Investigating the experiences of grade 8 English first additional language learners within an English home language classroom: a case study
- Authors: Abader, Naadirah
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Language and languages -- Study and teaching -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DEd
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/22662 , vital:30050
- Description: Teaching English home language (EHL) to a classroom of learners who are predominantly from another mother tongue context is a complex process because of the challenges faced by the learners. They struggle to cope with the demands of the EHL classroom, especially when their mother tongue is not recognized within the classroom context, as they move between different linguistic spaces. Despite their diverse identities, English language teachers continue to apply the linguistic approach of English only. This study was aimed at investigating the ways in which the experiences of non-mother tongue speakers in the EHL classroom affect the identities of these learners. Through a qualitative approach using photovoice with learners an attempt was made to probe their experiences of bringing other languages into an English home language classroom. Participants included 33 Grade 8 learners and their four English teachers from Taah High School in Nelson Mandela Bay. The findings have implications for the way in which diverse linguistic learners are taught in an EHL classroom, as the space that caged and rendered learner participants voiceless because they are not allowed to draw on their mother tongue linguistic repertoires, were changed. Learners mentioned that their teachers do not acknowledge the identity that each of them brings to the classroom.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Abader, Naadirah
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Language and languages -- Study and teaching -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DEd
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/22662 , vital:30050
- Description: Teaching English home language (EHL) to a classroom of learners who are predominantly from another mother tongue context is a complex process because of the challenges faced by the learners. They struggle to cope with the demands of the EHL classroom, especially when their mother tongue is not recognized within the classroom context, as they move between different linguistic spaces. Despite their diverse identities, English language teachers continue to apply the linguistic approach of English only. This study was aimed at investigating the ways in which the experiences of non-mother tongue speakers in the EHL classroom affect the identities of these learners. Through a qualitative approach using photovoice with learners an attempt was made to probe their experiences of bringing other languages into an English home language classroom. Participants included 33 Grade 8 learners and their four English teachers from Taah High School in Nelson Mandela Bay. The findings have implications for the way in which diverse linguistic learners are taught in an EHL classroom, as the space that caged and rendered learner participants voiceless because they are not allowed to draw on their mother tongue linguistic repertoires, were changed. Learners mentioned that their teachers do not acknowledge the identity that each of them brings to the classroom.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
Molecularly imprinted polymeric materials for adsorptive removal of nitrogen compounds from fuel oils
- Abdul-Quadir, Muhammad Sabiu
- Authors: Abdul-Quadir, Muhammad Sabiu
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Polymerization , Organonitrogen compounds Nitrogen compounds
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DPhil
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/23426 , vital:30542
- Description: The deleterious effects of refractory polyaromatic hydrocarbons found in fuels such as organonitrogen compounds (quinoline, carbazole and its alkylated derivatives) are such that they emit NOx to the environment when combusted, thereby reducing air quality. These compounds also deactivate the catalyst used during fuel refinement and in catalytic converters of cars. Hydro-denitrogenation (HDN), a process currently being employed in petroleum refineries to eliminate organonitrogen compounds in fuels, is limited in treating these refractory compounds. Hence, this thesis describes the use of two separate complimentary approaches for the removal of organonitrogen compounds in fuel such as oxidative denitrogenation and adsorptive denitrogenation. The catalyzed oxidation of fuel oil model nitrogen containing compound, quinoline to quinoline N-oxide, was conducted under batch and continuous flow microreactor at 70°C by using tert-butylhydroperoxide (t-BuOOH) as oxidant and silica supported V2O5 as catalyst, followed by the selective adsorption of the quinoline N-oxide. An overall conversion of 62% quinoline N-oxide was observed. Quinoline-N-oxide in model fuel was absorbed by employing synthesized molecularly imprinted 2,6-pyridine-polybenzimidazole (2,6-PyPBI) nanofibers, 86% of quinoline-N-oxide was removed to give an adsorption capacity (qe) of 4.8 mg/g. DFT calculations to study the interactions of quinoline-N-oxide vs 2,6-PyPBI indicated that: (i) hydrogen bonding (through amino group of 2,6-PyPBI and oxygen atoms of the quinoline-N-oxide), (ii) pi-pi stacking and (iii) extensive number of van der Waals interactions took place. Several oxygenates from N-compounds were produced, thus, complicating the fuel matrix. Therefore, there is a need to move towards adsorptive denitrogenation. Poly-2-(1H-imidazol-2-yl)-4-phenol (PIMH) imprinted microspheres was prepared by suspension polymerization using 2-(2’-hydroxy-4-ethenylphenyl) imidazole as a functional monomer and ethylene glycol dimethacrylate as a crosslinker in the presence of various organonitrogen compounds (templates) to produce 2-(2’-hydroxy-4-ethenylphenyl) imidazole (PIMH). Imprinted microspheres show selectivity for various target model nitrogen-containing compounds with adsorption capacities of 6.8 ± 0.2 mg/g, 6.3 ± 0.3 mg/g and 5.8 ± 0.3 mg/g for quinoline, pyrimidine and carbazole, respectively. Adsorption selectivity increased in the order of quinoline (αi-r = 136.9) ˃ pyrimidine (αi-r = 126.2) ˃carbazole (αi-r = 86.3), when naphthalene was selected as a reference compound. Though, imprinted microspheres displayed excellent nitrogen compound removal both in model and real fuel, there was a need to improve the adsorbent adsorption capacity for N-compounds in fuel through the fabrication of imprinted nanofibers. Molecularly imprinted poly-2-(1H-imidazol-2-yl)-4-phenol nanofibers was prepared by electrospinning of 2-(2’-hydroxy-4-ethenylphenyl) imidazole (PIMH) in the presence of various organonitrogen compounds. These imprinted nanofibers show selectivity for various target model nitrogen-containing compounds with adsorption capacities of 11.7 ± 0.9 mg/g, 11.9 ± 0.8 mg/g and 11.3 ± 1.1 mg/g for quinoline, pyrimidine and carbazole, respectively. Adsorption selectivity increased in the order of pyrimidine (αi-r = 258.8) ˃ quinoline (αi-r = 235.5) ˃ carbazole (αi-r = 168.2). It further displayed excellent nitrogen removal in real fuel. The use of polybenzimidazole (PBI) nanofibers showed selective adsorption of organonitrogen compounds as imprinted sorbent also displayed high selectivity for their target model nitrogen-containing compounds with adsorption capacities of 11.4 ± 0.4 mg/g, 11.9 ± 0.2 mg/g and 10.9 ± 0.7 mg/g for quinoline, pyrimidine and carbazole respectively. Adsorption selectivity increased in the order of pyrimidine (αi-r = 241.5) ˃ quinoline (αi-r = 237.6) ˃ carbazole (αi-r = 170). Thermodynamic parameters obtained from isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC) revealed that quinoline-PIMH/PBI and pyrimidine-PIMH/PBI interactions are exothermic in nature, while carbazole-PIMH/PBI is endothermic in nature. DFT calculations indicated that π-π interactions/stacking and hydrogen bond interactions took place between N-compounds (carbazole, quinoline and pyrimidine) and adsorbent (PIMH and PBI). A significant reduction in the quantity of nitrogen containing compounds in hydrotreated fuel was observed (peak area reduction) when adsorbents (PIMH and PBI) was employed, however, the complex nature of organonitrogen compounds in fuel complicate the structure/function approach on MIPs for targeting these unwanted compounds.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Abdul-Quadir, Muhammad Sabiu
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Polymerization , Organonitrogen compounds Nitrogen compounds
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DPhil
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/23426 , vital:30542
- Description: The deleterious effects of refractory polyaromatic hydrocarbons found in fuels such as organonitrogen compounds (quinoline, carbazole and its alkylated derivatives) are such that they emit NOx to the environment when combusted, thereby reducing air quality. These compounds also deactivate the catalyst used during fuel refinement and in catalytic converters of cars. Hydro-denitrogenation (HDN), a process currently being employed in petroleum refineries to eliminate organonitrogen compounds in fuels, is limited in treating these refractory compounds. Hence, this thesis describes the use of two separate complimentary approaches for the removal of organonitrogen compounds in fuel such as oxidative denitrogenation and adsorptive denitrogenation. The catalyzed oxidation of fuel oil model nitrogen containing compound, quinoline to quinoline N-oxide, was conducted under batch and continuous flow microreactor at 70°C by using tert-butylhydroperoxide (t-BuOOH) as oxidant and silica supported V2O5 as catalyst, followed by the selective adsorption of the quinoline N-oxide. An overall conversion of 62% quinoline N-oxide was observed. Quinoline-N-oxide in model fuel was absorbed by employing synthesized molecularly imprinted 2,6-pyridine-polybenzimidazole (2,6-PyPBI) nanofibers, 86% of quinoline-N-oxide was removed to give an adsorption capacity (qe) of 4.8 mg/g. DFT calculations to study the interactions of quinoline-N-oxide vs 2,6-PyPBI indicated that: (i) hydrogen bonding (through amino group of 2,6-PyPBI and oxygen atoms of the quinoline-N-oxide), (ii) pi-pi stacking and (iii) extensive number of van der Waals interactions took place. Several oxygenates from N-compounds were produced, thus, complicating the fuel matrix. Therefore, there is a need to move towards adsorptive denitrogenation. Poly-2-(1H-imidazol-2-yl)-4-phenol (PIMH) imprinted microspheres was prepared by suspension polymerization using 2-(2’-hydroxy-4-ethenylphenyl) imidazole as a functional monomer and ethylene glycol dimethacrylate as a crosslinker in the presence of various organonitrogen compounds (templates) to produce 2-(2’-hydroxy-4-ethenylphenyl) imidazole (PIMH). Imprinted microspheres show selectivity for various target model nitrogen-containing compounds with adsorption capacities of 6.8 ± 0.2 mg/g, 6.3 ± 0.3 mg/g and 5.8 ± 0.3 mg/g for quinoline, pyrimidine and carbazole, respectively. Adsorption selectivity increased in the order of quinoline (αi-r = 136.9) ˃ pyrimidine (αi-r = 126.2) ˃carbazole (αi-r = 86.3), when naphthalene was selected as a reference compound. Though, imprinted microspheres displayed excellent nitrogen compound removal both in model and real fuel, there was a need to improve the adsorbent adsorption capacity for N-compounds in fuel through the fabrication of imprinted nanofibers. Molecularly imprinted poly-2-(1H-imidazol-2-yl)-4-phenol nanofibers was prepared by electrospinning of 2-(2’-hydroxy-4-ethenylphenyl) imidazole (PIMH) in the presence of various organonitrogen compounds. These imprinted nanofibers show selectivity for various target model nitrogen-containing compounds with adsorption capacities of 11.7 ± 0.9 mg/g, 11.9 ± 0.8 mg/g and 11.3 ± 1.1 mg/g for quinoline, pyrimidine and carbazole, respectively. Adsorption selectivity increased in the order of pyrimidine (αi-r = 258.8) ˃ quinoline (αi-r = 235.5) ˃ carbazole (αi-r = 168.2). It further displayed excellent nitrogen removal in real fuel. The use of polybenzimidazole (PBI) nanofibers showed selective adsorption of organonitrogen compounds as imprinted sorbent also displayed high selectivity for their target model nitrogen-containing compounds with adsorption capacities of 11.4 ± 0.4 mg/g, 11.9 ± 0.2 mg/g and 10.9 ± 0.7 mg/g for quinoline, pyrimidine and carbazole respectively. Adsorption selectivity increased in the order of pyrimidine (αi-r = 241.5) ˃ quinoline (αi-r = 237.6) ˃ carbazole (αi-r = 170). Thermodynamic parameters obtained from isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC) revealed that quinoline-PIMH/PBI and pyrimidine-PIMH/PBI interactions are exothermic in nature, while carbazole-PIMH/PBI is endothermic in nature. DFT calculations indicated that π-π interactions/stacking and hydrogen bond interactions took place between N-compounds (carbazole, quinoline and pyrimidine) and adsorbent (PIMH and PBI). A significant reduction in the quantity of nitrogen containing compounds in hydrotreated fuel was observed (peak area reduction) when adsorbents (PIMH and PBI) was employed, however, the complex nature of organonitrogen compounds in fuel complicate the structure/function approach on MIPs for targeting these unwanted compounds.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
