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An understanting of mirrors and mirroring in a schizophrenic patient obsessed with his appearance

  • Authors: Zworestine, Barry John
  • Date: 1993-04
  • Subjects: Uncatalogued
  • Language: English
  • Type: Master's theses , text
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/191702 , vital:45149
  • Description: This work addresses the role of mirroring and mirrors encountered while working with a patient obsessed with his appearance. At the same time, however, it also attempts to provide an understanding of the process of mirroring from the developing unborn child to the adult. It examines the womb as a reflective space, the mirroring role of the mother, psychological work as mirror work, the psychopathologies of disruptive mirroring and the nature of reflection as a story, confusion and a ghostly other, and finally, the relationship between mirror reflection and psychological life. What is examined and described in this process applies not only to the specific case in study but is relevant at a universal level to all of mankind regardless of race or religion. The case-study method was used to examine the process of therapy that took place over three months. The patient’s identifying data, reasons for referral, presenting problem, family background, basic personality, interpersonal relationships, mental state, diagnosis, dynamic formulation and rationale for psychotherapy were covered in detail. The process of psychotherapy over 27 sessions was recounted and discussed in detail. Theoretical understandings drawn on to facilitate an understanding of the case were from Davis and Walbridge on Winnicolt, Winnicot, Liedloff, Kay, Romanyshyn, Bettelheim, Schwartz and others. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Humanities, Psychology, 1993
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  • Date Issued: 1993-04

Aetiological factors that lead to suicide attempts among the youth of Lusikisiki area

  • Authors: Zweni, Mzamile Benute
  • Date: 2022-10
  • Subjects: Grahamstown (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , South Africa
  • Language: English
  • Type: Master's theses , text
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/27544 , vital:69314
  • Description: The general aim of this study was to investigate the aetiological factors that lead to suicidal attempts among the youth of Lusikisiki area in the Eastern Cape Province. A sample of hundred and fifty participants with an average age of 24 years old was selected using convenient sampling. Data was collected using self-administered questionnaires. After the data were collected, it was then analysed through descriptive and inferential statistics. Findings show that various factors lead to suicide ideation and suicide attempts among youth of Lusikisiki. Economic hardship, depression and substance abuse to name few, were found to be among factors that lead to suicide attempt. Based on the research findings, the researcher recommends that various stakeholders such as the Department of Social development should work in corroboration. Departments such as Department of Education and Sports, Recreation and Culture should make awareness campaigns that will psycho-educate youth in rural areas, possibly alleviating drug and substance abuse. Those awarenesses may also tap into strengthening psychosocial well-being of youth. Furthermore, Department of Social Development should come up with community outreach programs aimed at alleviating poverty as the contributory factor towards suicide attempt. , Thesis (MSoc) -- Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, 2022
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  • Date Issued: 2022-10

Communal property associations and protected areas management: some participation controversies in Dwesa-Cwebe Nature Reserve, Eastern Cape

  • Authors: Zwelakhe, Loyiso
  • Date: 2021-12
  • Subjects: National parks and reserves -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Management
  • Language: English
  • Type: Master's theses , text
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/54355 , vital:46478
  • Description: The management and protection of protected areas such as nature reserves remains a primary concern for the different stakeholders involved; especially the marginalised rural communities that are deprived of genuine ownership of the natural resources. The representation of the marginalised rural communities adjacent to the protected areas has become significant in the control and utilisation of natural resources in protected areas. Communal Property Associations (CPAs) were established to help represent their communities in such matters of natural resources ownership and control. Despite; the formation of the CPAs, the participation of these associations in the management of the nature reserve in Dwesa-Cwebe has been questioned and under scrutiny. Therefore, this study seeks to understand the dynamics around the participation of the Dwesa-Cwebe Community Property Association in the management of Dwesa-Cwebe Nature Reserve. The study sought to find out experiences of the members of Dwesa-Cwebe CPA regarding their participation in the management of Dwesa-Cwebe Nature Reserve. Some questions needed to be answered, such as: To what extent is the membership in Dwesa-Cwebe CPAs a true representation of the needs of the local communities in the management of Dwesa-Cwebe Nature Reserve? What are the challenges faced by the members of the Dwesa-Cwebe CPA in representing the local communities in the management of the Dwesa-Cwebe Nature Reserve? What recommendations can be provided to solve the challenges faced by the Dwesa-Cwebe CPA in the management of Dwesa-Cwebe Nature Reserve? The study utilised a qualitative research methodology to obtain the answers to the main research questions. The study utilised convenience sampling to select ten suitable participants who were prepared to participate in the study and who are members of the CPA from Dwesa-Cwebe area. The research used interviews and non-participant observation to gather data. The collected data was analysed using thematic analysis. The analysis of the data revealed that there is limited participation by the CPA members in the management of Dwesa-Cwebe Nature Reserve. The study’s findings also indicated the CPA members are not involved in the management of the utilisation of generated revenue. The findings of this study also revealed that there are benefits that are entrenched in the participation of CPA members in the activities of the Dwesa-Cwebe Nature Reserve. However, the participation mechanisms are not producing the desired outcomes. Based on these findings the study recommends that the management of the Dwesa-Cwebe Nature Reserve review their management approach so as to ensure effective participation by CPA members. Further, there is a need to produce reports that update the Dwesa-Cwebe community on how the management of the nature reserve is utilising the generated revenue and its development plans. , Thesis (MBA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, 2021
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  • Date Issued: 2021-12

Leveraging LTSP to deploy a sustainable e-infrastructure for poor communities in South Africa

