Evaluation of some wastewater treatment facilities in Chris Hani and Amathole district municipalities as potential sources of Escherichia coli in the environment
- Authors: Mazwi, Sinazo Nomathamsanqa
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Escherichia coli -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Water -- Purification
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc (Microbiology)
- Identifier: vital:11285 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1019804 , Escherichia coli -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Water -- Purification
- Description: Access to clean and safe water is essential for the survival of human beings. Pollution of freshwater sources constitutes a major problem hindering access to safe water for drinking and other domestic uses. Wastewater effluent discharges often impact the microbiological qualities of surface waters with its attendant health and environmental problems. This study evaluated the microbiological qualities of the discharged effluents of four selected wastewater treatment plants in Amathole and Chris Hani District Municipalities of the Eastern Cape Province over a twelve-month sampling period. Microbiological analysis (faecal coliform, Escherichia coli and Escherichia coli O157:H7) was done using standard methods and polymerase chain reaction method was used to confirm identities ofbacterial isolates. Presumptive bacteria counts ranged as follows: faecal coliforms 0 to 1.6 × 103 CFU/100 ml, E. coli 0 to 1.4 × 103 CFU/100 ml and E. coli O157:H7 0 to 9.6 × 102 CFU/100 ml. Forty eight percent (305/626) of the presumptive E. coli isolates were confirmed using species-specific uidA gene which code for β-glucuronidase enzyme in E. coli. Antibiotic susceptibility profile of the isolate using a panel of 10 antibiotics shows 100% (150/150) resistance to antibiotics rifampicin and penicillin G while 49.3% (74/150) of the isolates and 46.7% (70/150) were susceptible to streptomycin and cefotaxime respectively. Multiple antibiotic resistance phenotypes (MARP) of the isolates showed resistance to two or more test antibiotics while the calculated multiple antibiotic resistance index (MARI) for the tested isolated is 0.49. The detection of potentially pathogenic E. coli in the final effluents suggestspotential danger to the receiving water bodies where the effluents are discharge. The high MARI valued obtained in this study indicates that the isolates are form environment where the tested antibiotics are being used and may further lead to the spread of multiple antibiotics resistance among other pathogens that may be present in the same environment.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
Applied Extension and Rural Development: AGX 322
- Authors: Lategan, F S , Stevens, J B
- Date: 2010-02
- Language: English
- Type: Examination paper
- Identifier: vital:17682 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1010083
- Description: Applied extension and rural development: AGX 322, supplementary degree examination February 2010.
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2010-02
Introduction to Mapwork and Geographic Informatin Systems: GIS 211
- Authors: Du Plessis, M , Simon, A
- Date: 2011-06
- Language: English
- Type: Examination paper
- Identifier: vital:17911 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1011142
- Description: Introduction to Mapwork and Geographic Informatin Systems: GIS 211, first semester examination June 2011.
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2011-06
Zoology: ZOO 325
- Authors: Okeyo, D O , Do Linh San, Emmanuel , Richoux, N
- Date: 2010-11
- Language: English
- Type: Examination paper
- Identifier: vital:17792 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1010332
- Description: Zoology: ZOO 325, semester examination November 2010
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2010-11
Introduction to Programming Concepts: CSC 121F
- Authors: Chifura, A , Chadwick, J
- Date: 2010-01
- Subjects: Computer Science
- Language: English
- Type: Examination paper
- Identifier: vital:17753 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1010239
- Description: Introduction to Programming Concepts: CSC 121F, supplementary examination January 2010.
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2010-01
Geology (Hydrology, Environmental Geology and Environmental Geochemistry): GLG 521
- Authors: Gunter, C J , Madyibi, L , Liu, K
- Date: 2010-11
- Language: English
- Type: Examination paper
- Identifier: vital:17890 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1011057
- Description: Geology (Hydrology, Environmental Geology and Environmental Geochemistry): GLG 521, degree examination November 2010.
