Genetic analysis and field application of a UV-tolerant strain of CrleGV for improved control of Thaumatotibia leucotreta
- Authors: Bennett, Tahnee Tashia
- Date: 2022-10-14
- Subjects: Cryptophlebia leucotreta Biological control , Pests Integrated control , Biological pest control agents , Ultraviolet radiation , Oligonucleotides
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/362741 , vital:65358
- Description: Thaumatotibia leucotreta (Meyrick) (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae), also known as false codling moth (FCM), is indigenous to sub-Saharan Africa. Thaumatotibia leucotreta has been controlled through an integrated pest management (IPM) programme, which includes chemical control, sterile insect technique (SIT), cultural and biological control. As part of the biological control, a key component is the use of Cryptophlebia leucotreta granulovirus (CrleGV-SA). Currently, CryptogranTM, a commercial formulation of CrleGV, is the preferred product to use in South Africa for the control of T. leucotreta. The registration of the biopesticide Cryptogran (River bioscience, South Africa) was established after conducting extensive field trials with CrleGV-SA. One of the major factors affecting the baculovirus efficacy in the field is UV irradiation. A UV-tolerant Cryptophlebia leucotreta granulovirus (CrleGV-SA-C5) isolate was isolated after consecutive cycles of UV exposure. This UV-tolerant isolate is genetically distinct from the CrleGV-SA isolate. The CrleGV-SA-C5 isolate has the potential as a biological control agent. The control of T. leucotreta in South Africa could be improved by the development of novel isolates into new biopesticide formulations. To date, there has not been any field trials conducted on the CrleGV-SA-C5 isolate. Therefore, it is important to determine the biological and genetic stability of this isolate and to conduct field trials with CrleGV-SA- C5 to test the efficacy of the isolate before possible production into a biopesticide. A de novo assembly was conducted to reassemble the genome of CrleGV-SA-C5 which was followed by a sequence comparison with the CrleGV-SA genome. The identification of SNPs, led to the design of oligonucleotides flanking the regions where the SNPs were detected. Polymerase chain reaction amplification of the target regions was conducted using the oligonucleotides. After sequence comparison, seven SNPs were detected and PCR amplification was successful using the three oligonucleotides, Pif-2, HypoP and Lef-8/HP. To differentiate between CrleGV-SA-C5 and CrleGV-SA genomes and confirm the presence of the SNPs, two methods of screening were conducted. The first was the construction of six plasmids, the plasmids contained the targeted pif-2, HypoP, and the Lef-8/HP insert regions from both the CrleGV-SA-C5 and CrleGV-SA genome region where the SNPs were identified, followed by sequencing. The Five recombinant plasmids, pC5_Pif-2, pSA_Pif-2, pC5_HypoP, pSA_HypoP, and pC5_Lef-8/HP were successfully sequenced. No amplicon was obtained for one of the plasmids used as template (pSA_Lef-8/HP) and therefore the PCR product used for cloning was sequenced instead. Sequence alignment confirmed the presence of four of the five targeted SNPs in the genome of the CrleGV-SA-C5 isolate. However, of these only one SNP (UV_7) rendered a suitable marker for the differentiation between the CrleGV-SA-C5 and CrleGV-SA isolates as the SNPs, UV_2, UV_3 and UV_5, were also present in the CrleGV- SA sequences. The second screening method was a quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) melt curve analysis to differentiate between the CrleGV-SA-C5 and CrleGV-SA isolates. qPCR melt curve analysis was done using the CrleGV-SA-C5 and CrleGV-SA HypoP PCR products. This technique was unable to differentiate between the CrleGV-SA-C5 and CrleGV-SA isolates. However, this may be as a result of sequence data confirming that SNP UV_5 originally identified in the CrleGV-SA-C5 HypoP region was identical to the SNP at the same position in the CrleGV-SA HypoP region. Following the differentiation of the CrleGV-SA-C5 and CrleGV-SA isolates through two screening methods, the genetic integrity of the CrleGV-SA-C5 isolate after two virus bulk-ups was determined by PCR amplification of the target regions in the bulk-up virus followed by sequencing. Prior to virus bulk-up, surface dose bioassays were conducted on 4th instar larvae and LC50 and LC90 values of 4.01 x 106 OBs/ml and 8.75 x 109 OBs/ml respectively were obtained. The CrleGV-SA-C5 isolate was then bulked up in fourth instar T. leucotreta larvae using the LC90 value that was determined. Sequencing of the target regions from the CrleGV- SA-C5_BU2 (bulk-up 2) was conducted. Sequencing results confirmed the presence of the target SNPs in the CrleGV-SA-C5_BU2 genome. The UV-tolerance of the CrleGV-SA-C5 isolate in comparison to the CrleGV-SA isolate was evaluated by detached fruit bioassays under natural UV irradiation. Two detached fruit bioassays were set-up, a UV exposure and a non-UV exposure bioassay set-up. Three treatments were used for each bioassay set-up which were the viruses CrleGV-SA-C5 and CrleGV-SA and a ddH2O control. Statistical analysis indicated that there was no significant difference between the virus treatments in both the UV exposed detached fruit bioassay and the non-UV exposed detached fruit bioassay. This study is the second study to report on the de novo assembly of the CrleGV-SA-C5 and sequence comparison with the CrleGV-SA genome, and the first to report on the UV-tolerance of the CrleGV-SA-C5 isolate by detached fruit bioassays. Future work could involve further evaluation of intraspecific genetic variability in the CrleGV-SA-C5 isolate and to identify any additional SNPs present within the genome that can be used as suitable markers for differentiation between the CrleGV-SA-C5 and CrleGV-SA isolates. It was recognised that it is required to conduct further detached fruit bioassays and field trials, but with improved protocols, for the efficacy and UV-tolerance of the CrleGV-SA-C5 isolate to be conclusively determined. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, Zoology and Entomology, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-10-14
- Authors: Bennett, Tahnee Tashia
- Date: 2022-10-14
- Subjects: Cryptophlebia leucotreta Biological control , Pests Integrated control , Biological pest control agents , Ultraviolet radiation , Oligonucleotides
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/362741 , vital:65358
- Description: Thaumatotibia leucotreta (Meyrick) (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae), also known as false codling moth (FCM), is indigenous to sub-Saharan Africa. Thaumatotibia leucotreta has been controlled through an integrated pest management (IPM) programme, which includes chemical control, sterile insect technique (SIT), cultural and biological control. As part of the biological control, a key component is the use of Cryptophlebia leucotreta granulovirus (CrleGV-SA). Currently, CryptogranTM, a commercial formulation of CrleGV, is the preferred product to use in South Africa for the control of T. leucotreta. The registration of the biopesticide Cryptogran (River bioscience, South Africa) was established after conducting extensive field trials with CrleGV-SA. One of the major factors affecting the baculovirus efficacy in the field is UV irradiation. A UV-tolerant Cryptophlebia leucotreta granulovirus (CrleGV-SA-C5) isolate was isolated after consecutive cycles of UV exposure. This UV-tolerant isolate is genetically distinct from the CrleGV-SA isolate. The CrleGV-SA-C5 isolate has the potential as a biological control agent. The control of T. leucotreta in South Africa could be improved by the development of novel isolates into new biopesticide formulations. To date, there has not been any field trials conducted on the CrleGV-SA-C5 isolate. Therefore, it is important to determine the biological and genetic stability of this isolate and to conduct field trials with CrleGV-SA- C5 to test the efficacy of the isolate before possible production into a biopesticide. A de novo assembly was conducted to reassemble the genome of CrleGV-SA-C5 which was followed by a sequence comparison with the CrleGV-SA genome. The identification of SNPs, led to the design of oligonucleotides flanking the regions where the SNPs were detected. Polymerase chain reaction amplification of the target regions was conducted using the oligonucleotides. After sequence comparison, seven SNPs were detected and PCR amplification was successful using the three oligonucleotides, Pif-2, HypoP and Lef-8/HP. To differentiate between CrleGV-SA-C5 and CrleGV-SA genomes and confirm the presence of the SNPs, two methods of screening were conducted. The first was the construction of six plasmids, the plasmids contained the targeted pif-2, HypoP, and the Lef-8/HP insert regions from both the CrleGV-SA-C5 and CrleGV-SA genome region where the SNPs were identified, followed by sequencing. The Five recombinant plasmids, pC5_Pif-2, pSA_Pif-2, pC5_HypoP, pSA_HypoP, and pC5_Lef-8/HP were successfully sequenced. No amplicon was obtained for one of the plasmids used as template (pSA_Lef-8/HP) and therefore the PCR product used for cloning was sequenced instead. Sequence alignment confirmed the presence of four of the five targeted SNPs in the genome of the CrleGV-SA-C5 isolate. However, of these only one SNP (UV_7) rendered a suitable marker for the differentiation between the CrleGV-SA-C5 and CrleGV-SA isolates as the SNPs, UV_2, UV_3 and UV_5, were also present in the CrleGV- SA sequences. The second screening method was a quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) melt curve analysis to differentiate between the CrleGV-SA-C5 and CrleGV-SA isolates. qPCR melt curve analysis was done using the CrleGV-SA-C5 and CrleGV-SA HypoP PCR products. This technique was unable to differentiate between the CrleGV-SA-C5 and CrleGV-SA isolates. However, this may be as a result of sequence data confirming that SNP UV_5 originally identified in the CrleGV-SA-C5 HypoP region was identical to the SNP at the same position in the CrleGV-SA HypoP region. Following the differentiation of the CrleGV-SA-C5 and CrleGV-SA isolates through two screening methods, the genetic integrity of the CrleGV-SA-C5 isolate after two virus bulk-ups was determined by PCR amplification of the target regions in the bulk-up virus followed by sequencing. Prior to virus bulk-up, surface dose bioassays were conducted on 4th instar larvae and LC50 and LC90 values of 4.01 x 106 OBs/ml and 8.75 x 109 OBs/ml respectively were obtained. The CrleGV-SA-C5 isolate was then bulked up in fourth instar T. leucotreta larvae using the LC90 value that was determined. Sequencing of the target regions from the CrleGV- SA-C5_BU2 (bulk-up 2) was conducted. Sequencing results confirmed the presence of the target SNPs in the CrleGV-SA-C5_BU2 genome. The UV-tolerance of the CrleGV-SA-C5 isolate in comparison to the CrleGV-SA isolate was evaluated by detached fruit bioassays under natural UV irradiation. Two detached fruit bioassays were set-up, a UV exposure and a non-UV exposure bioassay set-up. Three treatments were used for each bioassay set-up which were the viruses CrleGV-SA-C5 and CrleGV-SA and a ddH2O control. Statistical analysis indicated that there was no significant difference between the virus treatments in both the UV exposed detached fruit bioassay and the non-UV exposed detached fruit bioassay. This study is the second study to report on the de novo assembly of the CrleGV-SA-C5 and sequence comparison with the CrleGV-SA genome, and the first to report on the UV-tolerance of the CrleGV-SA-C5 isolate by detached fruit bioassays. Future work could involve further evaluation of intraspecific genetic variability in the CrleGV-SA-C5 isolate and to identify any additional SNPs present within the genome that can be used as suitable markers for differentiation between the CrleGV-SA-C5 and CrleGV-SA isolates. It was recognised that it is required to conduct further detached fruit bioassays and field trials, but with improved protocols, for the efficacy and UV-tolerance of the CrleGV-SA-C5 isolate to be conclusively determined. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, Zoology and Entomology, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-10-14
Desired sensory branding strategies in-store versus online: the skincare industry
- Authors: Berman, Gabriella
- Date: 2023-04
- Subjects: Sensory branding , Hides and skins industry , Teleshopping
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/60970 , vital:69556
- Description: Modern shoppers are inundated with purchasing options in every product category, with thousands of brands competing for their patronage. It has therefore become increasingly important for organisations to differentiate product offerings in the market if they want to be competitive. It has further been highlighted that an individual’s experience of a brand is of paramount importance, as it is directly linked to brand loyalty. A vehicle for creating memorable brand experiences is the utilisation of multi-sensory experiences or sensory branding. Within the context of traditional or in-store shopping, sensory branding encompasses the use of visual, auditory, olfactory, tactile and gustatory stimuli to adjust consumer purchasing behaviour. However, more and more consumers are opting for online shopping, spurred on by the effects of the global COVID-19 pandemic, and are no less demanding of brands online than they would be in-store. The cosmetics and personal care industry is one of the more predominant gainers from e-commerce. The skincare industry exhibited one of the largest growth rates from 2019 – 2025 and had an estimated market value of $155.8 billion in 2022. When considering the South African skincare industry in isolation, there is no exception, categorised by high average growth rates and many competitive players in the market. This is apparent when considering that the skincare industry within South Africa is expcted to grow annually by 5.48% from 2023 to 2027, translating to an industry value of $788.4 million by 2027 (Statista 2023). With reference to in-store shopping for skincare products, sensory marketing strategies have been known to be heavily relied on. Therefore, with consumers moving towards online shopping, it is essential for skincare businesses to consider how to deliver sensory experiences online as well as in-store. Whilst the importance of the use of sensory branding and marketing in the skincare industry is notable, both in-store and online, it was established that while there is research available on sensory branding, there is very limited academic research on digital sensory branding and the sensory branding of v skincare products. Moreover, to the researcher’s knowledge, no academic literature specifically investigates the digital sensory branding of skincare brands. Therefore, this study will contribute not only by adding academic research to the topic being investigated but also through rreccomendations made based on the outcomes of this study to skincare brands in South Africa. From the comprehensive literature review, a conceptual model was constructed to investigate the relationship between traditional and digital sensory branding strategies (independent variables) and brand loyalty (dependent variable). Two sets of hypotheses were formulated relating to the identified variables of this study and the empirical research conducted was utilised to deduce whether these hypotheses should be rejected or supported. To conduct the empirical research needed for this study, certain research methodology was employed. This study made use of a positivistic paradigm and a quantitative approach. The target population of this study constituted consumers who had purchased skincare products in-store as well as online and, as no true sample frame existed, respondents were selected through the use of non-probability sampling, more specifically, convenience sampling. To collect the data, an online survey was used, with the specific data collection instrument being a web-based self-administered questionnaire, which was distributed via social media platforms, such as Facebook and LinkedIn, as well as via email. Section A of the questionnaire focused on the demographic details of the respondents, while Section B – Section F related to the variables of the study. A total of 372 potential respondents started the questionnaire, however only 321 questionnaires were deemed usable after the data had been coded and cleaned, indicating a response rate of 86.3%. This study made use of both descriptive (measures of central tendency as well as standard deviation and skewness) and inferential (SEM Models, Primary Models, Pearson’s correlation coefficients, Chi-Square test of Association, ANOVAs and Welch Robust test, Tukey test and Games Howell Test as well as Cohen’s d) statistics to interpret the data, which was graphically illustrated. vi The empirical investigation conducted in this study between the variables and sub-variables revealed that significant relationships exist between traditional sensory branding strategies (traditional olfactory and tactile stimuli) and digital sensory branding strategies (digital visual, olfactory and tactile stimuli) and brand loyalty, with refence to the skincare industry. It was further notable that, with specific reference to the skincare industry, the sense of sight, smell and touch are key factors for sensory branding, whereas auditory stimuli were found to only be useful when used in unison with the other senses. Moreover, with reference to in-store shopping, it was deduced that consumers shop for skincare mostly via retail outlets, which could lead to sensory overload. Furthermore, the results of this study suggest that younger consumers are price sensitive. Based on the pertinent empirical results, and corresponding literature findings, of this study, recommendations were provided to businesses operating in the skincare industry. With reference to in-store trading, it was recommended that because skincare is mostly sold via retail outlets, the brand itself does not have control over all sensory stimuli to which the consumer is exposed. As a result, consumers may be subject to sensory overload and skincare brands should keep their sensory branding in-store simple. Moreover, skincare brands could make use of an in-store aesthetician or beautician, which would facilitate consumer-product interaction. With regards to online trading, a recommendation for skincare brands would be to use moving images or GIFs, which will allow the consumer to more easily imagine the feel of the product. Moreover, skincare brands can make use of brand ambassadors to create “unboxing” videos, which will convey more clearly the sensory information of the product and instil confidence in consumers. Reccomendations were also made with reference to the financial state of consumers, as the financial position of the respondents could influence their decision making. The limitations of this study comprised the availability of reliable existing sources to support the study as the concept of digital sensory branding is still relatively new and, due to the study being focused on the skincare industry, taste stimuli were excluded as they were found to have no relevance. Finally, vii based on all the literature findings and empirical results, recommendations for future areas of study were made. This study provides evidence that both traditional and digital sensory branding strategies have an influence on, or relationship with, brand loyalty. Through this study, the importance of sensory branding, with specific reference to the skincare industry, is brought to light. Furthermore, skincare brands can utilise the information provided to improve the experience of their consumers when shopping in-store, as well as online, thereby increasing their base of brand loyal consumers. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-04
