An exploration into an ESD-based teaching strategy to improve the critical thinking and problem-solving skills amongst development studies students at Nelson Mandela University
- Authors: Abrahams, Andre John
- Date: 2021-04
- Subjects: Sustainable development -- Study and teaching , Universities and colleges -- South Africa , Critical thinking
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/50906 , vital:43149
- Description: In recent years, Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) has been a significant focus for research pertaining to teacher education and transformative approaches to teaching and learning. However, there has been less specific focus on the implementation of ESD in the context of higher education. This study, therefore, explored the use of an ESD-based teaching and learning approach in an undergraduate Development Studies programme. The focus was on developing a teaching approach that was informed by the principles of ESD and which could assist Development Studies lecturers in creating a more transformative, student-centred environment. This study was a qualitative undertaking, conducted at the Nelson Mandela University’s (NMU) Development Studies undergraduate programme. The ESD-based approach was implemented by two participating lecturers who utilised the approach across four undergraduate classes. Qualitative data were generated through a systematic literature analysis (SLA), exploratory interviews, student exercises and assessments, focus group discussions, and reflective journal entries. The gathered data were then analysed using a framework analysis rubric adapted from the theoretical framework utilised in the study. In addition, the data were coded using the six coding techniques promoted by Saldaña (2013). The findings suggest that the ESD-based approach developed in the study could effectively contribute towards promoting ESD in the Development Studies programme. The findings also suggest that, when properly implemented, the ESD-based approach could assist lecturers in creating a more transformative learning environment where students have greater control over their learning experience. In addition, this study found that students in the selected Development Studies undergraduate programme could benefit from continued exposure to the teaching methods and techniques adopted in the approach. The implementation of the approach also uncovered some of the inhibiting factors that may prevent an ESD-based approach being mainstreamed into the context of higher education. , Thesis (DPhil) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, Development Studies, 2021
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- Date Issued: 2021-04
An exploration into an ESD-based teaching strategy to improve the critical thinking and problem-solving skills amongst development studies students at Nelson Mandela University
- Authors: Abrahams, André John
- Date: 2021-04
- Subjects: Problem solving -- Study and teaching , Divergent thinking -- Study and teaching , Sustainable development -- Study and teaching , Environmental education
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/50907 , vital:43148
- Description: In recent years, Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) has been a significant focus for research pertaining to teacher education and transformative approaches to teaching and learning. However, there has been less specific focus on the implementation of ESD in the context of higher education. This study, therefore, explored the use of an ESD-based teaching and learning approach in an undergraduate Development Studies programme. The focus was on developing a teaching approach that was informed by the principles of ESD and which could assist Development Studies lecturers in creating a more transformative, student-centred environment. This study was a qualitative undertaking, conducted at the Nelson Mandela University’s (NMU) Development Studies undergraduate programme. The ESD-based approach was implemented by two participating lecturers who utilised the approach across four undergraduate classes. Qualitative data were generated through a systematic literature analysis (SLA), exploratory interviews, student exercises and assessments, focus group discussions, and reflective journal entries. The gathered data were then analysed using a framework analysis rubric adapted from the theoretical framework utilised in the study. In addition, the data were coded using the six coding techniques promoted by Saldaña (2013). The findings suggest that the ESD-based approach developed in the study could effectively contribute towards promoting ESD in the Development Studies programme. The findings also suggest that, when properly implemented, the ESD-based approach could assist lecturers in creating a more transformative learning environment where students have greater control over their learning experience. In addition, this study found that students in the selected Development Studies undergraduate programme could benefit from continued exposure to the teaching methods and techniques adopted in the approach. The implementation of the approach also uncovered some of the inhibiting factors that may prevent an ESD-based approach being mainstreamed into the context of higher education. , Thesis (DPhil) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, Development Studies, 2021
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- Date Issued: 2021-04
Exploring recurring dreams as a catalyst for image-making in Visual Art
- Authors: Adams, Demi
- Date: 2021-04
- Subjects: Dreams and the arts , Dreams in motion pictures
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/52424 , vital:43640
