inferential (both parametric t-test and non-parametric Kruskal-Wallis and Wilcoxon signed-rank tests) statistics computed using the SPSS package version 22, while qualitative data were analysed thematically using coding techniques (applied on a sentence-by-sentence basis) after the transcription of the recorded FGIs. The study found that SOLEs pedagogy improves learners’ metacognitive skills, leading to better Physical Sciences conceptual understanding. In addition, the results indicate that all v aspects of metacognitive skills improved in experimental groups; however, certain aspects exhibited outstanding improvement such as “Respect shown to myself”; “Respect shown to others”; “Respect shown for empathy towards others” and “Respect shown towards problem solving”. Furthermore, the results of the FGIs revealed that a plausible explanation for the ability of SOLEs pedagogy to enhance metacognitive skills lies in its effortlessness to enable learners to link their classroom experiences to real-life experiences; simulate practical work; adapt to collaborative learning; use multiple channels for receiving information; and reducing learners’ reliance on the teacher. Hence, this study recommends the implementation of SOLEs pedagogy in the Physical Sciences classroom to improve learners’ metacognitive skills and conceptual understanding. However, the study had limitations, some of which included the sample size (which has an effect on the degree of generalisability of the research findings) and the period during which SOLEs pedagogy was implemented which might not have been long enough to exhaust its effect on metacognitive skills. Accordingly, further studies employing a longitudinal study design with a sample size bigger than 350 participants would be useful in understanding the effects of SOLEs pedagogy on metacognitive skills and improving the generalisability of research findings. , Thesis (PHD) -- Faculty of Education, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-06
- Authors: Tsamago, Hodi Elias
- Date: 2022-06
- Subjects: Metacognition , Technology
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral's theses , Thesis
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/59910 , vital:62687
- Description: The study was carried out to investigate the effect of the use of technology in self-organised learning environments (SOLEs) (in Physical Sciences classrooms) on learners’ metacognitive skills. The study contributes by identifying a technology-enhanced pedagogy that can effectively equip learners with metacognitive skills, which many studies have reported as having an effect on Physical Sciences learners’ conceptual understanding. The study followed an experimental (control group quasi-experimental) methods design, in which both qualitative and quantitative data were collected and analysed. A multistep stratified sampling method (which caters for both quantitative and qualitative facets) was employed to choose four schools (two rural and two urban) to participate in the study. These schools were randomly chosen from the population of all schools offering Physical Sciences in Grade 11 in the Capricorn District of Limpopo Province, South Africa were assigned to urban experimental group and rural experimental group (UEG and REG) and urban control group and rural control group (UCG and RCG) using geographical demographics. The participants were selected using both simple random sampling (for quantitative methods) and purposive sampling (for qualitative methods). The experimental groups were taught by the researcher using self-organised learning environments (SOLEs) pedagogy, while control groups were taught (also by the researcher of the study) using a traditional chalk-and-talk approach. A Physical Sciences concepts pre-/post-test and the Metacognitive Self-Assessment Scale (MSAS) questionnaire were used to glean the quantitative data, while focus group interviews (FGIs) were used to obtain the qualitative data. The analysis of the quantitative data employed both descriptive (mean, standard deviation and graphs) and inferential (both parametric t-test and non-parametric Kruskal-Wallis and Wilcoxon signed-rank tests) statistics computed using the SPSS package version 22, while qualitative data were analysed thematically using coding techniques (applied on a sentence-by-sentence basis) after the transcription of the recorded FGIs. The study found that SOLEs pedagogy improves learners’ metacognitive skills, leading to better Physical Sciences conceptual understanding. In addition, the results indicate that all v aspects of metacognitive skills improved in experimental groups; however, certain aspects exhibited outstanding improvement such as “Respect shown to myself”; “Respect shown to others”; “Respect shown for empathy towards others” and “Respect shown towards problem solving”. Furthermore, the results of the FGIs revealed that a plausible explanation for the ability of SOLEs pedagogy to enhance metacognitive skills lies in its effortlessness to enable learners to link their classroom experiences to real-life experiences; simulate practical work; adapt to collaborative learning; use multiple channels for receiving information; and reducing learners’ reliance on the teacher. Hence, this study recommends the implementation of SOLEs pedagogy in the Physical Sciences classroom to improve learners’ metacognitive skills and conceptual understanding. However, the study had limitations, some of which included the sample size (which has an effect on the degree of generalisability of the research findings) and the period during which SOLEs pedagogy was implemented which might not have been long enough to exhaust its effect on metacognitive skills. Accordingly, further studies employing a longitudinal study design with a sample size bigger than 350 participants would be useful in understanding the effects of SOLEs pedagogy on metacognitive skills and improving the generalisability of research findings. , Thesis (PHD) -- Faculty of Education, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-06
A 5G Communication system based on flexible spectrum technology for the SKA
- Authors: Karembera, Reinhard Siwombe
- Date: 2022-04
- Subjects: Mobile communication systems--Technological innovations , Wireless communication systems -- Standards --South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/56177 , vital:56013
- Description: Faculty of Science Radio astronomy research is rapidly expanding across the African continent. At the same time, the fifth generation (5G) of mobile communication systems are also being researched and developed. Throughout history, mobile communication networks are known to affect the activities of radio astronomy. If not carefully managed, radio frequencies from mobile communication devices can severely affect radio astronomy observations. To that end, many techniques have been proposed to protect the radio astronomer from RFIs coming from radio communication networks. Some of the proposed techniques such as RFI quite zones and spectrum assignment by regulatory authorities will not be convenient during the implementation of 5G mobile networks. This is because 5G radio communication systems are expected to support spectrum-hungry application such as video-on-demand, augmented realities, high-definition television and so on. To realize this, the 5G networks will be forced to have access to protected radio spectrum, including those at which radio astronomy activities are being researched. To facilitate this, the 5G radio communication networks should have the intelligence to coexist within such protected spectrums without the consequences of radio frequency interferences (RFI) to the primary user. In this thesis, we present novel 5G networks with the intelligence that allow them to coexist within radio astronomy areas without introducing RFIs to the primary user. We proposed a photonic solution, keeping in mind the characteristic requirements for future 5G radio communication networks. The thesis begins by reviewing the current trend of radio astronomy research in Africa. It was found that radio astronomy research in Africa is growing rapidly. Many African countries such as South Africa and Ghana are at advanced stages when it comes to radio astronomy research. Therefore, the finding and proposal of this thesis will be valuable to such countries. In order to develop a radio access network (RAN) that can coexist within radio astronomy areas, the thesis reviewed past and present state-of-the-art RANs. Each access network was analyses for its feasibility to be implemented within radio astronomy areas to realize mobile communication without the consequences of RFIs to the astronomer. It was motivated that the current centralized radio access network (C-RAN) the best solution to be developed for radio communication within radio astronomy areas. This is because the C-RAN architecture is centralized by pooling network resources to a common point. From such pool, network resources can be controlled and shared among 5G network user, including radio astronomers and the surrounding communities. The next chapters reviewed photonic RF transmitters and their associated lasers currently being proposed to be used within C-RANs. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Science, School of Computer Science, Mathematics, Physics and Statistics, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-04