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2010-11
Some performance characteristics of wooled sheep in the sweet and sourveld communal rangelands of Eastern Cape Province, South Africa
- Authors: Mvinjelwa, Sivuyile Alex
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Wool industry -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Sheep -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Wool -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Veld -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Communal rangelands -- South Africa , Grazing -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc Agric (Animal Science)
- Identifier: vital:11825 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1015592 , Wool industry -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Sheep -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Wool -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Veld -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Communal rangelands -- South Africa , Grazing -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Description: The objective of the study was to determine sheep growth performance, fleece weights and wool quality characteristics in the sweet and sourveld communal rangelands of the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa. Data were obtained in 80 ewes aged two to three years, selected in four ecologically different communities. Two communities (Roxeni and Tyabane) were in a sweetveld area and the other two communities (Luzi I and Luzi II) were in a sourveld area. The ewes from Tyabane were nondescript, whereas ewes from Roxeni, Luzi I and Luzi II were crossbred between Merinos and non-descript sheep. Selected ewes were monitored for live weight, body condition scoring and fleece weight during shearing. Wool samples were collected from each ewe and were analysed for fibre diameter, comfort factor, clean yield, wool crimps, staple length, staple strength and the Position of break. Sheep from Roxeni were heavier (P <0.05) (39.9 ± 1.1kg) than sheep from Tyabane (29.8 ± 1.1kg). Sheep from Tyabane had the lightest (P <0.05) fleece weight (1.0 ± 1.1kg) and sheep from Roxeni had the heaviest (3.1 ± 1.1kg). There were no significant differences (P ≥0.05) between body condition scores of sheep in Roxeni and the Luzi communities. The live weights of the two-year old ewes were similar (P ≥0.05) to the three-year old ewes’ live weight. However, the three year old ewes had higher (P <0.05) body condition scores than the two year old ewes. Two year old ewes also had lower (P <0.05) fleece weight than the three years old ewes. Wool from Roxeni, Luzi I and Luzi II had lower fibre diameter (P <0.05) than wool from Tyabane. Roxeni sheep had the highest clean yield (P <0.05) of wool, followed by Luzi I and Luzi II; Tyabane had lowest clean yield percentage of wool. Wool from sheep grazing on sweetveld had a higher (P <0.05) clean yield percentage (74.3 ± 0.7%) than those grazing on sourveld (71.7 ± 0.7%). There were higher staple mid-breaks (69.5 ± 5.2) and lower base-breaks (30.5 ± 5.2) in sweetveld (P <0.05) than in sourveld, 7.5 ± 5.2 and 92.5 ± 5.2 for mid-breaks and lower base-breaks, respectively. It was concluded that sheep raised in the sweetveld and bred with purebred Merino rams had higher performance than the ones reared in the sourveld. The young upgraded ewes had a higher wool quality than the older ewes raised on communal rangelands.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
Analysis of the impact of Smallholder Irrigation Schemes on the choice of rural livelihood strategy and household food security in Eastern Cape
- Authors: Christian, Mzuyanda
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Irrigation -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Farms, Small -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Food security -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/4813 , vital:28526
- Description: Since the end of Apartheid, the South African government has invested substantially in smallholder irrigation schemes, particularly in the former homeland areas. One of the primary goals for establishment of these schemes was to solve food security problems. Sadly, these efforts have not produced the desired results, and poverty has deepened. The question that can be asked is: What is it that makes South African smallholder agricultural sector seemingly impervious to the interventions that government has made in targeting smallholder farmers since the dawn of democracy in 1994? In order to address such a question, a set of structured questionnaires was used to interview 100 smallholder irrigators and 100 non-irrigators using multistage stratified random sampling technique in the Amatole, Chris Hani and OR Tambo District municipalities. Demographic and socio-economic characteristics of smallholder irrigators and non-irrigators around Qamata, Pendu, Tyhefu, Merelles and Ntshongweni irrigation schemes were measured using descriptive statistics. Profitability between the two groups was measured using gross margin analysis (GM). The Probit model was used to determine the factors that affect smallholder farmer‘s choice of participation in irrigation schemes. The impact of irrigation participation on yields, crop sales and food security was estimated using the propensity score matching (PSM) technique. The impact of irrigation participation of smallholder farmer‘s choice of livelihood strategy was estimated using the multinomial regression model. The results showed that male respondents were dominant with a representation of 63 percent and average mean household size of 4 persons with the household head having spent at least 7 years at school. Farming was found to be the major (64 percent) occupation in the study area with an average income of R2 944.52 per cropping season. Both irrigating and non-irrigating smallholder farmers in the study area used improved, fertilizer and tractor for production. Overall, smallholder farmers spent 30.9 percent of their household income on food with irrigators‘food spending lower than those of non-irrigators. The gross