  • Authors: Zvidzayi, Tichaona Manyara
  • Date: 2022-10-14
  • Subjects: Uncatalogued
  • Language: English
  • Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/365577 , vital:65761
  • Description: Poverty alleviation is one of the main challenges the South African government is facing. Information and knowledge are key strategic resources for both social and economic development, and nowadays they most often rely on Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs). Poor communities have limited or no access to functioning e-infrastructure, which underpins ICT. The Siyakhula Living Lab (SLL) is a joint project between the universities of Rhodes and Fort Hare that has been running for over 15 years now. The SLL solution is currently implemented in schools in the Eastern Cape’s Dwesa-Mbhashe municipality as well as schools in Makhanda (formerly Grahamstown). Over the years, a number of blueprints for the meaningful connection of poor communities was developed. The research reported in this thesis sought to review and improve the Siyakhula Living Lab (SLL) blueprint regarding fixed computing infrastructure (as opposed to networking and applications). The review confirmed the viability of the GNU/Linux Terminal Server Project (LTSP) based computing infrastructure deployed in schools to serve the surrounding community. In 2019 LTSP was redesigned and rewritten to improve on the previous version. Amongst other improvements, LTSP19+ has a smaller memory footprint and supports a graphical way to prepare and maintain the client’s image using virtual machines. These improvements increase the potential life of ICT projects implementing the SLL solution, increasing the participation of members of the community (especially teachers) to the maintenance of the computing installations. The review recommends the switching from thin clients deployments to full ("thick") clients deployments, still booting from the network and mounting their file systems on a central server. The switch is motivated by reasons that go from cost-effectiveness to the ability to survive the sudden unavailability of the central server. From experience in the previous deployment, electrical power surge protection should be mandatory. Also, UPS to protect the file system of the central server should be configured to start the shutdown immediately on electrical power loss in order to protect the life of the UPS battery (and make it possible to use cheaper UPS that report only on network power loss). The research study contributed to one real-life computing infrastructure deployment in the Ntsika school in Makhanda and one re-deployment in the Ngwane school in the Dwesa-Mbhashe area. For about two years, the research also supported continuous maintenance for the Ntsika, Ngwane and Mpume schools. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, Computer Science, 2022
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  • Date Issued: 2022-10-14

Challenges facing teachers in implementing alternative measures of discipline in schools: a case study of five secondary schools in the Umzimkhulu circuit of the Sisonke District in Kwazulu-Natal

  • Authors: Zulu, Xolani Wycliff
  • Date: 2014
  • Subjects: School discipline , Secondary schools , Sisonke District -- Kwazulu-Natal, South Africa
  • Language: English
  • Type: Master's theses , text
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/11260/2393 , vital:41455
  • Description: This dissertation is a report on a study that was conducted in rural schools of the Sisonke District in KwaZulu-Natal, a province of South Africa. The study covered the challenges experienced by teachers in implementing the alternative measures of discipline. The study was conducted because the researcher was the head of the disciplinary committee in the school where he was employed and he often dealt with disciplinary problems which usually occurred between the teachers, learners and SMTs. It was important to know from other schools, what problems they faced in implementing the alternative measures of discipline. The study used a qualitative research design in the form of a case study. Purposive sampling was used. The sample comprised 15 SMT members, and 20 post level 1 teachers, and the total number of participants was 35. Data was collected through observations which were followed by interviews. Qualitative methods were used to analyse data. This involved reduction and interpretation of data collected. The findings of the study highlighted the role that could be played by SMTs, teachers, parents, and the Department of Education in the smooth running of the school in dealing with the misunderstandings of alternative measures of discipline and so advance an effective work ethos. The study also illuminated the issue of negligence on the part of SMTs in enforcing the implementation of the alternative measures of discipline. There was a great need for school teachers to be well versed in the general legislation of the Department of Education so as to align themselves with the correct rules and regulations when they deal with disciplinary problems. , Thesis (MEd) -- Faculty of Humanities, Educational Management and Policy, 2014
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  • Date Issued: 2014

Synthesis, characterization and antibacterial studies of metal complexes of substituted thiourea

  • Authors: Zulu, Happy Nonkululeko
  • Date: 2012-03
  • Subjects: Complex compounds , Halides , Ligands
  • Language: English
  • Type: Master's theses , text
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/24327 , vital:62636
  • Description: Eighteen complexes Co(II), Cu(II), Zn(II), and Fe(III) with phenylthiourea, diethylthiourea, disopropylthiourea and dimethylthiourea were synthesized and characterized by elemental analysis, UV-Vis, FTIR, conductivity measurements. The complexes were formulated as either four coordinate for the metal(II) or six coordinate for Fe(III). The proposed formulations are consistent with the spectroscopic data for the complexes. The single crystal X-ray structure of the Zn(II) complex of phenylthiourea, Co(II) complex of diethylthiourea and Zn(II) complex of diisopropylthiourea are also reported. The X-ray crystal structures for these complexes revealed distorted tetrahedral geometry around the metal ions showed that the metal ions are coordinated to two molecules of the substituted thiourea through the sulphur atom and two either acetates or chlorides ions complete the four-coordinate geometry. The in vitro antibacterial activity of the complexes was studied against six bacterial strains using disc diffusion and broth micro-dilution methods. The complexes showed selective antibacterial activity. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science and Agriculture, 2012
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  • Date Issued: 2012-03

Perceptions of Kwazulu-Natal radiographers regarding the role of professional development in clinical practice