- Description: The purpose of this study was to create a body of work which focused on the recurring dreams I have been experiencing since early childhood. I had dreams about a world which I could access through the back of my bedroom cupboard or a crack in my ceiling. This world is one which never experiences daytime; it is covered in various crystals and has its own inhabitants. I started keeping dream diaries to create my artworks, essentially creating a Paracosm. Paracosm is: “… a detailed imaginary world, especially one created by a child” (Your dictionary, 2020: 1). The problem of this study was thus: was it possible to recreate my Crystal-Lunar World (personal dream narrative) using visual art so others could experience it and which methods should be employed to substantiate these recurring dreams. Thus, the overarching research question is how do recurring personal dreams translate into visual art to sustain a language which manifests in an individual visual narrative. I made use of mixed media paintings and three-dimensional objects to illustrate scenes from my Crystal-Lunar World. I kept Dream Diaries to collect data on my recurring dreams and extract frequencies and group them into themes to create my artworks. The dream diaries also substantiated what I was painting and making. I also kept drawing journals to study the various crystals and to illustrate them and the creatures I see. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Humanities, 2021
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- Date Issued: 2021-04
The factors that contribute to students’ positive perceptions towards service quality in selected off-campus residences in Nelson Mandela Bay
- Authors: Adeleke, Thobile
- Date: 2021-04
- Subjects: SERVQUAL (Service quality framework) , Student housing -- Resident satisfaction -- South Africa , Consumer satisfaction -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/50922 , vital:43172
- Description: Post 1994 in South Africa there has been a notable increase in the number of students enrolled at different universities which offer student accommodation. Unfortunately, only 20% of the students can be accommodated in on-campus university accommodation, which results in most students seeking accommodation in off-campus student residences many of whom do not meet the quality requirements stipulated by the Department of Higher Education. This is what prompted this research study, whose aim was to investigate the perceptions of NMU students residing in off-campus residence, towards service quality. A literature review was conducted and focused on the service quality construct, delved into the definitions of services and quality and their benefits in all industries as well as within the student housing context. The different theoretical models used in the evaluation of service quality i.e., SERVQUAL, SERVPERF, the Gaps Model and Gronroos Model were discussed. A questionnaire based on the modified SERVQUAL tool was utilized in the evaluation of service quality levels in accredited NMU off-campus residences in Nelson Mandela Bay. Statistical evaluations were conducted on the five dimensions of SERVQUAL, namely, reliability; responsiveness; assurance; empathy and tangibles/physical attributes. The primary objective of this research was achieved, as the perceptions of students towards service quality in off-campus student accommodation were successfully measured using the SERVQUAL tool. Three service quality dimensions, namely, assurance, empathy and tangibles received positive assessments. On the other hand, the empirical research results clearly demonstrated two factors that scored low i.e., reliability and responsiveness, which reflects the respondents’ negative perceptions towards these two factors. Practical steps must be taken by off-campus residence management to ensure that the expectations versus perception service gap highlighted by the empirical findings of this study are addressed in order to keep their customers satisfied and remain competitive. Cronbach alpha coefficients above 0.80 were obtained for all the five variables, proving the SERVQUAL instrument’s internal consistency and reliability to be very good. , Thesis (MBA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Science, Business Administration, 2021
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- Date Issued: 2021-04
Giving effect to the rights of remand detainees
- Authors: Africa, Nicole Kristy
- Date: 2021-04
- Subjects: Gqeberha (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , Prisoners--Civil rights
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/51205 , vital:43216
- Description: Remand detainees make up a considerable amount of the total prison population in South Africa’s correctional system. Inmates are considered a vulnerable group in our society and the majority have suffered unfavourable life circumstances. Correctional centres are not open establishments and the public is not always aware of the human rights violations that occur in these establishments. The crime rate in South Africa is high and effective means must be taken to ensure the safety of its citizens. Time spent on remand is not viewed as punishment, however it is often met with appalling conditions including severe overcrowding, violence, gangsterism, drug usage, illness, the spread of disease and inadequate infrastructure and resources. This is the reality despite South Africa having one of the most progressive Bill of Rights in the world which guarantees human rights and in addition having a comprehensive Correctional Services legislative framework. Remand detainees are entitled to all rights and protections save for those legally restricted for the purpose of their detention. The court process to determine guilt or innocence is riddled with delays and clogged court rolls which sees matters taking a long time to finalise with time spent on remand regarded as dead time with no opportunities for productive activity. The Canadian position regarding remand detainees was investigated and many similarities were detected with the conditions experienced on remand detention in South Africa. It was found that these challenges are a global issue. This study investigates methods for improvement to the South African remand detainee landscape and highlights reforms that can be undertaken to make South Africa a leader in this arena. , Thesis (LLM) -- Faculty of Law, Criminal and Procedural Law, 2021
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- Date Issued: 2021-04
Exploring learners’ proficiency in stoichiometry and attitudes towards science through Process Oriented Guided Inquiry Learning (POGIL) intervention
- Authors: Agunbiade, Arinola Esther
- Date: 2021-04
- Subjects: Stoichiometry -- Study and teaching (Secondary) -- Nigeria , Chemistry -- Study and teaching (Secondary) -- Nigeria , Process-oriented guided inquiry learning , Student-centered learning -- Nigeria , Science students -- Attitudes
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/174402 , vital:42474