Molecular studies on cholera and non-cholera causing vibrio pathogens isolated from some water resources and aquatic animals in Eastern Cape Province, South Africa
- Authors: Abioye, Oluwatayo Emmanuel
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Vibrio cholerae -- Pathogens Vibrio cholerae
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/9154 , vital:34283
- Description: The global socioeconomic and disease burdens of cholera; a disease caused by Vibrio cholerae have been ongoing since it was first reported in India in 1563. Unfortunately, emerging non-cholera causing Vibrio pathogens have been contributing to the malady of Vibrio genus globally in the recent years. The history of cholera outbreaks in South Africa have been well documented but information regarding other non-cholera Vibrio pathogens, is deficient in the literature. This study evaluated the statuses of aquatic animals including crustaceans, molluscs, and fish as important reservoirs of six key pathogenic Vibrio spp. in some important water resources and fish markets in the Eastern Cape, South Africa, between December 2016 and November 2017. Physiochemical parameters that are vital for water quality assessment were determined for all the water sampling points using standard methods. The parameters include pH, electrical conductivity (EC), total dissolved solids (TDS), salinity, temperature, total dissolved solids, turbidity and biological oxygen demand (BOD5). Vibrio spp. densities in water and aquatic animal samples were determined using membrane filtration and Most Probable NumberPolymerase chain reaction (MPN-PCR) methods respectively. Presumptive Vibrio spp. were recovered from the samples by direct plating of water samples and aliquots of aquatic animal homogenates on thiosulfate-citrate-bile salts-sucrose (TCBS) agar. Where necessary, samples were enriched using alkaline peptone water (APW) for optimum isolation of the targeted Vibrio spp. Presumptive isolates were identified and delineated into the six targeted pathogenic Vibrio spp. using PCR method. The antibiogram fingerprint of selected Vibrio spp. against a panel 18 panels of antibacterial agents were also carried out. Multiple antibiotic resistance phenotypes (MARPs) per set of isolates from water sampling sites and aquatic animal types were determined. Finally, multiple antibiotic resistance indices (MARI) for isolates recovered from the samples were determined. All experiments were done in replicate and data compared using one-way analysis of variance and one-tail t-test as appropriate. Correlation and regression analysis were also carried out as appropriate. Uncontrolled agricultural, industrial and domestic wastewater influxes, as well as run-off intrusions into the water resources investigated, were observed throughout the sampling season. The physicochemical qualities of the water resources varied with seasons. While pH observed for all the water sampling sites complied with South Africa and international standards, most sampling sites did not comply with set standards for one or more of the remaining physicochemical parameters. The parameters that frequently exhibited significant correlation and regression with Vibrio spp. densities were TDS, TSS, turbidity and temperature. The densities of Vibrio spp. in the samples studied varied with season and the highest density per sample types were observed in the summer. The prevalence of Vibrio spp. in freshwater, brackish water and aquatic animal samples were 79 percent, 78 percent and 86 percent respectively. The respective prevalence of V. cholerae, V. mimicus, V. fluvialis, V.alginolyticus, V. vulnificus and V. parahaemolyticus in freshwater samples (18 percent, 3 percent, ~1 percent, ~1 percent, <1 percent, < percent), brackish water(12 percent, 3 percent, 28 percent,~1 percent, ~1 percent, 9 percent) and aquatic animals (9 percent, 1 percent, 17 percent, 1 percent, 1 percent, 17 percent) were observed. All isolates from all the sample types showed very high antibiotic resistance against ampicillin and polymyxin B. Furthermore, MARPs were observed among isolates from the three sample types. Multiple antibiotic resistance indices (MARI) above 0.2 was observed at one site on Kowie River, three on Kubusi River and one on Buffalo River. The findings of this study suggest that most South Africa water-bodies especially freshwater resources are not well protected. This need to be addressed in a country like South Africa where availability of the freshwater resource for human activities is a critical issue. Base on the prevalence of pathogenic Vibrio spp. especially MARPs and sites that exhibited above 0.2 threshold for MARI, environmental base Vibrio species monitoring programs are recommended.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Abioye, Oluwatayo Emmanuel
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Vibrio cholerae -- Pathogens Vibrio cholerae
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/9154 , vital:34283
- Description: The global socioeconomic and disease burdens of cholera; a disease caused by Vibrio cholerae have been ongoing since it was first reported in India in 1563. Unfortunately, emerging non-cholera causing Vibrio pathogens have been contributing to the malady of Vibrio genus globally in the recent years. The history of cholera outbreaks in South Africa have been well documented but information regarding other non-cholera Vibrio pathogens, is deficient in the literature. This study evaluated the statuses of aquatic animals including crustaceans, molluscs, and fish as important reservoirs of six key pathogenic Vibrio spp. in some important water resources and fish markets in the Eastern Cape, South Africa, between December 2016 and November 2017. Physiochemical parameters that are vital for water quality assessment were determined for all the water sampling points using standard methods. The parameters include pH, electrical conductivity (EC), total dissolved solids (TDS), salinity, temperature, total dissolved solids, turbidity and biological oxygen demand (BOD5). Vibrio spp. densities in water and aquatic animal samples were determined using membrane filtration and Most Probable NumberPolymerase chain reaction (MPN-PCR) methods respectively. Presumptive Vibrio spp. were recovered from the samples by direct plating of water samples and aliquots of aquatic animal homogenates on thiosulfate-citrate-bile salts-sucrose (TCBS) agar. Where necessary, samples were enriched using alkaline peptone water (APW) for optimum isolation of the targeted Vibrio spp. Presumptive isolates were identified and delineated into the six targeted pathogenic Vibrio spp. using PCR method. The antibiogram fingerprint of selected Vibrio spp. against a panel 18 panels of antibacterial agents were also carried out. Multiple antibiotic resistance phenotypes (MARPs) per set of isolates from water sampling sites and aquatic animal types were determined. Finally, multiple antibiotic resistance indices (MARI) for isolates recovered from the samples were determined. All experiments were done in replicate and data compared using one-way analysis of variance and one-tail t-test as appropriate. Correlation and regression analysis were also carried out as appropriate. Uncontrolled agricultural, industrial and domestic wastewater influxes, as well as run-off intrusions into the water resources investigated, were observed throughout the sampling season. The physicochemical qualities of the water resources varied with seasons. While pH observed for all the water sampling sites complied with South Africa and international standards, most sampling sites did not comply with set standards for one or more of the remaining physicochemical parameters. The parameters that frequently exhibited significant correlation and regression with Vibrio spp. densities were TDS, TSS, turbidity and temperature. The densities of Vibrio spp. in the samples studied varied with season and the highest density per sample types were observed in the summer. The prevalence of Vibrio spp. in freshwater, brackish water and aquatic animal samples were 79 percent, 78 percent and 86 percent respectively. The respective prevalence of V. cholerae, V. mimicus, V. fluvialis, V.alginolyticus, V. vulnificus and V. parahaemolyticus in freshwater samples (18 percent, 3 percent, ~1 percent, ~1 percent, <1 percent, < percent), brackish water(12 percent, 3 percent, 28 percent,~1 percent, ~1 percent, 9 percent) and aquatic animals (9 percent, 1 percent, 17 percent, 1 percent, 1 percent, 17 percent) were observed. All isolates from all the sample types showed very high antibiotic resistance against ampicillin and polymyxin B. Furthermore, MARPs were observed among isolates from the three sample types. Multiple antibiotic resistance indices (MARI) above 0.2 was observed at one site on Kowie River, three on Kubusi River and one on Buffalo River. The findings of this study suggest that most South Africa water-bodies especially freshwater resources are not well protected. This need to be addressed in a country like South Africa where availability of the freshwater resource for human activities is a critical issue. Base on the prevalence of pathogenic Vibrio spp. especially MARPs and sites that exhibited above 0.2 threshold for MARI, environmental base Vibrio species monitoring programs are recommended.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
Rural-urban migration and its impact on rural development in Nigeria
- Authors: Abizu, Odion Stanley
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Rural development Rural-urban migration -- Nigeria Rural poor
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DPhil
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/13815 , vital:39714
- Description: This thesis focuses on the developmental impact of rural-urban migration in Nigeria. While, recognising the negative impact of rural-urban migration, the study argues that in order to benefit internal migrants as well as rural development, there must be a paradigm shift to focus on how the benefits of migration on development can be achieved. It is proposed that rural-urban migration occurs as a response to economic, education, health, social and environmental factors. The challenges confronting rural areas are urban bias development paradigm pursued by the successive governments resulting in rural underdevelopment that exacerbates the rural urban disparity. And the neglect of agriculture in rural areas resulting from the discovery of oil in Nigeria. The study revealed that flawed policies adopted by successive Nigerian governments led to joblessness, entrenched social inequality and opportunities. One of the outcomes of these short-sighted policies was rural underdevelopment, which accelerated rural-urban migration in Nigeria. However, the study also demonstrates that the income flows from the migrants to the various rural households has contributed to improvement in the living standard of the households. The fragmentary approaches to rural development that is currently the case in Nigeria would not generate the required level of development and growth needed in the rural communities to improve the living standard. Thus, there is need for a policy framework in Nigeria, which would encourage the private sector to play a vital role in contributing their part in the provision of infrastructural facilities in the rural communities. Although this thesis is a case study of the impact of rural-urban migration on rural development in Nigeria, it can serve to appreciate the role migration can play in promoting development both in rural and urban areas in Nigeria and other Saharan Africa countries.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Abizu, Odion Stanley
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Rural development Rural-urban migration -- Nigeria Rural poor
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DPhil
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/13815 , vital:39714
- Description: This thesis focuses on the developmental impact of rural-urban migration in Nigeria. While, recognising the negative impact of rural-urban migration, the study argues that in order to benefit internal migrants as well as rural development, there must be a paradigm shift to focus on how the benefits of migration on development can be achieved. It is proposed that rural-urban migration occurs as a response to economic, education, health, social and environmental factors. The challenges confronting rural areas are urban bias development paradigm pursued by the successive governments resulting in rural underdevelopment that exacerbates the rural urban disparity. And the neglect of agriculture in rural areas resulting from the discovery of oil in Nigeria. The study revealed that flawed policies adopted by successive Nigerian governments led to joblessness, entrenched social inequality and opportunities. One of the outcomes of these short-sighted policies was rural underdevelopment, which accelerated rural-urban migration in Nigeria. However, the study also demonstrates that the income flows from the migrants to the various rural households has contributed to improvement in the living standard of the households. The fragmentary approaches to rural development that is currently the case in Nigeria would not generate the required level of development and growth needed in the rural communities to improve the living standard. Thus, there is need for a policy framework in Nigeria, which would encourage the private sector to play a vital role in contributing their part in the provision of infrastructural facilities in the rural communities. Although this thesis is a case study of the impact of rural-urban migration on rural development in Nigeria, it can serve to appreciate the role migration can play in promoting development both in rural and urban areas in Nigeria and other Saharan Africa countries.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