  • Authors: Zulu Anelisa
  • Date: 2022-12
  • Subjects: Radiography -- KwaZulu Natal , radiographers regarding
  • Language: English
  • Type: Master's theses , text
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/60290 , vital:64292
  • Description: Professional development in the form of continuing education is associated with professional competence and good service delivery to the patient, and this understanding of professional development applies to the radiography profession. A manager may prompt participation in professional development, or the needs of a radiography department may influence it, or it may be driven by the personal and professional ambitions of the radiographer. Participation could also be due to regulatory body requirements, which require tracking and documentation as in the case of the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA) which may audit the professional’s continuing professional development (CPD) compliance. Professional development is a concept inclusive of all learning such as CPD; postgraduate qualifications; staff development; and reflective practice, pursued for the betterment of the radiographers’ professional expertise. Few if any qualitative studies have sought to explore South African radiographers’ perceptions of professional development as a concept inclusive of all learning. The purpose of the study was to explore and describe the perceptions of KwaZulu-Natal radiographers regarding the role of professional development in clinical practice to make recommendations to radiography managers on how to optimise the participation of radiographers in professional development. Bandura’s social learning theory was used as the theoretical framework for a study of the perceptions of practising KZN radiographers regarding the role of professional development in clinical practice and exploring how people learn from one another, including concepts such as observational learning, imitation, and modelling. The target population for the study consisted of practising radiographers working in the public and private, rural and urban hospitals in KZN. Data were gathered using semi-structured one-on-one interviews and were coded using Tesch’s eight steps. The trustworthiness of this study was enhanced using Lincoln and Guba’s (1985) model of trustworthiness, namely: credibility, transferability, dependability and confirmability. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Health Sciences, 2022
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  • Date Issued: 2022-12

In-vitroevaluation of bridelia ferruginea extract gold nanoparticles for the treatment of colon cancer

  • Authors: Zosela, Itumeleng , Davids, Hajierah
  • Date: 2021-12
  • Subjects: Port Elizabeth (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , South Africa
  • Language: English
  • Type: Master's theses , text
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/54124 , vital:46311
  • Description: Colorectal cancer (CRC) has become a health burden, being the third common cancer worldwide. Treatment of colorectal cancer is very important to manage the high prevalence rate of this disease. The available treatments for CRC have their drawbacks and side effects. Available treatments of colon cancer include surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation. Due to the side effects associated with these treatments, alternative treatments that pose less side effects are being developed worldwide. Nanotechnologies have gained global consideration due to their potential to improve the current standards and techniques for the diagnosis and treatment. The use of plants for synthesis of gold nanoparticles has opened a new venture of synthesizing environmentally friendly and cost-effective nanoparticles which possess great properties for CRC treatment. The aim of this study was to investigate the use of green synthesized AuNPs from Bridelia ferruginea for potential cancer treatment. In this work study gold nanoparticles were synthesized utilizing Bridelia ferruginea stem bark extract. The nanoparticles were characterized using UV–Vis spectroscopy, Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) and High-Resolution Transmission Electron Microscopy (HRTEM). The in vitroanti cancer activity of the AuNPs was investigated using Presto Blue assay, cellular morphology, caspase 3/7 assay on the human colon cancer cell line at different times to assess the optimum time for cell death. The cellular uptake and localization of AuNPs was investigated using HRTEM to assess uptake and location of the AuNPs within the cell. Results obtained from this study showed that the AuNP synthesis from Bridellia ferrugenia was successful. The Presto Blue cell viability results showed that the AuNPs reduced cell viability (%) significantly (p<0.05) after 24 h. The optimum treatment time of HT-29 cells with AuNPs was determined to be 24 h. The apoptotic effects of the AuNPs were assessed using Cell Event reagent, and the results from this assay indicated that caspase 3/7 was activated with treatment with AuNPs which induced cell death via apoptosis. The HRTEM results indicated that there was no uptake of AuNP targeting in HT-29 therefore localization could not be determined. It can be concluded that the AuNPs synthesized from Bridellia ferrugenia have anti-cancer properties and are able to induce cell death through apoptosis. Furthermore, this study revealed that optimization of the AuNPs for cellular uptake is needed to further understand the interaction between the nanoparticles and the cells. This will provide more insight on how cellular death is induced by the nanoparticles. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology (including Physiology), 2021
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  • Date Issued: 2021-12

Ukubamba Umphefumlo Kukuphila: Ingqokelela Yamabali Amafutshane

  • Authors: Zono, Cebisa
  • Date: 2021-10-29
  • Subjects: Creative writing (Higher education) South Africa , Xhosa fiction 21st century , Short stories, Xhosa 21st century , Homosexuality in literature , Diaries -- Authorship , Xhosa fiction History and criticism , American fiction History and criticism , Brazilian poetry History and criticism
  • Language: Xhosa
  • Type: Master's theses , text
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/192375 , vital:45220
  • Description: Le thisisi inamabali amafutshane angabantu abathandana besisini esinye. Uncwadi lwesiXhosa luvame ukulufihla uthando oluphakathi kwabo bathandana besisini sinye. Isikrweqe endisisebenzisileyo kule thisisi kukunonga isimbo sokubhala ndibalisa ngomntu wokuqala ngokungathi ndibhala imbali yobomi okanye amavo. UJordan (1940) kwiNgqumbo Yeminyanya undifundise ukubumba abalinganiswa abakhaliphileyo, nabakrelekrele ngokufanayo ukuze izinto eziza kwenzeka zingalindeleki. UYuknavitch (2017) kwincwadi yembali yakhe ethi The Chronology of Water undifundise esi simbo sokushicilela izimbo zomntu ophilayo phantsi komthamo omnye. Ibali elifutshane likaProulx (1997) elithi Brokeback Mountain nalo libe nefuthe kakhulu kule thisisi kuba lidandalazisa elubala intlalo yabantu abathandana besisini esinye kwiindawo zasemaphandleni. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Humanities, School of Languages and Literatures, 2021
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  • Date Issued: 2021-10-29