- Description: Stoichiometry is one of the difficult topics in the senior secondary school chemistry curriculum. It is usually taught through the traditional lecture method of presentation that is non-engaging for learners. Consequently, there is poor understanding, achievement, and negative perceptions of stoichiometry and chemistry in general. The goal of this study was to explore learners’ evolving proficiency in stoichiometry and attitudes towards science as a result of their participation in Process Oriented Guided Inquiry Learning (POGIL) activities. That is, POGIL which incorporates guided-inquiry and collaborative learning was introduced as an intervention strategy in learning stoichiometry. This was assessed by examining learners’ experiences with learning stoichiometry before and after the POGIL intervention. The study further investigated possible contributing factors to learners’ evolving proficiency in stoichiometry and attitudes towards science. This study employed the socio-cultural learning theory as proposed by Vygotsky (1978). The role of socio-cultural features such as ‘social interaction’, ‘cultural tools’, ‘self-regulation’ and ‘zone of proximal development’ (ZPD) were explored with regards to learners’ stoichiometry proficiency and attitudes towards science progression as they participated in POGIL activities. The work of Kilpatrick, Swafford and Findell (2001) on proficiency and Fraser (1981) on attitudes towards science were used as analytical lenses to understand learners’ proficiency in stoichiometry and attitudes towards science, respectively. This study was underpinned by the pragmatic research paradigm. Thus, a Quant + Qual concurrent mixed-methods approach which involves generating, analysing, and integrating both qualitative and quantitative data to provide answers to research questions was adopted. It was an intervention study carried out in two senior secondary schools in the Ilorin metropolis of Kwara State, Nigeria. A sample of 53 senior secondary school year two learners participated. Questionnaires and journal entries were completed by the 53 learners, while seven learners were interviewed. Data were collected using both qualitative and quantitative data generating tools including pre-and post-tests. The stoichiometry learning questionnaire (SLQ), test of science related attitude (TOSRA) questionnaire, and stoichiometry achievement tool (SAT) were used to generate quantitative data while the SLQ, semi-structured interviews, and journal entries were the qualitative data tools. Data were generated in three phases. Phase one was baseline data through SLQ, TOSRA and SAT pre-tests. The second phase was the intervention phase where the POGIL approach was implemented in the classrooms and learners were engaged in journal entries. Post-intervention was the last phase where TOSRA and SAT post-tests were administered and semi-structured interviews were conducted with participants. Thus, data were analysed quantitatively and qualitatively. Before the POGIL intervention, the findings of this study revealed that most of the learners perceived stoichiometry as difficult because of the instructional characteristics, the nature of stoichiometry concepts, and learners’ attributes. After the POGIL intervention, however, learners showed increased proficiency in stoichiometry and attitudes towards science. Findings also indicate that learners’ proficiency in stoichiometry and attitude towards science were associated with the facilitators or learning environment features, the nature of instructional characteristics, learners’ perceptions of stoichiometry or science, and the extent to which learners could comprehend or master science concepts. Notably, these features are intertwined and cohere with the socio-cultural theory and POGIL principles. This study offered insights into how proficiency in stoichiometry and attitudes towards science may develop among senior secondary school learners in Nigeria. The findings point to POGIL as an example of an instructional approach that provides enabling characteristics and useful information for planning instructional activities for the development and nurturing of proficiency and attitudes towards science. The results suggest that the POGIL strategy could alleviate some of the factors perceived as contributors to difficulty in learning stoichiometry. As such, the study makes contributions to the field of science education in Nigeria particularly regarding how both the tenets of the socio-cultural framework (social interaction, cultural tools, self-regulation, and ZPD) and POGIL (guided-inquiry and collaborative learning) could be aligned to facilitate the development of proficiency and attitudes towards science. The study, therefore, recommends that POGIL should be used as an inquiry-based approach in science classrooms to promote the development of learners’ proficiency and attitudes towards science. The study could also be utilised as a resource to guide or set a base for further investigation into the implementation of POGIL in other areas of chemistry or science as well as creating professional development spaces that promote community of practice among science teachers as observed in this study.
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- Date Issued: 2021-04
Exploring the influences of an intersemiotic complementarity teaching approach on Grade 9 Namibian learners’ sense-making of chemical bonding
- Authors: Aikanga, Frans Paulus Shintaleleni
- Date: 2021-04
- Subjects: Physical sciences -- Study and teaching (Secondary) -- Namibia , Chemical bonds , Semiotics , Cognition in children , Communication in education , Language and education -- Namibia , Visual learning , Verbal learning
- Language: English
- Type: thesis , text , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/178281 , vital:42927