Decentralization and quality assurance in the Ugandan primary education sector
- Authors: Abu-Baker, Mutaaya Sirajee
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Schools -- Decentralization -- Uganda , Education, Primary -- Uganda , Educational change -- Uganda
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/57390 , vital:26897
- Description: The study presented in this thesis is a case study analysis of decentralization and quality assurance in a decentralized set up of the Ugandan Primary Schooling. The research looked at how the monitoring and evaluation informed the policy formulation process to regulate quality assurance in a decentralized governance of primary education. The Study was positioned in the critical realist paradigm, interpretive in orientation and used both coding and thematic techniques to understand the teachers’, SMC members’, and officers’ (at district and ministry levels) experiences and perceptions of quality assurance in a decentralized set up. Data was gathered using interviews, document analysis and observation methods. The findings indicated that the study was affected by eleven themes: Management System and Leadership, Human Resource Management, Finance Administration and Management, Parenting and Nutrition, Politics, Motivation, Social Structures and Patterns, Legislative Process and Policies, Infrastructure Development and Management, Community Involvement in Education and Curriculum and Professionalism. The monitoring and evaluation system had a framework in which it operates, though there was no quality assurance policy to guide the provision of quality education. The study finally indicated that there are more threats in a decentralized set up that put Quality in danger. Secondly, there was absence of supervision/inspection in schools as there was no evidence to prove this due to absence of reports. However, document analysis indicated visits of officers to schools. Records management was a problem to schools. Decentralization was adopted at different levels by different countries to address specific problems identified in view of service delivery. Finally, though monitoring and evaluation results informed the policy and decision makers, there was no quality assurance policy to guide the provision of quality education in institutions.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Abu-Baker, Mutaaya Sirajee
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Schools -- Decentralization -- Uganda , Education, Primary -- Uganda , Educational change -- Uganda
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/57390 , vital:26897
- Description: The study presented in this thesis is a case study analysis of decentralization and quality assurance in a decentralized set up of the Ugandan Primary Schooling. The research looked at how the monitoring and evaluation informed the policy formulation process to regulate quality assurance in a decentralized governance of primary education. The Study was positioned in the critical realist paradigm, interpretive in orientation and used both coding and thematic techniques to understand the teachers’, SMC members’, and officers’ (at district and ministry levels) experiences and perceptions of quality assurance in a decentralized set up. Data was gathered using interviews, document analysis and observation methods. The findings indicated that the study was affected by eleven themes: Management System and Leadership, Human Resource Management, Finance Administration and Management, Parenting and Nutrition, Politics, Motivation, Social Structures and Patterns, Legislative Process and Policies, Infrastructure Development and Management, Community Involvement in Education and Curriculum and Professionalism. The monitoring and evaluation system had a framework in which it operates, though there was no quality assurance policy to guide the provision of quality education. The study finally indicated that there are more threats in a decentralized set up that put Quality in danger. Secondly, there was absence of supervision/inspection in schools as there was no evidence to prove this due to absence of reports. However, document analysis indicated visits of officers to schools. Records management was a problem to schools. Decentralization was adopted at different levels by different countries to address specific problems identified in view of service delivery. Finally, though monitoring and evaluation results informed the policy and decision makers, there was no quality assurance policy to guide the provision of quality education in institutions.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
Graphene quantum dots and their metallophthalocyanines nanoconjugates as novel photoluminescent nanosensors
- Authors: Achadu, Ojodomo John
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Quantum dots , Graphene , Phthalocyanines , Nanoconjugates , Novel photoluminescent nanosensors , Metallophthalocyanines
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/60719 , vital:27821
- Description: The fabrication and application of graphene quantum dots (GQDs)-based photoluminescent probes for the detection of analytes is presented. GQDs were functionalized with complexes such as metallophthalocyanines (MPcs), metal nanoparticles (Au@Ag NPs), 2,2,6,6-tetramethyl(piperidin-1-yl)oxyl (TEMPO), maleimide and thymine for the sensing of target analytes such as ascorbic acid (AA), biothiols (cysteine, homocysteine and glutathione) and mercury ion (Hg²+). The design strategy and approach was based on the quenching of the fluorescence of the GQDs upon functionalization with the above-mentioned complexes, which could be restored in the presence of the target analytes (due to their specific interaction affinity with the complexes). For the detection of AA, GQDs were covalently and/or non-covalently conjugated to TEMPO-bearing complexes to form GQDs-4A-TEMPO and GQDs-TEMPO-MPc systems with nanomolar limits of detection. For the detection of biothiols, Au@Ag NPs and maleimide-bearing complexes (MPc), which have specific affinity to interact with biothiols, were deployed. Hg²+ detection involved the use of GQDs and/or MPcs with thiol and thymine groups, respectively. In addition, a smart sensing platform was designed for the dual detection of biothiols and Hg²+ using supramolecular hybrid of polyethyleneimine functionalized-GQDs and MPc-Au@Ag conjugate. The probe could detect, in a sequential manner, Hg²+ and biothiols with high sensitivity. Results obtained from the LODs of the probes showed that GQDs sensing performances could be enhanced in the presence of MPcs. The probes designed in this work were successfully deployed in the assays of the target analytes in real samples and the recoveries obtained confirmed the analytical applicability of the probes.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Achadu, Ojodomo John
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Quantum dots , Graphene , Phthalocyanines , Nanoconjugates , Novel photoluminescent nanosensors , Metallophthalocyanines
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/60719 , vital:27821
- Description: The fabrication and application of graphene quantum dots (GQDs)-based photoluminescent probes for the detection of analytes is presented. GQDs were functionalized with complexes such as metallophthalocyanines (MPcs), metal nanoparticles (Au@Ag NPs), 2,2,6,6-tetramethyl(piperidin-1-yl)oxyl (TEMPO), maleimide and thymine for the sensing of target analytes such as ascorbic acid (AA), biothiols (cysteine, homocysteine and glutathione) and mercury ion (Hg²+). The design strategy and approach was based on the quenching of the fluorescence of the GQDs upon functionalization with the above-mentioned complexes, which could be restored in the presence of the target analytes (due to their specific interaction affinity with the complexes). For the detection of AA, GQDs were covalently and/or non-covalently conjugated to TEMPO-bearing complexes to form GQDs-4A-TEMPO and GQDs-TEMPO-MPc systems with nanomolar limits of detection. For the detection of biothiols, Au@Ag NPs and maleimide-bearing complexes (MPc), which have specific affinity to interact with biothiols, were deployed. Hg²+ detection involved the use of GQDs and/or MPcs with thiol and thymine groups, respectively. In addition, a smart sensing platform was designed for the dual detection of biothiols and Hg²+ using supramolecular hybrid of polyethyleneimine functionalized-GQDs and MPc-Au@Ag conjugate. The probe could detect, in a sequential manner, Hg²+ and biothiols with high sensitivity. Results obtained from the LODs of the probes showed that GQDs sensing performances could be enhanced in the presence of MPcs. The probes designed in this work were successfully deployed in the assays of the target analytes in real samples and the recoveries obtained confirmed the analytical applicability of the probes.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
Strategies to facilitate the use of birth care provided by skilled birth attendants in the rural areas of Ghana
- Authors: Adatara, Peter
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Maternity nursing -- Ghana , Neonatal nursing -- methods Delivery (Obstetrics) Midwifery -- Ghana
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DCur
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/23415 , vital:30541
- Description: Increasing skilled attendance during childbirth is well established in literature to play a significant role in averting the many preventable maternal deaths that occur in developing countries such as Ghana.Inadequate utilisation of skilled birth care services in Sub-Saharan Africa is believed to be a major hindrance to efforts aimed at improving the health of women, especially during delivery. There is low utilisation of birth care services provided by skilled birth attendants in the rural areas in Ghana. The purpose of this study was to develop strategies that could facilitate the utilisation of skilled birth care provided by skilled birth attendants in the rural areas of Ghana. The study adopted a qualitative, explorative, descriptive and contextual method to explore and describe women’s experiences regarding the utilisation or non-utilisation of skilled birth care services provided by skilled birth attendants in the rural areas in Ghana. The study was conducted in three phases: Phase One of this study described the research population, sampling method, data collection and analysis to obtain women’s experiences regarding the utilisation or non-utilisation of skilled birth care services. In this study, data were collected and analysed from the research population. The research population consisted of women who utilised skilled birth care attendants or unskilled care attendants during child birth. The data collection method used was individual interviews. Data collected from the interviews were transcribed verbatim and analysed according to the steps suggested by Tesch to identify themes and sub-themes. The study identified three themes and sub-themes: Theme 1: Experiences of participants related to the use of skilled birth care attendants; Theme 2: Participants expressed their reasons for choosing a home birth; Theme 3: Participants offered suggestions to improve skilled birth care at healthcare facilities. The findings in Phase one of this study formed the basis for the development of the strategies in Phase three. Phase Two of the research design focused on the development of a conceptual framework based on the research findings and utilized to develop strategies which skilled birth attendant may use to facilitate the use of skilled birth care services by women in the rural areas of Ghana where there is low utilisation of birth services provided by skilled birth attendants. The conceptual framework of Dickoff, James and Wiedenbach was used to provide a guide and a link between the different concepts in the research study. Phase Three of this study focused on the development of strategies that will facilitate an increased in the labouring women utilisation of the services provided by skilled birth attendants. The data obtained was used to developed three strategies such as collaboration, education and training, supportive supervision as well as community mobilisation and participation to guide skilled birth attendants to facilitate the utilisation of skilled birth care services during childbirth. The WHO Health for All model, the theoretical model underpinning this study, also guided the development of the strategies to facilitate labouring women utilisation of the services provided by skilled birth attendants. Recommendations regarding the implementation of a national collaborative, education and supportive supervision policies on a macro level are made, as well as recommendations for nursing practice, education and research. It is therefore concluded that the researcher succeeded in achieving the purpose for this study because the strategies which are understandable, clear, simple, applicable and significant to skilled birth care in rural areas has been developed for use by skilled birth attendants to facilitate the utilisation of skilled birth care provided by skilled birth attendants in the rural areas of Ghana.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Adatara, Peter
