Health and fitness of young, healthy adult females and the effect of an eight week pilates intervention
- Authors: Eaton, Lara Lee
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Physical fitness for women -- South Africa -- Makhanda , Pilates method , Exercise for women -- South Africa -- Makhanda , Exercise -- Health aspects -- South Africa -- Makhanda , Exercise -- Physiological aspects -- South Africa -- Makhanda
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/58267 , vital:27112
- Description: Purpose: The first phase of this study aimed to investigate the health and fitness status of young adult females in the local community. The second phase of this study investigated the impact of an eight week progressive Pilates intervention on selected health and fitness parameters in this cohort. Methods: Healthy young adult females aged 18-26 years (n=96), from the local community, partook in once-off tests including anthropometric measures (stature, body mass, Body Mass Index and waist circumference) as well as fitness parameters including balance, flexibility, muscular strength and endurance, and lastly lumbo-pelvic stability. Health measures investigated included blood pressure and spirometry. Where possible, results were compared to those of similar populations from national surveys or published normative data. Sedentary volunteers from this cohort were then randomised into a Pilates Exercise (PEx, n=12) or an inactive Control (Con, n=11) group, with their results from Phase 1 serving as baseline measures. Pilates classes were held twice weekly (60 minutes per session). All the measures from phase 1 were repeated at weeks 4 and 8. An additional intervention test included Transversus abdominis recruitment. Participants maintained habitual dietary intake and energy expenditure throughout. Nine PEx group and eight Con group participants completed the intervention. Results: The current sample (phase 1) was found to be healthier than comparative populations from national surveys, and significant differences (p<0.05) were found for all comparisons except Forced Expiratory Volume (FEV1), (p=0.64). Physical activity levels (230 min.week-1) exceeded that of the recommend weekly threshold (150 min.week-1). BMI, waist circumference, blood pressure and spirometry measures were all found to be within suggested healthy normal ranges. Pilates significantly improved lumbo-pelvic stability in the PEx group at weeks 4 (p<0.005) and 8 (p<0.002). Similarly, abdominal (p=0.00, d=1.1), upper limb (p=0.037, d=0.9) and lower limb endurance (p=0.02, d=1.0, between group d=0.73 for PEx) also improved with no changes in the Con group. PEx energy expenditure significantly increased from baseline to weeks 4 (p=0.007, d=10.7) and 8 (p=0.027, d=0.64), however body mass was maintained throughout. Conversely, Minute Ventilation decreased in the PEx cohort (p=0.010, d=0.95) from weeks 4 to 8. The Con group showed significant increases in body mass (p=0.018), leg strength (within-group Cohen’s d=-1.08 between weeks 0-8; d=-2 between weeks 4-8) and dynamic balance (p=0.01, d=-0.5). While no within-group changes were observed, Protein intake was significantly greater (p=0.036, d>0.8 at baseline and week 8) in the PEx group throughout the intervention. Medium between-group effect sizes (d>0.5) were noted for PEx BMI and waist circumference measures at all time points. Further, although not significant, the large within-group effect size (d=-0.84) between baseline and week 8 for PEx systolic blood pressure, suggested the 9 mm Hg was meaningful. The same time period also indicated a large within-group effect size (d=-0.8) for PEx dynamic balance, and a medium Cohen’s d for (d=0.57) PEx static balance. Conclusion: The local population of young adult females was found to be significantly healthier than those of comparable national samples. Further, Pilates participation significantly improved lumbo-pelvic stability and muscular endurance with meaningful changes in systolic blood pressure, and balance in previously sedentary young, adult females. Body mass was also maintained.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Eaton, Lara Lee
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Physical fitness for women -- South Africa -- Makhanda , Pilates method , Exercise for women -- South Africa -- Makhanda , Exercise -- Health aspects -- South Africa -- Makhanda , Exercise -- Physiological aspects -- South Africa -- Makhanda
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/58267 , vital:27112
- Description: Purpose: The first phase of this study aimed to investigate the health and fitness status of young adult females in the local community. The second phase of this study investigated the impact of an eight week progressive Pilates intervention on selected health and fitness parameters in this cohort. Methods: Healthy young adult females aged 18-26 years (n=96), from the local community, partook in once-off tests including anthropometric measures (stature, body mass, Body Mass Index and waist circumference) as well as fitness parameters including balance, flexibility, muscular strength and endurance, and lastly lumbo-pelvic stability. Health measures investigated included blood pressure and spirometry. Where possible, results were compared to those of similar populations from national surveys or published normative data. Sedentary volunteers from this cohort were then randomised into a Pilates Exercise (PEx, n=12) or an inactive Control (Con, n=11) group, with their results from Phase 1 serving as baseline measures. Pilates classes were held twice weekly (60 minutes per session). All the measures from phase 1 were repeated at weeks 4 and 8. An additional intervention test included Transversus abdominis recruitment. Participants maintained habitual dietary intake and energy expenditure throughout. Nine PEx group and eight Con group participants completed the intervention. Results: The current sample (phase 1) was found to be healthier than comparative populations from national surveys, and significant differences (p<0.05) were found for all comparisons except Forced Expiratory Volume (FEV1), (p=0.64). Physical activity levels (230 min.week-1) exceeded that of the recommend weekly threshold (150 min.week-1). BMI, waist circumference, blood pressure and spirometry measures were all found to be within suggested healthy normal ranges. Pilates significantly improved lumbo-pelvic stability in the PEx group at weeks 4 (p<0.005) and 8 (p<0.002). Similarly, abdominal (p=0.00, d=1.1), upper limb (p=0.037, d=0.9) and lower limb endurance (p=0.02, d=1.0, between group d=0.73 for PEx) also improved with no changes in the Con group. PEx energy expenditure significantly increased from baseline to weeks 4 (p=0.007, d=10.7) and 8 (p=0.027, d=0.64), however body mass was maintained throughout. Conversely, Minute Ventilation decreased in the PEx cohort (p=0.010, d=0.95) from weeks 4 to 8. The Con group showed significant increases in body mass (p=0.018), leg strength (within-group Cohen’s d=-1.08 between weeks 0-8; d=-2 between weeks 4-8) and dynamic balance (p=0.01, d=-0.5). While no within-group changes were observed, Protein intake was significantly greater (p=0.036, d>0.8 at baseline and week 8) in the PEx group throughout the intervention. Medium between-group effect sizes (d>0.5) were noted for PEx BMI and waist circumference measures at all time points. Further, although not significant, the large within-group effect size (d=-0.84) between baseline and week 8 for PEx systolic blood pressure, suggested the 9 mm Hg was meaningful. The same time period also indicated a large within-group effect size (d=-0.8) for PEx dynamic balance, and a medium Cohen’s d for (d=0.57) PEx static balance. Conclusion: The local population of young adult females was found to be significantly healthier than those of comparable national samples. Further, Pilates participation significantly improved lumbo-pelvic stability and muscular endurance with meaningful changes in systolic blood pressure, and balance in previously sedentary young, adult females. Body mass was also maintained.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
Young adults’ perceptions of the psychosocial factors impacting upon self-disclosure online
- Authors: Edwards, Megan
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Self-disclosure , Young adults -- psychological aspects Interpersonal relations
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/29882 , vital:30788
- Description: Online communication has become a universal phenomenon, and a significant consequence of computer mediated communication (CMC) is the influence it has on self-disclosure. The aim of the present study was to explore and describe young adults’ perceptions of online self-disclosure, specifically what young adults’ self-disclose online and what psychosocial factors impact upon self-disclosure online. Bronfenbrenner’s Bioecological Systems Theory and the Johari Window were utilised as the theoretical framework of the study. The present study utilised a qualitative approach and was exploratory and descriptive in design. The sample size of the present study was 13, and semi-structured interviews were utilised as the method of data collection. The data obtained was analysed using thematic analysis, as outlined by Braun and Clarke. Six main themes were identified, namely Types of Online Experience, Online Self-disclosure, Information Disclosed Online, Differences between Online and Offline Self-disclosure, Privacy and Online Regrets. The findings of the present study will generate a better understanding of young adults’ online self-disclosure and can be utilised for future research.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Edwards, Megan
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Self-disclosure , Young adults -- psychological aspects Interpersonal relations
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/29882 , vital:30788
- Description: Online communication has become a universal phenomenon, and a significant consequence of computer mediated communication (CMC) is the influence it has on self-disclosure. The aim of the present study was to explore and describe young adults’ perceptions of online self-disclosure, specifically what young adults’ self-disclose online and what psychosocial factors impact upon self-disclosure online. Bronfenbrenner’s Bioecological Systems Theory and the Johari Window were utilised as the theoretical framework of the study. The present study utilised a qualitative approach and was exploratory and descriptive in design. The sample size of the present study was 13, and semi-structured interviews were utilised as the method of data collection. The data obtained was analysed using thematic analysis, as outlined by Braun and Clarke. Six main themes were identified, namely Types of Online Experience, Online Self-disclosure, Information Disclosed Online, Differences between Online and Offline Self-disclosure, Privacy and Online Regrets. The findings of the present study will generate a better understanding of young adults’ online self-disclosure and can be utilised for future research.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
The metabolic physiology of early stage Argyrosomus japonicus with insight into the potential effects of pCO2 induced ocean acidification
- Authors: Edworthy, Carla
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Argyrosomus , Argyrosomus -- Growth , Argyrosomus -- Mortality , Argyrosomus -- Larvae -- Ecology , Ocean acidification , Marine ecology -- South Africa , Carbon dioxide -- Physiological effect
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/51417 , vital:26094
- Description: Ocean acidification is a phenomenon associated with global change and anthropogenic CO2 emissions that is changing the chemistry of seawater. These changes result in elevated pCO2 and reduced pH in seawater and this is impacting marine organisms in various ways. Marine fishes are considered generally tolerant to conditions of ocean acidification; however, these assumptions are based on juvenile and adult fish tolerance and the larval stages have not been frequently assessed. Furthermore, it has been suggested that temperate species, particularly those with an estuarine association, may be tolerant to variable CO2 and pH. This study used an eco-physiological approach to understand how the early life stages of Argyrosomus japonicus, an estuarine dependent marine fisheries species found in warm-temperate regions, may be impacted by ocean acidification. The metabolic response of early stage larvae (hatching to early juvenile stage) was assessed under conditions of elevated pCO2 and reduced pH in a controlled laboratory setting. Small volume static respirometry was used to determine the oxygen consumption rate of larvae raised in three pCO2 treatments including a low (pCO2 = 327.50 ± 80.07 µatm at pH 8.15), moderate (pCO2 477.40 ± 59.46 µatm at pH 8.03) and high treatment (PCO2 910.20 ± 136.45 µatm at pH 7.78). These treatment levels were relevant to the present (low) and projected conditions of ocean acidification for the years 2050 (moderate) and 2100 (high). Prior to experimentation with ocean acidification treatments, baseline metabolic rates and diurnal variation in oxygen consumption rates in early stage A. japonicus was determined. Distinct ontogenetic structuring of metabolic rates was observed in early stage A. japonicus, with no cyclical fluctuations in metabolic rate occurring during the 24 hour photoperiodic cycle. Pre-flexion larvae showed no metabolic response to ocean acidification treatments; however post-flexion stage larvae showed metabolic depression of standard metabolic rate in the moderate (32.5%) and high (9.5%) pCO2 treatments (P = 0.02). Larvae raised in the high pCO2 treatment also showed high levels of mortality with no individuals surviving past the post-flexion stage. Larvae raised in the moderate pCO2 treatment were unaffected. This study concluded that ocean acidification conditions expected for the end of the century will have significant impacts on the metabolism of early stage A. japonicus, which may result in reduced growth, retardation of skeletal development and ultimately survival as a result of increased mortality. Furthermore, the timing of reduced metabolic scope will significantly impact the recruitment ability of A. japonicus larvae into estuarine habitats. This could ultimately impact the sustainability of A. japonicus populations. Most importantly, this study highlighted the need to consider the combined effect of ontogeny and life-history strategy when assessing the vulnerability of species to ocean acidification.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Edworthy, Carla
