Empowerment of women victicms of domestic violence in Ntabethemba ,Tsolwana Municipality:an ecclesiastical function of Evangelical Presbyterian church of South Africa
- Authors: Mraji, Thomakazi
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Church work with abused women - - South Africa Abused women -- Pastoral counseling of Family violence -- Religious aspects -- Christianity
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , M Th
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/10382 , vital:35443
- Description: This research study investigated the empowerment of women victims of domestic violence in Ntabethemba, Tsolwana Municipality: An Ecclesiastical Function of Evangelical Presbyterian Church of South Africa. The study intended to achieve the following objectives: (i) to examine the intervention and involvement of the Evangelical Presbyterian Church of South Africa in social development of women victims of domestic violence; and (ii) to investigate whether there are any available programs within the Evangelical Presbyterian Church of South Africa to empower women victims of domestic violence in Ntabethemba. This study used a qualitative paradigm and an exploratory research approach. It also employed in-depth one-on-one interviews complemented by focus group discussions as a method of data collection. The study used non-probability sampling, specifically purposive sampling technique. 32 participants were sampled, including: participants from Focus Group Discussions, which consisted of 7 clergy members, 7 members of Association of Presbyterian Women Executive Committee, 6 members of Men’s Christian Guild Executive Committee, 7 members of Imanyano Yee-Ntombi ZamaRabe Avangelayo Executive Committee, 5 members of Presbytery Council and 65 participants from Focused Group Discussions. These 65 participants derive from four congregations, namely; Trinity congregation, St. James congregation, St. Phillips congregation and Calvin congregation and from three associations, namely; APW, IYZA and MCG. The data was analysed qualitatively through content thematic analysis which used the interpretative approach and textual presentation.
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- Date Issued: 2017
Exploring the attitudes of selected community members on the interplay between incidences of poverty and the escalation of HIV/AIDS in Cofimvaba, Eastern Cape Province, South Africa
- Authors: Mrashula, Zodidi
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: AIDS (Disease) -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , AIDS (Disease) -- Economic aspects , Poverty -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/7941 , vital:30987
- Description: Cofimvaba has had a noticeable increase of people who got infected with HIV/AIDS and is one of the poorest of the poor in the Eastern Cape. Hence, the researcher became interested to investigate the interplay between incidences of poverty and the prevalence of HIV/AIDS. The reasons for the continued increase of HIV infection in Cofimvaba were investigated. The study used a qualitative approach, was descriptive and explorative and specifically used a case study as a specific research design. The study investigated 32 participants, nine of whom were infected and diagnosed to be seropositive between the years 2012, and 2014; six community members; twelve from the volunteer care givers who were members from the support group. The study also investigated a number of key informants who included a traditional leader, a care giver, a nurse, a social worker and a community development practitioner. The study used a non-probability sampling methodology, but specifically purposive sampling technique. On data collection, the study triangulated both in-depth interviews and focus group discussions. The findings of the study revealed that people who are infected with HIV/AIDS are unemployed, illiterate and suffer from poverty. The study also found that poor people are more vulnerable to HIV/AIDS infections. The study findings were as follows: There is a lack knowledge about HIV/AIDS that leads to lack of prevention. It has been discovered that there is a high level of poverty and HIV/AIDS in Cofimvaba. High level of unemployment is a contributing factor of poverty and high level of HIV/AIDS in Cofimvaba. Level of unprotected sex as driver of HIV/AIDS has also been identified. There is an inextricable relationship poverty and prevalence of HIV/AIDS. Unreliability of the food parcel on people who are HIV positive leads to poverty. The study findings were also as: Caregivers breaching the ethos and principle of confidentiality leads to people not to to HIV/disclose their HIV/AIDS status. Migration driving vulnerability to HIV/AIDS. It has been insisted that transactional sex drives to HIV/AIDS. Low HIV/AIDS education makes people to be vulnerable to HIVAIDS., The fear of testing makes people unaware of their HIV/AIDS status. Also the excessive alcohol intake as a driver to HIV/AIDS vulnerability. It has also been noted that only women responded to the study and there was a high rate of death revealed on account of HIV/AIDS in Cofimvaba. The researcher has also made the following recommendations to the study: obligatory psychol-social support programs for PLWHA, extension and replication of community based organisation, collaboration between different stakeholders in the HIV/AIDS domain. Widen the horizon of training education and HIV/AIDS awareness campaigns and availability of counselling, job opportunity, social grants and food parcels.
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- Date Issued: 2017
Screening of shark liver extracts for potential antimicrobial properties against selected pathogenic bacterial strains
- Authors: Mrwetyana, Thandolwethu
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Fishes -- Diseases Pathogenic bacteria
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , Microbiology
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/13004 , vital:39431
- Description: The growing problem of antimicrobial resistance prevents the effective treatment of bacterial infections. Traditional antibiotics such as penicillin have been rendered ineffective against most microbial pathogens. This has led to an increased need for the development of new and improved drugs. The marine environment contains a great array of organisms with unique biological properties, but still remains one of our most underutilized biological resources. The aim of this study was to screen different shark liver extracts for antimicrobial properties. After optimizing the extraction methods, the liver extracts (oil and aminosterol) of three different shark species, namely the Dogfish (Squalus acanthias), the Catshark (Scyliorhinus capensis) and the Hammerhead (Sphyrna zygaena) shark, were screened for antimicrobial properties using the Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion method against selected bacterial pathogens (Helicobacter pylori, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus cereus), after which the MIC was determined using the modified broth micro-dilution described by Vollekova et al. (2001). The most active extract was fractionated using thin layer chromatography, and TLC-direct bioautography was used to determine the antimicrobial properties of the fractionated compounds. The Folch et al and the Shinnar et al methods yielded the highest extract volumes for oil and aminosterol consecutively, and the catshark and dogfish aminosterol extract showed greater levels of bioactivity against all selected bacterial pathogens, with S. aureus showing highest susceptibility levels to both extracts. A total of 22 compounds were observed in the developed plates with two compounds (Rf 0.53 and 0.79) showing antimicrobial activity. Certain shark liver extracts possess antimicrobial properties that have the potential to be used in the development of new antimicrobial drugs.