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Maternity nursing -- Ghana , Neonatal nursing -- methods Delivery (Obstetrics) Midwifery -- Ghana
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DCur
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/23415 , vital:30541
- Description: Increasing skilled attendance during childbirth is well established in literature to play a significant role in averting the many preventable maternal deaths that occur in developing countries such as Ghana.Inadequate utilisation of skilled birth care services in Sub-Saharan Africa is believed to be a major hindrance to efforts aimed at improving the health of women, especially during delivery. There is low utilisation of birth care services provided by skilled birth attendants in the rural areas in Ghana. The purpose of this study was to develop strategies that could facilitate the utilisation of skilled birth care provided by skilled birth attendants in the rural areas of Ghana. The study adopted a qualitative, explorative, descriptive and contextual method to explore and describe women’s experiences regarding the utilisation or non-utilisation of skilled birth care services provided by skilled birth attendants in the rural areas in Ghana. The study was conducted in three phases: Phase One of this study described the research population, sampling method, data collection and analysis to obtain women’s experiences regarding the utilisation or non-utilisation of skilled birth care services. In this study, data were collected and analysed from the research population. The research population consisted of women who utilised skilled birth care attendants or unskilled care attendants during child birth. The data collection method used was individual interviews. Data collected from the interviews were transcribed verbatim and analysed according to the steps suggested by Tesch to identify themes and sub-themes. The study identified three themes and sub-themes: Theme 1: Experiences of participants related to the use of skilled birth care attendants; Theme 2: Participants expressed their reasons for choosing a home birth; Theme 3: Participants offered suggestions to improve skilled birth care at healthcare facilities. The findings in Phase one of this study formed the basis for the development of the strategies in Phase three. Phase Two of the research design focused on the development of a conceptual framework based on the research findings and utilized to develop strategies which skilled birth attendant may use to facilitate the use of skilled birth care services by women in the rural areas of Ghana where there is low utilisation of birth services provided by skilled birth attendants. The conceptual framework of Dickoff, James and Wiedenbach was used to provide a guide and a link between the different concepts in the research study. Phase Three of this study focused on the development of strategies that will facilitate an increased in the labouring women utilisation of the services provided by skilled birth attendants. The data obtained was used to developed three strategies such as collaboration, education and training, supportive supervision as well as community mobilisation and participation to guide skilled birth attendants to facilitate the utilisation of skilled birth care services during childbirth. The WHO Health for All model, the theoretical model underpinning this study, also guided the development of the strategies to facilitate labouring women utilisation of the services provided by skilled birth attendants. Recommendations regarding the implementation of a national collaborative, education and supportive supervision policies on a macro level are made, as well as recommendations for nursing practice, education and research. It is therefore concluded that the researcher succeeded in achieving the purpose for this study because the strategies which are understandable, clear, simple, applicable and significant to skilled birth care in rural areas has been developed for use by skilled birth attendants to facilitate the utilisation of skilled birth care provided by skilled birth attendants in the rural areas of Ghana.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
A multi-stakeholder approach to productivity improvement in the South African construction industry
- Authors: Adebowale, Oluseyi Julius
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Labor productivity , Construction industry -- Labor productivity Construction industry -- South Africa Construction industry -- Management
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DPhil
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/19597 , vital:28902
- Description: As poor productivity in construction continues to constitute a setback to projects’ success in different countries of the world, the situation in South African construction is no exception. Poor productivity on construction projects and its detrimental impact on project objectives have continually resonated for decades. As a result, several strategies, interventions, and measures that aimed at improving productivity in the construction sector have been proposed. Nevertheless, the phenomenon importunately creates a major challenge on construction projects, and by extension, the construction industry especially in developing countries. Even when construction management literature acknowledged the commonalities in productivity influences, the practice of addressing construction productivity influences as separate entities has gained much relevance over the years. Taking into perspective, the multidisciplinary and complexity inherent in construction, a systemic approach to addressing construction productivity influences is fast becoming essential. This study addressed productivity-influencing factors by considering factors that are related to rework, shortage of construction resources, constructability, political, socio-economic, working environment, welfare conditions, disputes, planning and training. Consequently, the interdependencies of the most significant productivity-influencing factors in South African construction was developed in the form of a qualitative model. The study adopts the underlying assumptions of the quantitative approach, but also accepts some qualitative data. With regards to the subject of enquiry, the paradigm of the research is positivism which consists of realists’ ontological prescriptions and objectivists’ epistemological prescriptions. Site engineers, site managers, and site supervisors working for cidb registered contractors in four South African provinces constitute the sample stratum. Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 24 was used to analyse the data gathered from these project participants; both descriptive and inferential statistics were used. Descriptive statistics was used to summarise and describe the data obtained, while inferential statistics in the form of analysis of variance, T-test, and Tukey post hoc test were adopted. The study reported the most significant factors which negatively influence productivity on South African construction projects as inadequate workers’ skills, defective workmanship, the practice of awarding contracts to lowest bidders, political activities resulting in industrial action, inadequate contractors’ experience in project planning, payment delays by contractors, and corruption. Furthermore, it was found that contractors largely share similar perceptions regarding the factors that constrain productivity growth in South African construction. The approximate level of labour, material, and plant productivity on South African construction projects is 50.4%, 72.9%, and 62.0% respectively, while the approximate multifactor productivity was estimated as 61.8%. The study concluded that productivity has a considerable relationship with time and cost and a less potent relationship with quality. Based on the research findings, contractors’, consultants’, clients’ and government qualitative intervention models were proposed while recommendations towards improving South African construction productivity were made. The study recommended the reinvention of the apprentice training system to develop skills in construction, the involvement of stakeholders in improving workers’ skills, improved collaboration between the construction industry and higher institutions of learning regarding curricula development, adequate supervision of construction activities to mitigate the propagation of rework on construction projects, character in leadership, and integrity of project stakeholders.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Adebowale, Oluseyi Julius
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Labor productivity , Construction industry -- Labor productivity Construction industry -- South Africa Construction industry -- Management
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DPhil
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/19597 , vital:28902
- Description: As poor productivity in construction continues to constitute a setback to projects’ success in different countries of the world, the situation in South African construction is no exception. Poor productivity on construction projects and its detrimental impact on project objectives have continually resonated for decades. As a result, several strategies, interventions, and measures that aimed at improving productivity in the construction sector have been proposed. Nevertheless, the phenomenon importunately creates a major challenge on construction projects, and by extension, the construction industry especially in developing countries. Even when construction management literature acknowledged the commonalities in productivity influences, the practice of addressing construction productivity influences as separate entities has gained much relevance over the years. Taking into perspective, the multidisciplinary and complexity inherent in construction, a systemic approach to addressing construction productivity influences is fast becoming essential. This study addressed productivity-influencing factors by considering factors that are related to rework, shortage of construction resources, constructability, political, socio-economic, working environment, welfare conditions, disputes, planning and training. Consequently, the interdependencies of the most significant productivity-influencing factors in South African construction was developed in the form of a qualitative model. The study adopts the underlying assumptions of the quantitative approach, but also accepts some qualitative data. With regards to the subject of enquiry, the paradigm of the research is positivism which consists of realists’ ontological prescriptions and objectivists’ epistemological prescriptions. Site engineers, site managers, and site supervisors working for cidb registered contractors in four South African provinces constitute the sample stratum. Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 24 was used to analyse the data gathered from these project participants; both descriptive and inferential statistics were used. Descriptive statistics was used to summarise and describe the data obtained, while inferential statistics in the form of analysis of variance, T-test, and Tukey post hoc test were adopted. The study reported the most significant factors which negatively influence productivity on South African construction projects as inadequate workers’ skills, defective workmanship, the practice of awarding contracts to lowest bidders, political activities resulting in industrial action, inadequate contractors’ experience in project planning, payment delays by contractors, and corruption. Furthermore, it was found that contractors largely share similar perceptions regarding the factors that constrain productivity growth in South African construction. The approximate level of labour, material, and plant productivity on South African construction projects is 50.4%, 72.9%, and 62.0% respectively, while the approximate multifactor productivity was estimated as 61.8%. The study concluded that productivity has a considerable relationship with time and cost and a less potent relationship with quality. Based on the research findings, contractors’, consultants’, clients’ and government qualitative intervention models were proposed while recommendations towards improving South African construction productivity were made. The study recommended the reinvention of the apprentice training system to develop skills in construction, the involvement of stakeholders in improving workers’ skills, improved collaboration between the construction industry and higher institutions of learning regarding curricula development, adequate supervision of construction activities to mitigate the propagation of rework on construction projects, character in leadership, and integrity of project stakeholders.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