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Argyrosomus , Argyrosomus -- Growth , Argyrosomus -- Mortality , Argyrosomus -- Larvae -- Ecology , Ocean acidification , Marine ecology -- South Africa , Carbon dioxide -- Physiological effect
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/51417 , vital:26094
- Description: Ocean acidification is a phenomenon associated with global change and anthropogenic CO2 emissions that is changing the chemistry of seawater. These changes result in elevated pCO2 and reduced pH in seawater and this is impacting marine organisms in various ways. Marine fishes are considered generally tolerant to conditions of ocean acidification; however, these assumptions are based on juvenile and adult fish tolerance and the larval stages have not been frequently assessed. Furthermore, it has been suggested that temperate species, particularly those with an estuarine association, may be tolerant to variable CO2 and pH. This study used an eco-physiological approach to understand how the early life stages of Argyrosomus japonicus, an estuarine dependent marine fisheries species found in warm-temperate regions, may be impacted by ocean acidification. The metabolic response of early stage larvae (hatching to early juvenile stage) was assessed under conditions of elevated pCO2 and reduced pH in a controlled laboratory setting. Small volume static respirometry was used to determine the oxygen consumption rate of larvae raised in three pCO2 treatments including a low (pCO2 = 327.50 ± 80.07 µatm at pH 8.15), moderate (pCO2 477.40 ± 59.46 µatm at pH 8.03) and high treatment (PCO2 910.20 ± 136.45 µatm at pH 7.78). These treatment levels were relevant to the present (low) and projected conditions of ocean acidification for the years 2050 (moderate) and 2100 (high). Prior to experimentation with ocean acidification treatments, baseline metabolic rates and diurnal variation in oxygen consumption rates in early stage A. japonicus was determined. Distinct ontogenetic structuring of metabolic rates was observed in early stage A. japonicus, with no cyclical fluctuations in metabolic rate occurring during the 24 hour photoperiodic cycle. Pre-flexion larvae showed no metabolic response to ocean acidification treatments; however post-flexion stage larvae showed metabolic depression of standard metabolic rate in the moderate (32.5%) and high (9.5%) pCO2 treatments (P = 0.02). Larvae raised in the high pCO2 treatment also showed high levels of mortality with no individuals surviving past the post-flexion stage. Larvae raised in the moderate pCO2 treatment were unaffected. This study concluded that ocean acidification conditions expected for the end of the century will have significant impacts on the metabolism of early stage A. japonicus, which may result in reduced growth, retardation of skeletal development and ultimately survival as a result of increased mortality. Furthermore, the timing of reduced metabolic scope will significantly impact the recruitment ability of A. japonicus larvae into estuarine habitats. This could ultimately impact the sustainability of A. japonicus populations. Most importantly, this study highlighted the need to consider the combined effect of ontogeny and life-history strategy when assessing the vulnerability of species to ocean acidification.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
Aquatic habitat shift assessment in a groundwater-fed semi-arid stream: an investigation into the response of Karoo hydroecology to system variability
- Authors: Ellis, Natalie
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Aquatic habitats -- South Africa -- Karoo , Arid regions -- South Africa -- Karoo , Biotic communities -- South Africa -- Karoo , Stream ecology -- South Africa -- Karoo
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/61882 , vital:28072
- Description: From introduction: The subject of biological response to changes in aquatic habitat is one which has been well explored in many regions of the world. Examples include work in south east Spain by Mellado Diaz et al. (2008) and Oliva-Paterna et al. (2003), in western United States of America by Hauer and Lorang (2004), and in West Germany by Meyer et al. (2003). Similarly, a number of studies have been conducted in semi-arid regions, exploring elements such as erosion, climate, lithology and landscape formations (e.g. Boardman et al., 2013; Le Maitre et al., 2007; Meyer et al., 2003). However, apart from the study by Uys (1997), and Uys and O’Keeffe (1997), there is a noticeable lack of literature on aquatic habitat shifts in semi-arid stream systems, despite these systems being recognised for their high natural variability. This study provides a base-level approach to conducting habitat shift assessments in a semi-arid stream system and monitoring the hydroecological responses to system variability.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Ellis, Natalie
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Aquatic habitats -- South Africa -- Karoo , Arid regions -- South Africa -- Karoo , Biotic communities -- South Africa -- Karoo , Stream ecology -- South Africa -- Karoo
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/61882 , vital:28072
- Description: From introduction: The subject of biological response to changes in aquatic habitat is one which has been well explored in many regions of the world. Examples include work in south east Spain by Mellado Diaz et al. (2008) and Oliva-Paterna et al. (2003), in western United States of America by Hauer and Lorang (2004), and in West Germany by Meyer et al. (2003). Similarly, a number of studies have been conducted in semi-arid regions, exploring elements such as erosion, climate, lithology and landscape formations (e.g. Boardman et al., 2013; Le Maitre et al., 2007; Meyer et al., 2003). However, apart from the study by Uys (1997), and Uys and O’Keeffe (1997), there is a noticeable lack of literature on aquatic habitat shifts in semi-arid stream systems, despite these systems being recognised for their high natural variability. This study provides a base-level approach to conducting habitat shift assessments in a semi-arid stream system and monitoring the hydroecological responses to system variability.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
Grapple cable yarding: a productivity model for fast-growing tree plantations in Sarawak, Malaysia
- Authors: Engelbrecht, Riaan
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Tree farms -- Malaysia -- Sarawak , Forests and forestry -- Malaysia -- Sarawak Forest productivity -- Malaysia -- Sarawak
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/22049 , vital:29816
- Description: Today, the two most important tasks faced by harvesting foresters and contractors are selecting the equipment and systems best suited to the site, and then to use this equipment in the best way possible (MacDonald, 1999). Experts estimate that the importance of tree plantations will continue to grow and that by 2050 75 per cent of the global fibre supply will be sourced from dedicated plantations (Ragauskas et al., 2006). To meet this growing demand plantations will most likely expand to steep slopes due to the priority given to agricultural and urban development, on flat land. New technological advancements in both cable yarding and ground-based harvesting systems has to a certain extent provided forest engineers with more options to choose from. Whether considering these options individually or in combination, they will have to make good choices in order to realise the full potential of forest plantations. One of the most promising techniques consist of an excavator-based unguyed yarder equipped with a new radio-controlled grapple carriage, fed by another excavator stationed on the cut-over. This system is very productive, avoids in-stand traffic and removes operators from positions of high risk. This long-term study was conducted on 12 different teams equipped with the new technology, operating in the fast-growing Acacia mangium plantations of Sarawak, Malaysia. Data were collected continuously for almost 8 months and represented 555 shifts, or over 55,000 yarding cycles - each recorded individually. This large data pool allowed for the development of robust models for system production, utilization and availability estimated respectively at: 63 m3 per productive machine hour (excluding all delays), 63 per cent and 93 per cent. The study also determined the effects of yarder type and team competence on productivity and utilization. Regression analysis of experimental data yielded a strong productivity forecast model that was highly significant, which accounted for 50 per cent of the total variability in the dataset and was validated with a non-significant error estimated at less than 1 per cent. The models reported in this study are especially robust, because they were obtained from a long-term study that covered multiple teams and accumulated an exceptionally large number of observations. While gained specifically on one yarder make (Alpine Yarder) and a specific plantation type (Acacia mangium), the information in this study can be extended to other similar machines and plantations, because the sheer volume of data allows cautious generalization. The teachings of kaizen, which suggest small-step work improvements, was adopted in order to propose the process of possible improvements, by combining elements of other harvesting systems as shown in Figure 1 below (Vorn Industries, 2017). Forestry is essentially a problem of transportation (Schenck, 1911) and the efficiency of such a transportation system will ultimately be determined by technology developments which drive system productivity (Ger & Klvac, 2014). Therefore, when we talk about systems for the future we should view them not as predictions or as prescriptions but as options that may be selected or rejected (Wood, 1979).
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Engelbrecht, Riaan
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Tree farms -- Malaysia -- Sarawak , Forests and forestry -- Malaysia -- Sarawak Forest productivity -- Malaysia -- Sarawak
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/22049 , vital:29816
- Description: Today, the two most important tasks faced by harvesting foresters and contractors are selecting the equipment and systems best suited to the site, and then to use this equipment in the best way possible (MacDonald, 1999). Experts estimate that the importance of tree plantations will continue to grow and that by 2050 75 per cent of the global fibre supply will be sourced from dedicated plantations (Ragauskas et al., 2006). To meet this growing demand plantations will most likely expand to steep slopes due to the priority given to agricultural and urban development, on flat land. New technological advancements in both cable yarding and ground-based harvesting systems has to a certain extent provided forest engineers with more options to choose from. Whether considering these options individually or in combination, they will have to make good choices in order to realise the full potential of forest plantations. One of the most promising techniques consist of an excavator-based unguyed yarder equipped with a new radio-controlled grapple carriage, fed by another excavator stationed on the cut-over. This system is very productive, avoids in-stand traffic and removes operators from positions of high risk. This long-term study was conducted on 12 different teams equipped with the new technology, operating in the fast-growing Acacia mangium plantations of Sarawak, Malaysia. Data were collected continuously for almost 8 months and represented 555 shifts, or over 55,000 yarding cycles - each recorded individually. This large data pool allowed for the development of robust models for system production, utilization and availability estimated respectively at: 63 m3 per productive machine hour (excluding all delays), 63 per cent and 93 per cent. The study also determined the effects of yarder type and team competence on productivity and utilization. Regression analysis of experimental data yielded a strong productivity forecast model that was highly significant, which accounted for 50 per cent of the total variability in the dataset and was validated with a non-significant error estimated at less than 1 per cent. The models reported in this study are especially robust, because they were obtained from a long-term study that covered multiple teams and accumulated an exceptionally large number of observations. While gained specifically on one yarder make (Alpine Yarder) and a specific plantation type (Acacia mangium), the information in this study can be extended to other similar machines and plantations, because the sheer volume of data allows cautious generalization. The teachings of kaizen, which suggest small-step work improvements, was adopted in order to propose the process of possible improvements, by combining elements of other harvesting systems as shown in Figure 1 below (Vorn Industries, 2017). Forestry is essentially a problem of transportation (Schenck, 1911) and the efficiency of such a transportation system will ultimately be determined by technology developments which drive system productivity (Ger & Klvac, 2014). Therefore, when we talk about systems for the future we should view them not as predictions or as prescriptions but as options that may be selected or rejected (Wood, 1979).