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- Date Issued: 2017
Screening of shark liver extracts for potential antimicrobial properties against selected pathogenic bacterial strains
- Authors: Mrwetyana, Thandolwethu
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Fishes -- Diseases Pathogenic bacteria Antibiotics
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/12982 , vital:39413
- Description: The growing problem of antimicrobial resistance prevents the effective treatment of bacterial infections. Traditional antibiotics such as penicillin have been rendered ineffective against most microbial pathogens. This has led to an increased need for the development of new and improved drugs. The marine environment contains a great array of organisms with unique biological properties, but still remains one of our most underutilized biological resources. The aim of this study was to screen different shark liver extracts for antimicrobial properties. After optimizing the extraction methods, the liver extracts (oil and aminosterol) of three different shark species, namely the Dogfish (Squalus acanthias), the Catshark (Scyliorhinus capensis) and the Hammerhead (Sphyrna zygaena) shark, were screened for antimicrobial properties using the Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion method against selected bacterial pathogens (Helicobacter pylori, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus cereus), after which the MIC was determined using the modified broth micro-dilution described by Vollekova et al. (2001). The most active extract was fractionated using thin layer chromatography, and TLC-direct bioautography was used to determine the antimicrobial properties of the fractionated compounds. The Folch et al and the Shinnar et al methods yielded the highest extract volumes for oil and aminosterol consecutively, and the catshark and dogfish aminosterol extract showed greater levels of bioactivity against all selected bacterial pathogens, with S. aureus showing highest susceptibility levels to both extracts. A total of 22 compounds were observed in the developed plates with two compounds (Rf 0.53 and 0.79) showing antimicrobial activity. Certain shark liver extracts possess antimicrobial properties that have the potential to be used in the development of new antimicrobial drugs.
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- Date Issued: 2017
Development and validation of DNA barcoding for biodiversity assessment and conservation of red algae in the Algoa Bay region
- Authors: Mshiywa, Faith Masilive
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Red algae
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/9011 , vital:34182
- Description: DNA barcoding is a molecular technique that uses a short DNA sequence for species identification. It harnesses global community efforts to establish large-scale public reference libraries to allow species identification. Red algae are a complex group of species and are difficult to identify on morphological grounds only. Red algae have the highest production of halogenated compounds, and are used in the medical and pharmaceutical industries. This study therefore aimed at developing DNA barcodes, universal primers and a Kenton-on-Sea red algae species list, which will aid as a baseline for red algae biodiversity and conservation research. A potential DNA barcode region was designed from the rbcL gene, because rbcL is easy to amplify, easy to sequence and it can differentiate organisms to species level. Primers were designed from multiple red algae rbcL sequences and they were evaluated using bioinformatics tools. Red algae from the Algoa Bay region were screened with these primers and a 77% PCR amplification success was obtained. The PCR products were sequenced and 96% of the amplicons were successfully sequenced and resulted in a barcode sequence length above 700bp, which could be used to identify red algae species. Twenty-six (26) red algae species from Kenton-on-Sea, near Algoa Bay, were successfully identified using the Barcode sequence amplified from a primer set developed from the rbcL gene and were uploaded on the BOLD database for public access. This barcode is, therefore, suitable for use by the South African National Biodiversity Institute or other marine researchers, to identify South African red algae species and ensure the maintenance of their biodiversity and conservation.
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- Date Issued: 2017
The teaching of english first additional language reading comprehension in selected rural secondary schools in the Ngcobo Education District
- Authors: Mshumi, Lizwi Chysostom
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Reading (Secondary) -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Language and languages -- Study and teaching -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape English language
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/9286 , vital:34318
- Description: Literacy in South Africa is in a state of crisis according to the studies conducted by Progress in International Literacy Study (PIRLS) of 2006 and SACMEC III, 2011. Yearly there is a public outcry over the low matric pass rate and furthermore the Eastern Cape is below the national benchmark of 60 percent. In the district in which this research was based, the matric pass rate was, in 2016, amongst the lowest five districts nationally. This study used the interactive theory of reading as the theoretical framework and is located in the interpretive paradigm. Qualitative approach was employed in the study with the intentions of finding out as much as possible on teachers‟ experiences with the teaching of reading comprehension in rural secondary schools. The study also applied a case study design. For this study two schools were purposively selected from the Ngcobo District. The data in this study were derived from transcribed interviews, lesson observations and field notes. The main findings of this study reflected the following challenges faced by rural secondary schools based on teaching reading comprehension: the absence of a culture of reading, lack of resources and poor socio-economic background of learners, lack of exposure to reading material, limited availability of time both at school and home, and large classes. It is recommended that the Department of Basic Education (DBE) intensifies teachers with ongoing teacher development in order that they acquire additional skills on how to teach reading. The building of classrooms is required as well as addressing the issue of provision of various resources such as infrastructure library facilities.