The Concept of Sexual Consent and Male Views on Rape: An Integrative Synthesis

  • Authors: Zokoza, Babalwa
  • Date: 2022-04
  • Subjects: Sexual Consent , Rape -- Public opinion
  • Language: English
  • Type: Master's theses , text
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/58972 , vital:60252
  • Description: Sexual violence affects countries globally and statistics show the prevalence of sexual violence is on the rise. The rationale for the study linked the prevalence of sexual violence in South Africa, therefore the study explores two aspects: 1. the construct of ‘sexual consent; 2. how men perceive sexual consent and rape in existing literature. A qualitative integrative synthesis was utilised as a research design. The data used in the study was sourced from various databases and content analysis was employed to analyse the data. This research thesis reviewed the conceptualisation of consent and male views on rape. In legal terms consent is defined as an agreement that includes choice, and freedom and capacity to make this choice; consent is also vitiated under certain circumstances. Civilians recognise consent as a mutual willingness that can be revoked and lacks resistance both verbally and nonverbally. Academic literature on male perceptions yielded four themes: Tacit knowledge, Ambiguity, Masculinity and Alcohol consumption. The analysis found that men understand the concepts of consent; their worldviews however contribute to them considering whether sexual interactions are consensual or non-consensual. The literature suggests that, considering the influence of patriarchy in South African society, the men referred hold high rape myth acceptance beliefs and have a sense of entitlement to female bodies. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Health Sciences, 2022
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  • Date Issued: 2022-04

An analysis of supply chain management procedures within the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality

  • Authors: Zizipho, Goniwe
  • Date: 2021-04
  • Subjects: Business logistics -- South Africa -- Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality , Industrial procurement -- South Africa -- Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality -- Management
  • Language: English
  • Type: Master's theses , text
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/52524 , vital:43683
  • Description: This study has analysed the Supply Chain Management (SCM) procedures in the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality. Moreover, subsequent the research study provided a brief background on the local government SCM and the significance of the study which lies on its contribution in the improvement of SCM policies and procedures within the NMBMM. The problem that driven this study is the lack and inadequate use of SCM policies, procedures, practices, and systems in municipalities which that may lead to the misuse of public funds as well as poor service delivery. To address SCM issues in local government, SCM policy was adopted by the Cabinet of Republic of South Africa in 2003 as a way to address noted deficiencies in its public procurement processes within the SCM. This is in conjunction with the number of legislative frameworks were set to guide processes and procedures in this department. This research adopted the use of qualitative approach, for the purpose of this study it is the suitable approach due to time and resources efficiency, as it used desktop analysis and the secondary data which entails internet sources. Based on the literature review findings the study shows the application of six SCM elements, as outlined in the NMBMM SCM Policy. The recommendations of the study setting more emphasis on online tender application procedure. The effective employment of these recommendations can improve the processes and procedures in local government SCM, specifically NMBMM, and this can address the problem of lack of and inadequate use of SCM policies. Transforming NMBMM to the most effective, accountable, responsive local government prioritising the needs of public. , Thesis (MPA) -- Faculty of Humanities, 2021
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  • Date Issued: 2021-04

The design of a performing Arts Centre at Makana’s Kop, in Makhanda

  • Authors: Zitumane, Siphosethu Asanda
  • Date: 2021-12
  • Subjects: Centers for the performing arts -- South Africa -- Makhanda , Art centers -- South Africa -- Makhanda -- Designs and plans
  • Language: English
  • Type: Master's theses , text
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/${Handle} , vital:59921
  • Description: Nearly three decades into democracy, the South African landscape is still embed - ded with the ideologies and systems of apartheid. Separateness has come to de - fine its cartography, drawing clear lines between races. To bridge the racial divide and reconstruct the national identity, the South African government adopted the Rainbow Nation as its brand. This branding did little to address the systemic racism ingrained into its society and landscape. This treatise identifies the limits of the rainbow nation, through an investigation of the intersections between memory, identity, and place. It identifies the imbalance in the expression of certain narratives as barrier in the progression of South Africa’s nation building initiative. Attempting to find a resolution, it offers the design of a performing arts center on Makana’s Kop, Makhanda as a starting point. This archi - tectural endeavor aims to express the oppressed narratives and memories of the Makhandan community. Through exploring how these issues play out in Makhanda, Makana’s Kop is iden - tified as an appropriate site for the architectural manifestation of this treatise. The significance of the site, and its relationship with other monumental structures in this city make it a suitable place for the design of a building of this nature. The inves - tigation is led to examine the architectural and theoretical principles that will ad - opted to aid in making this a successful architectural resolution to the issues iden - tified; which are firstly the need for an architecture to symbolize democracy and the new South African Identity and secondly the need for a container for culture and art for the Makana’s Kop community. The treatise, and thus the the endeavor, is concluded with a presentation and analysis of the final architectural product and the design and technical strategies that were implemented. , Thesis (MArch (Professional) -- Faculty of Engineering, the Built Environment and Technology ,School of Architecture 2022
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  • Date Issued: 2021-12

Racism against Black soccer players in the English Premier League

  • Authors: Zinyemba, Douglas Takudzwa
  • Date: 2023-10-13
  • Subjects: Uncatalogued
  • Language: English
  • Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/425300 , vital:72227
  • Description: This study analyses racism against black players in the English Premier League. To that end, this thesis studies online articles published between 2018 and 2021 by two British tabloids, namely, The Daily Mail and The Sun, to make sense of the various ways in which black soccer players experience racism. This thesis uses the theoretical concept of “racial xenophobia” to analyse and understand expressions of antipathy towards black players playing in the Premier League. A key finding in the thesis suggests that fans and players racially abuse black players in the stadiums by liking them to animals and treating them as sub-human. Another finding in the study is that fans use the bad performances of black players as an excuse to racially abuse them via social media platforms. Social media in the 21st century has now accelerated the rate at which racism is perpetrated as fans now have more access to players through their accounts. The study also found that tabloids do not only report about racist abuse but are also guilty of portraying black players in racially stereotypical ways. This research concludes that racism against black players remains a constant feature of football in the English Premier League from the time black players started to feature in the sport in the 1970s. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Humanities, Political and International Studies, 2023
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  • Date Issued: 2023-10-13