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
Effects of CO2-induced ocean acidification on the early development, growth, survival and skeletogenesis of the estuarine-dependant sciaenid Argyrosomus japonicus
- Authors: Erasmus, Bernard
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Argyrosomus , Argyrosomus -- Growth , Argyrosomus -- Mortality , Argyrosomus -- Ecology , Argyrosomus -- Physiology , Ocean acidification , Marine ecology -- South Africa , Carbon dioxide -- Physiological effect
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/60585 , vital:27799
- Description: Although it is increasingly accepted that ocean acidification poses a considerable threat to marine organisms, little is known about the likely response of fishes to this phenomenon. While initial research concluded that adult fishes may be tolerant to changes predicted in the next 300 years, the response of early life stages to end-of-century CO2 levels (~ 1100 µatm according to the IPCC RCP 8.5) remains unclear. To date, literature on the early growth and survival of fishes has yielded conflicting results, suggesting that vulnerability may be species dependant. The paucity of ocean acidification research on fishes is particularly evident when one considers larval skeletogenesis, with no robust studies on its impacts on bone and cartilage development. This study addresses the early life embryogenesis, hatching success, growth, skeletogenesis and survival of an estuarine-dependant species. Dusky kob (Argyrosomus japonicus) were reared in a control (pCO2 = 327.50 ± 80.07 qatm at pH 8.15), intermediate (pCO2 477.40 ± 59.46 qatm at pH 8.03) and high pCO2 treatment (pCO2 910.20 ± 136.45 qatm at pH 7.78) from egg to 29 days post-hatch (dph). Sixty individuals from each treatment were sacrificed at the egg stage and at 2, 6, 13, 18, 21 and 26 dph, measured and stained using an acid-free double- staining solution to prevent the deterioration of calcified matrices in fragile larval skeletons. The proportion of bone and cartilage was quantified at each stage using a novel pixel-counting method. Growth and skeletal development were identical between treatments until the onset of metamorphosis (21 dph). However, from the metamorphosis stage, the growth and skeletal development rate was significantly faster in the intermediate treatment and significantly slower in the high treatment when compared to the control treatment. By 26 dph, A. japonicus reared in high pCO2 were, on average, 47.2% smaller than the control treatment, and the relative proportion of bone in the body was 45.3% lower in the high pCO2 treatment when compared with the control. In addition, none of the fish in the high pCO2 treatment survived after 26 dph. It appears that the combination of the increased energy requirements during metamorphosis and the increased energy cost associated with acid-base regulation may account for reduced growth, skeletogenesis and poor survival in high pCO2. Regardless of the driver, the results of this study suggest that the pCO2 levels predicted for the end of the century may have negative effects on the growth, skeletal development, and survival during metamorphosis.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Erasmus, Bernard
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Argyrosomus , Argyrosomus -- Growth , Argyrosomus -- Mortality , Argyrosomus -- Ecology , Argyrosomus -- Physiology , Ocean acidification , Marine ecology -- South Africa , Carbon dioxide -- Physiological effect
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/60585 , vital:27799
- Description: Although it is increasingly accepted that ocean acidification poses a considerable threat to marine organisms, little is known about the likely response of fishes to this phenomenon. While initial research concluded that adult fishes may be tolerant to changes predicted in the next 300 years, the response of early life stages to end-of-century CO2 levels (~ 1100 µatm according to the IPCC RCP 8.5) remains unclear. To date, literature on the early growth and survival of fishes has yielded conflicting results, suggesting that vulnerability may be species dependant. The paucity of ocean acidification research on fishes is particularly evident when one considers larval skeletogenesis, with no robust studies on its impacts on bone and cartilage development. This study addresses the early life embryogenesis, hatching success, growth, skeletogenesis and survival of an estuarine-dependant species. Dusky kob (Argyrosomus japonicus) were reared in a control (pCO2 = 327.50 ± 80.07 qatm at pH 8.15), intermediate (pCO2 477.40 ± 59.46 qatm at pH 8.03) and high pCO2 treatment (pCO2 910.20 ± 136.45 qatm at pH 7.78) from egg to 29 days post-hatch (dph). Sixty individuals from each treatment were sacrificed at the egg stage and at 2, 6, 13, 18, 21 and 26 dph, measured and stained using an acid-free double- staining solution to prevent the deterioration of calcified matrices in fragile larval skeletons. The proportion of bone and cartilage was quantified at each stage using a novel pixel-counting method. Growth and skeletal development were identical between treatments until the onset of metamorphosis (21 dph). However, from the metamorphosis stage, the growth and skeletal development rate was significantly faster in the intermediate treatment and significantly slower in the high treatment when compared to the control treatment. By 26 dph, A. japonicus reared in high pCO2 were, on average, 47.2% smaller than the control treatment, and the relative proportion of bone in the body was 45.3% lower in the high pCO2 treatment when compared with the control. In addition, none of the fish in the high pCO2 treatment survived after 26 dph. It appears that the combination of the increased energy requirements during metamorphosis and the increased energy cost associated with acid-base regulation may account for reduced growth, skeletogenesis and poor survival in high pCO2. Regardless of the driver, the results of this study suggest that the pCO2 levels predicted for the end of the century may have negative effects on the growth, skeletal development, and survival during metamorphosis.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
Challenging Biblical boundaries: Jeanette Winterson’s postmodern feminist subversion of Biblical discourse in Oranges are not the only fruit (1985) and Boating for beginners (1985)
- Authors: Erasmus, Shirley
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Winterson, Jeanette, 1959- -- Criticism and interpretation , Bible -- Feminist criticism , Bible -- Criticism, interpretation, etc , Postmodernism -- Religious aspects , Winterson, Jeanette, 1959- -- Oranges are not the only fruit , Winterson, Jeanette, 1959- -- Boating for beginners , Patriarchy in literature , Sex discrimination in literature
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/59121 , vital:27430
- Description: This thesis investigates the subversion of Biblical discourse in Jeanette Winterson’s first two novels, Oranges are Not the Only Fruit and Boating for Beginners. By rewriting Biblical stories Winterson challenges traditional Western religious discourses and their rules for heteronormative social and sexual behaviours and desires. Winterson’s texts respond to the patriarchal nature of socially pervasive texts, such as the Bible, by encouraging her readers to regard these texts with suspicion, thus highlighting what can be seen as a ‘postmodern concern’ with the notion of ‘truth’. Chapter One of this thesis comprises a discussion of Biblical boundaries. These boundaries, I argue, are a process of historical oppression which serves to subjugate and control women, a practice inherent in the Bible and modern society. The Biblical boundaries within which women are expected to live, are carefully portrayed in Oranges and then comically and blasphemously mocked in Boating. Chapter One also argues that Winterson’s sexuality plays an important role in the understanding of her texts, despite her desire for her sexuality to remain ‘outside’ her writing. Chapter Two of this thesis, examines the mix of fact and fiction in Oranges, in order to create a new genre: fictional memoir. The chapter introduces the concept of the ‘autobiographical pact’ and the textual agreement which Winterson creates with her readers. In this chapter, I examine Winterson’s powerful subversion of Biblical discourse, through her narration of Jeanette’s ‘coming out’ within a Biblical framework. Chapter Three of this thesis examines Winterson’s second book, Boating, and the serious elements of this comic book. This chapter studies the various postmodern narrative techniques used in Boating in order to subvert Biblical and historical discourse. Chapter Three highlights Winterson’s postmodern concern with the construction of history as ‘truth’. Finally, Chapter Four compares Oranges and Boating, showing the texts as differing, yet equally relevant textual counterparts. This chapter examines the anti-feminine characters in both texts and Winterson’s ability to align her reader with a feminist or lesbian viewpoint. This thesis argues that Winterson’s first two texts deliberately challenge Biblical discourse in favour of a postmodern feminist viewpoint.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Erasmus, Shirley
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Winterson, Jeanette, 1959- -- Criticism and interpretation , Bible -- Feminist criticism , Bible -- Criticism, interpretation, etc , Postmodernism -- Religious aspects , Winterson, Jeanette, 1959- -- Oranges are not the only fruit , Winterson, Jeanette, 1959- -- Boating for beginners , Patriarchy in literature , Sex discrimination in literature
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/59121 , vital:27430
- Description: This thesis investigates the subversion of Biblical discourse in Jeanette Winterson’s first two novels, Oranges are Not the Only Fruit and Boating for Beginners. By rewriting Biblical stories Winterson challenges traditional Western religious discourses and their rules for heteronormative social and sexual behaviours and desires. Winterson’s texts respond to the patriarchal nature of socially pervasive texts, such as the Bible, by encouraging her readers to regard these texts with suspicion, thus highlighting what can be seen as a ‘postmodern concern’ with the notion of ‘truth’. Chapter One of this thesis comprises a discussion of Biblical boundaries. These boundaries, I argue, are a process of historical oppression which serves to subjugate and control women, a practice inherent in the Bible and modern society. The Biblical boundaries within which women are expected to live, are carefully portrayed in Oranges and then comically and blasphemously mocked in Boating. Chapter One also argues that Winterson’s sexuality plays an important role in the understanding of her texts, despite her desire for her sexuality to remain ‘outside’ her writing. Chapter Two of this thesis, examines the mix of fact and fiction in Oranges, in order to create a new genre: fictional memoir. The chapter introduces the concept of the ‘autobiographical pact’ and the textual agreement which Winterson creates with her readers. In this chapter, I examine Winterson’s powerful subversion of Biblical discourse, through her narration of Jeanette’s ‘coming out’ within a Biblical framework. Chapter Three of this thesis examines Winterson’s second book, Boating, and the serious elements of this comic book. This chapter studies the various postmodern narrative techniques used in Boating in order to subvert Biblical and historical discourse. Chapter Three highlights Winterson’s postmodern concern with the construction of history as ‘truth’. Finally, Chapter Four compares Oranges and Boating, showing the texts as differing, yet equally relevant textual counterparts. This chapter examines the anti-feminine characters in both texts and Winterson’s ability to align her reader with a feminist or lesbian viewpoint. This thesis argues that Winterson’s first two texts deliberately challenge Biblical discourse in favour of a postmodern feminist viewpoint.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
Digital storytelling as a teaching and learning strategy: experiences of student nurses
- Authors: Espach, Juanita
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Nursing -- Study and teaching -- South Africa , Nursing students -- South Africa Storytelling -- South Africa -- Computer network resources College teaching -- South Africa Competency-based education
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCur
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/21549 , vital:29552