- Authors: Berman, Gabriella
- Date: 2023-04
- Subjects: Sensory branding , Hides and skins industry , Teleshopping
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/60970 , vital:69556
- Description: Modern shoppers are inundated with purchasing options in every product category, with thousands of brands competing for their patronage. It has therefore become increasingly important for organisations to differentiate product offerings in the market if they want to be competitive. It has further been highlighted that an individual’s experience of a brand is of paramount importance, as it is directly linked to brand loyalty. A vehicle for creating memorable brand experiences is the utilisation of multi-sensory experiences or sensory branding. Within the context of traditional or in-store shopping, sensory branding encompasses the use of visual, auditory, olfactory, tactile and gustatory stimuli to adjust consumer purchasing behaviour. However, more and more consumers are opting for online shopping, spurred on by the effects of the global COVID-19 pandemic, and are no less demanding of brands online than they would be in-store. The cosmetics and personal care industry is one of the more predominant gainers from e-commerce. The skincare industry exhibited one of the largest growth rates from 2019 – 2025 and had an estimated market value of $155.8 billion in 2022. When considering the South African skincare industry in isolation, there is no exception, categorised by high average growth rates and many competitive players in the market. This is apparent when considering that the skincare industry within South Africa is expcted to grow annually by 5.48% from 2023 to 2027, translating to an industry value of $788.4 million by 2027 (Statista 2023). With reference to in-store shopping for skincare products, sensory marketing strategies have been known to be heavily relied on. Therefore, with consumers moving towards online shopping, it is essential for skincare businesses to consider how to deliver sensory experiences online as well as in-store. Whilst the importance of the use of sensory branding and marketing in the skincare industry is notable, both in-store and online, it was established that while there is research available on sensory branding, there is very limited academic research on digital sensory branding and the sensory branding of v skincare products. Moreover, to the researcher’s knowledge, no academic literature specifically investigates the digital sensory branding of skincare brands. Therefore, this study will contribute not only by adding academic research to the topic being investigated but also through rreccomendations made based on the outcomes of this study to skincare brands in South Africa. From the comprehensive literature review, a conceptual model was constructed to investigate the relationship between traditional and digital sensory branding strategies (independent variables) and brand loyalty (dependent variable). Two sets of hypotheses were formulated relating to the identified variables of this study and the empirical research conducted was utilised to deduce whether these hypotheses should be rejected or supported. To conduct the empirical research needed for this study, certain research methodology was employed. This study made use of a positivistic paradigm and a quantitative approach. The target population of this study constituted consumers who had purchased skincare products in-store as well as online and, as no true sample frame existed, respondents were selected through the use of non-probability sampling, more specifically, convenience sampling. To collect the data, an online survey was used, with the specific data collection instrument being a web-based self-administered questionnaire, which was distributed via social media platforms, such as Facebook and LinkedIn, as well as via email. Section A of the questionnaire focused on the demographic details of the respondents, while Section B – Section F related to the variables of the study. A total of 372 potential respondents started the questionnaire, however only 321 questionnaires were deemed usable after the data had been coded and cleaned, indicating a response rate of 86.3%. This study made use of both descriptive (measures of central tendency as well as standard deviation and skewness) and inferential (SEM Models, Primary Models, Pearson’s correlation coefficients, Chi-Square test of Association, ANOVAs and Welch Robust test, Tukey test and Games Howell Test as well as Cohen’s d) statistics to interpret the data, which was graphically illustrated. vi The empirical investigation conducted in this study between the variables and sub-variables revealed that significant relationships exist between traditional sensory branding strategies (traditional olfactory and tactile stimuli) and digital sensory branding strategies (digital visual, olfactory and tactile stimuli) and brand loyalty, with refence to the skincare industry. It was further notable that, with specific reference to the skincare industry, the sense of sight, smell and touch are key factors for sensory branding, whereas auditory stimuli were found to only be useful when used in unison with the other senses. Moreover, with reference to in-store shopping, it was deduced that consumers shop for skincare mostly via retail outlets, which could lead to sensory overload. Furthermore, the results of this study suggest that younger consumers are price sensitive. Based on the pertinent empirical results, and corresponding literature findings, of this study, recommendations were provided to businesses operating in the skincare industry. With reference to in-store trading, it was recommended that because skincare is mostly sold via retail outlets, the brand itself does not have control over all sensory stimuli to which the consumer is exposed. As a result, consumers may be subject to sensory overload and skincare brands should keep their sensory branding in-store simple. Moreover, skincare brands could make use of an in-store aesthetician or beautician, which would facilitate consumer-product interaction. With regards to online trading, a recommendation for skincare brands would be to use moving images or GIFs, which will allow the consumer to more easily imagine the feel of the product. Moreover, skincare brands can make use of brand ambassadors to create “unboxing” videos, which will convey more clearly the sensory information of the product and instil confidence in consumers. Reccomendations were also made with reference to the financial state of consumers, as the financial position of the respondents could influence their decision making. The limitations of this study comprised the availability of reliable existing sources to support the study as the concept of digital sensory branding is still relatively new and, due to the study being focused on the skincare industry, taste stimuli were excluded as they were found to have no relevance. Finally, vii based on all the literature findings and empirical results, recommendations for future areas of study were made. This study provides evidence that both traditional and digital sensory branding strategies have an influence on, or relationship with, brand loyalty. Through this study, the importance of sensory branding, with specific reference to the skincare industry, is brought to light. Furthermore, skincare brands can utilise the information provided to improve the experience of their consumers when shopping in-store, as well as online, thereby increasing their base of brand loyal consumers. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-04
Overall experience of expatriate TEFL teachers in China using positive and negative affectivity
- Authors: Berman, Gabriella Kirsty
- Date: 2021-04
- Subjects: English language -- Study and teaching -- Foreign speakers , English language -- Study and teaching -- Foreign countries , Teachers, Foreign -- China
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/50955 , vital:43175
- Description: Mirroring the growth in the global population, there is a growth in unemployment and due to the current global COVID-19 pandemic, unemployment statistics are set to soar. In many countries, the lack of quality working opportunities results in qualified, educated and trained people (often the youth) opting to emigrate in order to pursue better quality jobs as well as to increase their standard of living and reduce their socio-economic costs, known as the “brain drain” phenomenon. While there are many work opportunities which youth are pursuing, teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) in a foreign country has become a very popular option, specifically in China. According to the Experience Model by Pine and Gilmore, the overall experience an individual has will be impacted by different factors, with the experience of being a foreign TEFL teacher in China being no exception. Furthermore, following the principles of human affectivity, the individual’s personal disposition or affectivity towards the activity will also influence their experience. It is therefore of interest to distinguish which factors influence the overall experience of teaching TEFL in China. From the comprehensive literature reviews, a proposed theoretical framework was constructed to identify the influence which social influences, work environment, location, cultural aspects, monetary benefits and non-monetary benefits (independent variables) have on the overall experience of teaching TEFL in China (independent variable). Six sets of hypotheses were formulated relating to the identified variables and through empirical research, it was decided whether the hypotheses of this study were accepted or rejected. In order to establish the influence of the independent variables on the dependent variable of this study, empirical research was conducted. The study employed a positivistic paradigm and a quantitative approach. The sample population of this study was TEFL teachers, who were teaching in China, during the time of the study. Due to the fact that no true sample frame exists for TEFL teachers who are working in China, non-probability sampling, more specifically, convenience sampling, was used to select respondents. Respondents were reached through online social media platforms. For the purpose of this study, online surveys were utilised as a data collection method and the specific data collection instrument was a web-based self-administered questionnaire. Section A of the questionnaire was used to collect the demographic data of the respondents, while Section B – Section G related to the variables of the study. A total of 379 usable questionnaires were received from a possible 479 respondents, indicating an 80.2% response rate. The study made use of descriptive (measure of central tendency as well as standard deviation and skewness of the data set) as well as inferential (Spearman’s correlation coefficient, ANOVA’s, Tukey Test, Cohen’s d, Kruskal-Wallis test and ordinal regression) statistics to interpret the raw data quantitatively, which was graphically illustrated. The empirical investigation conducted in this study between the variables, and sub-variables, revealed significant relationships between social influences (the presence of an expat community, the potential influence of a language barrier, acceptance by locals, access to healthcare), work environment (the work conditions of the TEFL teacher, specific working hours), location (the standard of accommodation provide, the specific city in which the TEFL teacher works and resides), cultural aspects (the lifestyle TEFL teachers are known to have, increased tourism opportunity), monetary benefits, and nonmonetary benefits and the overall experience of teaching TEFL in China. Within this study, the independent variables social influences, work environment, location cultural aspects and monetary benefits presented the highest correlation with the dependent variable, the overall experience of teaching TEFL in China. Additionally, of the above-mentioned variables, it was established that respondents with a higher monetary benefits factor score, were 3.64 times more likely to have a more positive overall experience, while respondents with a higher social influences factor score, were 2.80 times more likely to have a more positive overall experience. Based on the empirical findings, and corresponding literature findings, of this study, recommendations were provided to both aspiring TEFL teachers as well as to the institution in China who employ expatriate TEFL teachers regarding the variables of this study. The limitations of this study comprised of a lack of time; minimal budget; slow questionnaire response or access to respondents, and; availability of reliable resources to support the study. Finally, based on the findings of this study, the researcher made recommendation for future areas of study. The research conducted indicates the importance of the influence of the variables identified in this study on the overall experience of teaching TEFL in China. Through this study it is hoped that the experience of TEFL teaching in China can be brought to light, and enable the experience to be bettered for aspiring TEFL teachers, as well as for the institutions who employ them, as the phenomenon has an influence, not only on these two parties, but on host nationals of the country. , Thesis (MCom) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, Marketing, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-04
- Authors: Berman, Gabriella Kirsty
- Date: 2021-04
- Subjects: English language -- Study and teaching -- Foreign speakers , English language -- Study and teaching -- Foreign countries , Teachers, Foreign -- China
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/50955 , vital:43175