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- Date Issued: 2017
The study of blockchain towards its application to South African Social Security Agency (SASSA)
- Authors: Mthethwa, Sthembile
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: South African Social Security Agency Electronic funds transfers -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/12610 , vital:39292
- Description: In recent years, there has been a rapid improvement in the way currencies are perceived, which has led to a rise in digital currencies commonly known as cryptocurrencies (because they are secured by the use of cryptography). Bitcoin was the _rst successful cryptocurrency which allowed users to transact directly with each other without the involvement of the third party (the bank). Bitcoin introduced a new technology known as the blockchain which is considered to be the ext-generation technology". Blockchain is a chronological database used to store all the transactions that have occurred since the inception of Bitcoin. A study of the Blockchain involving its application to the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) is presented. This study assesses how the Blockchain functions. The Blockchain has been viewed as the next-generation technology. This study also assesses the application of the Blockchain to other systems other than cryptocurrencies or digital currencies. Recent studies in the literature have proposed applications of the Blockchain to other system (e.g. electronic voting, smart contracts, and intellectual property rights). Although these proposals have been put forward, none has been made speci_cally for SASSA. This study also presents the problems that the Blockchain has (e.g. scalability, security).Recent literature has tried to solve the problem of scalability, by introducing new protocols like mini-blockchain. In addition, this study presents the challenges that SASSA is currently having and it provides details about the attacks that could succeed in the system. The study presents the analysis of the blockchain for its application to SASSA; the analysis includes scalability, performance and security. Based on the analysis, it is shown that the blockchain is not compatible to be applied to SASSA. However, this study proposes a solution to some of the challenges SASSA is currently facing.
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- Date Issued: 2017
Tillage and crop rotation effects on selected soil properties and wheat yield in a short term field experiment in the Eastern Cape province, South Africa
- Authors: Mtyobile, Mxolisi
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Crop rotation -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Cropping systems -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/13414 , vital:39659
- Description: Severe land degradation associated with current conventional production systems have resulted in low production amongst the small scale farmers in the Eastern Cape. Inappropriate management practices cause depletion of organic matter and other essential nutrients leading to a decline in crop productivity. There is growing evidence that conservation agriculture (CA) practices involving no-tillage (NT) coupled with crop rotation and surface residue retention increases soil organic carbon (SOC) and other essential nutrients and therefore has potential to alleviate soil quality deterioration. A study was carried out to investigate the effects of tillage and crop rotation with crop residue retention on selected soil properties and on wheat yield in the Alice Jozini ecotope of the Eastern Cape. Specific objectives were to determine (i) the effect of crop rotation and tillage on soil SOC, NH4, NO3, total N, P, K, Ca, Mg, Zn, soil pH and EC distribution at 0-5 cm, 5 cm -10 cm, 10 cm-20 cm (ii) the effect of crop rotation and tillage on soil bulk density, porosity and on soil water content (iii) the effect of crop rotation and tillage on wheat biomass and grain yield. Treatments were arranged as a split-split plot in a randomized complete block design with three replicates. Tillage treatments included no-tillage (NT) and conventional tillage (CT) and were applied on the main plots while crop rotation treatments were applied as subplots. Crop residue retention treatments were applied as sub-sub plots. The rotational treatments were maize-fallow-maize (MFM), maize-fallow-soybean (MFS), maize-wheat-maize (MWM) and maize-wheat-soybean (MWS). However, the current study focused on tillage and crop rotation treatments under residue retention to give 8 treatments. Data from the field trials showed that NT with residue retention had significantly (p < 0.05) higher SOC, Total N, P, K, Ca and EC relative to CT. The MWS rotation under no-tillage (NT) with residue retention followed by MFS resulted in the progressive improvement in soil nutrient status. The correlations of SOC with various soil nutrients under study showed that the nature of the relationships between SOC and nutrient availability was consistent. Results on soil physical parameters showed that tillage had no significant effect (p > 0.05) on soil bulk density (ρb) and porosity whereas a significant effect on soil water content under NT was observed. Crop rotation had no significant effects (p > 0.05) on soil bulk density, porosity and soil moisture across the tillage treatments. The MWS rotation registered an increase in soil porosity in comparison with the MWM and MFM. Tillage x crop rotation interaction effects were significant (p < 0.05) on the measured porosity and soil water content. Soil bulk density showed negative correlation with soil porosity and soil water content (SWC) whereas porosity had a positive correlation with SWC. On yield parameters, results revealed that no significant (P>0.05) interaction of main effects with respect to wheat biomass and grain yield. Tillage had a significant (P<0.05) effect on wheat biomass only in season 2. Tillage and crop rotation effects were not significant (P>0.05) with regards to grain yield throughout the experimental period. Higher grain wheat biomass and grain yield were found in MWS rotation under NT with surface residue retention although not statistically significant. Correlation analysis revealed that wheat yield was positively correlated to SOC, P, and Total N. Therefore, combination of NT with MWS rotation with residue retention has the potential to significantly improve soil chemical properties and wheat grain yield whereas MWM followed by MWS crop rotation under NT showed an increase in soil porosity and soil water content.