margin analysis suggests that the irrigated farmers were in a better position to afford enough food in order to satisfy their household requirement. Findings from the Probit regression and Propensity Score Matching are consistent across the methods, indicating that irrigation participation has a positive influence on crop yields, income and consumption expenditure. Probit regression further showed that age, quality of land, access to credit, access to market, distance to the scheme and membership of another society/association have a positive impact on access and use of irrigation and are significant at p < 0.05 percent level. The Propensity Score Matching using Nearest Neighbour and Kernel Matching Methods of the outcome variables, total farm income and food consumption patterns, shows a positive and statistically significant result at p < 0.05 percent level. The nearest neighbour matching method shows that irrigators received higher farm income R2044.01 than non-irrigating farmers R622.12. The Average Treatment Effect on total food expenditure was negative both in the case of NNM and KM algorithms, indicating that participation in irrigation can decrease the expenditure levels on food from R933.30 to R926.70. This could be due to the fact that irrigating farmers produced enough for home consumption than non-irrigators. The multinomial regression model shows that irrigation participation influences smallholder farmers choice of livelihood strategy and these variables were statistically significant at p < 0.05 percent level. These results provide insights to address the question as to the appropriate development path for transition from homestead to irrigation. Continued support to smallholder farmers in the forms of funding, extension services and improved technologies is certainly needed to enhance food security.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
Feeding behaviour of Xhosa lop-eared, Nguni and Nguni x Boer goat genotypes kept on rangelands of the false thornveld
- Authors: Bakare, Archibold Garikayi
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Goats -- Feeding and feeds , Goats -- South Africa , Rangelands -- South Africa , Grazing -- South Africa , Veld
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc Agric (Animal Science)
- Identifier: vital:11811 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/396 , Goats -- Feeding and feeds , Goats -- South Africa , Rangelands -- South Africa , Grazing -- South Africa , Veld
- Description: Feeding behaviour of Xhosa lop-eared, Nguni and Nguni × Boer goat genotypes kept on rangelands of the False Thornveld By Archibold Garikayi Bakare The study was conducted at the University of Fort Hare farm to assess the feeding behaviour of three goat genotypes: Xhosa lop-eared (XLE), Nguni (NGN) and Nguni × Boer crossbred (NBC) genotypes. The time spent on different activities (grazing, browsing and other activities) on rangelands was recorded using stop watches. The micro-histological faecal analysis technique was used to identify and quantify the plant species that were consumed by the goats across the four seasons. Time spent browsing was high in post-rainy season for XLE (55.94 %) compared to NGN (52.97 %) and crossbred NBC (45.95 %) goats. The high browsing activity was also noted for XLE in hot-wet and cool-dry season (P < 0.05). The NBC goats on the other hand; devoted most of their time grazing compared to XLE and NGN goats across seasons (P < 0.05). Generally, time of day had no effect (P > 0.05) on foraging activities among the goat breeds. Grewia occidentalis, Panicum maximum and Diospyros lycioides were the most preferred plant species by all genotypes across seasons in the paddock. It was concluded that crossbreds spent more time grazing as compared to XLE, which are more of browsers. It could, therefore, be recommended that XLE complement with grazers (cattle and sheep) for efficient management of feed resources in rangelands.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
Implementation of a facebook crawler for opinion monitoring and trend analysis purposes: a case study of government service delivery in Dwesa
- Authors: Mfenyana, Sinesihle Ignetious
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Online social networks -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Social media -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Internet -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Web-based user interfaces -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , User interfaces (Computer systems) -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc (Computer Science)
- Identifier: vital:11394 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1016067 , Online social networks -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Social media -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Internet -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Web-based user interfaces -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , User interfaces (Computer systems) -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Description: The Internet has shifted from the Web 1.0 era to the Web 2.0 era. In the contemporary era of web 2.0, the Internet is being used to build and reflect social relationships among people who share similar interests and activities. This is done through services such as Social Networking Sites (Facebook, Twitter etc.) and the web blogs. Currently, there is a very high usage of Social Networking Sites (SNSs) and blogs where people share their views, opinions, and thoughts. This leads to the production of a lot of data by people who post such content on SNSs. As a result, SNSs and blogs become the ideal platforms for opinion monitoring and the trend analysis. These SNSs and Blogs could be used by service providers for tracking what the public thinks or requires. The reason being, having such knowledge can help in decision making and future planning. If service providers can keep track of such views, opinions or thoughts with regard to the services they provide, they can better their understanding about the public or