- Description: Anecdotal evidence from my 10 years’ experience teaching Grade 9 Physical Science in Namibian schools revealed learners’ difficulty with making sense of chemical bonding. The Junior Secondary examiners’ reports in recent consecutive years (2014, 2015, 2016 & 2017) also revealed this challenge among Grade 10 learners (Namibia. Ministry of Education, Arts and Culture [MoEAC], 2017). The language of learning and teaching (LoLT) for most school subjects (including Physical Science) in Namibia is English, which is taken as a second language by most learners (Kisting, 2011). The results of the English Language Proficiency test written by all principals and teachers in Namibia show that most are not proficient in this language (Kisting, 2011). This has raised concern as to how teaching of content subjects may be undertaken effectively with English as the LoLT. In Namibia, chemical bonding is part of the chemistry section of Physical Science, taught as a sub-topic under the Matter section, where the nature, characteristics, and behaviour of three states of matter are explained. The difficulty students have with chemical bonding is identified as being due to complex chemical concepts (Chittleborough & Mamiala, 2006), and the specialised language of the topic these concepts involve (Gilbert & Treagust, 2009). Additionally, this difficulty may be ascribed to lack of suitable pedagogic approaches, which is linked to science teachers not being fluent in the LoLT. Despite this link, Johnstone (1982) posits that addressing the challenge of teaching and learning chemical knowledge requires teachers’ understanding of three levels of representation: macroscopic, sub-microscopic, and symbolic. Addressing this challenge may be accomplished by using multimodality in teaching, which is achievable via intersemiosis of different semiotic modes, drawing from Systemic Functional Linguistics. This is due to non-linguistic modes also having the potential to make meaning as language does, and the fact that language alone cannot fully enable effective meaning-making in discourses that are inherently multimodal, such as science. Some studies have suggested that the intersemiosis of visual and verbal semiotic modes has the potential to enable more meaning-making of scientific discourse than either of these two alone. The study reported on in this thesis has built on such previous studies in order to explore the influences of a visual-verbal intersemiotic complementarity teaching approach on Grade 9 Namibian learners’ sense-making of chemical bonding. No studies from Namibia exploring these influences on Grade 9 learners could be found. This revealed the knowledge gap that this study aimed to contribute to filling. I accomplished this goal by embarking on a two-cycle action research study. The first cycle followed a traditional teaching approach and assessment, whereas the second cycle, the intervention, included a visual-verbal intersemiotic complementarity teaching approach and assessment. I achieved visual-verbal intersemiotic complementarity teaching and assessment by coordinating spoken and written language with visuals in the form of diagrams and physical models. The critical paradigm was adopted to explore the influences of this pedagogic approach, with the underlying aim of exploring the intervention approach for bringing about a change in learners’ sense-making of chemical bonding, compared to traditional approaches that do not consider intersemiosis. This study is informed by Vygotsky’s (1978) social constructivism to account for learning as a product of social construction, and Halliday’s (1978) Systemic Functional Linguistics to account for the role played by semiotic modes in making meanings. This study involved collecting qualitative data that were accessed via document analysis, structured lesson observation, the teacher’s and learners’ reflective journals, and the pre- and post-test. Collecting these data was facilitated by a critical friend. The results reveal a positive influence of the visual-verbal intersemiotic complementarity teaching approach on Grade 9 Namibian learners’ sense-making of chemical bonding. This influence was realised in the noticeable shift from the learners’ discourse (use of talk and visuals) being perceptual (which is less scientific) to being idea-based (which is more scientific). Learners were also found to be self-motivated and keen to learn complex chemical bonding concepts after the intervention – another sign of their making sense of the topic. The implications of this study include that visual-verbal intersemiotic complementarity should be considered a pedagogic approach to chemical bonding by curriculum developers and reviewers, teacher training institutions, and science textbook authors. , Thesis (MEd) -- Faculty of Education, Education, 2021
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- Date Issued: 2021-04
A Systematic Visualisation Framework for Radio-Imaging Pipelines
- Authors: Andati, Lexy Acherwa Livoyi
- Date: 2021-04
- Subjects: Radio interferometers , Radio astronomy -- Data processing , Radio astronomy -- Data processing -- Software , Jupyter
- Language: English
- Type: thesis , text , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/177338 , vital:42812
- Description: Pipelines for calibration and imaging of radio interferometric data produce many intermediate images and other data products (gain tables, etc.) These often contain valuable information about the quality of the data and the calibration, and can provide the user with valuable insights, if only visualised in the right way. However, the deluge of data that we’re experiencing with modern instruments means that most of these products are never looked at, and only the final images and data products are examined. Furthermore, the variety of imaging algorithms currently available, and the range of their options, means that very different results can be produced from the same set of original data. Proper understanding of this requires a systematic comparison that can be carried out both by individual users locally, and by the community globally. We address both problems by developing a systematic visualisation framework based around Jupyter notebooks, enriched with interactive plots based on the Bokeh and Datashader visualisation libraries. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, Department of Physics and Electronics, 2021
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- Date Issued: 2021-04
Poppehysie
- Authors: Arendse, Ashwin Albert
- Date: 2021-04
- Subjects: Swartlandse Kaaps poetry -- 21st century , Creative writing (Higher education) -- South Africa , Diaries -- Authorship , Afrikaans poetry -- 21st century , African literature -- History and criticism
- Language: Afrikaans
- Type: thesis , text , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/178259 , vital:42925