- Description: Mirroring the growth in the global population, there is a growth in unemployment and due to the current global COVID-19 pandemic, unemployment statistics are set to soar. In many countries, the lack of quality working opportunities results in qualified, educated and trained people (often the youth) opting to emigrate in order to pursue better quality jobs as well as to increase their standard of living and reduce their socio-economic costs, known as the “brain drain” phenomenon. While there are many work opportunities which youth are pursuing, teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) in a foreign country has become a very popular option, specifically in China. According to the Experience Model by Pine and Gilmore, the overall experience an individual has will be impacted by different factors, with the experience of being a foreign TEFL teacher in China being no exception. Furthermore, following the principles of human affectivity, the individual’s personal disposition or affectivity towards the activity will also influence their experience. It is therefore of interest to distinguish which factors influence the overall experience of teaching TEFL in China. From the comprehensive literature reviews, a proposed theoretical framework was constructed to identify the influence which social influences, work environment, location, cultural aspects, monetary benefits and non-monetary benefits (independent variables) have on the overall experience of teaching TEFL in China (independent variable). Six sets of hypotheses were formulated relating to the identified variables and through empirical research, it was decided whether the hypotheses of this study were accepted or rejected. In order to establish the influence of the independent variables on the dependent variable of this study, empirical research was conducted. The study employed a positivistic paradigm and a quantitative approach. The sample population of this study was TEFL teachers, who were teaching in China, during the time of the study. Due to the fact that no true sample frame exists for TEFL teachers who are working in China, non-probability sampling, more specifically, convenience sampling, was used to select respondents. Respondents were reached through online social media platforms. For the purpose of this study, online surveys were utilised as a data collection method and the specific data collection instrument was a web-based self-administered questionnaire. Section A of the questionnaire was used to collect the demographic data of the respondents, while Section B – Section G related to the variables of the study. A total of 379 usable questionnaires were received from a possible 479 respondents, indicating an 80.2% response rate. The study made use of descriptive (measure of central tendency as well as standard deviation and skewness of the data set) as well as inferential (Spearman’s correlation coefficient, ANOVA’s, Tukey Test, Cohen’s d, Kruskal-Wallis test and ordinal regression) statistics to interpret the raw data quantitatively, which was graphically illustrated. The empirical investigation conducted in this study between the variables, and sub-variables, revealed significant relationships between social influences (the presence of an expat community, the potential influence of a language barrier, acceptance by locals, access to healthcare), work environment (the work conditions of the TEFL teacher, specific working hours), location (the standard of accommodation provide, the specific city in which the TEFL teacher works and resides), cultural aspects (the lifestyle TEFL teachers are known to have, increased tourism opportunity), monetary benefits, and nonmonetary benefits and the overall experience of teaching TEFL in China. Within this study, the independent variables social influences, work environment, location cultural aspects and monetary benefits presented the highest correlation with the dependent variable, the overall experience of teaching TEFL in China. Additionally, of the above-mentioned variables, it was established that respondents with a higher monetary benefits factor score, were 3.64 times more likely to have a more positive overall experience, while respondents with a higher social influences factor score, were 2.80 times more likely to have a more positive overall experience. Based on the empirical findings, and corresponding literature findings, of this study, recommendations were provided to both aspiring TEFL teachers as well as to the institution in China who employ expatriate TEFL teachers regarding the variables of this study. The limitations of this study comprised of a lack of time; minimal budget; slow questionnaire response or access to respondents, and; availability of reliable resources to support the study. Finally, based on the findings of this study, the researcher made recommendation for future areas of study. The research conducted indicates the importance of the influence of the variables identified in this study on the overall experience of teaching TEFL in China. Through this study it is hoped that the experience of TEFL teaching in China can be brought to light, and enable the experience to be bettered for aspiring TEFL teachers, as well as for the institutions who employ them, as the phenomenon has an influence, not only on these two parties, but on host nationals of the country. , Thesis (MCom) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, Marketing, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-04
Puma (Puma concolor) diet and habitat use in south-west New Mexico
- Authors: Bernard, Kelly Monica Tandi
- Date: 2022-10-14
- Subjects: Puma Food New Mexico , Puma Habitat New Mexico , Puma Nutrition New Mexico , Puma Conservation New Mexico , Carnivorous animals New Mexico , Red deer , Elk , Mule deer , Ungulates
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/362752 , vital:65359
- Description: The puma (Puma concolor) is a wide-ranging large felid species occupying an extensive geographic range throughout North and South America, and site-specific research on their diet is important for local management. Like other large felids, puma diet may differ between sexes due to size dimorphism, and between seasons due to changes in prey vulnerability and availability. This study assessed the influence of sex and season on puma diet in south-west New Mexico in terms of prey species and prey size categories. Pumas specialised on mule deer and elk throughout the year, and killed a range of other species of different sizes. The diet of the smaller female puma was nested within the diet of males, supporting the size-nested strategy. The effect of puma sex on prey species and size categories was independent of season, and vice versa, and the probability of a female making a medium-sized kill such as mule deer was higher than for males, while the probability of an extra-large kill such as elk was substantially greater for males. The probability of pumas killing either mule deer or elk in each season was similar, and greater than other species categories. Additionally, individual puma strongly influenced all prey species and size categories killed. The results from this study concur with previous findings on the importance of mule deer and elk in puma diet, and suggest that puma predation may also impact a number of other species, particularly smaller herbivores like collared peccary, and mesocarnivores such as skunks. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, Zoology and Entomology, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-10-14
- Authors: Bernard, Kelly Monica Tandi
- Date: 2022-10-14
- Subjects: Puma Food New Mexico , Puma Habitat New Mexico , Puma Nutrition New Mexico , Puma Conservation New Mexico , Carnivorous animals New Mexico , Red deer , Elk , Mule deer , Ungulates
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/362752 , vital:65359
- Description: The puma (Puma concolor) is a wide-ranging large felid species occupying an extensive geographic range throughout North and South America, and site-specific research on their diet is important for local management. Like other large felids, puma diet may differ between sexes due to size dimorphism, and between seasons due to changes in prey vulnerability and availability. This study assessed the influence of sex and season on puma diet in south-west New Mexico in terms of prey species and prey size categories. Pumas specialised on mule deer and elk throughout the year, and killed a range of other species of different sizes. The diet of the smaller female puma was nested within the diet of males, supporting the size-nested strategy. The effect of puma sex on prey species and size categories was independent of season, and vice versa, and the probability of a female making a medium-sized kill such as mule deer was higher than for males, while the probability of an extra-large kill such as elk was substantially greater for males. The probability of pumas killing either mule deer or elk in each season was similar, and greater than other species categories. Additionally, individual puma strongly influenced all prey species and size categories killed. The results from this study concur with previous findings on the importance of mule deer and elk in puma diet, and suggest that puma predation may also impact a number of other species, particularly smaller herbivores like collared peccary, and mesocarnivores such as skunks. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, Zoology and Entomology, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-10-14
Estimating Bayesian tolerance intervals for a two - factor factorial model
- Authors: Besele, Kagiso Francis
- Date: 2021-04
- Subjects: Gqenerha (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , Mathematical statistics
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/52302 , vital:43587
- Description: Quality improvement efforts have become the cornerstone of all manufacturing processes. Quality can be defined in terms of variability reduction, and since variability is a statistical concept, statistical techniques such as statistical quality control present techniques for assessing process variation. Methods such as experimental design provide a way to ascertain factor relationships and give a basis for computing variability that arises from each process variable, ultimately providing a way of calculating total process variability. This in turn results in variance components and eventually variance component estimation. As with any statistical model, estimates may be classified in any one of two ways, point estimates or interval estimates. Interval estimates that provide information about an entire population, and not only information on a few observations from a sample or knowledge about only a population parameter, are known as tolerance intervals. Wolfinger (1998) provided a Bayesian simulationbased approach for ascertaining three types of tolerance intervals using a balanced one-way random effects model. In this study, the method initially proposed by Wolfinger (1998), is extended in order to estimate tolerance intervals for the balanced two-way crossed classification random effects model with interaction. The suggested and derived techniques will be applied to the thermal impedance data initially collected by Houf and Berman (1988), and the method presented by Wolfinger (1998) will be expanded to also include the estimation of tolerance intervals for averages of observations from new or unknown measurements. This Bayesian approach provides a thorough but yet simplistic paradigm to using tolerance intervals in manufacturing settings. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, Statistics, 2021
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2021-04
- Authors: Besele, Kagiso Francis
- Date: 2021-04
- Subjects: Gqenerha (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , Mathematical statistics
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/52302 , vital:43587
- Description: Quality improvement efforts have become the cornerstone of all manufacturing processes. Quality can be defined in terms of variability reduction, and since variability is a statistical concept, statistical techniques such as statistical quality control present techniques for assessing process variation. Methods such as experimental design provide a way to ascertain factor relationships and give a basis for computing variability that arises from each process variable, ultimately providing a way of calculating total process variability. This in turn results in variance components and eventually variance component estimation. As with any statistical model, estimates may be classified in any one of two ways, point estimates or interval estimates. Interval estimates that provide information about an entire population, and not only information on a few observations from a sample or knowledge about only a population parameter, are known as tolerance intervals. Wolfinger (1998) provided a Bayesian simulationbased approach for ascertaining three types of tolerance intervals using a balanced one-way random effects model. In this study, the method initially proposed by Wolfinger (1998), is extended in order to estimate tolerance intervals for the balanced two-way crossed classification random effects model with interaction. The suggested and derived techniques will be applied to the thermal impedance data initially collected by Houf and Berman (1988), and the method presented by Wolfinger (1998) will be expanded to also include the estimation of tolerance intervals for averages of observations from new or unknown measurements. This Bayesian approach provides a thorough but yet simplistic paradigm to using tolerance intervals in manufacturing settings. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, Statistics, 2021
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2021-04
Composition Portfolio
- Authors: Bessey, Warren Gregory
- Date: 2023-04-10
- Subjects: Composition (Music) , Zulu (African people) Songs and music , Music Cross-cultural studies , uMkabayi kaJama , Nandi , Nobility South Africa Zululand History
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/404940 , vital:70123
- Description: Excerpt from Introduction: My interest in the Zulu royal family intensified as I began to read many stories and have lengthy conversations with members of the Zulu royal family and others, including Dr Maxwell Shamase (University of Zululand), about Zulu history. I was struck by the power and prowess of Princess Mkabayi (1750-1843). The elders were said to be speechless when she spoke. According to Shamase, a common Zulu expression which references Mkabayi’s well-known verbal skill is Umuntu ukhuluma kome umlomo, and translates as [like Mkabayi] the speaker speaks clearly and leaves no room for misunderstandings and misinterpretations. I found her to be a brilliant strategist with a servant heart and one whom history had not given due credit, and I was inspired to bring her story to life by setting it to music. I wanted to explore whether or not the events surrounding Mkabayi led to a change of consciousness among the Zulu nation, and I used this as a theme for my symphonic work about her. The lives of Queen Nandi (King Shaka’s mother) and Princess Mkabayi (King Shaka’s aunt) made for fascinating stories I had been privileged to discover, and I felt they were South African treasures to be elevated and shared with the world. The two works listed above form part of my repertoire based on Zulu royal history which are collectively known as “The Royal Trilogy,” and I have come to think of them as part of a developing “urban classical repertoire”. The Royal Trilogy is a set of three compositions with 33 independent scenes linking historical events and people. It includes the following entitled symphonic works for full orchestra: Nandi iNdlovukazi yezi Ndlovukazi (hereinafter “Queen Nandi”), Inkosazane Mkabayi (hereinafter “Princess Mkabayi”), and iNkosi uShaka: Umbono, Isizwe, Isiphetho - King Shaka: A Vision, A Nation, A Destiny (hereinafter “King Shaka”). Nandi premiered on 22 September 2016 as part of “A Musical Tribute Celebrating 200 Years of the Zulu Monarchy,” and “Mkabayi” premiered on 6 September 2018 under a programme titled “Princess Mkabayi: Celebrating Heritage Month”. Both pieces were performed at the Durban City Hall by the KwaZulu-Natal Philharmonic Orchestra with a mass Zulu choir (combination of the Clermont Community Choir, Prince Mshiyeni Choir, and Thokozani Choral Society) for socio-economic and ethnically diverse audiences. The final work, “King Shaka,” is expected to premiere in 2023. A future adaption of the Royal Trilogy is envisioned as an Afro Fusion Contemporary Ballet. , Thesis (MMus) -- Faculty of Humanities, Music & Musicology, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-04-10
- Authors: Bessey, Warren Gregory
- Date: 2023-04-10
- Subjects: Composition (Music) , Zulu (African people) Songs and music , Music Cross-cultural studies , uMkabayi kaJama , Nandi , Nobility South Africa Zululand History
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/404940 , vital:70123
- Description: Excerpt from Introduction: My interest in the Zulu royal family intensified as I began to read many stories and have lengthy conversations with members of the Zulu royal family and others, including Dr Maxwell Shamase (University of Zululand), about Zulu history. I was struck by the power and prowess of Princess Mkabayi (1750-1843). The elders were said to be speechless when she spoke. According to Shamase, a common Zulu expression which references Mkabayi’s well-known verbal skill is Umuntu ukhuluma kome umlomo, and translates as [like Mkabayi] the speaker speaks clearly and leaves no room for misunderstandings and misinterpretations. I found her to be a brilliant strategist with a servant heart and one whom history had not given due credit, and I was inspired to bring her story to life by setting it to music. I wanted to explore whether or not the events surrounding Mkabayi led to a change of consciousness among the Zulu nation, and I used this as a theme for my symphonic work about her. The lives of Queen Nandi (King Shaka’s mother) and Princess Mkabayi (King Shaka’s aunt) made for fascinating stories I had been privileged to discover, and I felt they were South African treasures to be elevated and shared with the world. The two works listed above form part of my repertoire based on Zulu royal history which are collectively known as “The Royal Trilogy,” and I have come to think of them as part of a developing “urban classical repertoire”. The Royal Trilogy is a set of three compositions with 33 independent scenes linking historical events and people. It includes the following entitled symphonic works for full orchestra: Nandi iNdlovukazi yezi Ndlovukazi (hereinafter “Queen Nandi”), Inkosazane Mkabayi (hereinafter “Princess Mkabayi”), and iNkosi uShaka: Umbono, Isizwe, Isiphetho - King Shaka: A Vision, A Nation, A Destiny (hereinafter “King Shaka”). Nandi premiered on 22 September 2016 as part of “A Musical Tribute Celebrating 200 Years of the Zulu Monarchy,” and “Mkabayi” premiered on 6 September 2018 under a programme titled “Princess Mkabayi: Celebrating Heritage Month”. Both pieces were performed at the Durban City Hall by the KwaZulu-Natal Philharmonic Orchestra with a mass Zulu choir (combination of the Clermont Community Choir, Prince Mshiyeni Choir, and Thokozani Choral Society) for socio-economic and ethnically diverse audiences. The final work, “King Shaka,” is expected to premiere in 2023. A future adaption of the Royal Trilogy is envisioned as an Afro Fusion Contemporary Ballet. , Thesis (MMus) -- Faculty of Humanities, Music & Musicology, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-04-10