Synthesis and characterization of titanium dioxide nanotubes on fluorine-doped tin oxide (FTO) glass substrate using electro-anodization technique

  • Authors: Zinya, Simcelile https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5864-0957
  • Date: 2017-12
  • Subjects: Titanium dioxide , Nanotubes , Nanostructured materials
  • Language: English
  • Type: Master's theses , text
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/23979 , vital:62201
  • Description: One-dimensional (1-D) titanium dioxide nanotubes (TNTs) have attracted much attention as a promising alternative electrode material for dye sensitized solar cell (DSSC). As compared to the randomly packed and disordered TiO2 nanoparticles (TNPs) network with numerous particle-particle interfaces, TNTs prove to have fascinating features than make them suitable candidates in DSSCs. Well-structured TNTs arrays are of great potential among the various types of 1D TiO2 nano-materials owing to their superior electron transport properties with limited grain boundaries. Vectorial transport of photon generated electrons along the TNTs has been reported to lead to higher charge mobility which is crucial for improvement of DSSC performances. In this work, highly adhesive titanium films were deposited on functional substrates (FS) using radio frequency (RF) sputtering technique at a sputtering output power of 1kW, operating pressure of 1.5 Pa and at a deposition temperature of 200 °C to obtain a thickness of 10 μm under an inert argon atmosphere. The duration period for sputter coating 10 μm thickness of titanium film layer was 122 minutes with sputter rate for titanium target of about 82 nm per minutes. Subsequently, the RF sputtered titanium films were anodized with 0.5 wt. percent ammonium fluoride + 0.35 wt. percent deionised water and 96 wt. percent glycerol electrolyte solution at room temperature at 60 V for 72 hours. The resulting TNTs on functional substrates (TNTs-FS) were subjected to thermal treatment at 350 °C, 450 °C, 550 °C and 650 °C for 3 hours under oxygen atmosphere. The effect of annealing temperature on the morphological, and structural properties have been scrutinized. The as prepared and thermally treated TNTs-FS were characterized using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), high resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Confocal Raman Spectroscopy (CRS). SEM and HRTEM techniques were employed to confirm the presence of the TNTs-FS and also to study the structural-morphology of the TNTs as the annealing temperature increases. SEM revealed improvement in morphology with increase in sample annealing temperature, even at high temperatures such as 650 °C with no collapsing and sintering of the TNTs-FS occurring. SEM images revealed TNTs-FS with pore diameter sizes in the range between 85-170 nm. This is in compliance with HRTEM analysis, which revealed smooth and straight tube walls and improved surface morphology with increase in annealing temperature. In addition HRTEM images revealed pore diameter of TNTs-FS in the range between 85-165 nm. Furthermore, HRTEM revealed lattice fringes of 0.351, 0.352 and 0.353 nm between the neighbouring lattice fringes. All corresponding to (101) planes of anatase phase TNTs at different annealing temperatures (350-650 °C). The crystallographic structure of TNTs-FS was characterized by XRD measurements after thermal treatment at 350 °C, 450 °C, 550 °C and 650 °C. The XRD pattern revealed peaks in the wide angle range of 2θ (20° < 2θ > 80°) discovered at 29.43°, 45.10°, 56.52°, 63.5°, 64.92° and 74.81° corresponding to the planes (101), (112), (200), (105), (211) and (204) crystalline structures of the anatase TNTs. The intensity of the peaks increased with increasing annealing temperature. The strong sharp peaks indicate the large quantities and higher degrees of crystallinity of anatase phase of the TNTs. CRS Large Area Scan (LAS) and Depth profiling (DP) were employed to evaluate the crystallinity and phase distribution of TNTs-FS thermally treated at different temperatures. CRS LAS in the XY direction of TNTs-FS revealed the presence of differently crystallized anatase phases of TiO2 with Raman vibrational modes of 159.38 cm-1 (Eg), 208.37 cm-1 (Eg), 399.67 cm-1 (B1g), 514.25 cm-1 (A1g) and 641.58 cm-1 (Eg) for the samples annealed at 350 °C. The effect of annealing temperature on TiO2 phase evolution was meticulously evaluated using CRS for TNTs-FS for the samples annealed at 350 °C, 450 °C, 550 °C and 650 °C. The FWHM was estimated from CRS and decreases with increasing annealing temperature resulting in increasing crystallinity. Increase in anatase FWHM and anatase peak intensity implies higher degree of crystallinity and increasing crystallite sizes were also confirmed by XRD. Growing of titanium dioxide on functional substrates one novel contribution towards the fabrication of efficient electrode materials for solar cell development. Our method of characterizing TNTs-FS from a large area scan along the surface of the samples and depth profiling along the TNTs tube walls using confocal Raman spectroscopy prove to be a pivotal step in the development of efficient photoelectrode materials of the solar devices. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science and Agriculture, 2017
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  • Date Issued: 2017-12

The physical activity status and the impact of lifestyle behaviours on workplace productivity and absenteeism of Transnet employees