A qualitative assessment of the achievement of gender equality under education for all (EFA) goals : study of Lagos State, Nigeria
- Authors: Adeleke, Adawi Adeola
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Sex discrimination in education -- Nigeria Sexism in education -- Nigeria Educational equalization -- Nigeria
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , Education
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/9500 , vital:34357
- Description: The importance of education cannot be overemphasized. Education has been identified as the most critical instrument for empowering individuals with the necessary knowledge and skills, which can give them access to productive employment. Also, the future of a country is based on the quality of education acquired by its citizens which helps in transforming it from pre-literate to contemporary nationhood. Many international treaties and initiatives in the world have made special provisions for education as a duty of every government which must be given to every citizen as of right, irrespective of gender or social class. Amongst these international initiatives is the Education for All (EFA) Goals, a time-bound global movement towards the provision of education for every one led by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). There are six goals in all. This study investigated one of the EFA goals, the goal 5. The aim of the study was a qualitative assessment of the achievement of gender equality goal under the Education for All (EFA) goals, a study of Lagos State, Nigeria. The theoretical framework of the study is informed by the Social Justice Theory and the Social Justice Praxis Theory. Scholarly works and literatures on girl-child education, gender and education, and gender balancing in education were reviewed. The study followed qualitative research approach which utilizes an interpretive research paradigm that provides a collective voice from the participants. The research area was purposively selected as Lagos State being a former capital of Nigeria and still the commercial nerve centre of the nation. Although it is the smallest state in Nigeria in term of size, it remains the most populous in the country with a projected population of 20,546,999 (13.5percent Nigeria’s total population). A sample of 16 participants were purposively selected because they were the officers directly in charge of the implementation government policies on education in the State. The data was collected through in-depth recorded interview sessions and secondary data were sourced through official documents downloaded online and from Lagos State Ministry of Education. Based on the thematic analysis of the data collected, the study found out that the State government had established policies and measures to provide qualitative education for all the citizens on a non-discriminatory basis. Thus, the goal of gender parity in terms of enrollment of boys and girls has been relatively achieved in the state. However, there were still some challenges of equality in the learning process and outcome. The study therefore recommends that schools should be made attractive and conducive as possible to assist the educational attainment of any student. This could be achieved by promoting positive values and attitudes towards education, all the stakeholders in the education sector must be involved in the business of running the school. There should also be a form of resourcing and expansion of the school facilities through the Public - Private Partnership in education.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Adeleke, Adawi Adeola
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Sex discrimination in education -- Nigeria Sexism in education -- Nigeria Educational equalization -- Nigeria
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , Education
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/9500 , vital:34357
- Description: The importance of education cannot be overemphasized. Education has been identified as the most critical instrument for empowering individuals with the necessary knowledge and skills, which can give them access to productive employment. Also, the future of a country is based on the quality of education acquired by its citizens which helps in transforming it from pre-literate to contemporary nationhood. Many international treaties and initiatives in the world have made special provisions for education as a duty of every government which must be given to every citizen as of right, irrespective of gender or social class. Amongst these international initiatives is the Education for All (EFA) Goals, a time-bound global movement towards the provision of education for every one led by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). There are six goals in all. This study investigated one of the EFA goals, the goal 5. The aim of the study was a qualitative assessment of the achievement of gender equality goal under the Education for All (EFA) goals, a study of Lagos State, Nigeria. The theoretical framework of the study is informed by the Social Justice Theory and the Social Justice Praxis Theory. Scholarly works and literatures on girl-child education, gender and education, and gender balancing in education were reviewed. The study followed qualitative research approach which utilizes an interpretive research paradigm that provides a collective voice from the participants. The research area was purposively selected as Lagos State being a former capital of Nigeria and still the commercial nerve centre of the nation. Although it is the smallest state in Nigeria in term of size, it remains the most populous in the country with a projected population of 20,546,999 (13.5percent Nigeria’s total population). A sample of 16 participants were purposively selected because they were the officers directly in charge of the implementation government policies on education in the State. The data was collected through in-depth recorded interview sessions and secondary data were sourced through official documents downloaded online and from Lagos State Ministry of Education. Based on the thematic analysis of the data collected, the study found out that the State government had established policies and measures to provide qualitative education for all the citizens on a non-discriminatory basis. Thus, the goal of gender parity in terms of enrollment of boys and girls has been relatively achieved in the state. However, there were still some challenges of equality in the learning process and outcome. The study therefore recommends that schools should be made attractive and conducive as possible to assist the educational attainment of any student. This could be achieved by promoting positive values and attitudes towards education, all the stakeholders in the education sector must be involved in the business of running the school. There should also be a form of resourcing and expansion of the school facilities through the Public - Private Partnership in education.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
Active learning strategies used by teachers during English reading comprehension lessons in six selected primary schools in Nigeria
- Adepoju, Adetokunboh Abayomi
- Authors: Adepoju, Adetokunboh Abayomi
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Education, Primary -- Nigeria Learning strategies -- Nigeria
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/8485 , vital:32838
- Description: Reading is an integral part of education from which one gets access to information. Unfortunately, reading ability among primary school pupils, the foundation level of education, is at its lowest ebb. These pupils when they get to secondary schools eventually fail external examinations-a situation which according to National Examination Council, is caused by inappropriate teaching methods. Consequent upon this, this study assessed active learning strategies used by teacher during English reading comprehension lessons in six selected primary schools in Nigeria. The main research question was: How do teachers employ active learning strategies in teaching English reading comprehension? The study adopted qualitative approach and case study design. With the use of purposive sampling technique to select six head teachers, six primary VI teachers, two members of the School Basic Committee, the Director Local Government Education Authority and six focus groups. The study used interviews, documents and focus group interview as research instruments to collect data. Data were analysed based on interpretivism paradigm which interpreted participants’ views according to the word view of the participants. The study found out that teachers have good knowledge of active learning strategies and use them in teaching English reading comprehension lessons but are faced with some daunting challenges such as non-availability of instructional materials, lack of library, lack of qualified teachers and lack of time. The study concluded that students fail woefully in English reading comprehension because teachers do not use appropriate teaching techniques. The study recommend that teachers must use active learning strategies effectively and more often during English reading comprehension, more time should be allocated for English reading comprehension, effective use of instructional materials should be considered and the government should employ specialist teachers to teach English reading comprehension.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Adepoju, Adetokunboh Abayomi
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Education, Primary -- Nigeria Learning strategies -- Nigeria
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/8485 , vital:32838
- Description: Reading is an integral part of education from which one gets access to information. Unfortunately, reading ability among primary school pupils, the foundation level of education, is at its lowest ebb. These pupils when they get to secondary schools eventually fail external examinations-a situation which according to National Examination Council, is caused by inappropriate teaching methods. Consequent upon this, this study assessed active learning strategies used by teacher during English reading comprehension lessons in six selected primary schools in Nigeria. The main research question was: How do teachers employ active learning strategies in teaching English reading comprehension? The study adopted qualitative approach and case study design. With the use of purposive sampling technique to select six head teachers, six primary VI teachers, two members of the School Basic Committee, the Director Local Government Education Authority and six focus groups. The study used interviews, documents and focus group interview as research instruments to collect data. Data were analysed based on interpretivism paradigm which interpreted participants’ views according to the word view of the participants. The study found out that teachers have good knowledge of active learning strategies and use them in teaching English reading comprehension lessons but are faced with some daunting challenges such as non-availability of instructional materials, lack of library, lack of qualified teachers and lack of time. The study concluded that students fail woefully in English reading comprehension because teachers do not use appropriate teaching techniques. The study recommend that teachers must use active learning strategies effectively and more often during English reading comprehension, more time should be allocated for English reading comprehension, effective use of instructional materials should be considered and the government should employ specialist teachers to teach English reading comprehension.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
In vivo toxicological evaluation of peptide conjugated gold nanoparticles for potential application in colorectal cancer diagnosis
- Authors: Adewale, Olusola Bolaji
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Nanostructured materials -- Toxicology , Colon (Anatomy) -- Cancer Rectum -- Cancer
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DPhil
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/50133 , vital:42050