Sediment characteristics and hydrodynamic conditions of the Swartkops estuary, Eastern Cape Province of South Africa
- Best, Lutho https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6400-9061
- Authors: Best, Lutho https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6400-9061
- Date: 2021-11
- Subjects: Geology, Stratigraphic , Estuarine oceanography , Swartkops River Estuary (South Africa)
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/22611 , vital:52596
- Description: This study is a part of an environmental research project aimed at providing assessment information to the grain-size distribution, mineral compositions, sedimentary structures and coastal erosion and rehabilitation methods along the Swartkops estuary, a recent developing industry area of South Africa. The methodologies used in this study comprise desk study of literature, field geological investigation and sampling, and laboratory analyses including grainsize analysis, thin section microscope study, XRD mineral composition study and SEM-EDX grain surface texture and composition analyses.The basement and surrounding areas of the Swartkops estuary consist of three formations: the Enon Formation of mainly conglomerate, the Kirkwood Formation of sandstone and mudstone, and the Sundays River Formation of dominantly mudstone with sandstone, which integrated as Uitenhage Group of Cretaceous sequence with modern estuarine sand and alluvial sediments filled in the entire basin. Grain size analysis is a useful tool to assess hydrodynamic environments. The grain size parameters showed that most of the Swartkops estuary sediments are moderately sorted with very few well and poorly sorted, coarse to fine skewed in grain size distribution.Whereas the Bluewater Bay beach sediments are mostly fine grained, well sorted, fine to coarse skewed in grain size distribution. The bivariate scatter plots are an indication of shallow marine environment by beach and coastal processes with the influence of water flow and wind influence during transportation and deposition processes. Mineralogy studies revealed that the Swartkops estuary sediments are dominantly composed of minerals such as: quartz, calcite, feldspar (orthoclase and plagioclase), aragonite, clay minerals (smectite and illite), and salts such as NaCl and MgCl2. Skeletal carbonate minerals (shell fragments) are more than chemical precipitated carbonate minerals. Quartz is the most abundant detrital mineral observed in all the sediments and it comes from inland and transported into the estuary and the beach by fluvial streams, whereas skeletal calcite/aragonite is the most abundant biogenic carbonate derived from sea side and transported by marine currents. The study shows that grain surface textures reveal the existence of several features that reflect the depositional environments. Observed grain surface textures by microscope and SEM include V-shape pits, upturned pits caused by mechanical crashing and corrosion during transportation; crystalline precipitation of calcite, quartz, salt and clay by chemical precipitation and crystallization; dissolution pits and pores formed by dissolution, and burrow and boring by biogenetic activities. The grain surface morphologies are closely linked to different formation mechanisms and depositional environments. Well-developed sedimentary structures have been found in the beach and estuary, including sand dune, sand ridge, straight and sinuous ripple, ripple marks, aeolian nail marks, high angle tabular cross bedding, antidune, rill mark, rhomboid mark, swash line, mud crack, gravel pavement, interfering ripples, flat topped ripple mark, linguiod mark, asymmetric sinuous ripples, dendritic pattern on sandy beach, boring and bioturbation, burrows desiccation cracks and water escape hole. Different sedimentary structures are reflective of different hydrodynamic conditions and depositional environments. Coastal erosion is a major problem for damage of road, bridge and properties in the industrial areas in Swartkops, which is also a task for this study. The author had suggested some practical mitigation-methods to local government, such as groins, revetments, shoreline hardening, planting of vegetation, and vertical walls, bulkheads, sills, which could be useful for the protection of coastal erosion. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science and Agriculture, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-11
- Authors: Best, Lutho https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6400-9061
- Date: 2021-11
- Subjects: Geology, Stratigraphic , Estuarine oceanography , Swartkops River Estuary (South Africa)
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/22611 , vital:52596
- Description: This study is a part of an environmental research project aimed at providing assessment information to the grain-size distribution, mineral compositions, sedimentary structures and coastal erosion and rehabilitation methods along the Swartkops estuary, a recent developing industry area of South Africa. The methodologies used in this study comprise desk study of literature, field geological investigation and sampling, and laboratory analyses including grainsize analysis, thin section microscope study, XRD mineral composition study and SEM-EDX grain surface texture and composition analyses.The basement and surrounding areas of the Swartkops estuary consist of three formations: the Enon Formation of mainly conglomerate, the Kirkwood Formation of sandstone and mudstone, and the Sundays River Formation of dominantly mudstone with sandstone, which integrated as Uitenhage Group of Cretaceous sequence with modern estuarine sand and alluvial sediments filled in the entire basin. Grain size analysis is a useful tool to assess hydrodynamic environments. The grain size parameters showed that most of the Swartkops estuary sediments are moderately sorted with very few well and poorly sorted, coarse to fine skewed in grain size distribution.Whereas the Bluewater Bay beach sediments are mostly fine grained, well sorted, fine to coarse skewed in grain size distribution. The bivariate scatter plots are an indication of shallow marine environment by beach and coastal processes with the influence of water flow and wind influence during transportation and deposition processes. Mineralogy studies revealed that the Swartkops estuary sediments are dominantly composed of minerals such as: quartz, calcite, feldspar (orthoclase and plagioclase), aragonite, clay minerals (smectite and illite), and salts such as NaCl and MgCl2. Skeletal carbonate minerals (shell fragments) are more than chemical precipitated carbonate minerals. Quartz is the most abundant detrital mineral observed in all the sediments and it comes from inland and transported into the estuary and the beach by fluvial streams, whereas skeletal calcite/aragonite is the most abundant biogenic carbonate derived from sea side and transported by marine currents. The study shows that grain surface textures reveal the existence of several features that reflect the depositional environments. Observed grain surface textures by microscope and SEM include V-shape pits, upturned pits caused by mechanical crashing and corrosion during transportation; crystalline precipitation of calcite, quartz, salt and clay by chemical precipitation and crystallization; dissolution pits and pores formed by dissolution, and burrow and boring by biogenetic activities. The grain surface morphologies are closely linked to different formation mechanisms and depositional environments. Well-developed sedimentary structures have been found in the beach and estuary, including sand dune, sand ridge, straight and sinuous ripple, ripple marks, aeolian nail marks, high angle tabular cross bedding, antidune, rill mark, rhomboid mark, swash line, mud crack, gravel pavement, interfering ripples, flat topped ripple mark, linguiod mark, asymmetric sinuous ripples, dendritic pattern on sandy beach, boring and bioturbation, burrows desiccation cracks and water escape hole. Different sedimentary structures are reflective of different hydrodynamic conditions and depositional environments. Coastal erosion is a major problem for damage of road, bridge and properties in the industrial areas in Swartkops, which is also a task for this study. The author had suggested some practical mitigation-methods to local government, such as groins, revetments, shoreline hardening, planting of vegetation, and vertical walls, bulkheads, sills, which could be useful for the protection of coastal erosion. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science and Agriculture, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-11
Using spatial explicit capture-recapture model to investigate the demography and spatial dynamics of lion prides in Pilanesberg National Park
- Authors: Bettings, Isabella Aletta
- Date: 2022-12
- Subjects: Lions--Behavior--South Africa , Animals tracks -- Pilanesberg National Park -- North West
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/59655 , vital:62318
- Description: Lions are apex predators that play a vital role in the ecosystem. They regulate prey species through predation and other non-consumptive means. Factors that have influenced the decline of lion populations across Africa in the last half century, are loss of habitat, human wildlife conflict and the depletion of prey species. Extensive reintroductions of lions have been conducted across South Africa in order to restore their numbers in protected areas. The Pilanesberg National Park (PNP) was one of many protected areas that reintroduced lions. Their numbers were well documented by management until 2005 where they lost track of the population numbers. During this unfortunate period, there was an observed decline in prey numbers. The aim of this dissertation was to estimate the abundance, movement, and sex ratio of lions, in PNP. Abundance, movement, and sex ratio were determined by a three-month intensive lion survey. The location of each lion encounter was recorded on a mobile device which had an application installed called Cybertracker (v3). Photographs were taken of each Lion to build identification kits. For the data analysis, I used the Bayesian spatial explicit capture-recapture (SECR) model. This model takes time, space, and the robustness of an individual lion into account. Robustness is the measure of how well a lion maintains their functionality, when various stressors are applied (Harmsen, Foster, & Quigley, 2020). The estimated lion population in PNP was 44 lions (>1 year) with a density of 8.8 lions per 100 km2 . The estimated mean home range size of male lions was 279 km2 with a highest probability density (HPD) range of 179 – 385 km2 . The estimated mean home range of female lions was 191 km2 with a HPD range of 135 – 262 km2 . The larger home range size for male lions and smaller home range size for females is found v throughout the African continent in protected areas. The estimated sex ratio was 0.9♀:1♂, which is unexpected as PNP sex ratios between male and female lions is usually 2♀:1♂. A future sampling design for PNP was produced from the completed lion survey dataset. I drove a total of 7350 km and evaluated the influence of varied sampling efforts (i.e., kms driven) on precision estimates and relative bias for abundance, movement, and sex ratio. I found that a minimum of 4 000 km was needed to adequately estimate the lion abundance, movement, and sex ratio in this small fenced protected area. These findings can be used to help guide management to the most cost-effective sampling method and still obtain accurate estimates for monitoring lions. By showing management what is required for appropriate lion surveys this might help improve future monitoring. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, School of Natural Resource Management, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-12
- Authors: Bettings, Isabella Aletta
- Date: 2022-12
- Subjects: Lions--Behavior--South Africa , Animals tracks -- Pilanesberg National Park -- North West
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/59655 , vital:62318
- Description: Lions are apex predators that play a vital role in the ecosystem. They regulate prey species through predation and other non-consumptive means. Factors that have influenced the decline of lion populations across Africa in the last half century, are loss of habitat, human wildlife conflict and the depletion of prey species. Extensive reintroductions of lions have been conducted across South Africa in order to restore their numbers in protected areas. The Pilanesberg National Park (PNP) was one of many protected areas that reintroduced lions. Their numbers were well documented by management until 2005 where they lost track of the population numbers. During this unfortunate period, there was an observed decline in prey numbers. The aim of this dissertation was to estimate the abundance, movement, and sex ratio of lions, in PNP. Abundance, movement, and sex ratio were determined by a three-month intensive lion survey. The location of each lion encounter was recorded on a mobile device which had an application installed called Cybertracker (v3). Photographs were taken of each Lion to build identification kits. For the data analysis, I used the Bayesian spatial explicit capture-recapture (SECR) model. This model takes time, space, and the robustness of an individual lion into account. Robustness is the measure of how well a lion maintains their functionality, when various stressors are applied (Harmsen, Foster, & Quigley, 2020). The estimated lion population in PNP was 44 lions (>1 year) with a density of 8.8 lions per 100 km2 . The estimated mean home range size of male lions was 279 km2 with a highest probability density (HPD) range of 179 – 385 km2 . The estimated mean home range of female lions was 191 km2 with a HPD range of 135 – 262 km2 . The larger home range size for male lions and smaller home range size for females is found v throughout the African continent in protected areas. The estimated sex ratio was 0.9♀:1♂, which is unexpected as PNP sex ratios between male and female lions is usually 2♀:1♂. A future sampling design for PNP was produced from the completed lion survey dataset. I drove a total of 7350 km and evaluated the influence of varied sampling efforts (i.e., kms driven) on precision estimates and relative bias for abundance, movement, and sex ratio. I found that a minimum of 4 000 km was needed to adequately estimate the lion abundance, movement, and sex ratio in this small fenced protected area. These findings can be used to help guide management to the most cost-effective sampling method and still obtain accurate estimates for monitoring lions. By showing management what is required for appropriate lion surveys this might help improve future monitoring. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, School of Natural Resource Management, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-12
The concurrent jurisdiction of the high court and labour court
- Authors: Beyleveld, Dominique
- Date: 2021-04
- Subjects: Gqeberha (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , Labor laws and legislation--South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/51191 , vital:43218
- Description: The words “concurrent jurisdiction” essentially means that there is more than one court which has the power to hear a matter and therefore, a party may choose which forum to approach.1 The High Court (hereinafter referred to as “HC”) may exercise jurisdiction, together with the Labour Court (hereinafter referred to as “LC”), in enforcing purely contractual and other common law claims as well as for breach of fundamental rights to which the Labour Relations Act (LRA)2 (or other labour statutes) do not give effect to.3 However, this is not without limitations. The HC and the LC have concurrent jurisdiction over claims relating to the lawfulness of dismissal or other conduct by the parties, whereas all claims based on fairness falls within the exclusive jurisdiction of the LC.4 The practical implication of the approach taken by the Constitutional Court (hereinafter referred to as “CC”)5 is that jurisdiction may, to a certain extent,6 be based on the pleadings, and a litigant may in fact have simultaneous claims arising from the same circumstances.7 However, where the basis of the action and the relief sought is clearly identifiable as being part of the machinery of the Labour Relations Act (hereinafter referred to as the “LRA”) or other labour legislation, then the HC will not have jurisdiction and it is up to the LC to remedy the wrong and give effect to the primary objects of the LRA , Thesis (LLM) -- Faculty of Law, Mercantile Law, 2021
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2021-04
- Authors: Beyleveld, Dominique
- Date: 2021-04
- Subjects: Gqeberha (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , Labor laws and legislation--South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/51191 , vital:43218