- Authors: Karembera, Reinhard Siwombe
- Date: 2022-04
- Subjects: Mobile communication systems--Technological innovations , Wireless communication systems -- Standards --South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/56177 , vital:56013
- Description: Faculty of Science Radio astronomy research is rapidly expanding across the African continent. At the same time, the fifth generation (5G) of mobile communication systems are also being researched and developed. Throughout history, mobile communication networks are known to affect the activities of radio astronomy. If not carefully managed, radio frequencies from mobile communication devices can severely affect radio astronomy observations. To that end, many techniques have been proposed to protect the radio astronomer from RFIs coming from radio communication networks. Some of the proposed techniques such as RFI quite zones and spectrum assignment by regulatory authorities will not be convenient during the implementation of 5G mobile networks. This is because 5G radio communication systems are expected to support spectrum-hungry application such as video-on-demand, augmented realities, high-definition television and so on. To realize this, the 5G networks will be forced to have access to protected radio spectrum, including those at which radio astronomy activities are being researched. To facilitate this, the 5G radio communication networks should have the intelligence to coexist within such protected spectrums without the consequences of radio frequency interferences (RFI) to the primary user. In this thesis, we present novel 5G networks with the intelligence that allow them to coexist within radio astronomy areas without introducing RFIs to the primary user. We proposed a photonic solution, keeping in mind the characteristic requirements for future 5G radio communication networks. The thesis begins by reviewing the current trend of radio astronomy research in Africa. It was found that radio astronomy research in Africa is growing rapidly. Many African countries such as South Africa and Ghana are at advanced stages when it comes to radio astronomy research. Therefore, the finding and proposal of this thesis will be valuable to such countries. In order to develop a radio access network (RAN) that can coexist within radio astronomy areas, the thesis reviewed past and present state-of-the-art RANs. Each access network was analyses for its feasibility to be implemented within radio astronomy areas to realize mobile communication without the consequences of RFIs to the astronomer. It was motivated that the current centralized radio access network (C-RAN) the best solution to be developed for radio communication within radio astronomy areas. This is because the C-RAN architecture is centralized by pooling network resources to a common point. From such pool, network resources can be controlled and shared among 5G network user, including radio astronomers and the surrounding communities. The next chapters reviewed photonic RF transmitters and their associated lasers currently being proposed to be used within C-RANs. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Science, School of Computer Science, Mathematics, Physics and Statistics, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-04
A case study assessment of the ecological and social status of the South African boat-based whale watching industry
- Authors: Tolsma, Minke
- Date: 2022-04
- Subjects: Whale watching --South Africa , Dolphin watching
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/55887 , vital:54397
- Description: Boat-based whale-watching (BBWW) is a rapidly growing marine tourism industry globally and in South Africa (SA). BBWW in SA was established in 1998, and since then the number of permits available has doubled from 20 to 40. However, the establishment and past growth of the industry was undertaken without ecological research or impact assessments. Global research has shown that BBWW has the potential to cause short-term changes in cetacean behaviour and movement, which in turn can have long-term population-level consequences. National policies to grow ocean economies in SA may encourage excessive growth in the BBWW industry, impacting the ecological sustainability. In the absence of long-term impact data, the BBWW industry should be managed to minimise short-term changes. This study aimed to determine the social and ecological status of the SA BBWW industry, using Plettenberg Bay as a case study, to inform its long term sustainability. To achieve this aim: 1) the short-term behavioural and movement responses of six cetacean species to encounters with commercial BBWW vessels were measured; 2) the efficacy of three permit regulations (approach speed, approach angle, and encounter duration) to prevent short-term behavioural changes in three cetacean species was measured; 3) rates of compliance of BBWWoperators with current regulations were recorded; 4) BBWW tourists’ expectations of and satisfaction with the industry were investigated; as well as 5) operators’ views on the current permit regulations of the industry All research was conducted between September 2018 and November 2020 in Plettenberg Bay (SA) where two BBWW companies operating two vessels each are active. Three dolphin (bottlenose, common and humpback dolphins) and three whale (Bryde’s, humpback and southern right whales) species are targeted by the industry, and were encountered during this study. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Science, School of Environmental Sciences, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-04
- Authors: Tolsma, Minke
- Date: 2022-04
- Subjects: Whale watching --South Africa , Dolphin watching
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/55887 , vital:54397
- Description: Boat-based whale-watching (BBWW) is a rapidly growing marine tourism industry globally and in South Africa (SA). BBWW in SA was established in 1998, and since then the number of permits available has doubled from 20 to 40. However, the establishment and past growth of the industry was undertaken without ecological research or impact assessments. Global research has shown that BBWW has the potential to cause short-term changes in cetacean behaviour and movement, which in turn can have long-term population-level consequences. National policies to grow ocean economies in SA may encourage excessive growth in the BBWW industry, impacting the ecological sustainability. In the absence of long-term impact data, the BBWW industry should be managed to minimise short-term changes. This study aimed to determine the social and ecological status of the SA BBWW industry, using Plettenberg Bay as a case study, to inform its long term sustainability. To achieve this aim: 1) the short-term behavioural and movement responses of six cetacean species to encounters with commercial BBWW vessels were measured; 2) the efficacy of three permit regulations (approach speed, approach angle, and encounter duration) to prevent short-term behavioural changes in three cetacean species was measured; 3) rates of compliance of BBWWoperators with current regulations were recorded; 4) BBWW tourists’ expectations of and satisfaction with the industry were investigated; as well as 5) operators’ views on the current permit regulations of the industry All research was conducted between September 2018 and November 2020 in Plettenberg Bay (SA) where two BBWW companies operating two vessels each are active. Three dolphin (bottlenose, common and humpback dolphins) and three whale (Bryde’s, humpback and southern right whales) species are targeted by the industry, and were encountered during this study. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Science, School of Environmental Sciences, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-04
A case study on the incidence and extent of medullated and coloured fibres in the commercially produced South African wool clip 2010 – 2017