- Description: My thesis, is geskryf in Swartlandse Kaaps, ’n streeksvariant van Kaaps. Die poems is free verses wat afspeel tien ie backdrop van Malmesbury en Stellenbosch se “Coloured areas” mette analysis van dialect en ideolect wat eie is annie mense wat ampe altyd feature innie stories wat ek vertel. Die thesis explore die liefde asse konsep. Dit kyk na hoe die desperate need vi absent liefde ’n toxic relationship feed tussen ’n jong couple ennie destructive impact van liefde oppe pesoon wie nooit geleer was hoe om lief te wies vi annes ie. Dan kyk ek oek na hoe die previous generations, dit van my ma en pa liefde reject et asse unaffordable excess inne community wat brutal en harsh is. Antonio Gramsci se konsep vannie organic intellectual, dien asse philosophical underpinning virrie thesis d.w.s die hoofkarakter dien asse orator virrie intellectual en cultural insights wattie everyman in sy community nie self kan express ie. Die organic intellectual express díe thoughts innie cultural taal van sy social class. Die thesis explore stories soes it vetel wôd dee mense soes my oupa en mense wattie altyd aware is dat hulle stories in hulle in hettie. In dai way val it tot some degree binne die terrain van oral traditions. Die thesis wil dip into die collective conscious vanne social group wat die worst aspects van liewe in Syd-Afrika experience et. Ek voel free verse is ie ideal form van expression vi my in regards tot die skryf van die thesis, omdat ek daamee die line successfully kan blur tussen ie ‘language of the people’ en my eie individual leaning toward poetic language en forms. In terms van style draw ek op vorige digbundels in Kaaps, most notably op Nathan Trantraal se baie controlled, free verse digbundel, ‘Alles het niet kom wôd,’en Ronelda S. Kamfer se technique van ‘oorvertel’, in haa digbundel ‘grond/Santekraam’. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Humanities, School of Languages and Literatures, 2021
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- Date Issued: 2021-04
Antibiotics combination therapy option for the control of antimicrobial-resistant non-cholera causing Vibrio species recovered from environmental niches of Eastern Cape, South Africa
- Authors: Ayodele, Oluwakemi Victoria
- Date: 2021-04
- Subjects: Drug resistance in microorganisms , Vibrio cholerae
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/20396 , vital:45661
- Description: Increased rate of antibiotic resistance (AR) poses a serious threat with a resultant notion of a possible end of the antibiotics era, making it a problem of concern to public health and a great implication on the world economy and human society. Despite many approaches developed to curb this menace, antibiotics resistance is still a challenge worldwide. This has made the use of combined therapy as one of the options in many cases. This study was conducted to assess antibiotics combination therapy as an option for the control of antimicrobial-resistant non-cholera causing Vibrio species that were recovered from the environment in the Eastern Cape, South Africa. Two hundred and twenty-eight Vibrio species were recovered from the environment in the Province, and these were deposited in the archive of AEMREG. PCR was used to identify target Vibrio species. Disc diffusion method was used to evaluate the antibiotic susceptibility profile of the confirmed isolates against 11 antibiotics commonly used against infections. MIC and MBC were determined using antibiotics (imipenem, tetracycline, and nalidixic acid) that high resistance was discovered. Checkerboard assay was used to carry out antibiotics combination assay, and the FICI was calculated. Rate of kill was also determined using ½ × MIC, 1 × MIC, and 2 × MIC concentrations of the combined antibiotics at 2 hr intervals. One hundred of the isolates were confirmed to be Vibrio parahaemolyticus, 82 were Vibrio vulnificus and 46 were Vibrio fluvialis. Twenty-two (22) percent of the Vibrio parahaemolyticus isolates showed resistance against tetracycline and their resistance against other antimicrobials is as follows; nalidixic acid (16 percent), ampicillin (14 percent), cefotaxime (14 percent), chloramphenicol (12 percent) and amikacin (11 percent). For Vibrio vulnificus, prevalence of resistance was as follows: imipenem (40 percent), tetracycline (22 percent), ampicillin (18 percent), meropenem (15 percent), and chloramphenicol (11 percent). Vibrio fluvialis showed the following resistance profile: nalidixic acid (28 percent), tetracycline (28percent), ampicillin (20 percent), chloramphenicol (15 percent), amikacin (11 percent) and cefotaxime (11 percent). About 38 multiple antibiotic resistance phenotypes (MARP) were recorded in all species that were evaluated. About 23 percent were resistant to over 3 antibiotics used. The multiple antibiotic resistant indices (MARI) ranged between 0.3 and 0.8. MIC and MBC were carried against isolates that were resistant to the two most common antibiotics tested. MIC and MBC were determined in the following order: tetracycline and nalidixic acid at concentrations ranging from 16 μg/ml to 1024 μg/ml for Vibrio parahaemolyticus and 32 μg/ml to 2048 μg/ml for Vibrio fluvialis. Also, the MIC and MBC of imipenem and tetracycline at concentrations ranging from 8 μg/ml to 256 μg/ml for Vibrio vulnificus were determined. Antibiotics combination therapy was carried out and synergistic activity was observed in 3 of the 16 resistant V. parahaemolyticus isolates, 3 of the16 resistant V. vulnificus isolates and 2 of the 13 resistant V. fluvialis isolates. Antagonism was not observed across all the drug combinations. Rate of kill was also determined and at 6 hr exposure time, the highest concentration (2 × MIC) exhibited bactericidal effect across all three Vibrio species. The result derived in this research, therefore, propose that combination therapy is a promising solution to antimicrobial resistance in Vibrio species. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science and Agriculture, 2021
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- Date Issued: 2021-04
Contract compliance in procuring and disposing entities (PDES) in state departments in Uganda: subtitle if needed. If no subtitle follow instructions in manual
- Authors: Babirye, Hamidah
- Date: 2021-04
- Subjects: Communication , Records -- Management , Public contracts -- Uganda
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/50933 , vital:43173