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- Date Issued: 2017
Determinants of smallholder vegetable farmers' participation on post-harvest practices and market access : evidence from Mashonaland East Province of Zimbabwe
- Authors: Mukarumbwa, Peter
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Farms, Small -- Zimbabwe Vegetables -- Zimbabwe -- Marketing Vegetable trade -- Zimbabwe
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/8703 , vital:33431
- Description: Smallholder vegetable production is very vital in enhancing livelihoods in Zimbabwe’s rural areas. Vegetable production generates household income and improves household food security. Despite this, smallholder vegetable farmers in Zimbabwe suffer huge post-harvest losses which reduce their profits and market competiveness. Post-harvest losses of vegetables are a major dilemma faced by smallholder farmers. They not only represent waste of scare resources such as farm inputs but they also entail wasted investment in terms of time, human effort and food. Furthermore, there are also a myriad of other challenges which constrain smallholder vegetable farmers in Zimbabwe from accessing lucrative markets. The broad objective of the study was to assess smallholder vegetable farmers` preferred post-harvest practices for value addition as well as factors that condition their selection choices, adoption and product market access. The study was conducted in four districts: Seke, Goromonzi, Murehwa and Mutoko, in the Mashonaland East Province of Zimbabwe. A multistage sampling procedure was adopted in the selection of villages and households. A total of 385 smallholder vegetable farmers were interviewed. The survey was undertaken from August–October 2016. Descriptive statistics were employed to analyse the socio-economic and demographic characteristics of households that were sampled in Mashonaland East Province. Age of household head, gender, educational level, household size, farming experience, main sources of income, land ownership, main vegetables produced and main causes of post-harvest losses were some of the statistics that were analysed. The average age of the farmers varied significantly across districts and it was generally high (average of 50 years). Moreover, the average household size was about six (6) individuals, which is an indication of high dependency ratio. The study also revealed the major causes of post-harvest losses across all vegetables predominantly cultivated in the study area were pests and diseases, followed by decay. Most of the underlying causes of huge post-harvest losses were within the control of the farmer. Therefore, the study recommends strategies from policymakers and Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) which enhance post-harvest management. These can result in substantial reduction in losses which can increase farmers’ income without necessarily expanding land under cultivation. The Poisson count regression model (PCRM) was used to analyse factors influencing number of post-harvest techniques adopted by smallholder vegetable farmers in the study area. The results of the PCRM revealed that the following variables were significant in influencing number of post-harvest practices adopted by smallholder vegetable growers: gender, education level, household size, age, farming experience, distance to market, market information, group membership, credit, and hired labour. The study recommends concerted efforts through public private partnerships (PPP) to provide active extension about post-harvest education. This will promote the adoption of simple, uncomplicated and innovative low-cost technologies for post-harvest management. The binary logit model was employed to analyse factors that influence smallholder vegetable farmers’ decisions to select a specific post-harvest practice for value addition. This was based on the three major post-harvest practices which were mainly being adopted by smallholder vegetable farmers’ in the study area which were drying, grading and washing. The results of the binary model showed that nine (9) variables were significant in influencing smallholder vegetable farmers’ decisions to select post-harvest practice for value addition. These were: gender, land size, distance to market, market information, family labour, training, target market, quantity produced and storage facilities. Policymakers and other stakeholders need to provide productive resources such as inputs to improve productivity and ultimately selection of basic post-harvest management techniques along the vegetable supply chain. The multinomial logit model was used in the study to analyse factors that influence market channel choice of smallholder vegetable farmers in the study area. The results from the multinomial logistic regression model revealed that distance to market, group membership, adding value, road infrastructure and quantity produced influenced participation in informal markets. On the other hand, gender, distance to market, market information, group membership, producer price, adding value, road infrastructure, quantity produced and market infrastructure influenced farmers’ participation in formal markets. Policies aimed at assisting resources for improved productivity of vegetables should be gender sensitive. Establishment of irrigation schemes as well as provision of credit for smallholder vegetable production are vital interventions. In the same way, crafting of appropriate policies and programmes which foster collective action amongst smallholder vegetable farmers are required. This will enable them to produce larger volumes as well as participate in more lucrative markets. Finally, smallholder vegetable farmers’ transaction costs can be reduced by investment in infrastructure such as roads.
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- Date Issued: 2017
Energy services and energy poverty for sustainable development in Zimbabwe
- Authors: Mupindu, Chipo
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Sustainable development -- Zimbabwe Zimbabwe -- Economic conditions
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DPhil
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/8408 , vital:32743
- Description: This study examines the effects of energy poverty on sustainable development in Zimbabwe. The principal objective of this study was to analyse Zimbabwe energy poverty as a contributing factor impacting on sustainable development. Access to energy was viewed as a human right in this study and attributes of ecological modernization and energy ladder theories were incorporated in the study so as to foster sustainable development. The study developed a symbiosis between energy poverty and human development in Zimbabwe. The power shortages have caused a lot of energy poverty and load shedding in the country and this has had adverse consequences on the transformation of the economy as well as the general human capacity development in the country. The supply shortage was as a result of many factors which include the lack of investment in the power sector by government for expanded generation capacity, ageing equipment, incorrect pricing, bad debts, droughts, internal conflicts, skills flight, and government energy sector regulation, vandalisation of equipment and under supply of coal to thermal power stations. The country needs to commit itself towards improving the current situation by revising the energy policy to include alternative sources, the integration of regional power systems and construction of more power stations, and by putting research monitoring and evaluation mechanisms in place so as to improve power generation capacity which meets the demand of the country. The evidence from the findings gathered in this study led to the conclusion that the Zimbabwe energy and power sector lacks the capacity to provide adequate reliable clean energy to the nation and this has affected the development of the country.