- Authors: Zietsman, Jolandrie
- Date: 2022-04
- Subjects: Port Elizabeth (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/55445 , vital:52002
- Description: No formal study on the incidence and extent of medullated and coloured fibres has been performed in South Africa. The purpose of this research project was to investigate the validity of the claims that there has been an increase in the production of wool contaminated with medullated and coloured fibres. Therefore, the main aim of this study was to determine whether the incidence and extent of medullated and coloured fibres in the South African wool clip have changed over time. Secondly, the study aimed to determine whether the incidence and extent of medullated and coloured fibres have a distinct geographic distribution. This study explored eight years of wool production records (2010 to 2017) obtained from BKB, the largest wool broker in South Africa. For the purpose of this research, the wool-producing areas of South Africa were divided into 6 regions, according to average annual rainfall, vegetation type and major farming practices applied in the area. Statistical analysis of the data included descriptive statistics, analysis of variance and post-hoc tests, as well as regression analyses. This study succeeded in quantifying the extent and prevalence of contamination with medullated and coloured fibres in the South African wool clip. The overarching conclusions were: • Floating kemp is the most important contaminant of wool in South Africa, with the incidence of harsh kemp and coloured fibres being very low. • Generally, the most important areas that need attention in combatting contamination in the South African wool clip, are the Mixed Farming Summer Rainfall Region, the Semi-Arid Grassveld and the High Rainfall Grassland. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, School of Environmental Sciences, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-04
- Authors: Zietsman, Jolandrie
- Date: 2022-04
- Subjects: Port Elizabeth (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/55445 , vital:52002
- Description: No formal study on the incidence and extent of medullated and coloured fibres has been performed in South Africa. The purpose of this research project was to investigate the validity of the claims that there has been an increase in the production of wool contaminated with medullated and coloured fibres. Therefore, the main aim of this study was to determine whether the incidence and extent of medullated and coloured fibres in the South African wool clip have changed over time. Secondly, the study aimed to determine whether the incidence and extent of medullated and coloured fibres have a distinct geographic distribution. This study explored eight years of wool production records (2010 to 2017) obtained from BKB, the largest wool broker in South Africa. For the purpose of this research, the wool-producing areas of South Africa were divided into 6 regions, according to average annual rainfall, vegetation type and major farming practices applied in the area. Statistical analysis of the data included descriptive statistics, analysis of variance and post-hoc tests, as well as regression analyses. This study succeeded in quantifying the extent and prevalence of contamination with medullated and coloured fibres in the South African wool clip. The overarching conclusions were: • Floating kemp is the most important contaminant of wool in South Africa, with the incidence of harsh kemp and coloured fibres being very low. • Generally, the most important areas that need attention in combatting contamination in the South African wool clip, are the Mixed Farming Summer Rainfall Region, the Semi-Arid Grassveld and the High Rainfall Grassland. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, School of Environmental Sciences, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-04
A critical analysis of a taxpayer’s rights relating to a request by sars for relevant material in respect of an audit
- Authors: Luff, Stephen Gary
- Date: 2022-04
- Subjects: Taxpayers , Value-Added Tax , Tax administration and procedure -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/57711 , vital:58223
- Description: This treatise aimed to critically analyse a taxpayer’s rights relating to a request by SARS for relevant material, in respect of an audit (including information requested for the audit of prescribed tax periods). The study also considers whether such a request for relevant material infringes or threatens a taxpayer’s constitutional rights to privacy, information and just administrative action that is lawful, reasonable and procedurally fair. The research considered the information-gathering powers awarded to SARS in terms sections 3(2), 40 and 46 of the TAA versus a taxpayer’s rights to privacy, information and just administrative action in terms of the Constitution. The reasonable and justifiable limitation of taxpayers’ rights, in terms of the general limitation clause contained in section 36(1) of the Constitution, was also considered. The research method consisted of a literature review of various articles, journals, publications, books, statutes and related commentary, judicial decisions and comments of experts. The study revealed the following: • The definition of ‘relevant material’ allows SARS alone to subjectively determine what information is ‘foreseeably relevant’ for the ‘administration of a tax Act’, in respect of an audit. The threshold of what documentation is ‘foreseeably relevant’, is low, and the application of what is foreseeably relevant follows very broad grounds. • SARS’s discretion cannot be easily challenged as the provisions of section 46 of the TAA are peremptory and give rise to mandatory obligations, unless the taxpayer has ‘just cause’ for not providing the relevant material to SARS. • SARS must meet all the jurisdictional requirements of section 3(2) of the TAA to justify that the selection of a taxpayer for an audit or the request for relevant material is necessary for the purposes of the ‘administration of a tax Act’ and is not related to a ‘fishing expedition’ or some other ‘ulterior purpose’. • A taxpayer should evaluate the scope of the information requested to determine if it is ‘frivolous, over-zealous or patently irrelevant’ and falls outside the provisions of section 3(2). It is submitted that a taxpayer could resist such requests to information, to which SARS is not lawfully entitled, to ensure that its constitutional rights are not violated. • A taxpayer is not entitled to the information that SARS used to select it for an audit or SARS’s internal guidelines or policy manuals that are used by its assessors. The risk x indicators and red flags used by SARS to select a taxpayer for an audit constitute ‘SARS confidential information’ and a taxpayer does not have any legal right to specific reasons as to why his tax return has been selected for an audit. • SARS’s decision to request relevant material (or to conduct an audit) is a preliminary or initial step of a process and does not constitute ‘administrative action’ in terms of the PAJA, as it does not adversely affect a taxpayer’s rights nor have a direct external legal effect. A taxpayer therefore cannot rely on the PAJA to refuse such a request. • Even non-administrative action is subject to the broad constitutional ‘principle of legality’, which is an aspect of the rule of law implicit in the Constitution and provides a safety net when the PAJA does not apply. SARS must act within the scope of section 46 and the information requested must constitute ‘relevant material’ and must be ‘foreseeably relevant’ for the purposes of ‘administration of a tax Act’. SARS may not exercise its discretionary investigative powers in an arbitrary or irrational manner and its requests for information must be based on sound, rational decision-making. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic science, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-04
- Authors: Luff, Stephen Gary
- Date: 2022-04
- Subjects: Taxpayers , Value-Added Tax , Tax administration and procedure -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/57711 , vital:58223