clients’ needs and improve the provision of relevant services. This research project presents a system prototype for performing opinion monitoring and trend analysis on Facebook. The proposed system crawl Facebook, indexes the data and provides user interface (UI) where end users can search and see the trending of a topics of their choice. The system prototype could also be used to check the trending topics without having to search. The main objective of this research project was to develop a framework that will contribute in improving the way government officials, companies or any service providers and normal citizens communicate regarding services they provide. This research project is premised on the conceptualization that if the government officials, companies or any service providers can keep track of the citizen’s opinions, views and thoughts with regards to services they provide it can help improve the delivery of such services. This research and the implementation of the trend analysis tool is undertaken in the context of the Siyakhula Living Lab (SLL), an Information and Communication Technologies for Development (ICTD) intervention for Dwesa marginalized community.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
Distributed Web Computing: CSC 523
- Authors: Thinyane, M , Vogts, D
- Date: 2012-01
- Language: English
- Type: Examination paper
- Identifier: vital:17763 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1010302
- Description: Distributed Web Computing: CSC 523, Honours supplementary examination January 2012.
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2012-01
The competitiveness of the South African citrus industry in the face of the changing global health and environmental standards
- Authors: Ndou, Portia
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Citrus fruit industry -- South Africa , Food industry and trade -- Safety regulations , Agricultural industries -- Safety regulations , Food -- Safety measures -- International cooperation , Export marketing -- Law and legislation -- South Africa , Competition, International
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD (Agricultural Economics)
- Identifier: vital:11162 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/477 , Citrus fruit industry -- South Africa , Food industry and trade -- Safety regulations , Agricultural industries -- Safety regulations , Food -- Safety measures -- International cooperation , Export marketing -- Law and legislation -- South Africa , Competition, International
- Description: In recent years, concern about food safety linked to health issues has seen a rise in private food safety standards in addition to the regulations set by the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) in collaboration with the World Health Organisation (WHO). These have presented challenges to producers and exporters of agricultural food products especially the producers of fresh fruits and vegetables. In spite of the food safety-linked challenges from the demand side, the vast range of business-environment forces pose equally formidable challenges that negatively impact on the exporting industries’ ability to maintain or improve their market shares and their ability to compete in world markets. The objective of this study was therefore to establish the competitiveness of the South African citrus industry in the international markets within this prevailing scenario. Due to the diversity of the definitions of competitiveness as a concept, this study formulated the following working definition: “the ability to create, deliver and maintain value and constant market share through strategic management of the industrial environment or competitiveness drivers”. This was based on the understanding that the international market shares of an industry are a function of forces in the business environment which range from intra-industry, external and national as well as the international elements. The unit of analysis were the citrus producers engaged in export of their products and the study made use of 151 responses by producers. The study adopted a five-step approach to the analysis of the performance of the South African citrus industry in the global markets, starting with the analysis of the Constant Market Share (CMS) of the South African citrus industry in various world markets, establishing the impact of the business environmental factors upon competitiveness, establishing the costs of compliance with private food safety standards, determining the non-price benefits of compliance with the standards, as well as highlighting the strategies for enhancing long-term competitiveness of the industry in the international markets. South Africa is one of the top three countries dominating the citrus fruit export market. Since its entry into the citrus fruit exports market in the 1900s, the industry has sustained its activity in the international market. The Constant Market Share Analysis shows that, amidst the challenges on the international market side, and the changes in the business environment, over much of which the industry has limited control and influence, the industry has maintained its competitive advantage in several markets. The CMS shows that South Africa’s lemons are competitive in America. Despite a negative trend, the South African grapefruit has been competitive in France, Greece, Italy, the Netherlands and Spain. Oranges have been competitive in the Greece, Italy, Portugal, UK, Asian and Northern Europe markets. Competitiveness in these markets has been due to the inherent competitiveness of the industry. Competitiveness in such markets as the Middle East has been attributed to the relatively rapid growth of these markets. The South African citrus industry has similarly undergone many major processes of transformation. The business environmental factors influencing its performance have ranged reform to the challenges beyond the country’s borders. These factors directly and indirectly affect the performance of the industry in the export market. They have influenced the flow of fruits into different international destinations. Of major concern