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- Date Issued: 2017
Strategies, challenges and socio-economic contribution of immigrant entrepreneurship in the Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipal Area
- Authors: Muridzo, Phillemon Dudzai
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Minority business enterprises -- South Africa Entrepreneurship -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSoc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/17849 , vital:41375
- Description: Immigrants, in whatever country they settle, have always been involved in entrepreneurial activities mainly for survival, remittance and other purposes. Globally, immigrant entrepreneurship has significantly contributed to the economy of host nations. The aim of this research study is to investigate the business strategies, challenges and socio-economic contribution of immigrant entrepreneurship in the Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipal (BCMM) area, Eastern Cape, South Africa. This study builds upon fieldwork undertaken within the Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipal area situated in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa. A Case Study research design was utilised, and it encompassed three kinds of data collection methods – indepth interviews, focus groups and direct observation. The key finding of this study indicated that as a consequence of the challenges they encounter, immigrant entrepreneurs in the Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipal area had devised different business strategies to ensure that their businesses remain afloat and profitable. Another key finding of the study is that immigrant entrepreneurs in the BCMM Area make significant socio-economic contributions to their host communities. In addition to other positive contributions, immigrant entrepreneurs add to the revitalization of neighbourhoods and provide employment to their respective communities.
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- Date Issued: 2017
A bring your own device information security behavioural model
- Authors: Musarurwa, Alfred
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Data protection Computer security -- Management Privacy, Right of
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/8587 , vital:33166
- Description: The Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) phenomenon has become prevalent in the modern-day workplace, including the banking industry. Employees who own devices have become the unintended administrators of the organisation’s information as their mobile devices often carry information belonging to the organisation. The unintended administrator is not necessarily schooled or aware of the information security risks and challenges that are associated with the BYOD. This inadvertently shifts the management of organisational information security from the information technology (IT) administrator to the unintended administrator. This shift leaves the organisation at risk of information security breaches that can permeate the organisation, which result from the behaviour that the unintended administrator displays when operating the mobile device. This study introduces the BYOD Information Security Behavioural (BISB) model. The model constructs are a combination of individual and organisational traits of the unintended administrator. The purpose of this study is to mitigate the risks posed by the unintended administrator in organisations through the implementation this model. The risk that the unintended administrator poses in relation to the BYOD phenomenon results in chief information officers (CIOs) being unable to totally control these mobile devices. Traditional endpoint information security management tools and methods can no longer secure devices in the BYOD the way they can in the traditional network where they are confined to the organisation’s IT administrator. This results in the organisation’s information security becoming the responsibility of the unintended administrator. This study was conducted in the banking sector in Zimbabwe. It is noteworthy that the BYOD phenomenon has become prevalent in the banking sector among other organisational sectors like education, health or even government departments. Information security is also an important component of the banks as such and a choice was made to conduct the study in the banking industry. The design science research paradigm was followed in this study and included a survey of 270 bank employees in Zimbabwe, which received 170 complete responses. A literature review on both employee behaviour and organisational culture was conducted, followed by a case study of a commercial bank in Zimbabwe. The literature review culminated in traits that were then classified as individual traits and organisational traits. Six constructs –, knowledge, attitude, habit, environment, governance and training – were identified from the literature and combined to form the BYOD information security behavioural (BISB) model. Statistical calculations were conducted on the survey results which informed the reliability, validity and rigour of the model constructs. An expert review including industry experts was conducted to evaluate the BISB model. This study concludes by recommending that organisations in Zimbabwe should make use of the BISB model to mitigate the information security risks that are posed by the unintended administrator. While there are technical solutions for managing the information security risks that come with the BYOD, this study points out that without harnessing the individual and organisational traits that make up the BYOD information security behavioural model for the unintended administrator, technical solutions alone will not be effective.
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- Date Issued: 2017
Statistical analysis and modelling of malaria relapse risk factors using Cox Proportional Hazards model approach : a case study of material data collected from Democratic Republic of Congo
- Authors: Mutambayi, Ruffin Mpiana
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Malaria -- Congo (Democratic Republic) -- Mathematical models Statistics -- Congo (Democratic Republic) -- Econometric models
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/15001 , vital:40110
- Description: The field of survival analysis has experienced tremendous growth during the latter half of the 20th century. The objective of this study was to model the relapsing time of uncomplicated falciparum malaria using biographical, sanitation, environmental and preventive information as covariate risk factors. The methodological developments of survival analysis that have had the most profound impact are the Kaplan-Meier method for estimating the survival function, the log-rank test for comparing the equality of two or more survival distributions, and the Cox proportional hazards (PH) model for examining the covariate effects on the hazard function. This thesis presents basic concepts, nonparametric methods (the Kaplan-Meier method and the log-rank test), semi parametric methods (the Cox PH model, and Cox model with time-dependent covariates) and parametric methods (Parametric PH model and the AFT model) for analysing survival data. An improved method was applied to randomized uncomplicated falciparum malaria patients to investigate the risk factors related to the relapsing time in RD Congo. Firstly, the Cox PH model , inf 1 0 ( ) ( )exp 1.91613 0.49633 0.81466 dump spr t X h h t X X X where is the instantaneous risk of experiencing the event at time , without the influence of any covariate was found to better fit the data, as confirmed by the results of the global test that present reasonable and significant results: (Likelihood Ratio: 18.2264 with p-value < 0.0004; Score: 17.6569 with p-value < 0.0005 and Wald: 19.3975 with p<0.0002). Hence from the model above, it can be noticed that ‘dumping site’ (p-value <0.0106; 95percent HR C.I: 1.545, 29.451), ‘spray used’ (p-value < 0. 