- Description: This treatise aimed to critically analyse a taxpayer’s rights relating to a request by SARS for relevant material, in respect of an audit (including information requested for the audit of prescribed tax periods). The study also considers whether such a request for relevant material infringes or threatens a taxpayer’s constitutional rights to privacy, information and just administrative action that is lawful, reasonable and procedurally fair. The research considered the information-gathering powers awarded to SARS in terms sections 3(2), 40 and 46 of the TAA versus a taxpayer’s rights to privacy, information and just administrative action in terms of the Constitution. The reasonable and justifiable limitation of taxpayers’ rights, in terms of the general limitation clause contained in section 36(1) of the Constitution, was also considered. The research method consisted of a literature review of various articles, journals, publications, books, statutes and related commentary, judicial decisions and comments of experts. The study revealed the following: • The definition of ‘relevant material’ allows SARS alone to subjectively determine what information is ‘foreseeably relevant’ for the ‘administration of a tax Act’, in respect of an audit. The threshold of what documentation is ‘foreseeably relevant’, is low, and the application of what is foreseeably relevant follows very broad grounds. • SARS’s discretion cannot be easily challenged as the provisions of section 46 of the TAA are peremptory and give rise to mandatory obligations, unless the taxpayer has ‘just cause’ for not providing the relevant material to SARS. • SARS must meet all the jurisdictional requirements of section 3(2) of the TAA to justify that the selection of a taxpayer for an audit or the request for relevant material is necessary for the purposes of the ‘administration of a tax Act’ and is not related to a ‘fishing expedition’ or some other ‘ulterior purpose’. • A taxpayer should evaluate the scope of the information requested to determine if it is ‘frivolous, over-zealous or patently irrelevant’ and falls outside the provisions of section 3(2). It is submitted that a taxpayer could resist such requests to information, to which SARS is not lawfully entitled, to ensure that its constitutional rights are not violated. • A taxpayer is not entitled to the information that SARS used to select it for an audit or SARS’s internal guidelines or policy manuals that are used by its assessors. The risk x indicators and red flags used by SARS to select a taxpayer for an audit constitute ‘SARS confidential information’ and a taxpayer does not have any legal right to specific reasons as to why his tax return has been selected for an audit. • SARS’s decision to request relevant material (or to conduct an audit) is a preliminary or initial step of a process and does not constitute ‘administrative action’ in terms of the PAJA, as it does not adversely affect a taxpayer’s rights nor have a direct external legal effect. A taxpayer therefore cannot rely on the PAJA to refuse such a request. • Even non-administrative action is subject to the broad constitutional ‘principle of legality’, which is an aspect of the rule of law implicit in the Constitution and provides a safety net when the PAJA does not apply. SARS must act within the scope of section 46 and the information requested must constitute ‘relevant material’ and must be ‘foreseeably relevant’ for the purposes of ‘administration of a tax Act’. SARS may not exercise its discretionary investigative powers in an arbitrary or irrational manner and its requests for information must be based on sound, rational decision-making. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic science, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-04
A design method for end-user engagement and interaction with social media technologies
- Authors: Oyedele, Yemisi
- Date: 2022-04
- Subjects: Social media , End-user computing
- Language: English
- Type: Doctor's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/58451 , vital:59284
- Description: Social media technologies are ubiquitous and have become essential information and communication technology applications for society. These technologies provide end-users with the experience of interacting with different social media platforms and socialising with other end-users on these platforms. They also contribute towards the personal development of end-users and the development of the social media community, which has become an important part of their everyday lives. As social media technology evolves, measuring end-user engagement becomes challenging. In the existing literature, the measured engagement, such as the end-user’s activities, typically represents an aspect of the experience that the end-users have with the technology. This view is a single dimension of the end-user’s engagement and, at the same time, a limited representation of the actual interaction the end-users have with the technology. In addition to the behavioural aspect, other dimensions that occur during the interaction are the emotional and cognitive aspects. Together, these three aspects of end-user engagement occur simultaneously during the interaction period. Therefore, there is a need to define and design a broader view of the end-user’s engagement with social media technology. The main research objective of this thesis is to develop an artefact that informs the design of social media technology based on the knowledge or understanding of the end-user’s perspectives of the emotional, cognitive, and behavioural aspects when engaging with social media technology. Also, this study has three sub-research objectives. The first sub-research objective is to define end-user’s engagement and interaction using a concept called User experience engagement and interaction. This concept is proposed to holistically represent the three-dimensional engagement that end-users have with social media technology. The second sub-research objective is to identify an approach to derive some design guidelines and heuristics for social media technology engagement and interaction. The third sub-research objective is to determine how to constitute the end-users experience and design elements into a method. Moreover, this study follows a design science research paradigm. This approach, which combines a literature review, a case study, and an illustrative scenario, was used in the research process to achieve the three sub-research objectives. Specifically, the literature viii review and the case study focus on defining the end-users’ emotional, cognitive and behavioural engagement with social media technology. Findings were used to interpret end user engagement and develop the design method that would aid designers and developers to enhance end user engagement and interaction with social media technologies. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Engineering, the Built Environment, and Technology, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-04
- Authors: Oyedele, Yemisi
- Date: 2022-04
- Subjects: Social media , End-user computing
- Language: English
- Type: Doctor's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/58451 , vital:59284
- Description: Social media technologies are ubiquitous and have become essential information and communication technology applications for society. These technologies provide end-users with the experience of interacting with different social media platforms and socialising with other end-users on these platforms. They also contribute towards the personal development of end-users and the development of the social media community, which has become an important part of their everyday lives. As social media technology evolves, measuring end-user engagement becomes challenging. In the existing literature, the measured engagement, such as the end-user’s activities, typically represents an aspect of the experience that the end-users have with the technology. This view is a single dimension of the end-user’s engagement and, at the same time, a limited representation of the actual interaction the end-users have with the technology. In addition to the behavioural aspect, other dimensions that occur during the interaction are the emotional and cognitive aspects. Together, these three aspects of end-user engagement occur simultaneously during the interaction period. Therefore, there is a need to define and design a broader view of the end-user’s engagement with social media technology. The main research objective of this thesis is to develop an artefact that informs the design of social media technology based on the knowledge or understanding of the end-user’s perspectives of the emotional, cognitive, and behavioural aspects when engaging with social media technology. Also, this study has three sub-research objectives. The first sub-research objective is to define end-user’s engagement and interaction using a concept called User experience engagement and interaction. This concept is proposed to holistically represent the three-dimensional engagement that end-users have with social media technology. The second sub-research objective is to identify an approach to derive some design guidelines and heuristics for social media technology engagement and interaction. The third sub-research objective is to determine how to constitute the end-users experience and design elements into a method. Moreover, this study follows a design science research paradigm. This approach, which combines a literature review, a case study, and an illustrative scenario, was used in the research process to achieve the three sub-research objectives. Specifically, the literature viii review and the case study focus on defining the end-users’ emotional, cognitive and behavioural engagement with social media technology. Findings were used to interpret end user engagement and develop the design method that would aid designers and developers to enhance end user engagement and interaction with social media technologies. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Engineering, the Built Environment, and Technology, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-04