- Description: The ever changing landscape of technology influences every aspect of modern society, also education. Within recent years, technological advancements and inventive educators have transformed traditional teaching and learning strategies to innovative technology infused strategies. These strategies could potentially meet the learning style of the millennial student. One such strategy is described as digital storytelling, during which student groups create a three to five minute multimedia video, utilizing a combination of digital elements such as a narrative voice recording, music, pictures, video and animation. After creating the digital story, the end product is shared with peers. Paucity in research regarding the use of digital storytelling in the context of nursing education in the Republic of South Africa was found. Thus the aim of the study was to explore and describe the experiences of student nurses during the use of digital storytelling as a teaching and learning strategy at a private Nursing Education Institution in Port Elizabeth. The researcher conducted an exploratory, descriptive, contextual and qualitative study which utilized a connectivism framework as the paradigm. Digital storytelling was used as a teaching and learning strategy in the researcher’s own class. A convenience sampling method was therefore employed to select participants. Data was gathered through documenting observational notes during the process of utilizing digital storytelling in the classroom. After the student nurses had utilized digital storytelling, five focus group interviews with twenty four research participants were conducted, which provided data saturation. The data was transcribed and analysed utilizing Tesch’s thematic analysis method and three themes emerged from the data. The benefits of digital storytelling were voiced by the participants since digital storytelling gave them a means to express themselves and they gained new skills while collaborating with others and improving their learning. There was a negative side to it as well, during which research participants experienced negative emotions, lacked the necessary technological skills and found peer teaching an obstacle to their own learning. The participants also provided suggestions to improve the use of digital storytelling during teaching and learning. A thick description of the data with a literature control was provided. The researcher utilized the findings of this study to develop guidelines for Nurse Educators in order to optimize the use of digital storytelling as a teaching and learning strategy. Rigour and trustworthiness were ensured by utilizing Guba and Lincoln’s four criteria. In this study the researcher adhered to the ethical principles as described by the Belmont Report and paid specific attention to the application of these ethical principles in the context of conducting research on one’s own teaching practices. The limitations of this study were that data was collected from only one group of student nurses at one private NEI, after the student nurses’ utilized digital storytelling for the first time in their training. The findings of this study can be used by Nurse Educators to optimize the use of digital storytelling as a teaching and learning strategy. The recommendations of this study include the implementation of the guidelines developed for Nurse Educators.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Espach, Juanita
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Nursing -- Study and teaching -- South Africa , Nursing students -- South Africa Storytelling -- South Africa -- Computer network resources College teaching -- South Africa Competency-based education
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCur
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/21549 , vital:29552
- Description: The ever changing landscape of technology influences every aspect of modern society, also education. Within recent years, technological advancements and inventive educators have transformed traditional teaching and learning strategies to innovative technology infused strategies. These strategies could potentially meet the learning style of the millennial student. One such strategy is described as digital storytelling, during which student groups create a three to five minute multimedia video, utilizing a combination of digital elements such as a narrative voice recording, music, pictures, video and animation. After creating the digital story, the end product is shared with peers. Paucity in research regarding the use of digital storytelling in the context of nursing education in the Republic of South Africa was found. Thus the aim of the study was to explore and describe the experiences of student nurses during the use of digital storytelling as a teaching and learning strategy at a private Nursing Education Institution in Port Elizabeth. The researcher conducted an exploratory, descriptive, contextual and qualitative study which utilized a connectivism framework as the paradigm. Digital storytelling was used as a teaching and learning strategy in the researcher’s own class. A convenience sampling method was therefore employed to select participants. Data was gathered through documenting observational notes during the process of utilizing digital storytelling in the classroom. After the student nurses had utilized digital storytelling, five focus group interviews with twenty four research participants were conducted, which provided data saturation. The data was transcribed and analysed utilizing Tesch’s thematic analysis method and three themes emerged from the data. The benefits of digital storytelling were voiced by the participants since digital storytelling gave them a means to express themselves and they gained new skills while collaborating with others and improving their learning. There was a negative side to it as well, during which research participants experienced negative emotions, lacked the necessary technological skills and found peer teaching an obstacle to their own learning. The participants also provided suggestions to improve the use of digital storytelling during teaching and learning. A thick description of the data with a literature control was provided. The researcher utilized the findings of this study to develop guidelines for Nurse Educators in order to optimize the use of digital storytelling as a teaching and learning strategy. Rigour and trustworthiness were ensured by utilizing Guba and Lincoln’s four criteria. In this study the researcher adhered to the ethical principles as described by the Belmont Report and paid specific attention to the application of these ethical principles in the context of conducting research on one’s own teaching practices. The limitations of this study were that data was collected from only one group of student nurses at one private NEI, after the student nurses’ utilized digital storytelling for the first time in their training. The findings of this study can be used by Nurse Educators to optimize the use of digital storytelling as a teaching and learning strategy. The recommendations of this study include the implementation of the guidelines developed for Nurse Educators.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
A critical examination of the regulation of fixed term employment services under South African Labour Laws
- Authors: Faku, Xolisa
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Labor laws and legislation -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , LLM
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/17316 , vital:40937
- Description: South Africa is the most unequal society on the planet, overwhelming Brazil, with a critical increment in wage inequalities. In a quest to reduce unemployment, this research is at the focal point of our nation's activity emergency. In any case, there ought to be components to ensure representation against oppressive work rehearses. The Labour Relations Act denoted a noteworthy change in South Africa's statutory modern relations framework. Following the progress to political majority rule government, the LRA embodied the new government's means to remake and democratize the economy and society as connected in the work relations field. Specifically, it presented new organizations went for giving managers and labourers a chance to break with the serious adversarialism that portrayed their relations before. In extending the equitable change, the Labour Relations Act which offered ascend to the foundation of the National Economic Development and Labour Council (NEDLAC) appeared on 18 February 1995, in an offer to add authenticity and straightforwardness to the financial basic leadership process. This research will investigate the law representing fixed term employment in South Africa. It will further give an investigation of the legitimate framework of fixed term representative keeping in mind the end goal to decide if it advances not too bad work in South Africa. This investigation intends to call attention to any substantive and procedural imperfections that might be accessible in the law. The study will likewise be taking the potential lessons which can be gained from different nations with comparative Fixed-term work challenges i.e. Namibia. This implies the examination will survey the current zone of law and propose an alternate approach. This will be finished by investigating important case law and enactments which secure settled term business. In certainty, the investigation intends to give new point of view regarding the matter of fixed term work and proffer a few changes to the law.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Faku, Xolisa
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Labor laws and legislation -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , LLM
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/17316 , vital:40937
- Description: South Africa is the most unequal society on the planet, overwhelming Brazil, with a critical increment in wage inequalities. In a quest to reduce unemployment, this research is at the focal point of our nation's activity emergency. In any case, there ought to be components to ensure representation against oppressive work rehearses. The Labour Relations Act denoted a noteworthy change in South Africa's statutory modern relations framework. Following the progress to political majority rule government, the LRA embodied the new government's means to remake and democratize the economy and society as connected in the work relations field. Specifically, it presented new organizations went for giving managers and labourers a chance to break with the serious adversarialism that portrayed their relations before. In extending the equitable change, the Labour Relations Act which offered ascend to the foundation of the National Economic Development and Labour Council (NEDLAC) appeared on 18 February 1995, in an offer to add authenticity and straightforwardness to the financial basic leadership process. This research will investigate the law representing fixed term employment in South Africa. It will further give an investigation of the legitimate framework of fixed term representative keeping in mind the end goal to decide if it advances not too bad work in South Africa. This investigation intends to call attention to any substantive and procedural imperfections that might be accessible in the law. The study will likewise be taking the potential lessons which can be gained from different nations with comparative Fixed-term work challenges i.e. Namibia. This implies the examination will survey the current zone of law and propose an alternate approach. This will be finished by investigating important case law and enactments which secure settled term business. In certainty, the investigation intends to give new point of view regarding the matter of fixed term work and proffer a few changes to the law.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
Uphicotho-nzulu ngokusetyenziswa kolwimi ngababhali bezini ezahlukeneyo kwiincwadi zesixhosa ezikhethiweyo
- Authors: Fali, Nompumelelo Winnifred
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Xhosa language -- Usage , Gender identity in literature Xhosa literature -- Research
- Language: Isixhosa
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/29871 , vital:30787
- Description: Uphando luza kugxininisa kwindlela yokusetyenziswa kolwimi ngababhali bezini ezahlukeneyo. Ulwazi olukhoyo kolu phando lujolise ekuphandeni, uphicotho–nzulu kuphononongwa iincwadi zesiXhosa ezikhethiweyo. Phambi kokuba kujongwe okuqulathiweyo ngababhali bezini kufuneka kujongwe kuqwalaselwe indlela ababhali abasebenzisa ngayo ulwimi. Kuza kujongwa nendlela ababazoba ngayo abalinganiswa kuncwadi ingakumbi ababhali abangamadoda, kuba kubalulekile kujongwe indlela abazotywa ngayo kwakunye nolwimi ukuze kube lula ukuqonda indlela olwakhiwe ngayo uphando. Ngokutsho kukaStralton, (1990:98) abalinganiswa basetyhini bakhiwa ngeendlela ezininzi maxa wambi babizwa ngendlela apho eneengcinga ezineentetho ezisoloko zisetyenziswa ezingalunganga, kwanokungalingani kwezini kuba yingxaki esoloko ikho amaxesha amaninzi. Uqhubeka athi abalinganiswa basetyhini bazotywe njengoomama ababopheleleke emakhaya, kodwa benoxanduva lokujonga amakhaya, abantwana, abayeni kwanabantu bomzi. Indawo yabasetyhini ibonwa njengeyokuba isekhitshini apho soloko besebenza khona. Uphinda oleke ngelithi ababhali abangamadoda batyibela abalinganiswa basetyhini njengabantu abangathembekanga ekwenzeni okulungileyo kwanokutyhefa okanye ukungcolisa uluntu entlalweni. ULeslie (1987:05) ucacisa banzi ngabantu basetyhini athi bangabalinganiswa abazotywa kubhalo-ncwadi njengabantu abamele “oomama abaswiti” abavuma yonke into engavumelekanga okanye engathandekiyo kwaye ngabantu abazinikelayo bancame ubom babo. Esi siqu sika“mama” uLeslie (1987:15) uthetha ngaso ehlanganisa “umama waseAfrika” onobuhle ngaphakathi nangaphandle ukwakhiwa kwakunye nokuhlaziyeka kwakhe. Isiqu esihle, uyaphinda-phinda ukuthi, abasetyhini banomonde kwakunye nothando olunovakalelo, indlela ebonakalisa ubunjani babo. Abalinganiswa abaninzi basetyhini bamiswa ziingcinga neentetho ezisoloko zisetyenziswa zezini ukwenzela imigudu nemizamo yabo yokwenyuka itsalelwe ezantsi kubekho imibuzo engenampendulo.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Fali, Nompumelelo Winnifred
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Xhosa language -- Usage , Gender identity in literature Xhosa literature -- Research
- Language: Isixhosa
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/29871 , vital:30787
- Description: Uphando luza kugxininisa kwindlela yokusetyenziswa kolwimi ngababhali bezini ezahlukeneyo. Ulwazi olukhoyo kolu phando lujolise ekuphandeni, uphicotho–nzulu kuphononongwa iincwadi zesiXhosa ezikhethiweyo. Phambi kokuba kujongwe okuqulathiweyo ngababhali bezini kufuneka kujongwe kuqwalaselwe indlela ababhali abasebenzisa ngayo ulwimi. Kuza kujongwa nendlela ababazoba ngayo abalinganiswa kuncwadi ingakumbi ababhali abangamadoda, kuba kubalulekile kujongwe indlela abazotywa ngayo kwakunye nolwimi ukuze kube lula ukuqonda indlela olwakhiwe ngayo uphando. Ngokutsho kukaStralton, (1990:98) abalinganiswa basetyhini bakhiwa ngeendlela ezininzi maxa wambi babizwa ngendlela apho eneengcinga ezineentetho ezisoloko zisetyenziswa ezingalunganga, kwanokungalingani kwezini kuba yingxaki esoloko ikho amaxesha amaninzi. Uqhubeka athi abalinganiswa basetyhini bazotywe njengoomama ababopheleleke emakhaya, kodwa benoxanduva lokujonga amakhaya, abantwana, abayeni kwanabantu bomzi. Indawo yabasetyhini ibonwa njengeyokuba isekhitshini apho soloko besebenza khona. Uphinda oleke ngelithi ababhali abangamadoda batyibela abalinganiswa basetyhini njengabantu abangathembekanga ekwenzeni okulungileyo kwanokutyhefa okanye ukungcolisa uluntu entlalweni. ULeslie (1987:05) ucacisa banzi ngabantu basetyhini athi bangabalinganiswa abazotywa kubhalo-ncwadi njengabantu abamele “oomama abaswiti” abavuma yonke into engavumelekanga okanye engathandekiyo kwaye ngabantu abazinikelayo bancame ubom babo. Esi siqu sika“mama” uLeslie (1987:15) uthetha ngaso ehlanganisa “umama waseAfrika” onobuhle ngaphakathi nangaphandle ukwakhiwa kwakunye nokuhlaziyeka kwakhe. Isiqu esihle, uyaphinda-phinda ukuthi, abasetyhini banomonde kwakunye nothando olunovakalelo, indlela ebonakalisa ubunjani babo. Abalinganiswa abaninzi basetyhini bamiswa ziingcinga neentetho ezisoloko zisetyenziswa zezini ukwenzela imigudu nemizamo yabo yokwenyuka itsalelwe ezantsi kubekho imibuzo engenampendulo.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