- Description: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is among the leading cause of cancer-related deaths in South Africa and worldwide. Efforts are being made at finding improved diagnostic tools, as early detection (before metastasis) is a major factor in CRC treatment. Colonoscopy is the most reliable detection method, but is a specialised and expensive procedure, which is invasive, not readily available and not patient-friendly. There is a risk of developing interval cancers, as colonoscopies are performed every 10 years after the age of 40. The development of non-invasive, cost efficient and readily available diagnostic tools to CRC, which can be performed at more regular intervals, using tumour-targeting molecular imaging agents, is of urgent attention. Gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) possess several physicochemical properties, including ease of synthesis, biocompatibility, and the ability to be conjugated by ligands or biomolecules such as polyethylene glycol (PEG) and peptides for improved stability, tissue targeting and selectivity. These factors potentiate the role in biomedical applications, including cancer theranostics. Conjugation of AuNPs with a targeting molecule (e.g. antibody or peptide) is directed against cancer cell receptors. The peptides, p.C, p.L, and p.14, bind to CRC cells in vitro. Conjugation of AuNPs with these peptides should be investigated for CRC diagnosis in vivo, as it is hypothesised to allow examinations at shorter intervals through imaging techniques. This could reduce the risk of interval cancers, but before developing this novel tool, in vivo toxicity evaluations are essential. This study was therefore aimed at investigating the short- and long-term toxicological effects of a single intravenous injection of peptides (p.C, p.L, and p.14) conjugated to AuNPs in a healthy rat model. Citrate-capped AuNPs were synthesised by the citrate-reduction method, and conjugated with each peptide (biotinylated) using a combination of PEG (99% PEG-OH and 1% PEG-biotin) as a stabilising agent and linker, via biotin-streptavidin interaction. Healthy male Wistar rats were intravenously injected with 14 nm citrate-AuNPs, PEG-, p.C-PEG, p.L-PEG, and p.14-PEG-AuNPs (100 μg/kg body weight), and the control rats were injected with phosphate buffered saline. The animals were monitored for behavioural, physiological, biochemical, haematological and histological changes, as well as inflammatory responses. Phase 1 rats were sacrificed 2 weeks post-injection to determine the immediate or acute toxicity of the AuNPs, while phase 2 animals were sacrificed 12 weeks post-injection, to investigate the delayed or persistence toxicity of the AuNPs. Results revealed no significant toxicities with the citrate, PEG-, p.C-PEG and p.14-PEG-AuNPs over 12 weeks post-exposure, as evidenced by biochemical assays such as serum marker enzymes, liver and kidney function markers, and cholestatic indicators; haematological parameters; oxidative stress markers; and histopathological examinations. P.L-PEG-AuNPs, however, caused significant toxicity (p<0.05) to rats, as evidenced by increased relative liver weight, increased malondialdehyde levels, and total white blood cell counts 2 weeks post-exposure when compared to the control group. This was, however, reversed during the 12 weeks post-exposure. Further, there were no evidence of inflammatory responses, using pro-inflammatory markers including phospho interleukin 18 (IL-18) and interferon-γ (IFN-γ), as indicated by immunohistochemical staining of the liver, spleen, kidney and colon of rats 2 weeks post-injection of AuNPs. Citrate, PEG-, p.C-PEG, and p.14-PEG-AuNPs did not induce immediate, acute or persistent toxicity, while p.L-PEG-AuNPs induced a transient acute toxicity. It can be concluded that 14 nm spherical citrate-AuNPs at 100 μg/kg body weight is a good candidate for biomedical applications, and as a suitable carrier for diagnostic and/or therapeutic molecules. Combination of 99% PEG-OH and 1% PEG-biotin is an appropriate option for stabilising AuNPs in biological environment, and conjugating secondary diagnostic or therapeutic biomolecules or agents to citrate-capped AuNPs. Peptide-conjugated AuNPs are suitable for the development into a diagnostic tool for CRC in vivo.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Adewale, Olusola Bolaji
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Nanostructured materials -- Toxicology , Colon (Anatomy) -- Cancer Rectum -- Cancer
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DPhil
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/50133 , vital:42050
- Description: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is among the leading cause of cancer-related deaths in South Africa and worldwide. Efforts are being made at finding improved diagnostic tools, as early detection (before metastasis) is a major factor in CRC treatment. Colonoscopy is the most reliable detection method, but is a specialised and expensive procedure, which is invasive, not readily available and not patient-friendly. There is a risk of developing interval cancers, as colonoscopies are performed every 10 years after the age of 40. The development of non-invasive, cost efficient and readily available diagnostic tools to CRC, which can be performed at more regular intervals, using tumour-targeting molecular imaging agents, is of urgent attention. Gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) possess several physicochemical properties, including ease of synthesis, biocompatibility, and the ability to be conjugated by ligands or biomolecules such as polyethylene glycol (PEG) and peptides for improved stability, tissue targeting and selectivity. These factors potentiate the role in biomedical applications, including cancer theranostics. Conjugation of AuNPs with a targeting molecule (e.g. antibody or peptide) is directed against cancer cell receptors. The peptides, p.C, p.L, and p.14, bind to CRC cells in vitro. Conjugation of AuNPs with these peptides should be investigated for CRC diagnosis in vivo, as it is hypothesised to allow examinations at shorter intervals through imaging techniques. This could reduce the risk of interval cancers, but before developing this novel tool, in vivo toxicity evaluations are essential. This study was therefore aimed at investigating the short- and long-term toxicological effects of a single intravenous injection of peptides (p.C, p.L, and p.14) conjugated to AuNPs in a healthy rat model. Citrate-capped AuNPs were synthesised by the citrate-reduction method, and conjugated with each peptide (biotinylated) using a combination of PEG (99% PEG-OH and 1% PEG-biotin) as a stabilising agent and linker, via biotin-streptavidin interaction. Healthy male Wistar rats were intravenously injected with 14 nm citrate-AuNPs, PEG-, p.C-PEG, p.L-PEG, and p.14-PEG-AuNPs (100 μg/kg body weight), and the control rats were injected with phosphate buffered saline. The animals were monitored for behavioural, physiological, biochemical, haematological and histological changes, as well as inflammatory responses. Phase 1 rats were sacrificed 2 weeks post-injection to determine the immediate or acute toxicity of the AuNPs, while phase 2 animals were sacrificed 12 weeks post-injection, to investigate the delayed or persistence toxicity of the AuNPs. Results revealed no significant toxicities with the citrate, PEG-, p.C-PEG and p.14-PEG-AuNPs over 12 weeks post-exposure, as evidenced by biochemical assays such as serum marker enzymes, liver and kidney function markers, and cholestatic indicators; haematological parameters; oxidative stress markers; and histopathological examinations. P.L-PEG-AuNPs, however, caused significant toxicity (p<0.05) to rats, as evidenced by increased relative liver weight, increased malondialdehyde levels, and total white blood cell counts 2 weeks post-exposure when compared to the control group. This was, however, reversed during the 12 weeks post-exposure. Further, there were no evidence of inflammatory responses, using pro-inflammatory markers including phospho interleukin 18 (IL-18) and interferon-γ (IFN-γ), as indicated by immunohistochemical staining of the liver, spleen, kidney and colon of rats 2 weeks post-injection of AuNPs. Citrate, PEG-, p.C-PEG, and p.14-PEG-AuNPs did not induce immediate, acute or persistent toxicity, while p.L-PEG-AuNPs induced a transient acute toxicity. It can be concluded that 14 nm spherical citrate-AuNPs at 100 μg/kg body weight is a good candidate for biomedical applications, and as a suitable carrier for diagnostic and/or therapeutic molecules. Combination of 99% PEG-OH and 1% PEG-biotin is an appropriate option for stabilising AuNPs in biological environment, and conjugating secondary diagnostic or therapeutic biomolecules or agents to citrate-capped AuNPs. Peptide-conjugated AuNPs are suitable for the development into a diagnostic tool for CRC in vivo.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
Synthesis, characterization and evaluation of photophysical and electrochemical properties of ruthenium(II) complexes for dye-sensitized solar cells
- Authors: Adjogri, Shadrack John
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Ruthenium Ruthenium compounds
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DPhil
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/17828 , vital:41363
- Description: Eight series of thirty (30) novel heteroleptic ruthenium(II) complexes were designed, synthesized and spectroscopically characterized, with the following general molecular formulae as [Ru(bdmpmar)(H2dcbpy)(NCS)]+, [Ru(bdmpmar)(vpdiinp)(H2dcbpy)]2,+, [Ru(bdmpmar)(vpbpp)(H2dcbpy)]2+,[Ru(H2dcbpy)2(N^)(NCS)]+, [Ru(H2dcbpy)2(N^)2]2+, [Ru(H2dcbpy)(N^)2(NCS)2], [Ru(H2dcbpy)(N^)(NCS)3]– and [Ru(vptpy)(H2dcbpy)(N^^^)]2+ where bdmpmar is a tridentate ligand of N,N-bis(3, 5-dimethylpyrazol-1-yl-methyl) aromatic organic compound (such aromatic organic compounds(Ar) are anthranilic acid, 4-methoxy-2-nitroaniline, aniline, toluidine, cyclohexylamine and anisidine), vpdiinp represents a monodentate ligand of 11-(4-vinylphenyl)diindeno[1,2-b:2’,1’-e]pyridine, vpbpp represents a monodentate ligand of 4-(4-vinylphenyl)-2.6-bis(phenyl)pyridine and vptpy represents a tridentate ligand of 4’-(4-vinyl)-2,2’:6’,2’’-terpyridine. Meanwhile, N^ represents any of the monodentate ligands of either vpdiinp or vpbpp and (N^^^) represents any of the monodentate ligands either of vpdiinp or vpbpp or NCS as disclosed in series VIII. The complexes were characterized by conductivity measurement, solubility, melting point, UV-Vis, PL, FTIR (ATR), NMR, Cyclic and square wave voltammetry. Nine chelating ligands, comprising of six (6) tripodal chelating ligands, two (2) vinyl monodentate ligands and one (1) vinyl tridentate ligand, were used for the synthesis of ruthenium(II) complexes ATR-FTIR spectra of all the ruthenium(II) complexes measured as solid samples, exhibited fine resolution IR bands in region between 3473-3438 cm-1 of carboxylic group in H2dcbpy. The bands in the range 3040-2950 cm-1 were ascribed to C-H bond stretching for the CH3 groups. The coordination of NCS group in the sphere of ruthenium(II) complexes related to series I, IV, VI VII and one compound of series VIII was investigated by ATR-FTIR spectroscopy. Bands in the range of 2116-2106 cm-1 and 777-770 cm-1 are ascribed to the respective N=C and the C=S bond stretching vibration which confirms the N-coordination of the SCN group. For all the complexes, the stretching vibration of Ru-N bonding was between 466 and 411 cm-1 due to coordination of the nitrogen atoms of the ligands to ruthenium central metal atom. The introduction of the two vinyl monodentate ligands (vpdiinp and vpbpp) in the coordination sphere of [Ru(bdmpmar)(vpdiinp)(H2dcbpy)]2+, [Ru(bdmpmar) (vpbpp)(H2dcbpy)]2+, [Ru(H2dcbpy)2(N^)(NCS)]+, [Ru(H2dcbpy)2(N^)2]2+, [Ru(H2dcbpy)(N^)2(NCS)2], [Ru(H2dcbpy)(N^)(NCS)3]– and [Ru(vptpy)(H2dcbpy)(N^^^)]2+ respectively, all related to series II, III, IV, V, VI, VII and two compounds of series VIII ruthenium(II) complexes, has been studied using the 1H and 13C NMR spectroscopy techniques. The 1H NMR spectra of series II-VII and the two compounds of series VIII of the ruthenium(II) complexes show multiplets in the aromatic region above 6 ppm due to the presence of either vpdiinp or vpbpp ligand, situated in different magnetic environment. However, no splitting pattern was observed in series I and part of VIII complexes possibly due to the absence vinyl monodentate subunits (vpdiinp and vpbpp) in series I and one of compound in series VIII ruthenium(II) complexes show no signals of complex splitting patterns. Carbon-13 NMR spectra data of series I to VIII ruthenium(II) complexes show most resonance signals range in the aromatic region of (δ 116.54-199.63ppm) corresponding to the molecular formulation of ruthenium(II) complexes incorporating 4,4-dicarboxy-2,2’-bipyridine, bdmpmar, vptpy, vpdiinp or vpbpp and NCS ligands respectively, depending on the intrinsic ligand variations. Carbon-13 NMR spectra data of series I, IV, VI VII and one compound in VIII show resonance peaks within the range 130-135 ppm are ascribed to NCS ligand confirming the presence of N-coordinated thiocyanate. Cyclic voltammograms of series I-IV and VI-VIII complexes display ruthenium-based oxidative peaks and the pyridines ligand-based reductive peaks. The redox behavior of complexes 4-12, 14-16, 18-20, 24-26 and 30 is dominated by the Ru(II)/R(III) redox couple in region (E1/2 between 0.53 and 1.18) and the pyridines ligand-based redox couples in the region between (E1/2 between −0.25 and −1.45). The photophysical property studies of the Ru(II) complexes are determined through the acquisitions of the absorption spectra, which tends to have profound effect on the short circuit current of DSSC. The absorption maxima were tuned by the introduction and variation of six (6) tripodal chelating ligands, two (2) vinyl monodentate ligands and one (1) vinyl tridentate ligand. From the studies, the results show that series IV, V, VI, VII and VIII complexes of molecular formula [Ru(H2dcbpy)2(N^)(NCS)]2+, [Ru(H2dcbpy)2(N^)2]2+, [Ru(H2dcbpy)(N^)2(NCS)2]2+, [Ru(H2dcbpy)(N^)(NCS)3]2+ and [Ru(vptpy)(H2dcbpy)(N^^^)]2+ respectively, have higher and multiple local absorption maxima near-IR region than the complexes of series I, II and III of molecular [Ru(bdmpmar)(H2dcbpy)(NCS)]2,+, [Ru(bdmpmar)(vpdiinp)(H2dcbpy)]2,+, [Ru(bdmpmar)(vpbpp)(H2dcbpy)]2,+respectively.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Adjogri, Shadrack John