are the food safety and private standards. Challenges in traditional markets as well as opportunities presented by demand from newly emerging citrus consuming nations have seen a diversification in the marketing of the South African citrus. The intensity of competition in the global market is reflected by the fluctuations in the market shares in different markets as well as the increase and fluctuations of fruit rejection rates in some lucrative markets such as America. A combination of challenging national environmental forces and stringent demand conditions negatively impact on revenues especially from markets characterised by price competitiveness. This study identified cost of production, foreign market support systems, adaptability, worker skills, challenges of management in an international environment and government policies such as labour and trade policies as some of the most influential obstacles to competitiveness. Some of the most competiveness-enhancing factors were market availability, market size, market information, market growth and the availability of research institutions. However, compliance with private standards still poses a challenge to the exporters. The different performance levels of the industry in various markets prove the dissimilarity of the demand conditions in the global market. These are supported by the negative influence associated with the foreign market support regimes as well as the challenges associated with compliance with private food safety standards. While market availability, market growth, market information and size were identified as enhancing competitiveness, the fluctuations and inconsistencies in the competitiveness of the industry in different foreign markets require more than finding markets. Resource allocation by both the government and the industry may need to take into account the off-setting of the national challenges and support of farmers faced with distorted and unfair international playing fields. Otherwise, market availability is not a challenge for the industry save meeting the specifications therewith as well as price competitiveness which is unattainable for the South African citrus producers faced with high production costs. For the purposes of further study, it is recommended that account should be taken of all the products marketed by the industry (including processed products such as fruit juices) in order to have a whole picture of the competitiveness of the industry in the international market. This study also proffers a new theoretical framework for the analysis of the business environment for the citrus industry and other agro-businesses. This framework takes into account the indispensability of the food safety standards and measures as well as the diversity of the global consumer and the non-negotiability of food trade for the sustenance of the growing population.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
Elementary Computer programming: CSC 121
- Authors: Chadwick, J , Ntuli, S
- Date: 2009-11
- Language: English
- Type: Examination paper
- Identifier: vital:17772 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1010312
- Description: Elementary Computer Programming: CSC 121, degree examination November 2009.
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2009-11
Basic Chemistry: PAC 111F
- Authors: Soyaya, S M , Sadimenko, A
- Date: 2010-06
- Language: English
- Type: Examination paper
- Identifier: vital:17827 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1010381
- Description: Basic Chemistry: PAC 111F, degree examinatino June 2010.
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2010-06
Productions of high quality wastewater final effluents remain a challenge in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa
- Authors: Gusha, Siyabulela Stability
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Water-supply, Rural -- Health aspects -- South Africa , Pathogenic microorganisms -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Water-supply, Rural -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Effluent quality -- Testing , Sewage disposal plants -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Escherichia coli
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc (Microbiology)
- Identifier: vital:11265 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/489 , Water-supply, Rural -- Health aspects -- South Africa , Pathogenic microorganisms -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Water-supply, Rural -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Effluent quality -- Testing , Sewage disposal plants -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Escherichia coli
- Description: Water is an indispensible and yet a difficult resource to be renewed, thus water scarcity has become one of the major challenges faced worldwide, with the Southern regions of Africa being the most impacted and affected, especially the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa where rural communities depend on receiving waterbodies that are often negatively impacted by wastewater final effluents. This present study was conducted between August and December 2010 to assess the physicochemical and microbial qualities of the final effluents of peri-urban and rural communities based wastewater treatment plants in the Eastern Cape Province. The physicochemical parameters were determined on site and in the laboratory, while bacteriological qualities were determined using culture based techniques. The virological qualities were determined by molecular methods using reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction for the target RNA virus and the conventional polymerase chain reaction for the target DNA virus. For both wastewater treatment plants, the physicochemical parameters ranged as follows: chemical oxygen demand (5.95-45 mg/L); total dissolved solids (114.5-187.0 mg/L); salinity (0.12-0.20 psu); temperature (14.2-25.7oC); pH (6.0-7.6); nitrate and nitrites (1.55-6.7 mg/L and 0.023-1.15 mg/L respectively); biological oxygen demand (3.5-7.8 mg/L); turbidity (1.49-6.98 NTU); and chlorine residual (0-2.97 mg/L). Feacal indicator bacteria counts ranged as follows: feacal coliforms (0-1.25×104 cfu/100 ml); total coliforms (0-3.95×104 cfu/100 ml); and enterococci (0-5.0×103 cfu/100 ml). xviii Seventy five percent of the rural community based plant and 80 percent of the peri-urban community based plant were positive for coxsackie A virus, while hepatitis A virus was detected in all the rural community based plant 80 percent of the peri-urban community based plant. This study suggests the need for intervention by appropriate regulatory agencies to ensure regular monitoring of the qualities of final effluents of wastewater treatment facilities in the Eastern Cape Province and ensure compliance to established guidelines.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