A Model for Recommending Related Research Papers: A Natural Language Processing Approach
- Authors: Van Heerden, Juandre Anton
- Date: 2022-04
- Subjects: Electronic information resources , Research
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/58495 , vital:59651
- Description: The volume of information generated lately has led to information overload, which has impacted researchers’ decision-making capabilities. Researchers have access to a variety of digital libraries to retrieve information. Digital libraries often offer access to a number of journal articles and books. Although digital libraries have search mechanisms it still takes much time to find related research papers. The main aim of this study was to develop a model that uses machine learning techniques to recommend related research papers. The conceptual model was informed by literature on recommender systems in other domains. Furthermore, a literature survey on machine learning techniques helped to identify candidate techniques that could be used. The model comprises four phases. These phases are completed twice, the first time for learning from the data and the second time when a recommendation is sought. The four phases are: (1) identify and remove stopwords, (2) stemming the data, (3) identify the topics for the model, and (4) measuring similarity between documents. The model is implemented and demonstrated using a prototype to recommend research papers using a natural language processing approach. The prototype underwent three iterations. The first iteration focused on understanding the problem domain by exploring how recommender systems and related techniques work. The second iteration focused on pre-processing techniques, topic modeling and similarity measures of two probability distributions. The third iteration focused on refining the prototype, and documenting the lessons learned throughout the process. Practical lessons were learned while finalising the model and constructing the prototype. These practical lessons should help to identify opportunities for future research. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Engineering, the Built Environment, and Technology, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-04
- Authors: Van Heerden, Juandre Anton
- Date: 2022-04
- Subjects: Electronic information resources , Research
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/58495 , vital:59651
- Description: The volume of information generated lately has led to information overload, which has impacted researchers’ decision-making capabilities. Researchers have access to a variety of digital libraries to retrieve information. Digital libraries often offer access to a number of journal articles and books. Although digital libraries have search mechanisms it still takes much time to find related research papers. The main aim of this study was to develop a model that uses machine learning techniques to recommend related research papers. The conceptual model was informed by literature on recommender systems in other domains. Furthermore, a literature survey on machine learning techniques helped to identify candidate techniques that could be used. The model comprises four phases. These phases are completed twice, the first time for learning from the data and the second time when a recommendation is sought. The four phases are: (1) identify and remove stopwords, (2) stemming the data, (3) identify the topics for the model, and (4) measuring similarity between documents. The model is implemented and demonstrated using a prototype to recommend research papers using a natural language processing approach. The prototype underwent three iterations. The first iteration focused on understanding the problem domain by exploring how recommender systems and related techniques work. The second iteration focused on pre-processing techniques, topic modeling and similarity measures of two probability distributions. The third iteration focused on refining the prototype, and documenting the lessons learned throughout the process. Practical lessons were learned while finalising the model and constructing the prototype. These practical lessons should help to identify opportunities for future research. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Engineering, the Built Environment, and Technology, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-04
A model for recommending related research papers: A natural language processing approach
- Authors: Van Heerden, Juandre Anton
- Date: 2022-04
- Subjects: Machine learning , Artificial intelligence
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/55668 , vital:53405
- Description: The volume of information generated lately has led to information overload, which has impacted researchers’ decision-making capabilities. Researchers have access to a variety of digital libraries to retrieve information. Digital libraries often offer access to a number of journal articles and books. Although digital libraries have search mechanisms it still takes much time to find related research papers. The main aim of this study was to develop a model that uses machine learning techniques to recommend related research papers. The conceptual model was informed by literature on recommender systems in other domains. Furthermore, a literature survey on machine learning techniques helped to identify candidate techniques that could be used. The model comprises four phases. These phases are completed twice, the first time for learning from the data and the second time when a recommendation is sought. The four phases are: (1) identify and remove stopwords, (2) stemming the data, (3) identify the topics for the model, and (4) measuring similarity between documents. The model is implemented and demonstrated using a prototype to recommend research papers using a natural language processing approach. The prototype underwent three iterations. The first iteration focused on understanding the problem domain by exploring how recommender systems and related techniques work. The second iteration focused on pre-processing techniques, topic modeling and similarity measures of two probability distributions. The third iteration focused on refining the prototype, and documenting the lessons learned throughout the process. Practical lessons were learned while finalising the model and constructing the prototype. These practical lessons should help to identify opportunities for future research. , Thesis (MIT) -- Faculty of Engineering the Built Environment and Technology, Information Technology, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-04
- Authors: Van Heerden, Juandre Anton
- Date: 2022-04
- Subjects: Machine learning , Artificial intelligence
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/55668 , vital:53405