- Description: The words “concurrent jurisdiction” essentially means that there is more than one court which has the power to hear a matter and therefore, a party may choose which forum to approach.1 The High Court (hereinafter referred to as “HC”) may exercise jurisdiction, together with the Labour Court (hereinafter referred to as “LC”), in enforcing purely contractual and other common law claims as well as for breach of fundamental rights to which the Labour Relations Act (LRA)2 (or other labour statutes) do not give effect to.3 However, this is not without limitations. The HC and the LC have concurrent jurisdiction over claims relating to the lawfulness of dismissal or other conduct by the parties, whereas all claims based on fairness falls within the exclusive jurisdiction of the LC.4 The practical implication of the approach taken by the Constitutional Court (hereinafter referred to as “CC”)5 is that jurisdiction may, to a certain extent,6 be based on the pleadings, and a litigant may in fact have simultaneous claims arising from the same circumstances.7 However, where the basis of the action and the relief sought is clearly identifiable as being part of the machinery of the Labour Relations Act (hereinafter referred to as the “LRA”) or other labour legislation, then the HC will not have jurisdiction and it is up to the LC to remedy the wrong and give effect to the primary objects of the LRA , Thesis (LLM) -- Faculty of Law, Mercantile Law, 2021
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2021-04
The impact of Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder on the well-being of adults diagnosed with the disorder: a systematic review
- Authors: Bezuidenhout, L Spies
- Date: 2022-07
- Subjects: Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder , Attention-deficit disorder in adults , Attention-deficit-disordered adults
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/26940 , vital:66204
- Description: The aim of this research is to explore how adults who were diagnosed with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) experience the impact that the disorder has on their wellbeing. Since this research is an exploration of human experience the qualitative paradigm was used to guide the research. The research design was a Systematic Review. Studies for this research were found in the Fort Hare University Databases. The search terms used included a combination of the following and/or their synonyms Positive Psychology, well-being, life satisfaction, impact on life, life experience, coping strategies, and ADHD. There were 10 articles that met the selected inclusion criteria that became the sample. These articles were then further appraised by using the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme (CASP) appraisal tool. Data was extracted from the studies by using Thematic Analysis to provide the results. The themes for the research were identified as: the impact of an ADHD diagnosis, the impact ADHD has on identity, the impact ADHD has on performance and coping with ADHD. These themes best describe the data that was found in the sources. , Thesis (MSoc) -- Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-07
- Authors: Bezuidenhout, L Spies
- Date: 2022-07
- Subjects: Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder , Attention-deficit disorder in adults , Attention-deficit-disordered adults
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/26940 , vital:66204
- Description: The aim of this research is to explore how adults who were diagnosed with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) experience the impact that the disorder has on their wellbeing. Since this research is an exploration of human experience the qualitative paradigm was used to guide the research. The research design was a Systematic Review. Studies for this research were found in the Fort Hare University Databases. The search terms used included a combination of the following and/or their synonyms Positive Psychology, well-being, life satisfaction, impact on life, life experience, coping strategies, and ADHD. There were 10 articles that met the selected inclusion criteria that became the sample. These articles were then further appraised by using the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme (CASP) appraisal tool. Data was extracted from the studies by using Thematic Analysis to provide the results. The themes for the research were identified as: the impact of an ADHD diagnosis, the impact ADHD has on identity, the impact ADHD has on performance and coping with ADHD. These themes best describe the data that was found in the sources. , Thesis (MSoc) -- Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-07
The design of a ritual precinct for the Zion Christian Church (ZCC) in the Swartkops Nature Reserve, Gqeberha:
- Authors: Bezuidenhout, Lee Vicky
- Date: 2022-04
- Subjects: Church buildings --South Africa --Port Elizabeth-- Designs and plans , Zionist Christian Church
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/57425 , vital:57758
- Description: Man and nature have become disconnected over the years, as man relies more on the advances of the technical age and less on connections to the natural world. Through this disconnect, nature is bearing the consequences and is in a state of decay. As part of the cosmos, the natural envi-ronment is inherently imbued with sacredness; this sacred nature often manifesting itself within the very structure of the earth. Importance is then placed on how we po-sition ourselves and our holy places within their natural environment in order to set a precedent for the rest of our built environments. This treatise positions itself within ecology and the sacred. It focuses on the particulars of sacredscapes and pilgrimages within a context of Afri-can landscapes and African religions. This encompasses both the built and unbuilt elements of sacred architecture as well as sacredscapes through the reflection of cosmic rhythms, manifest order and harmony in order to create a holistic living organism aware of both the “real” and the sacred. Through its roots in holistic design, is sacredscapes align very closely to that of the ecological paradigm and the creation of integrated ecosystems. Sacred place often realised through the continuation of ritual practice. These rituals are a crucial part of African religions and most often find themselves in or associated with their natural environment. Thus, this is where the focus of the treatise lies - in the ritual cleansing ceremonies of the Zion Christian Church carried out in the Swartkops River. Ritual precincts and the creation of sacredscapes as a tool to reintegrate nature into the sacred will be explored. The intervention presents itself as an emergent ecosystemic architecture creating a sacred space, at the water’s edge, imbued with the Afro-Christian narrative of the Zion Christian Church. , Thesis (MArch)-- Faculty of Engineering, the Built Environment and Technology, School of Architecture, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-04
- Authors: Bezuidenhout, Lee Vicky
- Date: 2022-04
- Subjects: Church buildings --South Africa --Port Elizabeth-- Designs and plans , Zionist Christian Church
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/57425 , vital:57758
- Description: Man and nature have become disconnected over the years, as man relies more on the advances of the technical age and less on connections to the natural world. Through this disconnect, nature is bearing the consequences and is in a state of decay. As part of the cosmos, the natural envi-ronment is inherently imbued with sacredness; this sacred nature often manifesting itself within the very structure of the earth. Importance is then placed on how we po-sition ourselves and our holy places within their natural environment in order to set a precedent for the rest of our built environments. This treatise positions itself within ecology and the sacred. It focuses on the particulars of sacredscapes and pilgrimages within a context of Afri-can landscapes and African religions. This encompasses both the built and unbuilt elements of sacred architecture as well as sacredscapes through the reflection of cosmic rhythms, manifest order and harmony in order to create a holistic living organism aware of both the “real” and the sacred. Through its roots in holistic design, is sacredscapes align very closely to that of the ecological paradigm and the creation of integrated ecosystems. Sacred place often realised through the continuation of ritual practice. These rituals are a crucial part of African religions and most often find themselves in or associated with their natural environment. Thus, this is where the focus of the treatise lies - in the ritual cleansing ceremonies of the Zion Christian Church carried out in the Swartkops River. Ritual precincts and the creation of sacredscapes as a tool to reintegrate nature into the sacred will be explored. The intervention presents itself as an emergent ecosystemic architecture creating a sacred space, at the water’s edge, imbued with the Afro-Christian narrative of the Zion Christian Church. , Thesis (MArch)-- Faculty of Engineering, the Built Environment and Technology, School of Architecture, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-04
The trade and poverty nexus in South Africa: investigating the transmission mechanism and the associated challenges
- Authors: Bhebhe, Nonceba Fikile
- Date: 2022-10-14
- Subjects: Commerce , Free trade , International trade , Poverty South Africa , Poverty Prevention , South Africa Economic conditions 1991-
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/357515 , vital:64750
- Description: International trade plays an essential role in economic development strategies. In literature, foreign trade is identified as a driver of economic growth. In recent times there has been an expansion in the scope of investigations around the role of international trade to include its links with poverty alleviation. Poverty alleviation is explicitly identified as the first goal on the 2030 agenda for sustainable development under the Sustainable Development Goals and implicitly defined in goal 10. International trade is seen as the engine behind achieving the goal. South Africa records excessive poverty and inequality levels by international standards for a middle-income country. The most recent Poverty Trends Report for 2006 - 2015 reports 55.5% of the population living in poverty. Inequality statistics reported a per capita expenditure Gini coefficient of 0.65 in 2015, evidence that the country has high levels of inequality. The country's severe poverty, unemployment, and inequality prompt policymakers to formulate developmental policies around the underlying structural challenges. Trade openness has increased since the end of the Apartheid era. Despite the increased trade openness, economic growth has been insufficient in reducing the high unemployment and poverty levels, presenting a challenge for economists, who argue that trade openness is pro-growth and pro-poor. In the South African case, the lack of change in the structural challenges of poverty, unemployment and inequality has raised concerns over whether the trade policy reforms made since 1994 interfere with development objectives. This study aims to investigate the impact of trade liberalisation on poverty, using the three channels, namely enterprise, distribution, and government that have been researched within the McCulloch, Winters and Cirera framework. Specifically, it investigates the linkages via the transmission mechanism in which trade affects poverty in South Africa by mapping the transmission mechanisms from trade liberalisation to poverty alleviation, whilst identifying the possible challenges to the transmission mechanisms and lastly, analysing the stylised facts around trade and poverty in South Africa. To answer the question of this study, quantitative data from National Income Dynamic Study (NIDS) was merged longitudinally and aggregated with the industry tariff data sourced from the World Trade Organisation (WTO) and United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) statistics. A path analysis was undertaken to map the transmission mechanism, whilst descriptive statistics were used to identify the possible associated challenges. The results show that the most significant channel of transmission are the enterprise and distribution channel. However, the effects are of a small margin and a more comprehensive trade policy yield a higher margin of poverty alleviation. , Thesis (MCom) -- Faculty of Commerce, Economics and Economic History, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-10-14
- Authors: Bhebhe, Nonceba Fikile
- Date: 2022-10-14
- Subjects: Commerce , Free trade , International trade , Poverty South Africa , Poverty Prevention , South Africa Economic conditions 1991-
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/357515 , vital:64750
- Description: International trade plays an essential role in economic development strategies. In literature, foreign trade is identified as a driver of economic growth. In recent times there has been an expansion in the scope of investigations around the role of international trade to include its links with poverty alleviation. Poverty alleviation is explicitly identified as the first goal on the 2030 agenda for sustainable development under the Sustainable Development Goals and implicitly defined in goal 10. International trade is seen as the engine behind achieving the goal. South Africa records excessive poverty and inequality levels by international standards for a middle-income country. The most recent Poverty Trends Report for 2006 - 2015 reports 55.5% of the population living in poverty. Inequality statistics reported a per capita expenditure Gini coefficient of 0.65 in 2015, evidence that the country has high levels of inequality. The country's severe poverty, unemployment, and inequality prompt policymakers to formulate developmental policies around the underlying structural challenges. Trade openness has increased since the end of the Apartheid era. Despite the increased trade openness, economic growth has been insufficient in reducing the high unemployment and poverty levels, presenting a challenge for economists, who argue that trade openness is pro-growth and pro-poor. In the South African case, the lack of change in the structural challenges of poverty, unemployment and inequality has raised concerns over whether the trade policy reforms made since 1994 interfere with development objectives. This study aims to investigate the impact of trade liberalisation on poverty, using the three channels, namely enterprise, distribution, and government that have been researched within the McCulloch, Winters and Cirera framework. Specifically, it investigates the linkages via the transmission mechanism in which trade affects poverty in South Africa by mapping the transmission mechanisms from trade liberalisation to poverty alleviation, whilst identifying the possible challenges to the transmission mechanisms and lastly, analysing the stylised facts around trade and poverty in South Africa. To answer the question of this study, quantitative data from National Income Dynamic Study (NIDS) was merged longitudinally and aggregated with the industry tariff data sourced from the World Trade Organisation (WTO) and United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) statistics. A path analysis was undertaken to map the transmission mechanism, whilst descriptive statistics were used to identify the possible associated challenges. The results show that the most significant channel of transmission are the enterprise and distribution channel. However, the effects are of a small margin and a more comprehensive trade policy yield a higher margin of poverty alleviation. , Thesis (MCom) -- Faculty of Commerce, Economics and Economic History, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-10-14
Organophosphate flame retardant’s signatures in the Buffalo River Estuary and their removal using modified cyclodextrins
- Authors: Bika, Sinozuko Hope
- Date: 2022-03
- Subjects: Water purification chemicals industry , Organic water pollutants , Rivers
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/27500 , vital:67363