Qualitative and quantitative properties of solutions of ordinary differential equations
- Authors: Ogundare, Babatunde Sunday
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Differential equations , Lyapunov functions , Chebyshev polynomials , Algorithms
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD (Applied Mathematics)
- Identifier: vital:11588 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/244 , Differential equations , Lyapunov functions , Chebyshev polynomials , Algorithms
- Description: This thesis is concerned with the qualitative and quantitative properties of solutions of certain classes of ordinary di erential equations (ODEs); in particular linear boundary value problems of second order ODE's and non-linear ODEs of order at most four. The Lyapunov's second method of special functions called Lyapunov functions are employed extensively in this thesis. We construct suitable complete Lyapunov functions to discuss the qualitative properties of solutions to certain classes of non-linear ordinary di erential equations considered. Though there is no unique way of constructing Lyapunov functions, We adopt Cartwright's method to construct complete Lyapunov functions that are required in this thesis. Su cient conditions were established to discuss the qualitative properties such as boundedness, convergence, periodicity and stability of the classes of equations of our focus. Another aspect of this thesis is on the quantitative properties of solutions. New scheme based on interpolation and collocation is derived for solving initial value problem of ODEs. This scheme is derived from the general method of deriving the spline functions. Also by exploiting the Trigonometric identity property of the Chebyshev polynomials, We develop a new scheme for approximating the solutions of two-point boundary value problems. These schemes are user-friendly, easy to develop algorithm (computer program) and execute. They compare favorably with known standard methods used in solving the classes of problems they were derived for
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
Agrometeorology: AGC 111 and AGC 111F
- Authors: Mutengwa, C S , Maphaha, M F
- Date: 2011-06
- Language: English
- Type: Examination paper
- Identifier: vital:17634 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1010012
- Description: Agrometeorology: AGC 111 and AGC 111F, degree examination June 2011.
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2011-06
Motor Learning and Performance: HMS 311
- Authors: Lyoka, P A , Xoxo, T D , Welman, K
- Date: 2011-11
- Language: English
- Type: Examination paper
- Identifier: vital:17930 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1012196
- Description: Motor Learning and Performance: HMS 311, degree final examination June 2011
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2011-11
Application of the sustainable livelihoods framework to the analysis of the Provincial Growth and Development Plan of the Eastern Cape: a case study of the Massive Food Production Programme in Nkonkobe Municipality and Buffalo City Municipality
- Authors: Dirwayi, Tafadzwa P
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: Sustainable agriculture -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Sustainable development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Poverty -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Rural poor -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Food supply -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Food security -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc Agric (Agricultural Economics)
- Identifier: vital:11159 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/353 , Sustainable agriculture -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Sustainable development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Poverty -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Rural poor -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Food supply -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Food security -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Description: The Government of the Eastern Cape Province introduced the Massive Food Production programme, which is a cornerstone within the agrarian reform initiative of the Provincial Growth and Development Plan (PGDP). The programme has been going on for more than seven years, however little has been documented on its impact. The main objective of the study was to investigate the impact of the Massive Food Production Programme on the livelihoods in Nkonkobe Municipality. This study did not only investigate its impact on the participants but also assessed its impact on the recipient communities. Accordingly, the specific objectives of the study were to investigate the impact of the Massive Food Programme on the asset base of participants, the general livelihood activities, and the livelihood outcomes. Among other livelihood activities, the study made an in-depth investigation on the impact of the Massive Food Production Programme on maize crop production. This is because the Massive Food Production was aimed at maize crop production. Previous studies investigated on the indicators of success that can be used to measure the impact of this programme. After the wide-ranging evaluation of views, arguments and research findings, a