0.0220; 95percent C.I: 0.391, 0.915), and ‘information related to source of malaria’ (p-value < 0. 0.0012; 95percent C.I: 1.380, 3.725), have a significant impact on the relapsing time of the patients under investigation. It should be noted that many 0() h tt other important covariates such as “usage of mosquito nets” were excluded because of the non-proportionality of the hazards. Secondly, the improvement concept was applied to the Cox model as proposed, and the improved model was as follows: h h t t X t X t X t X t X t X t X t r dump_inf1 spr_inf1 Where h0 (t) is the instantaneous risk of experiencing the event at time t , without the influence of any covariate. The model was found to better fit the data than the standard model — as confirmed by the results from the convergence criterion comparison, where the AIC value of the improved model (754.460) was lower than that of the standard model (767.428). Moreover, the improved model was found to be adequate as the results from the global null hypothesis were significant: (Likelihood Ratio: p-value is 0.0001; Score: p-value is 0.0001; Wald: p-value is 0.0001) and the goodness-of-fit test was confirmed by the plotting of Coxresiduals where the 45 degrees’ line confirmed the results. In conclusion, it was found that the covariates ‘pit’ (p-value is 0.0009; 95percent HR C.I: 11.4133, 1.243e+04), ‘tdwel_spr’ (pvalue = 0.0257; 95percent HR C.I: 1.0016, 1.030e+00), ‘tdwel_inf1 (p-value = 0.0122; 95percent HR C.I: 0.9691, 9.964e-01), ‘maint_dump’ (p-value is 0.0005; 95percent HR C.I: 1.0239, 1.087e+00),‘maint_pit’ (p-value is 0.0007; 95percent HR C.I: 0.9179, 9.774e-01), ‘dump_spr’ (p-value is 0.0027; 95percent HR C.I: 0.9308, 9.853e-01), ‘dump_inf1’ (p-value <0.0001; 95percent HR C.I: 0.9849, 9.947e-01) and ‘spr_inf1’ (p-value is 0.0005; 95percent HR C.I: 1.0119, 1.043e+00) affected the time to relapse from uncomplicated falciparum malaria.
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- Date Issued: 2017
Examining practices in the preparation of science teachers in two teachers' colleges in Zimbabwe
- Authors: Mutseekwa, Christopher
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: College teachers -- Training of Science teachers Science -- Study and teaching (Higher)
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/9434 , vital:34351
- Description: Despite the vast research in science teacher preparation world-wide, little is known about secondary school science teacher preparation practices in Zimbabwe. The overall image that emerges from literature is that of challenges such as lack of programme coherence, policy inconsistence, poor funding for reform-based science teaching programmes, limited knowledge on issues critical to science teaching and learning, and mediocre performance of science teacher education graduates. Such challenges demand an examination of science teacher educator practices in order to identify relevant science teaching knowledge and skills the educators possess, an establishment of how their practices match standards and expectations in science teacher preparation, and an assessment of dimensions of the science teaching theory-practice gap. This study examined teacher education practices in the preparation of science teachers in two teachers’ colleges in Zimbabwe. The study is anchored in Miller, Ohana and Hanely’s (2013) framework for science teacher preparation called the Model of Research-Based Education for Teachers (MORE for Teachers). An exploratory sequential mixed methods design, within the post-positivist paradigm, was used to guide the collection of quantitative and qualitative data. Eighteen (18) Science teacher educators and 106 Science student teachers were selected from two Teachers’ Colleges through purposive sampling. A questionnaire was used to collect quantitative data while interviews, group discussions and documents were used to generate qualitative data. Qualitative data were used to buttress and expand quantitative findings. The major findings from the study were that, despite their limited research activity, teacher educators were well grounded in content knowledge in their various areas of specialisation. Although some standards and guidelines from syllabi, schools and the University of Zimbabwe, Department of Teacher Education (UZ-DTE) requirements on science teaching were followed, the teacher educators were not very clear about the extent to which reform-based science teaching guidelines influenced their work. Other findings revealed that the science teacher educators did a lot to prepare student teachers for Attachment Teaching Practice but did less when the trainees were eventually in the actual practice. It was also observed that science teacher education occurred with in a context where funding for teaching and learning was a challenge. The study’s major recommendation is the need for identifying preparation approaches that adequately equip science teacher educators with the relevant knowledge, skills and core practices that assist the development of coherent programmes.
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- Date Issued: 2017
Physiochemical and heavy metals fingerprints of the final effluents of Adelaide and Seymour wastewater treatment facilities in the Eastern Cape, South Africa
- Authors: Mutukwa, Dorcas
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Water -- Purification Effluent quality -- Testing
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/8089 , vital:31520
- Description: Wastewater contains pathogens, heavy metals, nutrients, organic matter and other toxic chemicals and when discharged into the environment without proper treatment, it may cause adverse health problems and environment degradation. There have been reports in the Eastern Cape Province, South Africa of inadequate treated wastewater effluents being discharged into freshwater environments. This study reports on the physicochemical and heavy metals qualities for two wastewater treatment facilities in the Eastern Cape, South Africa over a six-month sampling period (September 2015 to February 2016). Wastewater effluent samples were collected from the influents, final effluents and receiving waterbodies as well as sludge samples in replicates. The physicochemical parameters were analysed using standard methods (APHA, 2012). The acid digested heavy metals samples were analysed using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (iCE 3500 Thermo Fisher Spectrometer). The concentrations were compared to recommended limits used in South Africa and World Health Organisation (WHO). Physicochemical qualities assessed at Adelaide wastewater treatment plant ranged as follows: temperature (21.6 - 30.5 oC), turbidity (2.1 – 71.3 NTU), electrical conductivity (EC) (743.0 – 898.3 μ/Scm) and dissolved oxygen (DO) (2.11 – 3.50 mg/L) while the ranges of the parameter assessed at Seymour wastewater treatment plant ranged as follows: chemical dissolved oxygen (COD) (41.7 – 115.3 mg/L), EC (628 and 797.7 μ/Scm) and nitrates (4.6 – 11.0 mg/L. The heavy metals concentration for the final effluents at Adelaide wastewater treatment plant ranged as follows: Cd (0 – 0.002 mg/L), Cu (0 – 0.096 mg/L) and Fe (0 – 0.498 mg/L). Cu concentrations in sludge at Seymour wastewater treatment plant ranged between 83.82 and 132.07 mg/L. Reduction efficiencies of Adelaide in removing chlorides and sulphates were 33 and 36 percent respectively. Findings of study revealed negative impacts of inadequately treated effluents on receiving waterbodies and this puts communities which rely on the water as immediate source of fresh water for domestic purposes at health risk.