Calibration and validation of satellite data (images) over inland water bodies and the effect caused by the adjacency towards them
- Authors: Faniso, Zimbini
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Hydrology Remote sensing
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/10350 , vital:35400
- Description: Remote sensing of inland water quality is a particularly challenging satellite Earth observation (EO) application. This arises because inland water bodies are small and optically complex targets that are generally dark compared to surrounding land. Inland water bodies are source supplies of water for both living and non-living organisms, that include human beings hence they need an observation. The spatial distribution of water changes over time and that leads to issues in different sectors like agricultural sector, environmental services and ecological issues. Signal reaching the satellite is usually dominated by light scattered in the atmosphere. Aerosols are strongly variable atmospheric constituents and play a major role in generating this unwanted signal which must be quantified and removed before any conclusions about water state and condition. In order to see how the aerosols affected the water state the light scattered in the atmosphere will be observed through electromagnetic spectrum bands in the atmosphere. This study will analyse the visible and near infrared wavebands of the electromagnetic spectrum as well as where it will be easy to distinguish the atmospheric noise types. A field campaign has been executed at Roodeplaat dam near Pretoria relating to Calibration and Validation (CalVal) of the recently launched Sentinel 2 and Sentinel 3 satellites. In situ measurements were taken at Roodeplaat dam simultaneously with the satellite overpass. Atmospheric Radiative Transfer Modelling (RTM) is required to analyse the satellite surface measurement data that is in the form of radiant quantities. Aerosol models for radiative transfer have been evaluated and refined to improve retrieval accuracy of water-leaving radiance at Roodeplaat dam. A retrieval algorithm for water-leaving radiance (Lw) and remote-sensing reflectance has been developed to analyse the sensitivity of the retrieval to aerosol optical properties, sensitivities, as well as proposals for enhanced retrieval methods, are presented.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Faniso, Zimbini
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Hydrology Remote sensing
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/10350 , vital:35400
- Description: Remote sensing of inland water quality is a particularly challenging satellite Earth observation (EO) application. This arises because inland water bodies are small and optically complex targets that are generally dark compared to surrounding land. Inland water bodies are source supplies of water for both living and non-living organisms, that include human beings hence they need an observation. The spatial distribution of water changes over time and that leads to issues in different sectors like agricultural sector, environmental services and ecological issues. Signal reaching the satellite is usually dominated by light scattered in the atmosphere. Aerosols are strongly variable atmospheric constituents and play a major role in generating this unwanted signal which must be quantified and removed before any conclusions about water state and condition. In order to see how the aerosols affected the water state the light scattered in the atmosphere will be observed through electromagnetic spectrum bands in the atmosphere. This study will analyse the visible and near infrared wavebands of the electromagnetic spectrum as well as where it will be easy to distinguish the atmospheric noise types. A field campaign has been executed at Roodeplaat dam near Pretoria relating to Calibration and Validation (CalVal) of the recently launched Sentinel 2 and Sentinel 3 satellites. In situ measurements were taken at Roodeplaat dam simultaneously with the satellite overpass. Atmospheric Radiative Transfer Modelling (RTM) is required to analyse the satellite surface measurement data that is in the form of radiant quantities. Aerosol models for radiative transfer have been evaluated and refined to improve retrieval accuracy of water-leaving radiance at Roodeplaat dam. A retrieval algorithm for water-leaving radiance (Lw) and remote-sensing reflectance has been developed to analyse the sensitivity of the retrieval to aerosol optical properties, sensitivities, as well as proposals for enhanced retrieval methods, are presented.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
Assessment of the Tyhume river health status using macroinvertebrates as indicators
- Authors: Fasi, Nokonwaba Nellineth
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Invertebrates -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Rivers -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , Zoology
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/10861 , vital:35879
- Description: Ten sampling sites were selected along the Tyhume River corresponding to the upper, mid and lower reaches of the River. In total 48 families were collected during the study. The study observed different types of macroinvertebrate taxa; very low tolerant to pollution (e.g Heptageniidae; Notonemouridae; Perlidae), moderately pollution-tolerant (e.g. Caenidae; Chlorolestidae; Tricorythidae) and very tolerant of polluted conditions (e.g. Chironomidae; Muscidae; Oligochaetae). Both univariate and multivariate analyses were done using PRIMER V6. Above Confluence (ABCON, Site 10) had the highest number (37) of species while Mtloko (MTLOK, Site 2) had the lowest number (24) (Chi-square = 0.87; p < 0.05). The highest number of individuals (4023) was recorded at Macfairlane (MACFA, Site 5) while the lowest number (1240) at Honeydale (HONEY, Site 8) (Chi-square = 0.00; p < 0.05). Margalef’s index indicated Above Confluence (ABCON, Site 10; 4.762), had the highest values of species richness while Mtloko (MTLOK, Site 2; 3.227) had the lowest values (Chi-square = 1; p < 0.05). Pielou's evenness index indicated that Gqumashe (GQUMA, Site 7) had the highest values (0.7137), while Macfairlane (MACFA; Site 5) had the lowest (0.5109) (chi-square = 1; p < 0.05). Shannon-Wiener diversity indices, the highest diversity index values (2.573) of macroinvertebrates was recorded at Honeydale (HONEY, Site 8), and the lowest (1.684) at Macfairlane (MACFA, Site 5) (chi-square = 1; p < 0.05). The ASPT Scores did not differ significantly (P > 0.05) across sites. No significant difference was observed in the ASPT scores across the 10 sites (F = 0.75; df = 9.60; P > 0.05). Site 4 had the highest mean ASPT Scores with mean of 7.6), whereas the lowest. Three biotopes types, namely: stone, vegetation, gravel-sand-mud, stone and vegetation being the dominant biotopes at the 10 sites. The cluster analyses showed that macroinvertebrates were dependent on biotope preference while stone biotope showing greater macroinvertebrate densities. Euclidean distance of site classification with respect to physico-chemical parameters showed very low stress value (0.01) implying that physico-chemical parameters influenced species distribution within each sampling site. The results also showed that good health conditions existed at the most upstream sites than the lower reaches of the river, thus, indicating impacts of pollution within the river.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Fasi, Nokonwaba Nellineth
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Invertebrates -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Rivers -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , Zoology
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/10861 , vital:35879
- Description: Ten sampling sites were selected along the Tyhume River corresponding to the upper, mid and lower reaches of the River. In total 48 families were collected during the study. The study observed different types of macroinvertebrate taxa; very low tolerant to pollution (e.g Heptageniidae; Notonemouridae; Perlidae), moderately pollution-tolerant (e.g. Caenidae; Chlorolestidae; Tricorythidae) and very tolerant of polluted conditions (e.g. Chironomidae; Muscidae; Oligochaetae). Both univariate and multivariate analyses were done using PRIMER V6. Above Confluence (ABCON, Site 10) had the highest number (37) of species while Mtloko (MTLOK, Site 2) had the lowest number (24) (Chi-square = 0.87; p < 0.05). The highest number of individuals (4023) was recorded at Macfairlane (MACFA, Site 5) while the lowest number (1240) at Honeydale (HONEY, Site 8) (Chi-square = 0.00; p < 0.05). Margalef’s index indicated Above Confluence (ABCON, Site 10; 4.762), had the highest values of species richness while Mtloko (MTLOK, Site 2; 3.227) had the lowest values (Chi-square = 1; p < 0.05). Pielou's evenness index indicated that Gqumashe (GQUMA, Site 7) had the highest values (0.7137), while Macfairlane (MACFA; Site 5) had the lowest (0.5109) (chi-square = 1; p < 0.05). Shannon-Wiener diversity indices, the highest diversity index values (2.573) of macroinvertebrates was recorded at Honeydale (HONEY, Site 8), and the lowest (1.684) at Macfairlane (MACFA, Site 5) (chi-square = 1; p < 0.05). The ASPT Scores did not differ significantly (P > 0.05) across sites. No significant difference was observed in the ASPT scores across the 10 sites (F = 0.75; df = 9.60; P > 0.05). Site 4 had the highest mean ASPT Scores with mean of 7.6), whereas the lowest. Three biotopes types, namely: stone, vegetation, gravel-sand-mud, stone and vegetation being the dominant biotopes at the 10 sites. The cluster analyses showed that macroinvertebrates were dependent on biotope preference while stone biotope showing greater macroinvertebrate densities. Euclidean distance of site classification with respect to physico-chemical parameters showed very low stress value (0.01) implying that physico-chemical parameters influenced species distribution within each sampling site. The results also showed that good health conditions existed at the most upstream sites than the lower reaches of the river, thus, indicating impacts of pollution within the river.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
The subjective experience of resilience among divorced african women in Cradock, Eastern Cape, South Africa
- Authors: Faxi, Nasiphi
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Divorced women Divorce--Psychological aspects Divorced women--Psychology
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , Psychology
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/17371 , vital:40960
- Description: The study aimed at investigating the resilience enhancement factors which promoted well-being among divorced African women in Cradock, the Eastern Cape, South Africa. A qualitative research design was used to investigate the factors which reinforced resilience and promoted well-being following divorce as studies have indicated the risk of not being able to cope following divorce trauma. Purposive sampling was used in recruiting twelve divorced participants (aged 25- 45) from a support group at a local church in Cradock. Data was collected by means of semistructured interviews following the permission of the church and the divorced women who gave their consent to conduct the study. Furthermore, ethical principles were adhered to, throughout the data collection process. Thirteen themes emerged in the study and they include; self-condemnation, self-blame and denial, loneliness depression, anger and embarrassment, stigma, personality change, sexual dissatisfaction, ambivalence, forgiveness, selfcontentment and self-compassion, personal growth, religious coping, social support and positive relations and resilience enhancement factors. Despite the achievement of the research objectives, the sample might not be the true representation of the population of women who experienced divorce. Also, the results might have been different if the study was quantitative in nature. Based on the findings, psychological support is needed for women who underwent divorce. Finally, churches should play a vital role in restoration of resilience among divorced women while the families and communities shift away from cultural beliefs of subjugating women.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Faxi, Nasiphi
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Divorced women Divorce--Psychological aspects Divorced women--Psychology
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , Psychology
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/17371 , vital:40960
- Description: The study aimed at investigating the resilience enhancement factors which promoted well-being among divorced African women in Cradock, the Eastern Cape, South Africa. A qualitative research design was used to investigate the factors which reinforced resilience and promoted well-being following divorce as studies have indicated the risk of not being able to cope following divorce trauma. Purposive sampling was used in recruiting twelve divorced participants (aged 25- 45) from a support group at a local church in Cradock. Data was collected by means of semistructured interviews following the permission of the church and the divorced women who gave their consent to conduct the study. Furthermore, ethical principles were adhered to, throughout the data collection process. Thirteen themes emerged in the study and they include; self-condemnation, self-blame and denial, loneliness depression, anger and embarrassment, stigma, personality change, sexual dissatisfaction, ambivalence, forgiveness, selfcontentment and self-compassion, personal growth, religious coping, social support and positive relations and resilience enhancement factors. Despite the achievement of the research objectives, the sample might not be the true representation of the population of women who experienced divorce. Also, the results might have been different if the study was quantitative in nature. Based on the findings, psychological support is needed for women who underwent divorce. Finally, churches should play a vital role in restoration of resilience among divorced women while the families and communities shift away from cultural beliefs of subjugating women.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