model to measure impact of the programme was designed. The asset base improvement was used as the proxy of impact. Nine factors were selected from the principal component analysis of the many factors that were taken to affect participation. Three other dummy variables to proximate location, participation and group turnover were added to the regression model that was developed to measure impact. The DFID Sustainable Livelihood Framework was used to investigate the impact of the Massive Food Production Programme. This approach was used in both conceptualizing the study and the selection of variables. The DFID Sustainable Livelihood Approach was selected because unlike the CARE or UNDP Sustainable Livelihood models, it was designed for such purposes. Data collection was accomplished through observation, interviewing, and focus group discussions. The researcher also made use of project annual reports on change of livelihoods, baseline survey reports, project log frame, internal reports, work plans, budgets and mid-term evaluation reports as sources of secondary data. v The research findings were analysed using several analytical procedures, including the conventional descriptive statistics, principal components analysis, and linear regression analysis. The use of the different types of analysis was driven by the research questions under investigation and the theories on which they are based, and by the available data. The study revealed that to some extent the Massive Food Production Programme has managed to improve the asset base of the farmers. However, its impact on ensuring food security is still debatable. Findings of the study revealed that most of the participants and the non-participants communities experienced food shortages in the last season 2007/8 for at most three months. The study revealed that the highest agricultural income is from livestock sales. The varying locations showed the potential of livestock production. It is recommended that development agencies consider livestock production as an agricultural strategy with immense potential for enhancing sustaining rural livelihoods
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010
Exploring the use of mineral corridors and stranded ore deposits in order to alleviate rural poverty and effect environmental and social change through a proposed rural development corridor in South Africa
- Authors: Baartjes, Joan Charlaine
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Mines and mineral resources -- South Africa , Rural poor -- South Africa , Poverty -- Economic aspects -- South Africa , Rural development projects -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc (Geology)
- Identifier: vital:11517 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/389 , Mines and mineral resources -- South Africa , Rural poor -- South Africa , Poverty -- Economic aspects -- South Africa , Rural development projects -- South Africa
- Description: South Africa has less than 1 percent of the global land surface, yet it is ranked highly in terms of remaining mineral resources. Mineral wealth has not translated into a better life for all. Poverty, however, abounds; particularly in the rural areas and this study seeks to identify a solution or partial solution to this situation. The study combines two critical areas, Mineral Based Rural Development, and Mineral Based Enterprise Development and draws from it a model for Mineraldriven Rural Economic Development viable for all parts of South Africa. This study comprised research on a national scale and thus covered a section of each of South Africa‟s nine provinces. It investigated the conditions in rural and urban centres, and geologically, it traversed examples of Archaean, Proterozoic and Phanerozoic formations. The field visits deliberately set out to look at some of the lowest value commodities; typically the only minerals available to the surrounding rural communities. This was done to see if a case could be made for even the lowest value commodities which are often found furthest from the large markets. This study indicates that for a rural area to be able to compete nationally or internationally, it is important to be competitive so that the area can participate in the economy. The creation of regional competitive areas allow for the focusing of strategies and funding for targeted rural projects. Enterprises, typically the product of entrepreneurial activity, are required to increase economic intensity and activity. xxvii The goal of poverty reduction, has been identified by government so that enterprises, as products of economic development, can be focused on the situation. Interviews conducted by the researcher indicated that part of the problem to overcome is the bureaucracy created by government which hinders enterprise development. Recommendations are made that government should exempt rural enterprises from some of the compliance hurdles. This will serve to accelerate rural development. An important aspect of urban enterprises is that they have access to labour without too many problems. Thirteen developed or developing corridors were visited of the five types of development corridors identified. It was found that those in areas of high poverty (for example the corridors of the Eastern Cape) are difficult to develop and make self-sustaining. The corridors linked to any point of Gauteng (Johannesburg or Pretoria) are more robust, although the relatively short length of the corridor is not an indicator of effectiveness. The key recommendations made include the completion of a national rural mineral-asset audit; the use of the information to demarcate rural-regions that can be developed as nationally and internationally competitive regions; the establishment of a rural Resource and Training Academy(ies) so that skills are developed close to areas where they will be deployed; provision of an easier way to launch mineral-based rural enterprises and incentivise these for accelerated development; and the development of an indigenous body of knowledge to mine small scale deposits
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- Date Issued: 2011