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- Date Issued: 2017
Design, construction and performance evaluation of an agitated portable biogas digester under greenhouse-regulated temperature
- Authors: Mutungwazi Asheal
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Sewage -- Purification -- Anaerobic treatment Green technology Renewable energy sources
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/9055 , vital:34222
- Description: Biogas yield in anaerobic digesters is negatively affected by low temperatures during cold seasons and nights, temperature fluctuations and inefficient agitation. Electrical heating and underground digester installations have been used to help minimise these effects but the high cost of electrical heating, infeasibility of underground installations in some terrains, inefficient agitation and difficult maintenance continue to be major set-backs to high biogas yields. In this study a 100 ℓ, agitated, portable carbon steel digester housed within a greenhouse, whose operation temperature is automatically maintained at an optimum of 35 ± 1 oC by means of an ON/OFF electronic circuit for ventilation control through a suitably sized window and insulation offered by an air film trapped in-between a double layer of polyethylene plastic covering of the greenhouse, was designed. Cow dung from a dairy farm at the University of Fort Hare with total solids (TS), volatile solids (VS), chemical oxygen demand (COD) and ammonia nitrogen content of 162348.67 mg/ℓ, 116543.98 mg/ℓ, 37 879 mg/ℓ and 128 - 235 mg/ℓ respectively was used for the performance evaluation of the digester. Analysis of the biogas produced starting from day 6 of the 31-day retention period showed a specific biogas yield of 0.036 m3/kgVSadded and a methane yield of 55percent. The optimum pH maintained was 7.2 and the COD reduction achieved during the digestion period was 61percent. This simple, easy to construct, inexpensive yet efficient design will lead to improved biogas yields and quality and faster dissemination of the biogas technology.
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- Date Issued: 2017
Exit strategies in social protection and the role of the social worker : a case study of exited households from the harmonised social cash transfers in Goromonzi District, Zimbabwe
- Authors: Muwoni, Leon
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Social security -- Zimbabwe Social service -- Zimbabwe Households -- Zimbabwe
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSoc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/8364 , vital:32389
- Description: The aim of the study was to investigate the strategies utilised in exiting households from the Harmonised Social Cash Transfer in Zimbabwe and also the role of the social worker in facilitating and ensuring a smooth readjustment thereof. The study area was Goromonzi District, where the research sample and participants were drawn. The data were collected with semi-structured in-depth interviews and focus group discussions. It emerged in the study that besides the financial constraints and general challenges characterising social protection in Zimbabwe, there have been some significant improvements in the livelihoods of the beneficiaries. For example the beneficiary households increased their food consumption in terms of quantity and quality, reduction of poverty among other positive outcomes. The study however noted that despite having registered some positive outcomes on the beneficiaries, the programme was designed without a clear cut exit/graduation strategy. Upon being exited from the HSCT, beneficiaries are supposed either to be supported to maintain their livelihoods or to be graduated into other social protection programmes so that the shock of being exited is minimised. In addition to the above, the study found that, graduation of social protection is hardly possible for the nature of HSCT programme beneficiaries, therefore ‘programme exit’ is the only most realistic thing to talk about in the programme. The study makes a case for curving a role for social workers in managing exit for beneficiaries of social protection programmes and helping families with the readjustment process post cash transfers. Furthermore, this study recommends that programmes should be designed either as ‘graduation’ focused programs or with a clear plan and road map of how beneficiary or programme exit would be handled. This will not only help in planning for the end-phase but also for the nature and approach for programme implementation. In addition, the study recommends that during implementation of social transfer programs, particularly cash, it is of essence to link the cash benefits with livelihood and asset building interventions to ensure sustainability. Families need to be encouraged through ‘soft messaging’ or supported to structure either group or individual savings and or investments in assets and livestock that will help cushion them in the event of sudden programme discontinuation or when faced with shocks and hazards.