  • Authors: Zimmermann, Sharnae Vanessa
  • Date: 2021-10
  • Subjects: Transnet (Firm : South Africa) Employees , Absenteeism (Labor) South Africa Durban , Labor productivity South Africa Durban , Exercise , Sedentary behavior , Lifestyles
  • Language: English
  • Type: Master's theses , text
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/190077 , vital:44961
  • Description: Increased sitting time, insufficient physical activity and sub-optimal body composition are all contributing to the global disease burden. This is made evident by increases in obesity, type II diabetes, cardiovascular diseases (i.e. hypertension and strokes), cancer and other non-communicable diseases resulting in absenteeism and reduced productivity in the workplace. The global rise in sitting time and physical inactivity is caused, in part, by changes in transport convenience, work roles and technological advancements. Employees working in office environments or driving trains sit for prolonged periods; something which is evident in the industry that Transnet operates in. Sitting time and physical inactivity are independent risk factors for non-communicable diseases with poor nutrition, smoking, alcohol consumption and psychological wellbeing, being separate constructs. The purpose of the study is to determine the levels of sedentary behaviour, physical inactivity, obesity, nutrition, alcohol consumption, smoking, non-communicable disease risk, mental wellbeing and their association with productivity and absenteeism in office workers and train drivers at Transnet Freight Rail, Durban. A cross-sectional study was done with 40 participants, 20 office workers and 20 train drivers. Stature (175.80 ± 9.43 ±cm) and body mass (83.85 ± 20.31 kg) were measured; and body mass index calculated (26.98 ± 5.37 kg.m2). Physical activity levels, sedentary behaviour, body mass index and other lifestyle factors were explored using an amended version of The Health and Wellbeing survey, a self-report measure. The results revealed that there was a high prevalence of sedentary behaviour (train drivers = 7.85 ± 2.21 and office workers = 8.3 ± 1.03), particularly among office workers. Most of the participants had a relatively high body mass index, placing in the overweight and obese category, particularly among train drivers. The prevalence of physical inactivity was marginally higher for office workers compared to train drivers. There were significantly (p<0.05) higher levels of physical activity within train drivers with a moderate effect size. There were limited associations found between lifestyle factors and sickness absenteeism and worker productivity. Obesity had the most prominent relationship with noncommunicable diseases, followed by high levels of sedentary behaviour, not meeting physical activity guidelines, obesity, overweight, and prolonged sitting time at work. A significant and moderate correlation was found between obesity and absenteeism (train drivers: r = 0.32 and office workers: r= 0.46), however, no associations were found between sedentary behaviour, physical activity and fruit and vegetable intake and absenteeism. Lastly, the association between physical activity and productivity among the train drivers was low negative (r=-0.15) which was not significant (p>0.05). The associations between physical activity and productivity among office workers, however, was both significant (p<0.05) and moderate positive (r=0.39). The vegetable intake among the office workers showed a significant (p<0.05) moderate positive association with productivity (r=0.49). The association between vegetable intake and productivity among the train drivers was not significant (p>0.05) and low positive (r=0.16). There was a significant (p<0.05) and moderate positive association between fruit intake and productivity among both train drivers (r=0.43) and office workers (r=0.47). No significant associations between sedentary behaviour and obesity and productivity were found. The current study provided new insight into the risks associated with lifestyle factors of office workers and train drivers in the transportation sector. The poor lifestyle factors, together with the high prevalence of sedentary behaviour and physical inactivity, provide ideal opportunities for future interventions to focus on workers productivity and overall wellbeing. The job design of train drivers and office workers does not place significant importance on employee health and wellness. Essentially they are not “healthy” but they work productively, giving reason as to why employee wellness is not a priority for employers. The current findings of the study suggest that adopting regular physical activity, healthy dietary patterns and reduced sitting time should be promoted as key components of lifestyle interventions for the prevention of non-communicable diseases in office workers and train drivers. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, Human Kinetics and Ergonomics, 2021
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  • Date Issued: 2021-10

Recidivism in children after completion of rhythm of life diversion programme in Chris Hani Eastern Cape

  • Authors: Zimba, Thanduxolo
  • Date: 2022-09
  • Subjects: Grahamstown (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , South Africa
  • Language: English
  • Type: Master's theses , text
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/27651 , vital:69380
  • Description: One of the recommendations made by the South African Law Commission (SALC) (1997) when discussing the issue of child justice was that the justice system should aim to promote the well-being of the child and deal with the child in an individualised way. This dissertation discusses recidivism in children after completing the Rhythm of Life (ROL) diversion programme which aims at diverting children who conflict with the law away from criminal procedures to programmes that assist in behaviour modification. The study is inspired by the need to uncover the effectiveness of the programme and the challenges encountered when it is delivered. It is further motivated by the need to expose the reasons why children return to the criminal justice system after having attended the ROL diversion programme. Additionally, it seeks to gain perspectives of the probation officers’ and parents’ insights on the observed changes after the attendance of the programme. The study utilised a qualitative methodology with an interpretive and descriptive paradigm, which used in-depth interviews and focus groups as a method of data collection. The participants of the study were children who completed the ROL diversion programme, parents or guardians of children who completed the ROL diversion programme, and probation officers implementing the programme. The data was analysed and presented following the following four themes, i.e., factors contributing to recidivism by children after completion of the ROL diversion programme, diversion programme content, and completion of the diversion programme and the effectiveness of the ROL diversion programme. The literature consulted was broken up into; the historical development of diversion programmes and the inherent legislative framework, the magnitude and extent of recidivism of children after completion of the ROL diversion programme, and the factors which contribute to recidivism by children after completion of the ROL diversion programme. The reviewed literature further scrutinised the global, regional, and South African perspectives on managing young people, and lastly reviewed the benefits and challenges of diversion programmes in general. The study used the social learning theory as a theoretical framework to explain and discuss recidivism and the effectiveness of diversion programmes. This is a general approach to psychology and regards criminal behaviour as no different from any kind of behaviour as it is learned through the processes of observation, imitation and vicarious reinforcement and punishment. The findings of the study revealed that the impact of absent and or lack of father figures in the family influenced the children to get involved in criminal activities. The findings further indicated that probation officers face various challenges when facilitating the programme, such as substance abuse by children, lack of resources and functional aids, and the language as the facilitator guide is written in English. It was also discovered that parents from the sample used an authoritarian style of parenting, which exerts high expectations from children while providing little in the way of feedback and nurturance. Lastly, the findings indicated that the ROL diversion programme does modify the behaviour of children on completion. However, the main challenge is the environment the children return to after completion as it is assumed as a contributing factor to committing the crime. One of the recommendations is to strengthen parenting programmes and to introduce a programme for parents or guardians of children with serious behavioural challenges, another recommendation is the development of a risk assessment tool for young people, to assist probation officers in holistically dealing with children. Additionally, probation service practitioners should be provided by the government with the necessary resources to ensure that aftercare services are rendered effectively and efficiently. The researcher lastly recommends that probation officers conduct an intervention evaluation after the programme to identify children who could not understand the content of the programme so that additional methods of intervention could be employed such as casework. The study had the following conclusions; risk factors such as lack of parental support, substance abuse, peer pressure and bereavement were causes for re-offending in the children interviewed; the programme manual presents a challenge in terms of language, because the manual is written in English, and not all children can understand English; the issue of restorative justice was overlooked by probation officers when dealing with children when they re-offended. The study also concluded that the ROL diversion programme is effective to a certain extent, depending on how the children utilize the skills acquired from the programme, and as the parents reflected that they observed a change in their children’s behaviour post-diversion, while children also expressed that they learnt valuable life skills which made them resilient. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, 2022
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  • Date Issued: 2022-09