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Ruthenium Ruthenium compounds
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DPhil
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/17828 , vital:41363
- Description: Eight series of thirty (30) novel heteroleptic ruthenium(II) complexes were designed, synthesized and spectroscopically characterized, with the following general molecular formulae as [Ru(bdmpmar)(H2dcbpy)(NCS)]+, [Ru(bdmpmar)(vpdiinp)(H2dcbpy)]2,+, [Ru(bdmpmar)(vpbpp)(H2dcbpy)]2+,[Ru(H2dcbpy)2(N^)(NCS)]+, [Ru(H2dcbpy)2(N^)2]2+, [Ru(H2dcbpy)(N^)2(NCS)2], [Ru(H2dcbpy)(N^)(NCS)3]– and [Ru(vptpy)(H2dcbpy)(N^^^)]2+ where bdmpmar is a tridentate ligand of N,N-bis(3, 5-dimethylpyrazol-1-yl-methyl) aromatic organic compound (such aromatic organic compounds(Ar) are anthranilic acid, 4-methoxy-2-nitroaniline, aniline, toluidine, cyclohexylamine and anisidine), vpdiinp represents a monodentate ligand of 11-(4-vinylphenyl)diindeno[1,2-b:2’,1’-e]pyridine, vpbpp represents a monodentate ligand of 4-(4-vinylphenyl)-2.6-bis(phenyl)pyridine and vptpy represents a tridentate ligand of 4’-(4-vinyl)-2,2’:6’,2’’-terpyridine. Meanwhile, N^ represents any of the monodentate ligands of either vpdiinp or vpbpp and (N^^^) represents any of the monodentate ligands either of vpdiinp or vpbpp or NCS as disclosed in series VIII. The complexes were characterized by conductivity measurement, solubility, melting point, UV-Vis, PL, FTIR (ATR), NMR, Cyclic and square wave voltammetry. Nine chelating ligands, comprising of six (6) tripodal chelating ligands, two (2) vinyl monodentate ligands and one (1) vinyl tridentate ligand, were used for the synthesis of ruthenium(II) complexes ATR-FTIR spectra of all the ruthenium(II) complexes measured as solid samples, exhibited fine resolution IR bands in region between 3473-3438 cm-1 of carboxylic group in H2dcbpy. The bands in the range 3040-2950 cm-1 were ascribed to C-H bond stretching for the CH3 groups. The coordination of NCS group in the sphere of ruthenium(II) complexes related to series I, IV, VI VII and one compound of series VIII was investigated by ATR-FTIR spectroscopy. Bands in the range of 2116-2106 cm-1 and 777-770 cm-1 are ascribed to the respective N=C and the C=S bond stretching vibration which confirms the N-coordination of the SCN group. For all the complexes, the stretching vibration of Ru-N bonding was between 466 and 411 cm-1 due to coordination of the nitrogen atoms of the ligands to ruthenium central metal atom. The introduction of the two vinyl monodentate ligands (vpdiinp and vpbpp) in the coordination sphere of [Ru(bdmpmar)(vpdiinp)(H2dcbpy)]2+, [Ru(bdmpmar) (vpbpp)(H2dcbpy)]2+, [Ru(H2dcbpy)2(N^)(NCS)]+, [Ru(H2dcbpy)2(N^)2]2+, [Ru(H2dcbpy)(N^)2(NCS)2], [Ru(H2dcbpy)(N^)(NCS)3]– and [Ru(vptpy)(H2dcbpy)(N^^^)]2+ respectively, all related to series II, III, IV, V, VI, VII and two compounds of series VIII ruthenium(II) complexes, has been studied using the 1H and 13C NMR spectroscopy techniques. The 1H NMR spectra of series II-VII and the two compounds of series VIII of the ruthenium(II) complexes show multiplets in the aromatic region above 6 ppm due to the presence of either vpdiinp or vpbpp ligand, situated in different magnetic environment. However, no splitting pattern was observed in series I and part of VIII complexes possibly due to the absence vinyl monodentate subunits (vpdiinp and vpbpp) in series I and one of compound in series VIII ruthenium(II) complexes show no signals of complex splitting patterns. Carbon-13 NMR spectra data of series I to VIII ruthenium(II) complexes show most resonance signals range in the aromatic region of (δ 116.54-199.63ppm) corresponding to the molecular formulation of ruthenium(II) complexes incorporating 4,4-dicarboxy-2,2’-bipyridine, bdmpmar, vptpy, vpdiinp or vpbpp and NCS ligands respectively, depending on the intrinsic ligand variations. Carbon-13 NMR spectra data of series I, IV, VI VII and one compound in VIII show resonance peaks within the range 130-135 ppm are ascribed to NCS ligand confirming the presence of N-coordinated thiocyanate. Cyclic voltammograms of series I-IV and VI-VIII complexes display ruthenium-based oxidative peaks and the pyridines ligand-based reductive peaks. The redox behavior of complexes 4-12, 14-16, 18-20, 24-26 and 30 is dominated by the Ru(II)/R(III) redox couple in region (E1/2 between 0.53 and 1.18) and the pyridines ligand-based redox couples in the region between (E1/2 between −0.25 and −1.45). The photophysical property studies of the Ru(II) complexes are determined through the acquisitions of the absorption spectra, which tends to have profound effect on the short circuit current of DSSC. The absorption maxima were tuned by the introduction and variation of six (6) tripodal chelating ligands, two (2) vinyl monodentate ligands and one (1) vinyl tridentate ligand. From the studies, the results show that series IV, V, VI, VII and VIII complexes of molecular formula [Ru(H2dcbpy)2(N^)(NCS)]2+, [Ru(H2dcbpy)2(N^)2]2+, [Ru(H2dcbpy)(N^)2(NCS)2]2+, [Ru(H2dcbpy)(N^)(NCS)3]2+ and [Ru(vptpy)(H2dcbpy)(N^^^)]2+ respectively, have higher and multiple local absorption maxima near-IR region than the complexes of series I, II and III of molecular [Ru(bdmpmar)(H2dcbpy)(NCS)]2,+, [Ru(bdmpmar)(vpdiinp)(H2dcbpy)]2,+, [Ru(bdmpmar)(vpbpp)(H2dcbpy)]2,+respectively.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
Incidence of porcine circovirus type 2 and porcine parvoviruses in swine herds of some communities in Eastern Cape, South Africa
- Authors: Afolabi, Kayode Olayinka
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Swine -- Diseases Swine -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/9691 , vital:34820
- Description: Porcine circovirus type 2 (PCV2) is one of the swine pathogens of global economic importance. Since its first detection in early 1990s as the main etiologic agent of porcine multisystemic wasting syndrome (PMWS) and many other porcine circovirus-associated diseases (PCVAD), the virus has been extensively studied and has been found to be present in virtually all the pig producing countries of the world. As a viral pathogen that brings about clinical diseases aided by co-infecting pathogens, the involvement of many other viral agents including porcine parvoviruses (PPVs) have caught the attention of stakeholders worldwide. However, no surveillance study of the viral pathogens has been carried out in South Africa as there are little or no information on their prevalence in the swine herds of the country. This present study therefore aimed at detection and molecular characterization of PCV2 and PPVs in swine herds of some selected communities in Eastern Cape Province, South Africa. A total of 375 field samples were collected from seven commercial and communal farms from three District Municipalities of Eastern Cape, South Africa between 2015 and 2016. Structured questionnaires were also administered to each farm at the time of sample collection to obtain some important information relating to health status and farm management practices in the sampled farms. With the aid of conventional PCR method, 339 samples were initially screened for the presence of PCV2; positive amplicons were sequenced and obtained partial genomes of the virus were preliminarily analyzed. In order to obtain the complete genomes of the virus, four overlapping primer pairs were used to amplify the full-genome of PCV2 from the initial positive samples; amplified genomes were sequenced using the Sanger methods, sequenced PCV2 genomes were assembled and characterized. Furthermore, the prevalences of some designated PPVs in the sampled farms were obtained using 110 samples randomly selected from the previously archived samples and screened with 6 different primer pairs specific for the detection of 7 PPVs. All the amplified parvoviruses’ genomes were sequenced; their sequenced partial genomes were subsequently base-culled and analysed. The data obtained revealed that 54/339 (15.93 percent) samples from the swine herds were positive for PCV2; whereas the degree of occurrence of the viral pathogen as observed at farm level ranges from approximately 5.6 to 60 percent. The majority 15/17 (88 percent) of the analyzed partial sequences were found clustering with other PCV2b strains in the phylogenetic analysis. More interestingly, two other sequences obtained were also found clustering within PCV2d genotype in the initial screening and analysis. Furthermore, 15 complete PCV2 genomes were successfully amplified, sequenced and assembled. NJ and ML phylogenetic analysis of the complete ORF2 gene and full genomes unanimously showed 11 of the assembled genomes belonging to genotype PCV2b. Another 3 of the characterized sequences formed clade with other reference mutant PCV2b and PCV2b subtype 1C (PCV2d) strains from different parts of the world. The last sequence however, clustered with other reference strains belonging to PCV2 intermediate clade 2 (PCV2-IM2) recently identified in a global PCV2 strains phylogenetic analysis. Other genetic analyses including multiple sequence alignment and p-distance analysis also confirmed the outcomes of the phylogenetic analyses of the complete capsid gene and fullgenomes of the virus. On the other hand, the findings of the molecular profiling for PPVs showed that all the screened parvoviruses were present in the study area, having prevalence of 29.1 percent (PPV1), 21.8 percent (PPV2), 5.5 percent (PPV3), 43.6 percent (PPV4), 21.8 percent (PBo-likeV) and 44.6 percent for PBoV1 and PBoV2. Double infection of the screened PPVs was observed to be very rampant among the pigs as high as 20/110 (18.2 percent) for PPV2/PPV4 and PPV4/PBoV; followed by 19/110 (17.3 percent) of the samples for PPV1/PPV4 and PPV1/PBoV. Three of the viruses were found simultaneously in 19 of the screened samples representing 17.3 percent, whereas 8 (7.3 percent) samples were positive for four of the viruses. Phylogenetic analyses of PPV1, PPV2 and PBoVs 1 and 2 were conducted with two major clades homologous for each of them. This is the first report of PCV2 in swine herds of the Province and the first detection of PCV2b, PCV2d and PCV2-IM2 strains in South African swine herds. It follows the first reported case of PCV2a in an outbreak of porcine multisystemic wasting syndrome (PMWS) in Gauteng Province, South Africa over two decades ago. Also, this is the first major epidemiologic study on PPVs in the country following the initial case study of 1975. These findings confirmed the presence of the allimportant viral pathogens among pigs and also give preliminary insights into the possibility of co-infections of the pathogens in the studied area. This could however result in a serious large scale outbreak of devastating disease(s) associated with the viral pathogens, thereby ultimately resulting in huge economic losses if no appropriate measures are taken to effectively curb their spread across the country.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Afolabi, Kayode Olayinka
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Swine -- Diseases Swine -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/9691 , vital:34820