Regional value chains and development integration in the SADC Region: the case of the pharmaceutical industry
- Authors: Faydherbe, Sean
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Pharmaceutical industry -- Africa, Southern , Southern African Development Community , Africa, Southern -- Economic integration , Regional value chains (RVCs) , Global value chains (GVCs)
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/62906 , vital:28309
- Description: This thesis investigates how regional value chains (RVCs) can be used to further development integration in the Southern African Development Community (SADC) region with a focus on the pharmaceutical manufacturing industry. The study is motivated by the apparent lack of attention given to the development of the pharmaceutical manufacturing industry in Southern Africa, the region’s high disease burden and the identification of the industry as economically and socially important by the SADC (2015) Industrialisation Strategy and Roadmap and the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) (2017a) Industrial Policy Action Plan (IPAP). At the same time, South Africa and other countries in the region are exploring alternative approaches to regional integration, given the failure or stagnation of numerous formal integration arrangements throughout Africa, which have often lead to polarised rather than balanced development. This thesis argues that the development of RVCs within SADC may be an effective tool for development integration in the region, particularly in sectors such as pharmaceuticals. The study employs a value chain framework for the analysis and discusses development integration options, drawing on the East Asian experience with RVCs and on case studies involving India in the case of the pharmaceutical industry. It provides a sector profile of the industry in South Africa, due to its dominant status in the region, and also of Zimbabwe, due to that country’s potential to become a pharmaceutical industry leader in the region once again. The thesis first explores the important theoretical aspects underlying value chain analysis, namely governance and upgrading, while also outlining the rise of global value chains (GVCs). It analyses the complex relationships between RVCs and GVCs, and RVCs and regional integration. From this it concludes that RVCs are a stepping stone to participation in GVCs and that RVCs should be promoted within a development integration framework through strong regional cooperation. Value chain analysis is applied to the entire pharmaceutical manufacturing industry with a focus on SADC. The thesis examines how the sector is evolving with manufacturing multinational corporations (MNCs) outsourcing production and setting up centres of excellence in regional production hubs. The study argues that with the application of recommended policies, RVCs in sectors such as pharmaceutical manufacturing may provide a tool for achieving balanced development in the region. However, the study also finds that the pharmaceutical industry in SADC lags a long way behind the rest of the world and that many countries and firms will need to begin at the bottom of the value chain, with formulation, in order to contribute to the development of RVCs. The thesis concludes with recommendations on what policies are needed to foster the growth and development of pharmaceutical RVCs in the SADC region. These include strengthening public procurement, providing incentives for investment into the industry, incremental production and incremental export volumes, as well as certainty and predictability around the regulatory and business environment. Further, policy should aim to construct synergies and linkages on the ground between health systems and industrial developments; regulate service links important to pharmaceutical manufacturing; develop a coherent regional policy agenda; remove unnecessary non-tariff barriers to trade in the region and, in line with development integration, implement trade policy along with trade infrastructure that is efficient and includes airports, rail, roads and ports, as well as effective access to the internet.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Faydherbe, Sean
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Pharmaceutical industry -- Africa, Southern , Southern African Development Community , Africa, Southern -- Economic integration , Regional value chains (RVCs) , Global value chains (GVCs)
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/62906 , vital:28309
- Description: This thesis investigates how regional value chains (RVCs) can be used to further development integration in the Southern African Development Community (SADC) region with a focus on the pharmaceutical manufacturing industry. The study is motivated by the apparent lack of attention given to the development of the pharmaceutical manufacturing industry in Southern Africa, the region’s high disease burden and the identification of the industry as economically and socially important by the SADC (2015) Industrialisation Strategy and Roadmap and the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) (2017a) Industrial Policy Action Plan (IPAP). At the same time, South Africa and other countries in the region are exploring alternative approaches to regional integration, given the failure or stagnation of numerous formal integration arrangements throughout Africa, which have often lead to polarised rather than balanced development. This thesis argues that the development of RVCs within SADC may be an effective tool for development integration in the region, particularly in sectors such as pharmaceuticals. The study employs a value chain framework for the analysis and discusses development integration options, drawing on the East Asian experience with RVCs and on case studies involving India in the case of the pharmaceutical industry. It provides a sector profile of the industry in South Africa, due to its dominant status in the region, and also of Zimbabwe, due to that country’s potential to become a pharmaceutical industry leader in the region once again. The thesis first explores the important theoretical aspects underlying value chain analysis, namely governance and upgrading, while also outlining the rise of global value chains (GVCs). It analyses the complex relationships between RVCs and GVCs, and RVCs and regional integration. From this it concludes that RVCs are a stepping stone to participation in GVCs and that RVCs should be promoted within a development integration framework through strong regional cooperation. Value chain analysis is applied to the entire pharmaceutical manufacturing industry with a focus on SADC. The thesis examines how the sector is evolving with manufacturing multinational corporations (MNCs) outsourcing production and setting up centres of excellence in regional production hubs. The study argues that with the application of recommended policies, RVCs in sectors such as pharmaceutical manufacturing may provide a tool for achieving balanced development in the region. However, the study also finds that the pharmaceutical industry in SADC lags a long way behind the rest of the world and that many countries and firms will need to begin at the bottom of the value chain, with formulation, in order to contribute to the development of RVCs. The thesis concludes with recommendations on what policies are needed to foster the growth and development of pharmaceutical RVCs in the SADC region. These include strengthening public procurement, providing incentives for investment into the industry, incremental production and incremental export volumes, as well as certainty and predictability around the regulatory and business environment. Further, policy should aim to construct synergies and linkages on the ground between health systems and industrial developments; regulate service links important to pharmaceutical manufacturing; develop a coherent regional policy agenda; remove unnecessary non-tariff barriers to trade in the region and, in line with development integration, implement trade policy along with trade infrastructure that is efficient and includes airports, rail, roads and ports, as well as effective access to the internet.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
Knowledge and practices of primary health care professional nurses: screening and identification of intimate partner violence
- Authors: Felix, Rehanna Theresa
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Marital violence -- South Africa -- Psychological aspects , Nursing -- Social aspects Primary health care -- Research -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCur
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/29816 , vital:30781
- Description: Intimate partner violence is a global concern that affects most countries. In South Africa women are mostly affected by intimate partner violence, which often results in physical injuries or mental disorders. The World Health Organization compiled guidelines to combat the problem of intimate partner violence against women with emphasis on screening for intimate partner violence. However, a screening tool to identify intimate partner violence in female patients was absent in the Nelson Mandela Bay Health District, resulting in cases of intimate partner violence being unidentified. The aim of the research study is to determine the knowledge and practices of professional nurses regarding intimate partner violence and to introduce the use of an intimate partner violence screening tool in primary healthcare facilities to assist professional nurses to identify intimate partner violence. The objectives were firstly, to determine the current knowledge and practices utilized by professional nurses to identify intimate partner violence; secondly, to introduce an intimate partner violence screening tool to identify intimate partner violence; thirdly, to evaluate the knowledge of the professional nurses obtained in the educational session and practices post-implementation of the intimate partner violence screening tool. The researcher conducted a small intervention research study using quantitative, quasi-experimental one group pre-and post-test design. An all-inclusive sample consisting of professional nurses working in primary healthcare facilities in Nelson Mandela Bay Health District was included in the study. The research study was conducted in three phases: Phase one, the pre-test determined the current knowledge and practices of the professional nurses to identify intimate partner violence. Phase two, entailed educational sessions to educate professional nurses that participated in Phase one regarding intimate partner violence and the intimate partner violence screening tool. Phase three, focused on the post-test to evaluate the knowledge of the professional nurses obtained in the educational session and practices post-implementation of the intimate partner violence screening tool. The data was analysed through descriptive and inferential statistics with assistance of the statistician using frequency distribution, central tendency, Chi-square, t-test, Cohens’d and Cramér’s V and Cronbach’s alpha. The researchers ensured reliability and validity throughout the study. The researcher applied the ethical principles of beneficence, non-maleficence iii and autonomy, as well as privacy and confidentiality. Ethical permission was obtained for the study. The response in the pre-test was (n1=128) and the post-test (n2=63). Most participants were between the ages of 41-50 years in both the pre-test (n1=40, 31%) and the post-test (n2=63, 33%). The majority of the participants worked more than 15 years as professional nurses (n1=47, 37%) in the pre-test findings and 11-15 years (n2=19, 30%) in the post-test findings. All the participants were trained in general nursing science in the pre-test (n1=128, 100%), as well as post-test (n2=63, 100%) and the majority of participants were trained in community nursing science in the pre-test (n1=106, 83%) and post-test (n2=58, 92%). However, the majority of participants have indicated to receive no informal intimate partner violence training in the pre-test test (n1=11, 9%) versus the informal training that most participants received in the post-test (n2=50, 79%). Tests scores for knowledge ranged between 29% (n1=37) and 29% (n1=120) in the pre-test and 27% (n2=17) and 94% (n2=59) in the post-test. Test scores for practice ranged between 7% (n1=8) and 46% (n1=59) in the pre-test and 10% (n2=6) and 65% (n2=41) in the post-test. The mean score for knowledge in the pre-test (n1=8,17) and the post-test (n2=8,83) were better than the practice scores in both the pre-test (n1=2,44) and the post-test (n2=2,68). The 20-minutes’ educational session made a slight difference regarding the knowledge as statistically a significant difference was found regarding knowledge between the pre-test and post-test (d.f.=,204; Cohens’d 0.29). However, there is still a gap in knowledge among professional nurses regarding IPV in the Nelson Mandela Bay Health District. Further recommendations for practice, research and education were given.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Felix, Rehanna Theresa
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Marital violence -- South Africa -- Psychological aspects , Nursing -- Social aspects Primary health care -- Research -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCur
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/29816 , vital:30781