- Description: The increasing scarcity of fresh and clean water in many places around the world is a major concern. Water is a basic need that must be availed to humans, plants and animals at any given time. It is a requirement that each human on earth should get between 20-50 L of fresh, clean and pure water a day. It is very difficult to keep up with this need due to drastic increase in global pollution by emerging contaminants. The increase is due to human activities, modern way of life, industrialization and improper disposal of materials that contain these OPFRs. Organophosphate flame retardants OPFRs are the organic pollutants considered in this study. OPFRs are semi volatile compounds SVOCs that are used in many industries as flame retardants and additives. They were developed because of environmental and health concerns of previously used brominated and chlorinated flame retardants FRs. They show acute toxicity and exhibit adverse effects such as neurotoxicity, they are also carcinogenic to humans and animals. In recent years, some researchers have started investigating the occurrence and distribution of OPFRs in South African rivers. The aim of this study was to identify signatures of OPFRs in the aquatic environment of Buffalo River Estuary, and soil from a nearby dumpsite: and to develop a method for their removal using modified cyclodextrins. In this study, the concentration of OPFRs were investigated in sediments and soil samples collected from Buffalo River Estuary. This estuary is located close to a major port in East London city in the Eastern Cape Province, South Africa. Collection of samples was done across two seasons i.e. winter and spring. OPFRs in sediment and soil samples in this study were extracted using ultrasonic extraction method. Solid-phase extraction SPE was employed for the cleanup of the extracts, in order to reduce potential matrix interference and also for sample purification. The congeners of interest in this study were Tris 2-Choroethyl phosphate TCEP and Tris 1,3-Dicloro-2-propyl phosphate (TDCP). Samples were air dried immediately on arrival at the laboratory after being stored in an ice chest at 4 ℃ and further processed for further analysis.The concentrations of OPFRs were determined using GC-μECD (gas chromatograph coupled with micro electron capture detector) from soil and sediments in that area and they were found high in winter compared to spring owing to high level of discharge of industrial and domestic waste into the aquatic system and also the nearby dumpsite. The total concentrationof OPFRs Ʃ 2OPFRs for sediments and soil for both seasons was 39935±7619 μg/g and 10376±601 μg/g, respectively. The dominant congener in the Buffalo River Estuary was TCEP. The ecological risk assessment was estimated for the study area, and TCEP moderate risk while TDCP presented low risk. From this study, it could be inferred that the Buffalo River Estuary and the nearby dumpsite in East London are polluted by emerging pollutants i.e. OPFRs. Hence, strict control measures should be put in place to monitor all activities contributing to such magnitude of pollution in the estuary, which is of great economic value to the country. Furthermore in this study, an insoluble and hydrophilic polymer EDTA-Cysteine-β-Cyclodextrin was prepared and synthesized for the remediation of OPFRs in soil and sediments. This newly developed method was tested for the removal of TDCP an OPFR congener and it was successful with an average removal rate of 77.49 percent. , Thesis (MSci) -- Faculty of Science and Agriculture, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-03
- Authors: Bika, Sinozuko Hope
- Date: 2022-03
- Subjects: Water purification chemicals industry , Organic water pollutants , Rivers
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/27500 , vital:67363
- Description: The increasing scarcity of fresh and clean water in many places around the world is a major concern. Water is a basic need that must be availed to humans, plants and animals at any given time. It is a requirement that each human on earth should get between 20-50 L of fresh, clean and pure water a day. It is very difficult to keep up with this need due to drastic increase in global pollution by emerging contaminants. The increase is due to human activities, modern way of life, industrialization and improper disposal of materials that contain these OPFRs. Organophosphate flame retardants OPFRs are the organic pollutants considered in this study. OPFRs are semi volatile compounds SVOCs that are used in many industries as flame retardants and additives. They were developed because of environmental and health concerns of previously used brominated and chlorinated flame retardants FRs. They show acute toxicity and exhibit adverse effects such as neurotoxicity, they are also carcinogenic to humans and animals. In recent years, some researchers have started investigating the occurrence and distribution of OPFRs in South African rivers. The aim of this study was to identify signatures of OPFRs in the aquatic environment of Buffalo River Estuary, and soil from a nearby dumpsite: and to develop a method for their removal using modified cyclodextrins. In this study, the concentration of OPFRs were investigated in sediments and soil samples collected from Buffalo River Estuary. This estuary is located close to a major port in East London city in the Eastern Cape Province, South Africa. Collection of samples was done across two seasons i.e. winter and spring. OPFRs in sediment and soil samples in this study were extracted using ultrasonic extraction method. Solid-phase extraction SPE was employed for the cleanup of the extracts, in order to reduce potential matrix interference and also for sample purification. The congeners of interest in this study were Tris 2-Choroethyl phosphate TCEP and Tris 1,3-Dicloro-2-propyl phosphate (TDCP). Samples were air dried immediately on arrival at the laboratory after being stored in an ice chest at 4 ℃ and further processed for further analysis.The concentrations of OPFRs were determined using GC-μECD (gas chromatograph coupled with micro electron capture detector) from soil and sediments in that area and they were found high in winter compared to spring owing to high level of discharge of industrial and domestic waste into the aquatic system and also the nearby dumpsite. The total concentrationof OPFRs Ʃ 2OPFRs for sediments and soil for both seasons was 39935±7619 μg/g and 10376±601 μg/g, respectively. The dominant congener in the Buffalo River Estuary was TCEP. The ecological risk assessment was estimated for the study area, and TCEP moderate risk while TDCP presented low risk. From this study, it could be inferred that the Buffalo River Estuary and the nearby dumpsite in East London are polluted by emerging pollutants i.e. OPFRs. Hence, strict control measures should be put in place to monitor all activities contributing to such magnitude of pollution in the estuary, which is of great economic value to the country. Furthermore in this study, an insoluble and hydrophilic polymer EDTA-Cysteine-β-Cyclodextrin was prepared and synthesized for the remediation of OPFRs in soil and sediments. This newly developed method was tested for the removal of TDCP an OPFR congener and it was successful with an average removal rate of 77.49 percent. , Thesis (MSci) -- Faculty of Science and Agriculture, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-03
Constructions of Ukuyalwa and marriage satisfaction: experiences of Xhosa couples in the Eastern Cape
- Authors: Bikwe, Siphuxolo
- Date: 2023-03-30
- Subjects: Uncatalogued
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/408805 , vital:70527
- Description: Marital satisfaction may be described as the extent to which one’s expectations, desires and needs are being satisfied in their marriage. Studies that concern marital satisfaction provide us with crucial insights into factors that support or compromise the longevity of long-term, committed relationships. Little work has been done in understanding the role of cultural practices in marital satisfaction particularly in Africa, and South Africa more specifically. Ukuyalwa is a Xhosa ritual that takes place during a Xhosa traditional wedding, whereby the bride is introduced to the (traditional) guiding practices of her new home by the women of the family together with her sisters-in-law. This study informs the practice of African psychology as formulated by Ratele (2017b).Critical African psychology as a framework recognizes the construction of culture alongside political, socioeconomic, and historical matrices. These are acknowledged as an important element in psychological theories, methods, and explanations. This research project aimed to identify the discourses that circulate around ukuyalwa as a Xhosa cultural practice and consider the implications for the marital satisfaction of amaXhosa couples. The study interviewed 3 Xhosa couples of varying ages who had been married for different durations to develop an understanding of their experiences of ukuyalwa and marital satisfaction. Data was analyzed using a Foucauldian Discourse Analysis (FDA) which allowed for the identifications of the discourses that the couples used to construct ukuyalwa and marital satisfaction. The couples discursively constructed marriage as ‘divine unity’, ‘unification of families’ and ‘partnership’. Ukuyalwa was constructed as a ‘gendered process’, ideas of tradition and modernity, and a ‘foundation’ also became apparent. Satisfaction was constructed as ‘open communication’ and ‘work’. The couples’ positions shifted in their conversations, where in some instances they were 'learners’, ‘initiates’, and/or ‘passive’, and in other instances, they were ‘in charge’, ‘knowledgeable’, and ‘experts’. The discourses of culture, religion, and partnership circulated prominently in relation to marriage, ukuyalwa, and marital satisfaction. The findings of the study speak to how the couples’ constructions of marriage and cultural customs such as ukuyalwa are valuable as they often inform how couples behave in their marriage relationships and what they regard as satisfactory to them when it comes to marriage. These insights into what informs the couples’ ideas on marriage and satisfaction can be utilised in informing couples therapy interventions. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Humanities, Psychology, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-03-30
- Authors: Bikwe, Siphuxolo
- Date: 2023-03-30
- Subjects: Uncatalogued
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/408805 , vital:70527
- Description: Marital satisfaction may be described as the extent to which one’s expectations, desires and needs are being satisfied in their marriage. Studies that concern marital satisfaction provide us with crucial insights into factors that support or compromise the longevity of long-term, committed relationships. Little work has been done in understanding the role of cultural practices in marital satisfaction particularly in Africa, and South Africa more specifically. Ukuyalwa is a Xhosa ritual that takes place during a Xhosa traditional wedding, whereby the bride is introduced to the (traditional) guiding practices of her new home by the women of the family together with her sisters-in-law. This study informs the practice of African psychology as formulated by Ratele (2017b).Critical African psychology as a framework recognizes the construction of culture alongside political, socioeconomic, and historical matrices. These are acknowledged as an important element in psychological theories, methods, and explanations. This research project aimed to identify the discourses that circulate around ukuyalwa as a Xhosa cultural practice and consider the implications for the marital satisfaction of amaXhosa couples. The study interviewed 3 Xhosa couples of varying ages who had been married for different durations to develop an understanding of their experiences of ukuyalwa and marital satisfaction. Data was analyzed using a Foucauldian Discourse Analysis (FDA) which allowed for the identifications of the discourses that the couples used to construct ukuyalwa and marital satisfaction. The couples discursively constructed marriage as ‘divine unity’, ‘unification of families’ and ‘partnership’. Ukuyalwa was constructed as a ‘gendered process’, ideas of tradition and modernity, and a ‘foundation’ also became apparent. Satisfaction was constructed as ‘open communication’ and ‘work’. The couples’ positions shifted in their conversations, where in some instances they were 'learners’, ‘initiates’, and/or ‘passive’, and in other instances, they were ‘in charge’, ‘knowledgeable’, and ‘experts’. The discourses of culture, religion, and partnership circulated prominently in relation to marriage, ukuyalwa, and marital satisfaction. The findings of the study speak to how the couples’ constructions of marriage and cultural customs such as ukuyalwa are valuable as they often inform how couples behave in their marriage relationships and what they regard as satisfactory to them when it comes to marriage. These insights into what informs the couples’ ideas on marriage and satisfaction can be utilised in informing couples therapy interventions. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Humanities, Psychology, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-03-30
Mentoring of women-owning SMEs in the South African construction industry
- Authors: Bingwa, Nelisa
- Date: 2022-04
- Subjects: Construction industry , Small business
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/57535 , vital:58059
- Description: Challenges of women-owning small business have been noted in different economic industries globally. This situation is even more prevalent in the construction industry, where women face special challenges connected to their historic exclusion in the industry. Women small and medium enterprises in the construction industry grow slowly, lack crucial skills and industry experience, making it difficult for them to sustain their businesses. In this regard, mentoring has been acknowledged globally as a viable avenue to assist in developing women-owning small businesses and their chosen business careers. Mentoring in South Africa is acknowledged for its ability to develop the skills of small businesses owners. Accordingly, the mentoring approach was embraced by the post-apartheid South African government to eliminate past apartheid-induced socio- economic inequalities to develop women-owning SMEs across complex businesses such as the construction industry. Numerous mentorship policies have been introduced to obviate the challenges experienced by previously discriminated groups such as women to whom small-medium enterprise opportunities in the construction industry were hitherto inaccessible. Despite such ameliorative measures and interventions, women-owning SMEs in the construction industry continue to experience stagnant business growth and relatively higher business failure rates. The purpose of this study, therefore, was to ascertain the enabling conditions necessary for effective mentoring of women-owning small and medium enterprises in the South African construction industry. The study adopted a qualitative interpretivistic approach that provided insights into mentoring experiences and challenges facing women’s small and medium enterprises in the construction industry. Literature was gathered on small businesses with special reference to women small and medium enterprises in construction and by contextualising issues relating to mentoring such enterprises, especially in the construction industry. Data was gathered from interviews with 18 participants using face-to-face interviews and online platforms such as Teams and WhatsApp. Participants included women-owning small businesses whose businesses have been in operation for a minimum of two years and have participated in mentoring at some point during the operation of their business. Data was analysed inductively by means of content and thematic analyses using a combination of manifest, latent and constant comparative content analyse. The results of the interviews showed that the conditions necessary to create an enabling mentoring of women-owning SMEs in the construction industry include: specific policy v development, public and private sector involvement, industry-related mentoring, provision of female role models, increasing public awareness, provision of basic resources to participate, duration of programmes, mentor and mentee commitment and mentors with exceptional characteristics. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Business and Management Sciences, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-04
- Authors: Bingwa, Nelisa
- Date: 2022-04
- Subjects: Construction industry , Small business
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/57535 , vital:58059
- Description: Challenges of women-owning small business have been noted in different economic industries globally. This situation is even more prevalent in the construction industry, where women face special challenges connected to their historic exclusion in the industry. Women small and medium enterprises in the construction industry grow slowly, lack crucial skills and industry experience, making it difficult for them to sustain their businesses. In this regard, mentoring has been acknowledged globally as a viable avenue to assist in developing women-owning small businesses and their chosen business careers. Mentoring in South Africa is acknowledged for its ability to develop the skills of small businesses owners. Accordingly, the mentoring approach was embraced by the post-apartheid South African government to eliminate past apartheid-induced socio- economic inequalities to develop women-owning SMEs across complex businesses such as the construction industry. Numerous mentorship policies have been introduced to obviate the challenges experienced by previously discriminated groups such as women to whom small-medium enterprise opportunities in the construction industry were hitherto inaccessible. Despite such ameliorative measures and interventions, women-owning SMEs in the construction industry continue to experience stagnant business growth and relatively higher business failure rates. The purpose of this study, therefore, was to ascertain the enabling conditions necessary for effective mentoring of women-owning small and medium enterprises in the South African construction industry. The study adopted a qualitative interpretivistic approach that provided insights into mentoring experiences and challenges facing women’s small and medium enterprises in the construction industry. Literature was gathered on small businesses with special reference to women small and medium enterprises in construction and by contextualising issues relating to mentoring such enterprises, especially in the construction industry. Data was gathered from interviews with 18 participants using face-to-face interviews and online platforms such as Teams and WhatsApp. Participants included women-owning small businesses whose businesses have been in operation for a minimum of two years and have participated in mentoring at some point during the operation of their business. Data was analysed inductively by means of content and thematic analyses using a combination of manifest, latent and constant comparative content analyse. The results of the interviews showed that the conditions necessary to create an enabling mentoring of women-owning SMEs in the construction industry include: specific policy v development, public and private sector involvement, industry-related mentoring, provision of female role models, increasing public awareness, provision of basic resources to participate, duration of programmes, mentor and mentee commitment and mentors with exceptional characteristics. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Business and Management Sciences, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-04