- Description: The volume of information generated lately has led to information overload, which has impacted researchers’ decision-making capabilities. Researchers have access to a variety of digital libraries to retrieve information. Digital libraries often offer access to a number of journal articles and books. Although digital libraries have search mechanisms it still takes much time to find related research papers. The main aim of this study was to develop a model that uses machine learning techniques to recommend related research papers. The conceptual model was informed by literature on recommender systems in other domains. Furthermore, a literature survey on machine learning techniques helped to identify candidate techniques that could be used. The model comprises four phases. These phases are completed twice, the first time for learning from the data and the second time when a recommendation is sought. The four phases are: (1) identify and remove stopwords, (2) stemming the data, (3) identify the topics for the model, and (4) measuring similarity between documents. The model is implemented and demonstrated using a prototype to recommend research papers using a natural language processing approach. The prototype underwent three iterations. The first iteration focused on understanding the problem domain by exploring how recommender systems and related techniques work. The second iteration focused on pre-processing techniques, topic modeling and similarity measures of two probability distributions. The third iteration focused on refining the prototype, and documenting the lessons learned throughout the process. Practical lessons were learned while finalising the model and constructing the prototype. These practical lessons should help to identify opportunities for future research. , Thesis (MIT) -- Faculty of Engineering the Built Environment and Technology, Information Technology, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-04
A reasonably practicable health and safety programme for micro contractors in the South African construction industry
- Authors: Munnoo, Sanjay
- Date: 2022-04
- Subjects: Industrial safety -- South Africa , Construction industry -- Safety measures , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/58418 , vital:59198
- Description: Micro contractors (MCs) in construction are pivotal to the growth of the South African economy. The South African construction industry has world-class H&S legislation and regulation; however, frequent accidents occur at an alarmingly high level. Accident statistics presented in this thesis paint a worrying picture of a vicious cycle of recurrent accidents and injuries in the South African construction industry. Whilst governments planned National Development Programme will provide opportunities for MCs, in hindsight there’s dire need to have solid foundation of H&S development prior to MCs expanding operations into small and medium sized enterprises. The grouping of very small contractors into MCs under the definition of Schedule 1 of the National Small Business Act (NSBA) may result in fewer Health & Safety (H&S) initiatives aimed at the MCs, given the turnover limit has a maximum of R10 million per annum. The topic incorporated ’reasonably practicable’, to identify what MCs currently know, and ought to know, about the hazards or risks on construction sites, and then develop a pragmatic framework to eliminate or minimise risk. MCs generally did not understand H&S regulations hence carried out tasks for the sake of compliance. Punitive measures and enforcement of H&S regulations have done little to reduce the number of accidents. The study provided context for management and employees at MCs to approach H&S in a logical approach without circumventing H&S regulations. The challenges affecting MCs determined that there’s need for specialised H&S legislation and regulation to be developed for MCs that factors socio-economic challenges of literacy, skills, affordability, and poverty. Consequently, structured methods of support by stakeholders in the form of support and mentorship would result in a significant improvement of MCs’ H&S performance. Standards such as the ISO 45001:2018 state that it can be implemented for all size of construction firms. Whilst this standard may be suitable for MCs in developed countries there exists a vacuum in terms of its applicability to MCs in South Africa. The main objective was to develop a framework for MCs that will help to reduce accidents while simultaneously improving sustainability and service delivery. ii The research adopted an interpretivism philosophical position, which is reliant on people's views and conduct. The research applied deductive reasoning by survey technique and to construct a theory of H&S issues and corrective measures through research questions. The study adopted a mixed method research approach using a survey sent to the members of the South African Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (Saiosh), persons registered with the South African South African Council for the Project and Construction Management Professions (SACPCMP), and members of the Association of Construction Health and Safety Management (ACHSAM), and using the thematic analysis of data from 16 interviews representatives of member organisations, H&S consultants, and PCs. Accident statistics obtained from the Federated Employers Mutual Assurance (FEM) were also analysed. The study findings indicate that a reasonably practicable H&S programme must be developed for MCs due to the ‘onerous’ requirements arising from the Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHS Act) and Construction Regulations (CR). The study determined that it would be unaffordable for MCs to implement and maintain the ISO 45001:2018 standard. H&S practices at MCs under guidance of a H&S practitioner can be deemed to be undertaken frequently, as opposed to infrequently, however, new entrant MCs struggled to comply with H&S legislation and regulations and that has resulted in a H&S culture being generally non-existent or difficult to establish. The significance of this study lies in the recommendations that are proposed. Effective H&S in MCs require greater support from the Department of Employment and Labour (DEL), member organisations and the PCs in construction. The study proposes that a national H&S logbook be set up to record H&S compliance and accidents at MCs. Furthermore, a phased approach should be instituted for improving H&S. These phases should include phase one, for new entrant MCs from zero to three years, phase two for MCs during the development and growth phase from three to five years, and MCs deemed competent with H&S should be encouraged or required to train and mentor new entrant MCs. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Engineering, the Built Environment, and Technology, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-04
- Authors: Munnoo, Sanjay
- Date: 2022-04
- Subjects: Industrial safety -- South Africa , Construction industry -- Safety measures , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/58418 , vital:59198
- Description: Micro contractors (MCs) in construction are pivotal to the growth of the South African economy. The South African construction industry has world-class H&S legislation and regulation; however, frequent accidents occur at an alarmingly high level. Accident statistics presented in this thesis paint a worrying picture of a vicious cycle of recurrent accidents and injuries in the South African construction industry. Whilst governments planned National Development Programme will provide opportunities for MCs, in hindsight there’s dire need to have solid foundation of H&S development prior to MCs expanding operations into small and medium sized enterprises. The grouping of very small contractors into MCs under the definition of Schedule 1 of the National Small Business Act (NSBA) may result in fewer Health & Safety (H&S) initiatives aimed at the MCs, given the turnover limit has a maximum of R10 million per annum. The topic incorporated ’reasonably practicable’, to identify what MCs currently know, and ought to know, about the hazards or risks on construction sites, and then develop a pragmatic framework to eliminate or minimise risk. MCs generally did not understand H&S regulations hence carried out tasks for the sake of compliance. Punitive measures and enforcement of H&S regulations have done little to reduce the number of accidents. The study provided context for management and employees at MCs to approach H&S in a logical approach without circumventing H&S regulations. The challenges affecting MCs determined that there’s need for specialised H&S legislation and regulation to be developed for MCs that factors socio-economic challenges of literacy, skills, affordability, and poverty. Consequently, structured methods of support by stakeholders in the form of support and mentorship would result in a significant improvement of MCs’ H&S performance. Standards such as the ISO 45001:2018 state that it can be implemented for all size of construction firms. Whilst this standard may be suitable for MCs in developed countries there exists a vacuum in terms of its applicability to MCs in South Africa. The main objective was to develop a framework for MCs that will help to reduce accidents while simultaneously improving sustainability and service delivery. ii The research adopted an interpretivism philosophical position, which is reliant on people's views and