- Description: Contract compliance has continuously played a vital role in the development of nations globally. It is important, because it enhances the efficiency and success of projects; ensures value for money; mitigates risks and saves a considerable amount of time and resources. Despite its importance, projects continue to fail due to poor communication, untimely deliveries, poor quality deliveries and the lack of a suitable compliance environment. This study helped to address the aforementioned challenges by creating an enabling environment for contract compliance in procuring and disposing entities (PDEs) in state departments in Uganda. The purpose of this study was to determine the enabling factors necessary for contract compliance and how it can be effectively used to assist PDEs in the Ugandan context. This purpose was achieved through a qualitative research approach that provided insights into the need for contract compliance among PDEs and the perceptions thereof; the contract compliance processes; challenges associated with contract compliance and the factors to be considered when creating an enabling environment for contract compliance. Data was gathered from telephonic interviews with twenty one participants and focus group discussions via the Zoom online platform with eight participants, bringing the total number of participants to twenty nine. Participants included auditors, accounting officers, heads of finance departments, heads of procurement departments and procurement officers. Data was collected using an interview guide and analysed by means of content and thematic analyses. A conceptual framework for creating a suitable environment for contract compliance in PDEs was developed. Findings indicate that the critical factors for creating an enabling environment include: communication; reporting; records management; institutional structure; compliance checks; enforcement; a legal and regulatory framework; and evaluation. Other factors include: stakeholder involvement; contract management; funding; openness; ethical orientation; and capacity building. The proposed conceptual framework serves as a valuable resource for researchers and practitioners, especially those involved in public procurement. , Thesis (DPhil) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, Business Management, 2021
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- Date Issued: 2021-04
A comprehensive approach to scalability assessment of ICTD projects : a case study of ICT4RED
- Authors: Baduza, Gugulethu Qhawekazi
- Date: 2021-04
- Subjects: To be added
- Language: English
- Type: thesis , text , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/178435 , vital:42939
- Description: Access restricted until April 2023. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Commerce, Information Systems, 2021
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- Date Issued: 2021-04
Evaluation of anti-diabetic activity of selected red marine macro-algae found along South African coastal areas
- Authors: Bambo, Karabo https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3721-2424
- Date: 2021-04
- Subjects: Marine algae , Phytochemicals
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/22533 , vital:52405
- Description: Marine macro-algae are a good source of potential primary and secondary metabolites. Phytochemicals of the samples were extracted using methanol and water. This study evaluated the phytochemical constituents, antioxidant activity and antidiabetic activity of selected red marine macro-algae sampled from Gqeberha, South Africa. The species collected were identified as Gelidium pristoides, Scinaia furcellata and Portieria tripinita using DNA barcoding. Results showed the presence of several phytochemicals such as saponins, phenols, flavonols, tannins, proanthocyanidins and flavonoids. Methanol was a more effective polyphenol extraction solvent than water. Gelidium pristoides (H2O) was observed to contain the highest phenol and proanthocyanidin content, which correlated to Gelidium pristoides (H2O) having the greatest FRAP and DPPH radical scavenging activity IC50 at 0.227. Portieria tripinita (MeOH) extract had the greatest flavonoid content. Flavonol content was high for Scinaia furcellata while the highest tannin content was observed in both H2O and MeOH extracts of Gelidium pristoides. All the selected marine macro-algae species showed concentration-dependent reducing power. The extract with the highest ABTS scavenging activity was Gelidium pristoides (MeOH) IC50 at 0.227. Portieria tripinita was the only species that showed Nitric oxide scavenging activity, with (H2O) extract showing the highest activity IC50 at 3.052. Only MeOH extracts of Gelidium pristoides and Scinaia furcellata showed very slight α-amylase inhibition, however, all extracts successfully inhibited the activity of α-glucosidase with the exception of the H2O extracts of Scinaia furcellata. All crude extracts of Gelidium pristoides, Scinaia furcellata and Portieria tripinita showed no significant/weak effect on glucose uptake and utilization by C3A cells following 24 hours of treatment, with the exception of the aqueous extracts of Scinaia furcellata at the highest concentration of 100 μg/ml. The in-vitro MTT cytotoxicity assay revealed that only MeOH extracts of Gelidium pristoides and Scinaia furcellata had a 15 significant toxic effect on C3A hepatocytes at concentrations of 100 μg/ml and 25μg/ml, respectively. Portieria tripinita aqueous extract showed cytotoxicity when evaluated using Hoechst 33342/Propidium iodide (PI) dual staining. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science and Agriculture, 2021
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- Date Issued: 2021-04
Access to digitised archival collections in National Heritage and Cultural study Centre and International Library of African Music
- Authors: Barbra, Kakumba
- Date: 2021-04
- Subjects: Archives--Access control , Archival materials -- Access control
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/22356 , vital:52030