An analysis of talent management practices of recently hired employees from the perspective of the psychological contract
- Authors: Bischoff, Olivia Edjegayhu
- Date: 2021-10-29
- Subjects: Gifted persons , Contracts Psychological aspects , Personnel management Psychological aspects , Breach of contract , Psychology, Industrial , Organizational behavior , Industrial relations , Employees Attitudes , Employee retention
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/191865 , vital:45173
- Description: This research took the form of an explanatory case study focused within a single organisation to evaluate talent management practices of recently hired employees from the perspective of the psychological contract. The theory underpinning this research is Resource-Based Theory (RBT) in the context of Talent Management. The research aims were: 1) to analyse how talent management practices have affected the psychological contract, 2) to analyse how employees have responded and intend to respond if there has been a breach in the contract and 3) to analyse how employees have responded or intend to respond where psychological contract expectations have been met. The key concepts identified include talent management and the psychological contract. The literature therefore expanded on talent management highlighting the importance of recruiting, attracting and retaining talent, especially in a global context where experience and skills are a source of competitive advantage. Following this, the concept of the psychological contract was used as a lens through which to analyse the experience of individuals, specifically focusing on new employees joining the organisation, to assess their socialisation and onboarding experience. The literature further explored the importance of focusing on new employees, as this is deemed by the literature as a critical time of transition in the shaping of the psychological contract. In further reviewing the literature regarding early onboarding, further review of the literature identified important components, including (1) socialisation and onboarding, (2) performance management and probation, (3) employee development and (4) work conditions. From reviewing the literature four propositions were deduced as follows: • Proposition 1: All integrative processes in early onboarding influence the initial psychological contract of the employee. Proposition 1 was further divided into three sub propositions as follows: Sub Proposition 1a) HR plays a key role in early onboarding, influencing the initial psychological contract; Sub Proposition 1b) Supervisor support plays a key role in early onboarding, influencing the initial psychological contract; and IV Sub Proposition 1c) The work team plays a key role in early onboarding, influencing the initial psychological contract. • Proposition 2 stated: Performance discussions influence the psychological contract. • Proposition 3: Employee development opportunities are a source of motivation in the fulfilment of the psychological contract. • Proposition 4: Employment conditions influence the fulfilment of the psychological contract. The research followed a qualitative approach, using deductive analysis to analyse the data collected from semi-structured interviews. The findings and discussion show that the propositions confirmed the literature and were relevant to the case study at hand. Where there was varying degree of experience regarding the effect of the influence or impact on the psychological contract this was noted and expanded on accordingly. The study also recognised the additional context that presented itself within the findings, namely the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. The research concludes in acknowledging the delimitations and limitations of the study while making suggestions for areas of future studies. To conclude, this research shows that the transition of a new employee in their early stages within the organisation is an opportunity to support in positively influencing and maintaining the psychological contract to support employee satisfaction and motivation. If organisations can also appreciate that the psychological contract is dynamic and can change over time based on changing circumstances or needs, then this can be proactively monitored to support long-term retention of talent. , Thesis (MBA) -- Faculty of Commerce, Rhodes Business School, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-10-29
- Authors: Bischoff, Olivia Edjegayhu
- Date: 2021-10-29
- Subjects: Gifted persons , Contracts Psychological aspects , Personnel management Psychological aspects , Breach of contract , Psychology, Industrial , Organizational behavior , Industrial relations , Employees Attitudes , Employee retention
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/191865 , vital:45173
- Description: This research took the form of an explanatory case study focused within a single organisation to evaluate talent management practices of recently hired employees from the perspective of the psychological contract. The theory underpinning this research is Resource-Based Theory (RBT) in the context of Talent Management. The research aims were: 1) to analyse how talent management practices have affected the psychological contract, 2) to analyse how employees have responded and intend to respond if there has been a breach in the contract and 3) to analyse how employees have responded or intend to respond where psychological contract expectations have been met. The key concepts identified include talent management and the psychological contract. The literature therefore expanded on talent management highlighting the importance of recruiting, attracting and retaining talent, especially in a global context where experience and skills are a source of competitive advantage. Following this, the concept of the psychological contract was used as a lens through which to analyse the experience of individuals, specifically focusing on new employees joining the organisation, to assess their socialisation and onboarding experience. The literature further explored the importance of focusing on new employees, as this is deemed by the literature as a critical time of transition in the shaping of the psychological contract. In further reviewing the literature regarding early onboarding, further review of the literature identified important components, including (1) socialisation and onboarding, (2) performance management and probation, (3) employee development and (4) work conditions. From reviewing the literature four propositions were deduced as follows: • Proposition 1: All integrative processes in early onboarding influence the initial psychological contract of the employee. Proposition 1 was further divided into three sub propositions as follows: Sub Proposition 1a) HR plays a key role in early onboarding, influencing the initial psychological contract; Sub Proposition 1b) Supervisor support plays a key role in early onboarding, influencing the initial psychological contract; and IV Sub Proposition 1c) The work team plays a key role in early onboarding, influencing the initial psychological contract. • Proposition 2 stated: Performance discussions influence the psychological contract. • Proposition 3: Employee development opportunities are a source of motivation in the fulfilment of the psychological contract. • Proposition 4: Employment conditions influence the fulfilment of the psychological contract. The research followed a qualitative approach, using deductive analysis to analyse the data collected from semi-structured interviews. The findings and discussion show that the propositions confirmed the literature and were relevant to the case study at hand. Where there was varying degree of experience regarding the effect of the influence or impact on the psychological contract this was noted and expanded on accordingly. The study also recognised the additional context that presented itself within the findings, namely the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. The research concludes in acknowledging the delimitations and limitations of the study while making suggestions for areas of future studies. To conclude, this research shows that the transition of a new employee in their early stages within the organisation is an opportunity to support in positively influencing and maintaining the psychological contract to support employee satisfaction and motivation. If organisations can also appreciate that the psychological contract is dynamic and can change over time based on changing circumstances or needs, then this can be proactively monitored to support long-term retention of talent. , Thesis (MBA) -- Faculty of Commerce, Rhodes Business School, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-10-29
The determinants of loan delinquency among co-operative financial institutions in South Africa
- Authors: Bixa, Sisipho
- Date: 2022-04
- Subjects: Financial institutions -- South Africa , Loans
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/57546 , vital:58064
- Description: The world's attention has been drawn to co-operatives since the 2008 financial crisis because of their resilience and ability to prosper in adverse economic situations. Co-operatives, particularly Co-operative Financial Institutions (CFIs), have increased their participation, proving to be a channel for increasing access to finance for the previously unbanked, poverty reduction, and sustained socioeconomic growth across the African continent. Co-operatives have the potential to be a catalyst for long-term growth, which is especially important in a country like South Africa, yet they have been failing owing to loan default. Loan delinquency is a major threat to CFI's ability to continue granting loans to loan applicants and to grow the business. CFIs are unable to recoup the monies they have provided to loan borrowers, as the default rate has steadily increased. This influences the CFIs' financial obligations. The financial growth of CFIs is vital, and failure to keeping cash in circulation has an impact on their fundamental business. In South Africa, CFIs have observed a surge in loan defaults since 2010. Proper loan appraisals, timely reminders of loan recipients' repayments, and escalation on prompt follow-up on loan defaulters all are priorities for CFI management. Despite the efforts of CFIs to reduce delinquency, it has continuously increased. The objective of this study was to figure out what factors influence loan delinquency among CFIs. The study looked at an average of 47 CFIs in South Africa. Another objective of this study was to investigate the extent of loan delinquency among South African CFIs. The study used a quantitative approach, with secondary data obtained from CBDA. Descriptive statistics were used to evaluate the model's goodness of fit. The computed results show that this study has only one-way cross-sectional effects. In this example, the null hypothesis of the Breusch-Pagan (BP) test of "POLS is appropriate" is rejected. According to the descriptive statistics presented in the following section, the null hypothesis of regularly distributed data is not rejected. Pearson correlation was used to determine whether there was a relationship between the control variables and the dependent variable. The least squares regression output from the study was presented in the final section. Finally, GLS regression with random effects was used to examine the relationship between total loan delinquency and the dependent variables. x The research looked at seven independent variables: share league/affiliation, the proportion of women in total membership, youth savings, interest rates, total account receivables, and loan portfolio. However, the results of youth savings, interest rate, and total savings deposits may not be reliable because they are statistically insignificant. According to the study, financial institutions should provide easily accessible and accurate payment methods to encourage borrowers to pay on time. This can be accomplished by creating a website. In addition, CFIs/credit intuitions use a share league/affiliation method to maximize their responsible ownership and investigate why women's membership leads to lower loan delinquency. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic science , 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-04
- Authors: Bixa, Sisipho
- Date: 2022-04
- Subjects: Financial institutions -- South Africa , Loans
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/57546 , vital:58064
- Description: The world's attention has been drawn to co-operatives since the 2008 financial crisis because of their resilience and ability to prosper in adverse economic situations. Co-operatives, particularly Co-operative Financial Institutions (CFIs), have increased their participation, proving to be a channel for increasing access to finance for the previously unbanked, poverty reduction, and sustained socioeconomic growth across the African continent. Co-operatives have the potential to be a catalyst for long-term growth, which is especially important in a country like South Africa, yet they have been failing owing to loan default. Loan delinquency is a major threat to CFI's ability to continue granting loans to loan applicants and to grow the business. CFIs are unable to recoup the monies they have provided to loan borrowers, as the default rate has steadily increased. This influences the CFIs' financial obligations. The financial growth of CFIs is vital, and failure to keeping cash in circulation has an impact on their fundamental business. In South Africa, CFIs have observed a surge in loan defaults since 2010. Proper loan appraisals, timely reminders of loan recipients' repayments, and escalation on prompt follow-up on loan defaulters all are priorities for CFI management. Despite the efforts of CFIs to reduce delinquency, it has continuously increased. The objective of this study was to figure out what factors influence loan delinquency among CFIs. The study looked at an average of 47 CFIs in South Africa. Another objective of this study was to investigate the extent of loan delinquency among South African CFIs. The study used a quantitative approach, with secondary data obtained from CBDA. Descriptive statistics were used to evaluate the model's goodness of fit. The computed results show that this study has only one-way cross-sectional effects. In this example, the null hypothesis of the Breusch-Pagan (BP) test of "POLS is appropriate" is rejected. According to the descriptive statistics presented in the following section, the null hypothesis of regularly distributed data is not rejected. Pearson correlation was used to determine whether there was a relationship between the control variables and the dependent variable. The least squares regression output from the study was presented in the final section. Finally, GLS regression with random effects was used to examine the relationship between total loan delinquency and the dependent variables. x The research looked at seven independent variables: share league/affiliation, the proportion of women in total membership, youth savings, interest rates, total account receivables, and loan portfolio. However, the results of youth savings, interest rate, and total savings deposits may not be reliable because they are statistically insignificant. According to the study, financial institutions should provide easily accessible and accurate payment methods to encourage borrowers to pay on time. This can be accomplished by creating a website. In addition, CFIs/credit intuitions use a share league/affiliation method to maximize their responsible ownership and investigate why women's membership leads to lower loan delinquency. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic science , 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-04
Do budget deficits crowd out private investment?: an analysis of the South African Economy
- Authors: Biza, Rumbidzai Aimee
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Individual investors -- South Africa , Budget deficits -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/24956 , vital:63750
- Description: This dissertation investigates whether budget deficits crowd out or crowd in private investment in South Africa, using quarterly South African data covering the period 1994 to 2009. South Africa has been experiencing unprecedented budget deficits since the 1960s and the study investigates how this has impacted on the country’s private investment demand. An empirical model linking private investment to its theoretical variables is specified and used to assess the quantitative effects of budget deficits on private investment. This study augments the co-integration and vector auto-regression (VAR) analysis with impulse response and variance decomposition analyses to provide robust long run and short run dynamic effects on private investment. The variables have been found to have a long run relationship with private investment. Results suggest that budget deficits significantly crowds out private investment. These results corroborate the theoretical predictions and are also supported by previous studies. , Thesis (MCom) -- Faculty of Management and Commerce, 2011