conduct. The research applied deductive reasoning by survey technique and to construct a theory of H&S issues and corrective measures through research questions. The study adopted a mixed method research approach using a survey sent to the members of the South African Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (Saiosh), persons registered with the South African South African Council for the Project and Construction Management Professions (SACPCMP), and members of the Association of Construction Health and Safety Management (ACHSAM), and using the thematic analysis of data from 16 interviews representatives of member organisations, H&S consultants, and PCs. Accident statistics obtained from the Federated Employers Mutual Assurance (FEM) were also analysed. The study findings indicate that a reasonably practicable H&S programme must be developed for MCs due to the ‘onerous’ requirements arising from the Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHS Act) and Construction Regulations (CR). The study determined that it would be unaffordable for MCs to implement and maintain the ISO 45001:2018 standard. H&S practices at MCs under guidance of a H&S practitioner can be deemed to be undertaken frequently, as opposed to infrequently, however, new entrant MCs struggled to comply with H&S legislation and regulations and that has resulted in a H&S culture being generally non-existent or difficult to establish. The significance of this study lies in the recommendations that are proposed. Effective H&S in MCs require greater support from the Department of Employment and Labour (DEL), member organisations and the PCs in construction. The study proposes that a national H&S logbook be set up to record H&S compliance and accidents at MCs. Furthermore, a phased approach should be instituted for improving H&S. These phases should include phase one, for new entrant MCs from zero to three years, phase two for MCs during the development and growth phase from three to five years, and MCs deemed competent with H&S should be encouraged or required to train and mentor new entrant MCs. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Engineering, the Built Environment, and Technology, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-04
A reverse logistics competitiveness framework for fast-moving consumer goods retailers in Pretoria
- Makaleng, Mpho Sharon Makgedi
- Authors: Makaleng, Mpho Sharon Makgedi
- Date: 2022-04
- Subjects: Consumer goods , Logistics
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/57798 , vital:58265
- Description: The fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) sector contributes significantly to the gross domestic product (GDP) growth of the country. It is however regarded as one of the unpredictable sectors due to rapid technological advancements, new regulations, and intense competition. This has therefore led to the growth in importance of reverse logistics (RL) since the FMCG sector cannot avoid RL. This is because FMCG can be damaged in transit, recalled, returned due to unsatisfied customers, defects, or scrap material, amongst others. It is therefore important for the sector to implement RL practices and strategies that can lead to the firm’s competitiveness. This will further assist in recapturing the value of the products. Recently, RL has gained a lot of attention in both research and in practice. Nevertheless, not so much research has been done in the FMCG sector in SA. Through the implementation of RL practices, strategies and an effective RL management system, this sector will achieve many goals as well as lead to the firm’s competitiveness. The current study mainly sought to develop an RL competitiveness framework to help guide FMCG retailers. The study also investigated the RL practices, best practices, critical success factors (CSFs), strategies and their influence on the firm’s competitiveness. A positivist research philosophy, which combined descriptive and explanatory research was employed. Data was collected through two close-ended questionnaires, via SurveyMonkey, from 418 FMCG retailers and consumers. The descriptive results from the Statistical package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 27 showed that FMCG retailers to a great extent implement the recalling of products. The results also revealed that FMCG retailers have centralised returns centres, and they share information and collaborate with suppliers for effective remanufacturing of products that have reached their end of shelf life, as highly implemented RL best practice, amongst others. Little understanding of the importance of RL, high costs associated with adopting RL practices, lack of top management support on RL initiatives, high cost of RL technology and customers’ unwillingness to pay extra for any RL practices and initiatives were identified as the key RL challenges faced by FMCG retailers. The descriptive results further cited financial resources, employment of skilled personnel to handle RL, having knowledge on RL and technology as the extremely critical factors in the successful v implementation of RL among FMCG retailers. The following RL strategies were identified as the highly implemented among FMCG retailers: integration of forward logistics (FL) and RL, the implementation of new technology, the adherence to environmental policies and regulations, knowledge management, eco-compatibility, and strategic alliances The structural equation modelling (SEM) analysis conducted using AMOS version 27, revealed that RL practices have a positive and significant influence on RL strategies. The results also revealed that RL strategies have a positive and significant influence on the firm’s competitiveness. The mediation results revealed that RL strategies fully mediate the relationship between the firm’s competitiveness and RL practices. Based on the empirical results and reviewed literature, a conceptual model and an RL competitiveness framework were developed and suggested. Moreover, the study recommended that the managers increase customer awareness of RL practices implemented by FMCG retail firms, train and educate their personnel on RL, enhance RL strategies to improve RL practices implementation success, and enforce RL formal policies. This study significantly contributes towards the development of future studies in RL and firm competitiveness through new insight and contribution to the body of knowledge. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Business and Economic science, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-04
- Authors: Makaleng, Mpho Sharon Makgedi
- Date: 2022-04
- Subjects: Consumer goods , Logistics
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/57798 , vital:58265
- Description: The fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) sector contributes significantly to the gross domestic product (GDP) growth of the country. It is however regarded as one of the unpredictable sectors due to rapid technological advancements, new regulations, and intense competition. This has therefore led to the growth in importance of reverse logistics (RL) since the FMCG sector cannot avoid RL. This is because FMCG can be damaged in transit, recalled, returned due to unsatisfied customers, defects, or scrap material, amongst others. It is therefore important for the sector to implement RL practices and strategies that can lead to the firm’s competitiveness. This will further assist in recapturing the value of the products. Recently, RL has gained a lot of attention in both research and in practice. Nevertheless, not so much research has been done in the FMCG sector in SA. Through the implementation of RL practices, strategies and an effective RL management system, this sector will achieve many goals as well as lead to the firm’s competitiveness. The current study mainly sought to develop an RL competitiveness framework to help guide FMCG retailers. The study also investigated the RL practices, best practices, critical success factors (CSFs), strategies and their influence on the firm’s competitiveness. A positivist research philosophy, which combined descriptive and explanatory research was employed. Data was collected through two close-ended questionnaires, via SurveyMonkey, from 418 FMCG retailers and consumers. The descriptive results from the Statistical package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 27 showed that FMCG retailers to a great extent implement the recalling of products. The results also revealed that FMCG retailers have centralised returns centres, and they share information and collaborate with suppliers for effective remanufacturing of products that have reached their end of shelf