- Description: The study investigated access to digitised archival collections in two selected institutions in the Eastern Cape Province, South Africa. This study is significant because it sought to generate insights on adaptability of technology in archives and library operations, and accessibility thereof. This is important for monitoring the accessibility of digitised archival collections at institutions to improve their operations and maximize the global visibility. This study adopted qualitative research methodology. The researcher followed a rigorous methodological path that began with a thorough literature review and the careful and thoughtful posing of research questions and objectives. A purposive sample was chosen from National Heritage and Cultural Studies Centre (NAHECS) and International library of African Music (ILAM) (staff members) and interviewed through face-to-face interviews. The collected data was analysed thematically. The study established that, the type of materials digitised at NAHECS and ILAM are bound books, fragile papers, photographic prints, slides, audio-visual materials,artefacts and documents such as personal letters of early travellers,missionary’s records,traders writing personal file and political parties documents. Secondly, the study established that end users of digitised materials are researchers, students, archivist, librarians, international and local community, composers, musicians, and historians. It also emerged that awareness programmes used to increase public knowledge about access to digitised content in the two study sites include conferences, social media, and television advertisements. However, there are challenges faced in providing access to digitised materials at NAHECS and ILAM. Some of these challenges include lack of funding, unavailability of resources, lack of awareness, and information insecurity. These challenges have made access to digitised archival materials difficult. Based on these findings, it is recommended that archives facilities should be well resourced and archivists be continually trained on access to digitised archival materials. , Thesis (M Bibl) -- Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, 2021
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- Date Issued: 2021-04
Caregivers’ Knowledge, Attitude and Practices (KAP) of breastfeeding and prevention of mother-to-child transmission (pmtct) in Nelson Mandela Bay Health District: impact of a community dialogue intervention
- Authors: Barnard, Marné
- Date: 2021-04
- Subjects: Breastfeeding -- Transmission -- South Africa -- Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality -- Prevention , Communicable diseases -- South Africa -- Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality -- Prevention
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/50988 , vital:43196
- Description: Background: Globally, childhood mortality remains high with 5.3 million deaths occurring in children under the age of five years in 2018. Of these deaths, 43 000 were children from South Africa, with malnutrition being a significant risk factor contributing to disease and death. Breastfeeding has many benefits and reduces childhood mortality. Current primary health care strategies in South Africa are not having an adequate impact on breastfeeding rates, therefore appropriate messages need to be targeted at the community in order to improve breastfeeding rates. Participatory approaches have been identified as an effective tool to promote child health. Community dialogues led by skilled Early Childhood Development (ECD) mentors from the community might be key in order to improve caregivers’ knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAP) in relation to breastfeeding and Prevention of Mother to Child Transmission of HIV (PMTCT). Aim : The aim of the study was to explore the potential effects of community dialogues, led by ECD mentors, on caregivers’ knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAP) in relation to breastfeeding and prevention of mother-to-child transmission of HIV (PMTCT). Methods: Quasi-experimental design was used to compare the KAP of caregivers in relation to breastfeeding and PMTCT. Convenience sampling was used to include 63 caregivers who participated in the umbrella project (mixed-methods) and 61 caregivers who did not participate in the project. Ethics approval was obtained from the Nelson Mandela University Faculty Postgraduate Studies Committee. Participants had to provide written informed consent. A skilled interviewer used a structured questionnaire to assess the KAP of all participants. Data were captured on an Excel spreadsheet and analysed in collaboration with a statistician, who analysed the data using Microsoft Excel. Descriptive statistics were applied to numerical data, while frequency distributions were applied to categorical data. Correlations were calculated to describe the degree of relationship between two variables. Inferential statistic tests, conducted at a significance level of 0,05, were used for hypothesis testing. The t-test and analysis of variance (ANOVA) were used in tests involving mean values. Scheffé’s test was used in ANOVA to determine between which of the groups a statistically significant difference was found. Results: In the intervention group more than double the number participants (35%; n=22) had a good knowledge of breastfeeding when compared to participants (15%; n=9) in the control group. Additionally, the intervention group participants displayed better attitudes towards the RtHB (p=0.02). However, control group participants showed better knowledge towards the HIV (p=0.01). Finally, results suggest that in the intervention group, participants (33%; n=21) were more likely to have a good total KAP score in relation to breastfeeding and PMTCT when compared to participants (11%; n=7) in the control group. In the intervention group, better knowledge correlated with good practices relating to the RtHB (r=0.27). However, in the control group, positive attitudes correlated with better practices relating to HIV (r=0.29). Younger intervention group participants displayed better breastfeeding related practices (p=0.011). Additionally, younger control group participants displayed better knowledge of breastfeeding (p=0.001). Intervention group participants whose choices were influenced by their husband/ partner (p =0.016) and/ or radio/ magazines/ newspapers (p=0.004) had positive attitudes towards HIV. Control group participants whose choices were influenced by their other family members (p=0.043) and/ or clinic staff (p=0.016) had good knowledge of sharing their knowledge. Conclusions and recommendations: The intervention group displayed a better knowledge of breastfeeding as well as more desirable attitudes towards the RtHB, when compared to the control group. However, the control group displayed better knowledge of HIV, which could be due to the control group having more younger participants when compared to the intervention group. The community dialogue intervention had a positive impact on caregivers KAP relating to breastfeeding and PMTCT, which included all the different categories combined. In order to improve the Sakha Esethu intervention programme, managers need to provide guidance to the mentors on how to initiate conversations regarding HIV and discuss the stigma associated with HIV and breastfeeding. Results showed that including grandmothers and husbands or partners in the target population will benefit the intervention. Additionally, the use of radio needs to be considered especially for discussions regarding HIV. Lastly, sustainability needs to be improved due to many participants not remembering certain detail regarding topics that was discussed. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Health Sciences, 2021