- Description: Intimate partner violence is a global concern that affects most countries. In South Africa women are mostly affected by intimate partner violence, which often results in physical injuries or mental disorders. The World Health Organization compiled guidelines to combat the problem of intimate partner violence against women with emphasis on screening for intimate partner violence. However, a screening tool to identify intimate partner violence in female patients was absent in the Nelson Mandela Bay Health District, resulting in cases of intimate partner violence being unidentified. The aim of the research study is to determine the knowledge and practices of professional nurses regarding intimate partner violence and to introduce the use of an intimate partner violence screening tool in primary healthcare facilities to assist professional nurses to identify intimate partner violence. The objectives were firstly, to determine the current knowledge and practices utilized by professional nurses to identify intimate partner violence; secondly, to introduce an intimate partner violence screening tool to identify intimate partner violence; thirdly, to evaluate the knowledge of the professional nurses obtained in the educational session and practices post-implementation of the intimate partner violence screening tool. The researcher conducted a small intervention research study using quantitative, quasi-experimental one group pre-and post-test design. An all-inclusive sample consisting of professional nurses working in primary healthcare facilities in Nelson Mandela Bay Health District was included in the study. The research study was conducted in three phases: Phase one, the pre-test determined the current knowledge and practices of the professional nurses to identify intimate partner violence. Phase two, entailed educational sessions to educate professional nurses that participated in Phase one regarding intimate partner violence and the intimate partner violence screening tool. Phase three, focused on the post-test to evaluate the knowledge of the professional nurses obtained in the educational session and practices post-implementation of the intimate partner violence screening tool. The data was analysed through descriptive and inferential statistics with assistance of the statistician using frequency distribution, central tendency, Chi-square, t-test, Cohens’d and Cramér’s V and Cronbach’s alpha. The researchers ensured reliability and validity throughout the study. The researcher applied the ethical principles of beneficence, non-maleficence iii and autonomy, as well as privacy and confidentiality. Ethical permission was obtained for the study. The response in the pre-test was (n1=128) and the post-test (n2=63). Most participants were between the ages of 41-50 years in both the pre-test (n1=40, 31%) and the post-test (n2=63, 33%). The majority of the participants worked more than 15 years as professional nurses (n1=47, 37%) in the pre-test findings and 11-15 years (n2=19, 30%) in the post-test findings. All the participants were trained in general nursing science in the pre-test (n1=128, 100%), as well as post-test (n2=63, 100%) and the majority of participants were trained in community nursing science in the pre-test (n1=106, 83%) and post-test (n2=58, 92%). However, the majority of participants have indicated to receive no informal intimate partner violence training in the pre-test test (n1=11, 9%) versus the informal training that most participants received in the post-test (n2=50, 79%). Tests scores for knowledge ranged between 29% (n1=37) and 29% (n1=120) in the pre-test and 27% (n2=17) and 94% (n2=59) in the post-test. Test scores for practice ranged between 7% (n1=8) and 46% (n1=59) in the pre-test and 10% (n2=6) and 65% (n2=41) in the post-test. The mean score for knowledge in the pre-test (n1=8,17) and the post-test (n2=8,83) were better than the practice scores in both the pre-test (n1=2,44) and the post-test (n2=2,68). The 20-minutes’ educational session made a slight difference regarding the knowledge as statistically a significant difference was found regarding knowledge between the pre-test and post-test (d.f.=,204; Cohens’d 0.29). However, there is still a gap in knowledge among professional nurses regarding IPV in the Nelson Mandela Bay Health District. Further recommendations for practice, research and education were given.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
Discovery and validation of a CD4 binding aptamer through Crossover SELEX towards the preliminary development of a point-of-care aptasensor for rapid CD4+ T-cell counting
- Authors: Fellows, Tamika
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Uncatalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/63527 , vital:28431
- Description: Expected release date-April 2020
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Fellows, Tamika
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Uncatalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/63527 , vital:28431
- Description: Expected release date-April 2020
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
Influence of knowledge of the end-point on pacing during a 2000m rowing time trial
- Authors: Ferreira, Dean
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Rowing -- Training , Rowing -- Coaching , Endurance sports -- Training , Rowers -- Ability testing , Rowing -- Training -- Psychological aspects
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/61636 , vital:28044
- Description: Introduction: A typical 2000 m rowing race requires maximal force production over six to eight minutes. Optimal distribution of energetic resources during such a race is vital for optimal performance. There is little research examining the pacing strategies employed by rowers, particularly at the sub-elite level. Aim: The purpose of this investigation was to determine the influence of knowledge of the end-point on pacing during a 2000 m rowing time trial. Methods: Eleven male rowers from a university rowing club volunteered to partake in the study. Each participant completed three experimental trials on an indoor rowing ergometer, each 2000 m. The only difference between the trials was the nature of the information provided beforehand. At the start of the control trial, participants were correctly informed about the distance to be covered. Participants were not informed of the distance to be completed in the unknown trial. For the deceptive trial, participants were told 1000 m would be completed, but when this distance was reached, they were told to continue for another 1000 m. During each trial muscle activity, power output, heart rate, performance time and perceptions of effort were measured.Results: The control trial was significantly (p<0.05) faster than both the unknown and deceptive trials, however the deceptive trial was the fastest of all trials at the 1000 m distance. The unknown trial was slowest at 1000 m and at 2000 m. Muscle activity, RPE, heart rate and power output were significantly (p<0.05) lower in the unknown trial compared to the control and deceptive trial. The control trial exhibited a reverse J-shape pacing profile. The deceptive trial revealed a significant (p<0.05) reduction in performance time, heart rate, power output and muscle activity after the 1000 m interval. The first 500 m interval had the fastest performance and highest power output in all trials. In all trials, RPE was highest at the end of the 2000 m, the greatest reading being obtained at the end of the control trial. During the first 1000 m of the deceptive trial, the dependant variables were similar to those in the control trial. Once the deception was revealed, there was a significant (p<0.05) reduction in the muscle activity, heart rate and power output. Conclusion: The results of this study indicate that accurate end-point information is crucial to the development of an optimal pacing strategy, and ultimately to successful performance. Rowers tend to adopt the reverse J-shape pacing profile most often due to the tactical and physiological benefits offered by this strategy. Unknown or inaccurate end-point information resulted in performance decrements due to the uncertainty associated with the exercise bout.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Ferreira, Dean
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Rowing -- Training , Rowing -- Coaching , Endurance sports -- Training , Rowers -- Ability testing , Rowing -- Training -- Psychological aspects
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/61636 , vital:28044
- Description: Introduction: A typical 2000 m rowing race requires maximal force production over six to eight minutes. Optimal distribution of energetic resources during such a race is vital for optimal performance. There is little research examining the pacing strategies employed by rowers, particularly at the sub-elite level. Aim: The purpose of this investigation was to determine the influence of knowledge of the end-point on pacing during a 2000 m rowing time trial. Methods: Eleven male rowers from a university rowing club volunteered to partake in the study. Each participant completed three experimental trials on an indoor rowing ergometer, each 2000 m. The only difference between the trials was the nature of the information provided beforehand. At the start of the control trial, participants were correctly informed about the distance to be covered. Participants were not informed of the distance to be completed in the unknown trial. For the deceptive trial, participants were told 1000 m would be completed, but when this distance was reached, they were told to continue for another 1000 m. During each trial muscle activity, power output, heart rate, performance time and perceptions of effort were measured.Results: The control trial was significantly (p<0.05) faster than both the unknown and deceptive trials, however the deceptive trial was the fastest of all trials at the 1000 m distance. The unknown trial was slowest at 1000 m and at 2000 m. Muscle activity, RPE, heart rate and power output were significantly (p<0.05) lower in the unknown trial compared to the control and deceptive trial. The control trial exhibited a reverse J-shape pacing profile. The deceptive trial revealed a significant (p<0.05) reduction in performance time, heart rate, power output and muscle activity after the 1000 m interval. The first 500 m interval had the fastest performance and highest power output in all trials. In all trials, RPE was highest at the end of the 2000 m, the greatest reading being obtained at the end of the control trial. During the first 1000 m of the deceptive trial, the dependant variables were similar to those in the control trial. Once the deception was revealed, there was a significant (p<0.05) reduction in the muscle activity, heart rate and power output. Conclusion: The results of this study indicate that accurate end-point information is crucial to the development of an optimal pacing strategy, and ultimately to successful performance. Rowers tend to adopt the reverse J-shape pacing profile most often due to the tactical and physiological benefits offered by this strategy. Unknown or inaccurate end-point information resulted in performance decrements due to the uncertainty associated with the exercise bout.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
The correlation between polygraph results and nonverbal behaviour
- Authors: Ferreira, Ian
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Lie detectors and detection , Movement, Psychology of Body language Nonverbal communication
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/29827 , vital:30782
- Description: The long history, serious and multiple negative consequences, and the global prevalence of human deception inspired the current correlational study. According to certain researchers and practitioners, the polygraph has emerged as one of the most promising methods to detect deception. Although its use has not been without controversy, it is still one of the most frequent means used to detect human deception. In an attempt to address the continued reliance on the polygraph, often in the absence of other evidence, the current study aimed to explore and describe the relationship between final polygraph test results and nonverbal behaviour observations during the pre-interview of the polygraph test. The research design was a correlational study, which explored and described the relationship between specified nonverbal behavioural observations, and deceptive and non-deceptive indicator results, of the participants taking the polygraph test. The nonverbal movements of the head, shoulders, hands and feet were the focus of the study. The research hypothesis of the study was that participants who were identified as deceptive on the polygraph would demonstrate significant statistical differences in specific nonverbal behaviours compared to non-deceptive participants. The results indicated significant statistical difference between the hand movements between the deceptive and the non-deceptive groups who participated in the study. The nonverbal behaviour related to the two groups’ hand movements was found to show significant differences, specifically related to five specific domains, hand hold symmetrical action, right arm/hand still, left hand/finger actions, touch behaviour, and thumbs up and downwards movements. The data were described and analysed by means of descriptive and inferential statistics and significant correlational findings were discussed in relation to the relevant published literature.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Ferreira, Ian
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Lie detectors and detection , Movement, Psychology of Body language Nonverbal communication
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/29827 , vital:30782