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- Date Issued: 2017
Personality and self-esteem as predictors of employability among final year students at a previously disadvantaged South African University
- Authors: Muzerengwa, Cedric
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Unemployment -- Psychological aspects Personality and occupation Self-esteem in young adults
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/4594 , vital:28464
- Description: Orientation: The high unemployment level in South Africa has caused even graduates to be unemployed and yet they hold university degrees. This has increased pressure on the job seeking students to develop factors that influence employability, hence the study seeks to identify whether personality and self-esteem act as predictors of employability among final year university students. Research purpose: The objectives of this investigation were to examine whether personality, as is typically found in personality type research tool such as the, (Myers Briggs personality indicator) and self-esteem positively predict employability among final year university students. Secondly, to determine the personality types that significantly predict employability among final year university students. The last objective was to determine whether self-esteem significantly predicts employability among final year university students. Motivation for the study: This investigation is particularly important because it looks at the non-academic attributes that make job-seeking students able to attain a job and also sustain that job. The 21st century workplace is ever changing, and students are required to build proactive personalities that help them increase their employability level and stand a higher chance of getting employed. Research design, approach and method: A quantitative survey research design was used and a questionnaire was self-administered to a stratified simple random sample consisting of 238 Management and Commerce final year students at the university of Fort Hare. The study used quantitative approach and a positivism paradigm. To measure personality, TIPI scale was used and had 10 items. Employability was measured using the student self-perceived employability scale and self-esteem was measured using the Rosenberg self-esteem scale. Main findings: The results of this study showed a similarity with others obtained in prior studies. The results drawn from the statistical analysis of this study showed that there is a significant relationship between personality types such as perceiving, extraversion and feeling with employability among final year management and commerce students at the university of Fort Hare. However, the results showed that there is no positive relationship that exists between self-esteem and employability among final year job-seeking students. Practical implications: The research findings provided evidence that personality had a positive relationship with employability in an academic context. This makes it clear that student career exploration process can only be successful when special attention is given to developing individual’s human capital skills and proactive personalities. Institutions of higher learning should take advantage of some career experts in their countries and in their universities to provide students with employability lessons and guidelines. Contribution: The most important contribution of this study is that it helps to extend knowledge and understanding on the issues concerning the relationship between personality, self-esteem and employability in an academic setting. The research magnified the frame of information in the area personality in relation to employability in academic contexts. It makes available more literature that looks into these two variables (personality and self-esteem) in an African context.
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- Date Issued: 2017
Modelling the performance of a calorifier installed at a university residence intended to be retrofited by an air source heat pump
- Authors: Mzolo, Noluthando Precious Duduzile
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Caloric engines Heat pumps
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/4660 , vital:28485
- Description: Sanitary hot water production contributes significantly to the electrical energy consumption in the university campus. An in-depth understanding of the current hot water technology, number of students, capacity of water used per student, time of use of hot water, total volume of hot water consumed and the total energy used on an average weekday in a university residence are very crucial in opting for energy efficient technology like an air source heat pump (ASHP) water heater. The study focused on quantitative and qualitative analysis of data collected for the hot water profiles in one of the university residences (Elitheini 1) from the conduction of experiment and questionnaires. The results revealed that 94% of the 75 students used hot water during the Eskom morning peak and 61% during the Eskom evening peak. In addition, the average daily energy consumption of the 12 kW Calorifier was 139.49 kWh, while the measured volume of hot water usage was 1950 L which is in strong agreement with the total volume (1945 L) of hot water consumption from the questionnaires. The p-value of the average volume of hot water usage measured by experiment and questionnaires was 0.7 and is of no mean significant difference. The monthly energy consumption for the week days was projected to be 2929.31 kWh. By retrofitting of calorifier with an ASHP unit, the energy consumption could reduce to 976.43 kWh based on its consecutive coefficient of performance of 3. Finally, from the energy consumption reduction analysis and the current Eskom tariffs, it can be alluded that the payback period of the proposedASHP unit as a retrofit to the calorifier is going to be less than 2 years and is worthy to invest into such technology under this study due to its favourable payback period and the reliability and lifespan of the ASHP unit.
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- Date Issued: 2017
Aspects of the feeding biology of the copepod Pseudodiaptomus hessei (Copepoda: Calanoida) under culture conditions
- Authors: Mzozo, Ziyanda
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Copepoda Microbial ecology Fishes -- Feeding and feeds
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/4727 , vital:28502
- Description: This study aimed to investigate the feeding behaviour of the calanoid copepod, Pseudodiaptomus hessei, particularly whether it prefers to feed on a planktonic or benthic food source. The effect of different microalgae species on the feeding preference, ingestion, and gut evacuation rate were investigated. Two microalgae species (Isochrysis galbana and Tetraselmis suecica) were used, to test gut fullness and gut evacuation of P. hessei. The copepods were starved for 6 h and allowed to feed on monalgae diets, I .galbana and T. suecica, and a 1:1 binary diet mixture of T. suecica and I. galbana. The gut fullness and gut evacuation rates were determined by observing under the dissecting microscope and gut content percentage was recorded (as 0, 25, 50, 75 or 100 percent) along with copepod sex. Copepods that feed on T. suecica fill their gut after 30 min, while those that feed on I. galbana do so after 40 min. There was a significant difference (p= 0.02) between sexes with males filling their gut faster than females. However, copepods that fed on I. galbana evacuated their gut content completely after 30 min, while those fed on T suecica evacuated theirs after 40 min. There was no difference between males and females for gut evacuation. Even though there was high gut fullness rate when P. hessei was feeding on T. suecica, I. galbana is recommended as the best mono-algae diet to culture P. hessei. The feeding behaviour of P. hessei was investigated, as to whether it prefers to feed on a planktonic or benthic food source. Copepods were starved for 3 h and then allowed to feed on two microalgae species (I. galbana and T. suecica), one presented as a benthic and other as planktonic. Controls included swapping the modes of presentation for each algae species. Ingested microalgae species were quantified using real-time PCR, with threshold cycles interpreted as relative abundance ratio (planktonic microalgae divided by benthic microalgae species). Pseudodiaptomus hessei preferred to feed on planktonic food sources initially as there was a difference between planktonic and benthic ingested food (p=0.026). Copepods shifted from planktonic to benthic food sources after 80 min of feeding planktonically. Planktonic food sources were the preferred choice for P. hessei regardless of microalgae species offered. The results from this study also confirm that P. hessei feed on a benthic food source during the day under culture conditions. This information can be used as baseline information for aquaculturists to rear the species as live feed for marine fish larvae.
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- Date Issued: 2017