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
- Authors: Biza, Rumbidzai Aimee
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Individual investors -- South Africa , Budget deficits -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/24956 , vital:63750
- Description: This dissertation investigates whether budget deficits crowd out or crowd in private investment in South Africa, using quarterly South African data covering the period 1994 to 2009. South Africa has been experiencing unprecedented budget deficits since the 1960s and the study investigates how this has impacted on the country’s private investment demand. An empirical model linking private investment to its theoretical variables is specified and used to assess the quantitative effects of budget deficits on private investment. This study augments the co-integration and vector auto-regression (VAR) analysis with impulse response and variance decomposition analyses to provide robust long run and short run dynamic effects on private investment. The variables have been found to have a long run relationship with private investment. Results suggest that budget deficits significantly crowds out private investment. These results corroborate the theoretical predictions and are also supported by previous studies. , Thesis (MCom) -- Faculty of Management and Commerce, 2011
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
The reported prevalence of aircrew fatigue and the contributing factors within the South African aviation industry
- Authors: Blair, Dylan Ross
- Date: 2022-10-14
- Subjects: Fatigue , Flight crews , Fatigue in the workplace , Sleep deprivation , Sleep-wake cycle , Air travel Safety measures , Airlines South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/362762 , vital:65360
- Description: Fatigue in aviation results from the complex interaction of various factors (both work and non-work-related) that are important to understand when attempting to manage it. Managing fatigue effectively is important given that it has and continues to influence crew wellness and aviation safety. One of the ways of managing fatigue is through appropriately designed Flight Time Limitations (FTLs) however; in South Africa there have been calls from the unions and the crew to update these in line with the latest science and operational demands and insights. Doing this requires the generation of context specific data, which this thesis aimed to provide as an initial step. Firstly, this study aimed to explore the reported prevalence of fatigue across the South African aviation industry. Secondly, it elucidated what factors (both work and non-work related) crew perceived contributed to fatigue and lastly, the crew‟s perceptions regarding the current FTLs were explored. Methods: To realize the aims of the study, an online survey was developed using existing literature initially, and through consulting with and getting information from aviation industry stakeholders and other experts in the field of aviation and fatigue. This consultation (which occurred over a number of iterations of the survey) ensured that there was a balance between the scientific and the actual operational perspectives on how best to explore crew perceptions around fatigue. The finalized survey was divided into five parts: part one was consent to participate; part two included questions pertaining to the participants‟ demographic information; part three included questions pertaining to the crews‟ perceptions around fatigue (its prevalence, its impact on safety and how it affected crew); part four explored crew‟s perceptions on fatigue contributory factors, both work and non-work related; finally part five included questions pertaining to crew perceptions about the current South African FTLs, specifically their concerns, suggestions for improvement and any aspects they considered as fatigue mitigating. The survey was made available via the South African Civil Aviation Authority‟s (SACAA) website as well as via the industry stakeholder‟s networks that encouraged all crew across the different sectors of the industry to participate. All numerical data collected were analysed descriptively through inferential statistics, while the qualitative data were analysed using thematic analysis. Results: 194 participants completed the survey, 167 were from cockpit and 27 were from the cabin crew. The results of the study highlight that there is a high perceived prevalence of fatigue. The crew also recognized that fatigue is a significant safety risk, but less indicated that fatigue interfered with their ability to do their duties. Crew reported that the length of duties, number of sectors flown, insufficient sleep at night, early sign-on‟s, late sign-offs, working too many consecutive days in a row, inadequate or irregular sleep before and during periods of duty, night flying, bad weather, severe turbulence, having young children or dependents to look after, financial stress, extended commuting to get to and from work, and poor diet were some of the work and non-work-related contributory factors to fatigue. In line with these findings, questions around the perceived concerns about the current FTLs revealed that crew were concerned about unclear definitions of the civil aviation regulations (CARs), the lack of control of disruptive rostering schedules, periods of high workload due to the number of sectors flown per duty, the length of duty periods and effects of being on standby duty, inadequate rest between duties and strings of duty. The crew also had concerns regarding the Flight Duty Periods (FDPs) where the crew were concerned with the flying limits being used as targets by the operators, a lack of science applied to the FDPs, and that the current FDPs are outdated. The recommendations included limiting disruptive rostering schedules by altering standby provisions for the crew, instilling a block roster schedule, disallowing double signing on and off on the same day, and reducing split shifts. The crew also recommended adjusting duty durations by adjusting daily and monthly limits, tapering duty lengths, but also limiting discretionary extensions. Increasing rest provision was another recommendation suggested by the crew and included increasing the number of rest days off as well as the minimum hours of rest between duties needs to be increased. The fatigue mitigating aspects were minimal if any. Conclusion: Overall the study revealed that there is a high perceived prevalence of fatigue within this sample of the South African aviation industry and that the concerns outlined by crew around the contributory factors to fatigue are consistent with previous research, but also reflect the unique operating context of South Africa. This study serves as a base from which to explore more specific areas of the crew working time that are disruptive to sleep. This may help operator‟s roster duties in a more predictable way to limit the incidence of fatigue, while also offering the opportunity for the regulator and other stakeholders to focus their efforts on how to better design the current FTLs to limit the prevalence and risks associated with crew fatigue. , Thesis (MSc) -- Human Kinetics and Ergonomics, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-10-14
- Authors: Blair, Dylan Ross
- Date: 2022-10-14
- Subjects: Fatigue , Flight crews , Fatigue in the workplace , Sleep deprivation , Sleep-wake cycle , Air travel Safety measures , Airlines South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/362762 , vital:65360
- Description: Fatigue in aviation results from the complex interaction of various factors (both work and non-work-related) that are important to understand when attempting to manage it. Managing fatigue effectively is important given that it has and continues to influence crew wellness and aviation safety. One of the ways of managing fatigue is through appropriately designed Flight Time Limitations (FTLs) however; in South Africa there have been calls from the unions and the crew to update these in line with the latest science and operational demands and insights. Doing this requires the generation of context specific data, which this thesis aimed to provide as an initial step. Firstly, this study aimed to explore the reported prevalence of fatigue across the South African aviation industry. Secondly, it elucidated what factors (both work and non-work related) crew perceived contributed to fatigue and lastly, the crew‟s perceptions regarding the current FTLs were explored. Methods: To realize the aims of the study, an online survey was developed using existing literature initially, and through consulting with and getting information from aviation industry stakeholders and other experts in the field of aviation and fatigue. This consultation (which occurred over a number of iterations of the survey) ensured that there was a balance between the scientific and the actual operational perspectives on how best to explore crew perceptions around fatigue. The finalized survey was divided into five parts: part one was consent to participate; part two included questions pertaining to the participants‟ demographic information; part three included questions pertaining to the crews‟ perceptions around fatigue (its prevalence, its impact on safety and how it affected crew); part four explored crew‟s perceptions on fatigue contributory factors, both work and non-work related; finally part five included questions pertaining to crew perceptions about the current South African FTLs, specifically their concerns, suggestions for improvement and any aspects they considered as fatigue mitigating. The survey was made available via the South African Civil Aviation Authority‟s (SACAA) website as well as via the industry stakeholder‟s networks that encouraged all crew across the different sectors of the industry to participate. All numerical data collected were analysed descriptively through inferential statistics, while the qualitative data were analysed using thematic analysis. Results: 194 participants completed the survey, 167 were from cockpit and 27 were from the cabin crew. The results of the study highlight that there is a high perceived prevalence of fatigue. The crew also recognized that fatigue is a significant safety risk, but less indicated that fatigue interfered with their ability to do their duties. Crew reported that the length of duties, number of sectors flown, insufficient sleep at night, early sign-on‟s, late sign-offs, working too many consecutive days in a row, inadequate or irregular sleep before and during periods of duty, night flying, bad weather, severe turbulence, having young children or dependents to look after, financial stress, extended commuting to get to and from work, and poor diet were some of the work and non-work-related contributory factors to fatigue. In line with these findings, questions around the perceived concerns about the current FTLs revealed that crew were concerned about unclear definitions of the civil aviation regulations (CARs), the lack of control of disruptive rostering schedules, periods of high workload due to the number of sectors flown per duty, the length of duty periods and effects of being on standby duty, inadequate rest between duties and strings of duty. The crew also had concerns regarding the Flight Duty Periods (FDPs) where the crew were concerned with the flying limits being used as targets by the operators, a lack of science applied to the FDPs, and that the current FDPs are outdated. The recommendations included limiting disruptive rostering schedules by altering standby provisions for the crew, instilling a block roster schedule, disallowing double signing on and off on the same day, and reducing split shifts. The crew also recommended adjusting duty durations by adjusting daily and monthly limits, tapering duty lengths, but also limiting discretionary extensions. Increasing rest provision was another recommendation suggested by the crew and included increasing the number of rest days off as well as the minimum hours of rest between duties needs to be increased. The fatigue mitigating aspects were minimal if any. Conclusion: Overall the study revealed that there is a high perceived prevalence of fatigue within this sample of the South African aviation industry and that the concerns outlined by crew around the contributory factors to fatigue are consistent with previous research, but also reflect the unique operating context of South Africa. This study serves as a base from which to explore more specific areas of the crew working time that are disruptive to sleep. This may help operator‟s roster duties in a more predictable way to limit the incidence of fatigue, while also offering the opportunity for the regulator and other stakeholders to focus their efforts on how to better design the current FTLs to limit the prevalence and risks associated with crew fatigue. , Thesis (MSc) -- Human Kinetics and Ergonomics, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-10-14
The design of a waste recycling facility for the waste pickers of Arlington Landfill, Port Elizabeth: recognising the needs of unacknowledged stakeholders in the circular waste economy
- Authors: Blake, Sean Smit
- Date: 2020-09
- Subjects: Recycling (Waste, etc.) -- Port Elizabeth
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/59150 , vital:60268
- Description: At this very moment, this very second, in the backstreets and upon high, vast wastelands, something is in motion. Often on the periphery of our daily thoughts, or not at all, this very motion never ceases to exist- it simply cannot afford to. Waste, our modern day global issue, has reached a critical point, causing us to now venture into uncharted territories. We produce unspeakable amounts of waste per annum creating compounding social and environmental problems, and in the process we create a particular physical object, an altered landscape known as a landfill. The landfill environment is where this treatise chooses to position itself, but looks further into the existing community of individuals who perform the task of recycling. Waste pickers, an unmatched motion and dynamic within our broad waste landscape, remain largely unacknowledged in the role they play in the circular waste economy, subsequently creating the core concern for this treatise. Hence, the building type responsible, a waste recycling facility, that looks to identify and address the needs that these individuals require to safely carry out their pivotal role within the setting of Arlington Landfill in Port Elizabeth. Therefore, this treatise looks to uncover and bring to light a day in the life of a waste picker, through an architectural intervention seeking to become more than an object on the landscape. The treatise looks to break away from a static architectural object by applying the overall lens guided by ‘Anti-Object’ written by Kengo Kuma, therefore concerning itself with an overarching process of creating an emerging anti-object architecture, embodying the subtitles and characteristics of the waste pickers of Arlington Landfill. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Engineering, the Built Environment, and Technology, 2020
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020-09
- Authors: Blake, Sean Smit
- Date: 2020-09
- Subjects: Recycling (Waste, etc.) -- Port Elizabeth
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/59150 , vital:60268
- Description: At this very moment, this very second, in the backstreets and upon high, vast wastelands, something is in motion. Often on the periphery of our daily thoughts, or not at all, this very motion never ceases to exist- it simply cannot afford to. Waste, our modern day global issue, has reached a critical point, causing us to now venture into uncharted territories. We produce unspeakable amounts of waste per annum creating compounding social and environmental problems, and in the process we create a particular physical object, an altered landscape known as a landfill. The landfill environment is where this treatise chooses to position itself, but looks further into the existing community of individuals who perform the task of recycling. Waste pickers, an unmatched motion and dynamic within our broad waste landscape, remain largely unacknowledged in the role they play in the circular waste economy, subsequently creating the core concern for this treatise. Hence, the building type responsible, a waste recycling facility, that looks to identify and address the needs that these individuals require to safely carry out their pivotal role within the setting of Arlington Landfill in Port Elizabeth. Therefore, this treatise looks to uncover and bring to light a day in the life of a waste picker, through an architectural intervention seeking to become more than an object on the landscape. The treatise looks to break away from a static architectural object by applying the overall lens guided by ‘Anti-Object’ written by Kengo Kuma, therefore concerning itself with an overarching process of creating an emerging anti-object architecture, embodying the subtitles and characteristics of the waste pickers of Arlington Landfill. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Engineering, the Built Environment, and Technology, 2020
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020-09