Movement behaviour and reproductive biology of adult spotted grunter (Pomadasys commersonnii) in the Breede Estuary

  • Authors: Ziko, Bantony Alford
  • Date: 2021-06
  • Subjects: Fishery management , Freshwater fishes , Fishes--Nutrition
  • Language: English
  • Type: Master's theses , text
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/20970 , vital:46870
  • Description: Movements of the adult spotted grunter (Pomadasys commersonnii), an overexploited estuary-dependant fishery species, were investigated in relation to its reproduction behaviour and selected environmental influences. The South African P. commersonnii population is known to spawn at sea along the KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) coastline, whereas there no published records on spawning in the Eastern and Western Cape Provinces exist. However, due to the occurrence of ripe running fish that were reported in the Breede Estuary (Western Cape - WC), an investigation into its reproductive behaviour was necessary, as was gaining a greater understanding of its movements between the estuary, the sea, and other connected habitats. Seven adult P. commersonnii (610 – 690 mm fork length, FL) were captured and implanted with long-life acoustic transmitters and their movements were logged on a linear array of 16 acoustic receivers in the Breede Estuary (WC) and six acoustic receivers in the adjacent marine environment. Movements of the tagged fish to other marine and estuary habitats were also determined using data collected by the Acoustic Tracking Array Platform (ATAP) which is an extended network of acoustic receivers along the South African coastline with receivers at sea and in selected estuaries. Furthermore, adult P. commersonnii tagged in the Goukou (n = 6) (WC) and Sundays (n = 8) (Eastern Cape - EC) estuaries, approximately 50 km and 470 km away, respectively, were also monitored to facilitate an improved understanding of inter-habitat connectivity. Fish tagged in Sundays and Goukou estuaries were monitored by the Acoustic Telemetry Array Platform (ATAP). Each individual fish tagged in the Breede Estuary was monitored between 356 and 1166 days and selected environmental parameters, including water temperature, river flow rate and rainfall, were measured during the study period (November 2016 – March 2020) to assess their influence on the movements of the tagged fish. Furthermore, to determine time of spawning and duration, gonads of 112 adult fish (383 – 700 mm FL) were opportunistically collected from recreational anglers in the Breede Estuary to determine the gonadal maturation cycles by using a combination of Gonado-somatic index (GSI) and histology. The tagged adult P. commersonnii spent significantly more time in the estuary (83.5 percent) than the marine (16.5 percent) environment, with all of the tagged P. commersonnii making sea trips of varying frequency and duration. While in the estuary, fish showed a strong preference for the lower reaches of the estuary compared to the middle and upper reaches. Area use varied seasonally, with the mouth area being heavily utilized during winter, then followed by summer. Sea trips in all three tagging estuaries also fluctuated seasonally, with more frequent movements during summer which lasted for longer periods. This coincided with the peak of the spawning period inferred from the gonad developmental cycle of fish captured in the Breede Estuary. Results from a generalized linear mixed model showed that the presence of Breede tagged P. commersonnii in the sea, where the species is known to spawn, was significantly influenced by water temperatures in the estuary and river flow rate with fish more likely to occur at sea during warmer months (summer) and periods of high river flow (winter). Furthermore, circular analysis showed that season (month) had a significant influence on the departure from and arrival in the Breede Estuary, with most departures and arrivals occurring during January. Moreover, P. commersonnii tagged in the Sundays Estuary also showed similar results where both departures and arrivals were influenced by season, mostly taking place in December and January, respectively. The increased frequency of sea trips by adult P. commersonnii in summer suggests regional spawning occurring in the WC. Based on the similar movement behaviour displayed by tagged fish in the Sundays Estuary, it is possible that spawning also occurs in the EC. Most of the P. commersonnii tagged in all the three estuaries never left their tagging estuaries (57 percent Breede, 66 percent Goukou, 38 percent Sundays), only making short sea trips, while others displayed use of multiple habitats. On average, the tagged P. commersonnii that left their tagging estuaries travelled a maximum distance of 377 km (Breede), 63 km (Goukou) and 300 km (Sundays). Tagged fish were more likely to visit nearby estuaries and offshore marine habitats (< 130 km) compared to distant ones (> 130 km). These results suggest that there are high levels of localised connectivity between P. commersonnii populations in different habitats although connectivity between distant habitats appears to be rare. Connectivity will likely occur on habitats located close to the boundaries of the WC, EC and KZN. The findings from this long-term monitoring study have shown that adult P. commersonnii rely heavily on the estuarine environment, undertaking short sea trips, thus demonstrating the importance of estuaries to the adult population. Due to various threats faced by estuaries such as habitat degradation and overexploitation, management of these systems is paramount to conserve such fishery resources. Due to the resident behaviour of the P. commersonnii within estuaries, Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) and area closures, in conjunction with Estuarine Protected Areas (EPAs) will be significant in the recovery and management of P. commersonnii populations. Since P. commersonnii appears to reach peak spawning activity during summer when fishing pressure is usually highest, improved enforcement during this period is necessary to conserve the spawning stock. As connectivity is an important aspect in the life of the P. commersonnii, ensuring such connectivity is maintained by protecting all these habitats is important. , Thesis (MSc) (Zoology) -- University of Fort Hare, 2021
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  • Date Issued: 2021-06