life, as highly implemented RL best practice, amongst others. Little understanding of the importance of RL, high costs associated with adopting RL practices, lack of top management support on RL initiatives, high cost of RL technology and customers’ unwillingness to pay extra for any RL practices and initiatives were identified as the key RL challenges faced by FMCG retailers. The descriptive results further cited financial resources, employment of skilled personnel to handle RL, having knowledge on RL and technology as the extremely critical factors in the successful v implementation of RL among FMCG retailers. The following RL strategies were identified as the highly implemented among FMCG retailers: integration of forward logistics (FL) and RL, the implementation of new technology, the adherence to environmental policies and regulations, knowledge management, eco-compatibility, and strategic alliances The structural equation modelling (SEM) analysis conducted using AMOS version 27, revealed that RL practices have a positive and significant influence on RL strategies. The results also revealed that RL strategies have a positive and significant influence on the firm’s competitiveness. The mediation results revealed that RL strategies fully mediate the relationship between the firm’s competitiveness and RL practices. Based on the empirical results and reviewed literature, a conceptual model and an RL competitiveness framework were developed and suggested. Moreover, the study recommended that the managers increase customer awareness of RL practices implemented by FMCG retail firms, train and educate their personnel on RL, enhance RL strategies to improve RL practices implementation success, and enforce RL formal policies. This study significantly contributes towards the development of future studies in RL and firm competitiveness through new insight and contribution to the body of knowledge. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Business and Economic science, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-04
A strategy for cybersecurity vulnerability management in the South African retail sector
- Authors: Madotyeni,Hlalanathi
- Date: 2022-04
- Subjects: Computer security , Computer networks -- Security measures , Data protection
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/68714 , vital:77084
- Description: Retail organisations have a vision and strategic objectives, and achieving these objectives relies heavily on the use of technology. This shift has sparked greater global public adoption of technology and compelled retailers to create strategies that set this transformation in motion. The retail industry is rapidly evolving as the real and digital worlds intersect, creating new business opportunities and challenges that were unthinkable years ago. Fresh, rapid global development is propelling the retail sector, intensifying its already fierce competition. The main reasons retailers have embraced technology are to cut expenses and improve operations. Customer satisfaction, e-commerce sites, augmented reality, customer feedback, inventory control, and price auditing are ways that technology improves retail business operations. Although technology offers the retail sector many advantages, it also brings challenges, notably growing cybersecurity threats, cybersecurity vulnerabilities, and cybersecurity risks. These cybersecurity concerns are increasingly severe, impacting the business operations of retail organisations negatively. Cybercrimes, commonly known as vulnerabilities and cyberthreats, expose the retail sector to unexpected cybersecurity events. Experts predict that cybercrime will cost corporations approximately USD 10.5 billion by 2025. Since South Africa has the most developed retail industry in sub-Saharan Africa, cybercrime is more likely to affect its retailers, making effective cybersecurity vulnerability management strategies imperative. A South African retail giant fell victim to cybercrimes that compromised data totalling more than 3.6 million records, resulting in a potential fine of up to R10 million issued by the Information Regulator. Data breach costs and loss of customer confidence are additional negative impacts suffered by retailers. To address these issues effectively, a cybersecurity vulnerability management strategy must be developed. Developing a cybersecurity vulnerability management strategy is the primary objective of this study, it will help the retailers in South Africa better manage cybersecurity vulnerabilities. The research paradigm used in the study is the Nelson Mandela University Design Science Strategy Methodology (NMU-DSSM). To comprehend the present state of a retail organisation's approach and activities linked to cybersecurity vulnerability management, a qualitative research methodology was used. The outcomes of the semi-structured research interviews and the literature study were utilised to develop a cybersecurity vulnerability strategy for the retail industry in South Africa. Future studies will assess the implementation strategy's usefulness and efficacy. The research on cybersecurity vulnerability management in relation to South African retail organisations is enhanced by this study's findings. , Thesis (MPhil) -- Faculty of Engineering, the Built Environment, and Technology, School of Information Technology, 2024
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-04
- Authors: Madotyeni,Hlalanathi
- Date: 2022-04
- Subjects: Computer security , Computer networks -- Security measures , Data protection
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/68714 , vital:77084
- Description: Retail organisations have a vision and strategic objectives, and achieving these objectives relies heavily on the use of technology. This shift has sparked greater global public adoption of technology and compelled retailers to create strategies that set this transformation in motion. The retail industry is rapidly evolving as the real and digital worlds intersect, creating new business opportunities and challenges that were unthinkable years ago. Fresh, rapid global development is propelling the retail sector, intensifying its already fierce competition. The main reasons retailers have embraced technology are to cut expenses and improve operations. Customer satisfaction, e-commerce sites, augmented reality, customer feedback, inventory control, and price auditing are ways that technology improves retail business operations. Although technology offers the retail sector many advantages, it also brings challenges, notably growing cybersecurity threats, cybersecurity vulnerabilities, and cybersecurity risks. These cybersecurity concerns are increasingly severe, impacting the business operations of retail organisations negatively. Cybercrimes, commonly known as vulnerabilities and cyberthreats, expose the retail sector to unexpected cybersecurity events. Experts predict that cybercrime will cost corporations approximately USD 10.5 billion by 2025. Since South Africa has the most developed retail industry in sub-Saharan Africa, cybercrime is more likely to affect its retailers, making effective cybersecurity vulnerability management strategies imperative. A South African retail giant fell victim to cybercrimes that compromised data totalling more than 3.6 million records, resulting in a potential fine of up to R10 million issued by the Information Regulator. Data breach costs and loss of customer confidence are additional negative impacts suffered by retailers. To address these issues effectively, a cybersecurity vulnerability management strategy must be developed. Developing a cybersecurity vulnerability management strategy is the primary objective of this study, it will help the retailers in South Africa better manage cybersecurity vulnerabilities. The research paradigm used in the study is the Nelson Mandela University Design Science Strategy Methodology (NMU-DSSM). To comprehend the present state of a retail organisation's approach and activities linked to cybersecurity vulnerability management, a qualitative research methodology was used. The outcomes of the semi-structured research interviews and the literature study were utilised to develop a cybersecurity vulnerability strategy for the retail industry in South Africa. Future studies will assess the implementation strategy's usefulness and efficacy. The research on cybersecurity vulnerability management in relation to South African retail organisations is enhanced by this study's findings. , Thesis (MPhil) -- Faculty of Engineering, the Built Environment, and Technology, School of Information Technology, 2024
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-04