- Description: The long history, serious and multiple negative consequences, and the global prevalence of human deception inspired the current correlational study. According to certain researchers and practitioners, the polygraph has emerged as one of the most promising methods to detect deception. Although its use has not been without controversy, it is still one of the most frequent means used to detect human deception. In an attempt to address the continued reliance on the polygraph, often in the absence of other evidence, the current study aimed to explore and describe the relationship between final polygraph test results and nonverbal behaviour observations during the pre-interview of the polygraph test. The research design was a correlational study, which explored and described the relationship between specified nonverbal behavioural observations, and deceptive and non-deceptive indicator results, of the participants taking the polygraph test. The nonverbal movements of the head, shoulders, hands and feet were the focus of the study. The research hypothesis of the study was that participants who were identified as deceptive on the polygraph would demonstrate significant statistical differences in specific nonverbal behaviours compared to non-deceptive participants. The results indicated significant statistical difference between the hand movements between the deceptive and the non-deceptive groups who participated in the study. The nonverbal behaviour related to the two groups’ hand movements was found to show significant differences, specifically related to five specific domains, hand hold symmetrical action, right arm/hand still, left hand/finger actions, touch behaviour, and thumbs up and downwards movements. The data were described and analysed by means of descriptive and inferential statistics and significant correlational findings were discussed in relation to the relevant published literature.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
A critical discourse analysis of the construction of adolescent-friendly services within training documents used by the National Adolescent-friendly Clinic Initiative in South Africa
- Authors: Ferrucci, Daniella
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Discourse analysis Teenagers Reproductive health
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSoc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/12722 , vital:39315
- Description: The objective of this study was to critically explore the construction of adolescent and youth sexual and reproductive health and services within the South African National Adolescent-Friendly Clinic Initiative (NAFCI), by examining the training manuals and information booklets used to train the health service providers working within this programme. This was completed through the use of Foucauldian discourse analysis (FDA) and positioning theory. FDA was used to look for themes or discourses that emerged in the text, and to examine the role that power and language played in the talk around adolescent sexual and reproductive health. Positioning theory was used to explore the manner in which the young woman and health service provider were positioned within the documents, and the implications this had in relation to sexual and reproductive health and services. The discourses that emerged included discourses of risk, namely the “adolescent-in-transition” and the “sex-as-danger-and-disease” discourse; followed by the empowering discourse, the discourse of rights and responsibility, expert advice, and management and surveillance. These discourses generally depicted adolescent sexual and reproductive health in a mostly negative and problematic manner, which needed to be managed and governed by the more powerful and dominant medical expert. These discourses also positioned the young woman and the health care provider in contradictory ways. The young woman was either positioned as risk-seeking and problematic, due to her sexual behaviour, leaving her vulnerable in terms of her health and power; or she was positioned in a positive, healthy and responsible light. The health service provider was also positioned in contradictory ways. First she was positioned as an advisor and expert, due to her knowledge and skills; but then her position shifts into that a problem and a hindrance to accessing sexual and reproductive health services. The implications of these discourses serve to make sexual and reproductive healthcare a problem located within the individual. It fails to acknowledge the structural imbalances that are known to South Africa, but rather tries to construct it as a problem that needs to be managed by placing responsibility on the young woman and the health service providers.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Ferrucci, Daniella
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Discourse analysis Teenagers Reproductive health
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSoc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/12722 , vital:39315
- Description: The objective of this study was to critically explore the construction of adolescent and youth sexual and reproductive health and services within the South African National Adolescent-Friendly Clinic Initiative (NAFCI), by examining the training manuals and information booklets used to train the health service providers working within this programme. This was completed through the use of Foucauldian discourse analysis (FDA) and positioning theory. FDA was used to look for themes or discourses that emerged in the text, and to examine the role that power and language played in the talk around adolescent sexual and reproductive health. Positioning theory was used to explore the manner in which the young woman and health service provider were positioned within the documents, and the implications this had in relation to sexual and reproductive health and services. The discourses that emerged included discourses of risk, namely the “adolescent-in-transition” and the “sex-as-danger-and-disease” discourse; followed by the empowering discourse, the discourse of rights and responsibility, expert advice, and management and surveillance. These discourses generally depicted adolescent sexual and reproductive health in a mostly negative and problematic manner, which needed to be managed and governed by the more powerful and dominant medical expert. These discourses also positioned the young woman and the health care provider in contradictory ways. The young woman was either positioned as risk-seeking and problematic, due to her sexual behaviour, leaving her vulnerable in terms of her health and power; or she was positioned in a positive, healthy and responsible light. The health service provider was also positioned in contradictory ways. First she was positioned as an advisor and expert, due to her knowledge and skills; but then her position shifts into that a problem and a hindrance to accessing sexual and reproductive health services. The implications of these discourses serve to make sexual and reproductive healthcare a problem located within the individual. It fails to acknowledge the structural imbalances that are known to South Africa, but rather tries to construct it as a problem that needs to be managed by placing responsibility on the young woman and the health service providers.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
Factors that influence business success in the Schauderville, Korsten and Gelvandale township areas of the Nelson Mandela Bay
- Authors: Fisher, Theo Andre
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Success in business -- South Africa -- Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality , Small business -- South Africa -- Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality -- Management Economic development -- South Africa -- Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/21938 , vital:29803
- Description: Presently, all South African businesses, including South African township small businesses, are required to be agile, innovative and highly adaptive in order to survive in a tough retail-trading environment. The reasons for having to adapt their strategies are due to the poor economic conditions and political uncertainty that South Africans are currently experiencing. Businesses owners are facing various challenges and have to mitigate and even eliminate numerous negative influences that potentially impede the growth and the sustainability of their businesses. The purpose for undertaking this research study was to establish a deeper understanding of township small businesses that operate in the township setting in South Africa. Many residents of the Schauderville, Korsten and Gelvandale townships areas in the Nelson Mandela Bay are unemployed. Some unemployed residents and those who were retrenched due to the tough South African economic environment started their own businesses, with the expectation of earning a sustainable income. However, the majority of these businesses were not able to establish themselves successfully. The question addressed in this study was therefore: what factors influence the success of small businesses in the Schauderville, Korsten and Gelvandale townships situated of the Nelson Mandela Bay? Thereafter, the researcher recommended strategies that the township small business owners should implement to improve their chances of operating more successful businesses. The selected factors that could negatively impact township small business success are mentioned below. The influencing factors that were discussed are: Competition; The formal and informal education levels of business owners and the township communities; The unemployment rate of township dwellers; Crime; and the disposable income levels of township communities. The research findings indicate that the majority of the township small businesses are influenced by the mentioned factors, especially crime. This conclusion was made after a sample of 50 respondents had completed structured interview questionnaires and after the results of the questionnaires had been analysed. This research study targeted township small business owners who operate in the Schauderville, Korsten and Gelvandale townships of the Nelson Mandela Bay. The researcher’s intention was to assist the township small business owners with strategies to mitigate the influences that competition (from locally owned township small businesses, foreign shopkeepers and township shopping malls), formal and informal education levels, unemployment, crime and disposable income levels of township communities have on their small businesses. In conclusion, the results of the research study show that the small business owners, together with government, should implement the recommendations that were made by the researcher in order to improve the success rate of their township small businesses. More vibrant and successful township small businesses will ultimately lead to better job opportunities and eventually to a flourishing South African economy.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Fisher, Theo Andre
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Success in business -- South Africa -- Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality , Small business -- South Africa -- Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality -- Management Economic development -- South Africa -- Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/21938 , vital:29803
- Description: Presently, all South African businesses, including South African township small businesses, are required to be agile, innovative and highly adaptive in order to survive in a tough retail-trading environment. The reasons for having to adapt their strategies are due to the poor economic conditions and political uncertainty that South Africans are currently experiencing. Businesses owners are facing various challenges and have to mitigate and even eliminate numerous negative influences that potentially impede the growth and the sustainability of their businesses. The purpose for undertaking this research study was to establish a deeper understanding of township small businesses that operate in the township setting in South Africa. Many residents of the Schauderville, Korsten and Gelvandale townships areas in the Nelson Mandela Bay are unemployed. Some unemployed residents and those who were retrenched due to the tough South African economic environment started their own businesses, with the expectation of earning a sustainable income. However, the majority of these businesses were not able to establish themselves successfully. The question addressed in this study was therefore: what factors influence the success of small businesses in the Schauderville, Korsten and Gelvandale townships situated of the Nelson Mandela Bay? Thereafter, the researcher recommended strategies that the township small business owners should implement to improve their chances of operating more successful businesses. The selected factors that could negatively impact township small business success are mentioned below. The influencing factors that were discussed are: Competition; The formal and informal education levels of business owners and the township communities; The unemployment rate of township dwellers; Crime; and the disposable income levels of township communities. The research findings indicate that the majority of the township small businesses are influenced by the mentioned factors, especially crime. This conclusion was made after a sample of 50 respondents had completed structured interview questionnaires and after the results of the questionnaires had been analysed. This research study targeted township small business owners who operate in the Schauderville, Korsten and Gelvandale townships of the Nelson Mandela Bay. The researcher’s intention was to assist the township small business owners with strategies to mitigate the influences that competition (from locally owned township small businesses, foreign shopkeepers and township shopping malls), formal and informal education levels, unemployment, crime and disposable income levels of township communities have on their small businesses. In conclusion, the results of the research study show that the small business owners, together with government, should implement the recommendations that were made by the researcher in order to improve the success rate of their township small businesses. More vibrant and successful township small businesses will ultimately lead to better job opportunities and eventually to a flourishing South African economy.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018