A case study on the incidence and extent of medullated and coloured fibres in the commercially produced South African wool clip 2010 – 2017

  • Authors: Zietsman, Jolandrie
  • Date: 2022-04
  • Subjects: Port Elizabeth (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , South Africa
  • Language: English
  • Type: Master's theses , text
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/55445 , vital:52002
  • Description: No formal study on the incidence and extent of medullated and coloured fibres has been performed in South Africa. The purpose of this research project was to investigate the validity of the claims that there has been an increase in the production of wool contaminated with medullated and coloured fibres. Therefore, the main aim of this study was to determine whether the incidence and extent of medullated and coloured fibres in the South African wool clip have changed over time. Secondly, the study aimed to determine whether the incidence and extent of medullated and coloured fibres have a distinct geographic distribution. This study explored eight years of wool production records (2010 to 2017) obtained from BKB, the largest wool broker in South Africa. For the purpose of this research, the wool-producing areas of South Africa were divided into 6 regions, according to average annual rainfall, vegetation type and major farming practices applied in the area. Statistical analysis of the data included descriptive statistics, analysis of variance and post-hoc tests, as well as regression analyses. This study succeeded in quantifying the extent and prevalence of contamination with medullated and coloured fibres in the South African wool clip. The overarching conclusions were: • Floating kemp is the most important contaminant of wool in South Africa, with the incidence of harsh kemp and coloured fibres being very low. • Generally, the most important areas that need attention in combatting contamination in the South African wool clip, are the Mixed Farming Summer Rainfall Region, the Semi-Arid Grassveld and the High Rainfall Grassland. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, School of Environmental Sciences, 2022
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  • Date Issued: 2022-04

From the lens of isiXhosa female writers: female protagonists and the use of non-conformity in challenging gender roles in the post liberation isixhosa literature

  • Authors: Zeleni, Olwethu
  • Date: 2022-01
  • Subjects: Women in literature , Feminism and literature , Xhosa literature
  • Language: English
  • Type: Master's theses , text
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/23840 , vital:60915
  • Description: This dissertation explored the way women are presented in five isiXhosa literary works by female writers in post independence South Africa, with particular focus on how non-conformity is used to challenge gender roles. The study analysed two novels entitled Iqhina lomtshato (1995) by Nomlamli Mayosi and Uzenzile akakhalelwa (2016) by Yolisa Madolo, as well as four drama books titled Nyana nank’unyoko (1997) by Yoliswa Taleni, Akwaba (2004) by Thenjiswa Ntwana, Hamba nam ndipheleke and Imida (2015) by Nompumezo Buzani. Structural, Afrocentrism and African feminism were used to guide the study. The structural theory gave the researcher to review language contructs in relation to gender, African feminism and Afrocentrism gave the researcher the lenses to view gender issues within the African context, in line with the peculiar challenges that women continue to face in the content. Another important factor which is the focus of the study is the depiction of women by female writers, in order to challenge the roles that are given to women. The question that one ask then is: How do female writers lend their voices to female characters to address gender issues in society, with particular focus on gender roles? This thesis argues that the five isiXhosa female writers, who are contemporary African women writers, have noticed gender related assumptions and in their works, they are making an attempt to debunk these assumptions. It is hoped that this study will contribute to the existing debates on gender and division of labour. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, 2022
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  • Date Issued: 2022-01

The Impact of Official Development Assistance and Capital flight on Corruption and the impact of Official Development Assistance, Capital flight and Corruption on Economic growth in sub-Saharan African countries

  • Authors: Zandile, Zezethu
  • Date: 2022-12
  • Subjects: Capital movements , Corruption—Law and legislation , Economic growth--sub-Saharan African countries
  • Language: English
  • Type: Master's theses , Thesis
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/60199 , vital:63259
  • Description: This study sought after the theoretical and empirical investigation of whether Official Development Assistance (ODA), Corruption and Capital flight have any impact on each other and whether they also have an impact on economic growth. This investigation is carried out focusing within the sub-Saharan African region from the year 1995 to 2019. The empirical analysis uses the Panel Autoregressive Distributed Lag (PARDL) model within a Pooled Mean Group (PMG) to evaluate the existence of a long run cointegration that exists between ODA and corruption; Corruption and capital flight; GDP and ODA; GDP and capital flight and lastly Corruption and GDP. Focusing on the long-run, the model confirms a uni-directional long-run relationship from ODA to corruption and a bidirectional long-run relationship between corruption and capital flight. The model also confirms a bi-direction negative long-run relationship between ODA and GDP. GDP is reported to have a negative long-run relationship with corruption. There is a positive and significant relationship from capital flight to GDP which is contradictory to economic theory. This relationship might be due to the fact that there is no standard agreement on what capital flight is and how it is measured or estimated thus leading to such results. Also a shortage of this data has had a major impact on the analysis of these relationships. The Panel ARDL model is a superior model that can account for autocorrelation and thus cannot produce spurious results and thus we can be confident that the results presented on the study are robust. The overall results of the study suggest that the large influx of ODA within the SSA region causes corruption and thus the region needs less ODA and more good governance. , Thesis (MCom) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, 2022
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  • Date Issued: 2022-12
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