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- Date Issued: 2021-04
Perceptions of blended learning by academic staff in the Health Sciences Faculty at Nelson Mandela University
- Authors: Barry, Janet
- Date: 2021-04
- Subjects: Blended learning -- South Africa -- Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality -- Faculty , Medical sciences -- South Africa -- Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality -- Faculty
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/50999 , vital:43199
- Description: Numerous studies have investigated the use of blended learning by academic staff at tertiary institutions. The purpose of this study was to examine the perceptions of blended learning by academic staff at the Faculty of Health Sciences at Nelson Mandela University. A related objective was to identify barriers and facilitators to the adoption of blended learning by academic staff. A sequential, exploratory mixed-methods design was adopted for this study whereby Phase 1 (focus groups) was used to inform Phase 2 (questionnaire) of the study. Results were analysed from both phases and organised according to strategies, support, and structure of a blended learning adoption framework. Existing support structures to assist with blended learning adoption, understanding of what blended learning is, confidence in using blended learning tools, and time to attend training were some of the findings of the study. The researcher concluded that academic staff in the Health Sciences Faculty at Nelson Mandela University are positioned in the second stage of the blended learning adoption framework, namely the early adoption stage of blended learning. These findings imply that existing strategies and support within the Faculty and the University need to be further developed, and structures put into place to move to an advanced stage of adoption of blended learning by academic staff in Health Sciences Faculty of Nelson Mandela University. , Thesis (MPharm) -- Faculty of Health Sciences, Pharmacy, 2021
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- Date Issued: 2021-04
Using narratives to understand consumer behaviour, nutrition knowledge perceptions and experiences amongst women at Thembeni Location
- Authors: Ben, Sive https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4186-924X
- Date: 2021-04
- Subjects: Women -- Nutrition
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/20164 , vital:45381
- Description: Orientation: Nutrition knowledge is an important aspect which shapes the lived experiences of women when they are making a purchase. South Africa, being a developing country, is faced with many challenges that have in turn subjected rural women to various challenges in approaching nutrition. These challenges include but are not limited to low economic status, low levels of education, and lack of developmental programmes that are structured to cater for rural women. Purpose: The purpose of this study was to understand the experiences and the perceptions of rural women concerning nutrition knowledge. Motivation for the study: This study was conducted with a motivation to understand how a sample of women in a rural area approach issues of nutrition. In understanding this, women can be empowered in asserting the approach to consumer behaviour. Research design: A phenomenological philosophy was adopted using a qualitative tradition in pursuit of the research objective. A judgemental sampling technique was utilised to sample 20 women and semi-structured interviews were undertaken and the gathered data on the experiences and perceptions of women was analysed by way of narrative analysis. , Thesis (MCom) -- Faculty of Management and Commerce, 2021
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- Date Issued: 2021-04
Investigating talent management strategies influencing the retention of employees with technical expertise at Aspen Pharmacare
- Authors: Ben-Mazwi Matolengwe, Yonela
- Date: 2021-04
- Subjects: Employee retention -- South Africa , Talent management -- South Africa , Human capital
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/50944 , vital:43174
- Description: This study examines the influence of talent management strategies on employee retention with employee engagement as a mediating variable. This study was conducted at Aspen Pharmacare Port Elizabeth site, South Africa. The population in this study is approximately 1500 employees from Aspen Pharmacare Port Elizabeth. The sampling method uses census techniques so that the number of samples used is 49 employees. The research data was collected using an online questionnaire which is then analysed using a path analysis technique using SPSS software to examine the relationships among the variables, which are: employee value proposition, work motivation and employee performance. The results show that there is a positive relationship between all talent management strategies and retention. Leadership has a largely significant correlation with retention, however, it is indicated that engagement is a mediating variable. Employees with technical expertise value the impact that leadership has in their roles at the organisation. , Thesis (MBA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, Business Administration, 2021
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- Date Issued: 2021-04
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
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- Date Issued: 2021-04
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
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- Date Issued: 2021-04