- Description: Porcine circovirus type 2 (PCV2) is one of the swine pathogens of global economic importance. Since its first detection in early 1990s as the main etiologic agent of porcine multisystemic wasting syndrome (PMWS) and many other porcine circovirus-associated diseases (PCVAD), the virus has been extensively studied and has been found to be present in virtually all the pig producing countries of the world. As a viral pathogen that brings about clinical diseases aided by co-infecting pathogens, the involvement of many other viral agents including porcine parvoviruses (PPVs) have caught the attention of stakeholders worldwide. However, no surveillance study of the viral pathogens has been carried out in South Africa as there are little or no information on their prevalence in the swine herds of the country. This present study therefore aimed at detection and molecular characterization of PCV2 and PPVs in swine herds of some selected communities in Eastern Cape Province, South Africa. A total of 375 field samples were collected from seven commercial and communal farms from three District Municipalities of Eastern Cape, South Africa between 2015 and 2016. Structured questionnaires were also administered to each farm at the time of sample collection to obtain some important information relating to health status and farm management practices in the sampled farms. With the aid of conventional PCR method, 339 samples were initially screened for the presence of PCV2; positive amplicons were sequenced and obtained partial genomes of the virus were preliminarily analyzed. In order to obtain the complete genomes of the virus, four overlapping primer pairs were used to amplify the full-genome of PCV2 from the initial positive samples; amplified genomes were sequenced using the Sanger methods, sequenced PCV2 genomes were assembled and characterized. Furthermore, the prevalences of some designated PPVs in the sampled farms were obtained using 110 samples randomly selected from the previously archived samples and screened with 6 different primer pairs specific for the detection of 7 PPVs. All the amplified parvoviruses’ genomes were sequenced; their sequenced partial genomes were subsequently base-culled and analysed. The data obtained revealed that 54/339 (15.93 percent) samples from the swine herds were positive for PCV2; whereas the degree of occurrence of the viral pathogen as observed at farm level ranges from approximately 5.6 to 60 percent. The majority 15/17 (88 percent) of the analyzed partial sequences were found clustering with other PCV2b strains in the phylogenetic analysis. More interestingly, two other sequences obtained were also found clustering within PCV2d genotype in the initial screening and analysis. Furthermore, 15 complete PCV2 genomes were successfully amplified, sequenced and assembled. NJ and ML phylogenetic analysis of the complete ORF2 gene and full genomes unanimously showed 11 of the assembled genomes belonging to genotype PCV2b. Another 3 of the characterized sequences formed clade with other reference mutant PCV2b and PCV2b subtype 1C (PCV2d) strains from different parts of the world. The last sequence however, clustered with other reference strains belonging to PCV2 intermediate clade 2 (PCV2-IM2) recently identified in a global PCV2 strains phylogenetic analysis. Other genetic analyses including multiple sequence alignment and p-distance analysis also confirmed the outcomes of the phylogenetic analyses of the complete capsid gene and fullgenomes of the virus. On the other hand, the findings of the molecular profiling for PPVs showed that all the screened parvoviruses were present in the study area, having prevalence of 29.1 percent (PPV1), 21.8 percent (PPV2), 5.5 percent (PPV3), 43.6 percent (PPV4), 21.8 percent (PBo-likeV) and 44.6 percent for PBoV1 and PBoV2. Double infection of the screened PPVs was observed to be very rampant among the pigs as high as 20/110 (18.2 percent) for PPV2/PPV4 and PPV4/PBoV; followed by 19/110 (17.3 percent) of the samples for PPV1/PPV4 and PPV1/PBoV. Three of the viruses were found simultaneously in 19 of the screened samples representing 17.3 percent, whereas 8 (7.3 percent) samples were positive for four of the viruses. Phylogenetic analyses of PPV1, PPV2 and PBoVs 1 and 2 were conducted with two major clades homologous for each of them. This is the first report of PCV2 in swine herds of the Province and the first detection of PCV2b, PCV2d and PCV2-IM2 strains in South African swine herds. It follows the first reported case of PCV2a in an outbreak of porcine multisystemic wasting syndrome (PMWS) in Gauteng Province, South Africa over two decades ago. Also, this is the first major epidemiologic study on PPVs in the country following the initial case study of 1975. These findings confirmed the presence of the allimportant viral pathogens among pigs and also give preliminary insights into the possibility of co-infections of the pathogens in the studied area. This could however result in a serious large scale outbreak of devastating disease(s) associated with the viral pathogens, thereby ultimately resulting in huge economic losses if no appropriate measures are taken to effectively curb their spread across the country.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
The psycho-social functioning and experiences of children in child-headed households in Gauteng Province, South Africa
- Authors: Agere, Leonard Munyaradzi
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Adult children -- South Africa -- Conduct of life Youth-headed households -- South Africa Child support -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , Social Work
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/10646 , vital:35651
- Description: The study was aimed at investigating the psycho-social needs and lived experiences of child headed households in the Gauteng Province of South Africa. A mixed methods approach was used to collect and analyse the data. The qualitative approach was the dominant one, while a quantitative approach was used to corroborate the qualitative findings. The quantitative data was collected through a survey. Three hundred questionnaires were distributed among children in child headed households. The child headed households were selected through simple random sampling from the databases of the NGOs and community based organisations that had agreed to participate in the study. The quantitative component of the study produced results that supported the qualitative findings. The qualitative data was collected through in-depth interviews and focus group discussions, which were conducted with purposively selected social service practitioners and community structures who were involved in work with child headed households. The resilience approach, which posits that humans are born with inherent reserves to face adversity, and the ecological systems theory, which postulates the framework in which an individual can be understood in his constant interactions and relationships within community and wider society, inform this study. The findings of the study indicate that there were various psycho social needs and challenges that child headed households faced. As Maslow postulated in his hierarchy of needs theory, inferences were made to the diverse needs of the child headed households. Physiological needs like food, clothing and finance were found to be more presenting and eminent needs for the child headed households. The study findings highlighted safety needs in the form of need for formal housing as the majority lived in informal settlements where they were exposed to much vulnerability like violence, sexual exploitation and other social misdemeanours. Other needs were esteem and familial needs, which provided a platform to foster senses of identity and belonging. However, there were other child headed households who were fortunate to have extended family members and community based organisations that assisted by providing these needs and these gestures were appreciated by the households as they ameliorated dire situations and cushioned them from absolute poverty. The findings further revealed that the psycho social challenges and needs did not only present when the household became child headed household but when their parent/s was still with them and were only exacerbated in their absence. The effects of living with parental illness, sadness and anxiety due to dramatic changes in dynamics, pain and trauma witnessing a parent dying were among the psychosocial challenges faced when the parent was still present with the children. After their departure or absence the challenges shifted and the debilitating effects of grief and loss, emotional trauma, living without adult caregiver and stigma and discrimination, were among the cocktail of challenges that the child headed households faced. However, others had support from extended family members and community structures that supported them with palliative care for the terminally ill and this afforded them the much needed respite as they focused on their studies and enjoyed their rights to be children. The study reveals that children have several coping mechanisms that exude their resilience and this includes support from social workers in promoting sustainable development goals (SDG’s) including no poverty, good health and well-being and quality education (goals 1, 3 and 4). The study highlighted that others had to supplement education with paid work (informal) whilst some ended up disengaging from their education to pursue paid employment to eke a living and support their siblings. The community and NGO’s were seen as vital components of the ecosystem that promoted the resilience of the child headed households in coping with their day to day challenges and needs. On the basis of the findings, it is recommended that the South African government should, among other things, provide a properly resourced, co-ordinated and well managed child protection system to facilitate constituency work that responds to the real needs of child headed households and SMART planning by social workers, with systemic teaming around CHH with the DSD as lead agency. The study also recommends a psychosocial approach to CHH care in the form of a model that rallies for robust assessments that social service practitioners and every structure that has the “duty to care” for CHH, can embed in their practice for improved outcomes.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Agere, Leonard Munyaradzi
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Adult children -- South Africa -- Conduct of life Youth-headed households -- South Africa Child support -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , Social Work
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/10646 , vital:35651
- Description: The study was aimed at investigating the psycho-social needs and lived experiences of child headed households in the Gauteng Province of South Africa. A mixed methods approach was used to collect and analyse the data. The qualitative approach was the dominant one, while a quantitative approach was used to corroborate the qualitative findings. The quantitative data was collected through a survey. Three hundred questionnaires were distributed among children in child headed households. The child headed households were selected through simple random sampling from the databases of the NGOs and community based organisations that had agreed to participate in the study. The quantitative component of the study produced results that supported the qualitative findings. The qualitative data was collected through in-depth interviews and focus group discussions, which were conducted with purposively selected social service practitioners and community structures who were involved in work with child headed households. The resilience approach, which posits that humans are born with inherent reserves to face adversity, and the ecological systems theory, which postulates the framework in which an individual can be understood in his constant interactions and relationships within community and wider society, inform this study. The findings of the study indicate that there were various psycho social needs and challenges that child headed households faced. As Maslow postulated in his hierarchy of needs theory, inferences were made to the diverse needs of the child headed households. Physiological needs like food, clothing and finance were found to be more presenting and eminent needs for the child headed households. The study findings highlighted safety needs in the form of need for formal housing as the majority lived in informal settlements where they were exposed to much vulnerability like violence, sexual exploitation and other social misdemeanours. Other needs were esteem and familial needs, which provided a platform to foster senses of identity and belonging. However, there were other child headed households who were fortunate to have extended family members and community based organisations that assisted by providing these needs and these gestures were appreciated by the households as they ameliorated dire situations and cushioned them from absolute poverty. The findings further revealed that the psycho social challenges and needs did not only present when the household became child headed household but when their parent/s was still with them and were only exacerbated in their absence. The effects of living with parental illness, sadness and anxiety due to dramatic changes in dynamics, pain and trauma witnessing a parent dying were among the psychosocial challenges faced when the parent was still present with the children. After their departure or absence the challenges shifted and the debilitating effects of grief and loss, emotional trauma, living without adult caregiver and stigma and discrimination, were among the cocktail of challenges that the child headed households faced. However, others had support from extended family members and community structures that supported them with palliative care for the terminally ill and this afforded them the much needed respite as they focused on their studies and enjoyed their rights to be children. The study reveals that children have several coping mechanisms that exude their resilience and this includes support from social workers in promoting sustainable development goals (SDG’s) including no poverty, good health and well-being and quality education (goals 1, 3 and 4). The study highlighted that others had to supplement education with paid work (informal) whilst some ended up disengaging from their education to pursue paid employment to eke a living and support their siblings. The community and NGO’s were seen as vital components of the ecosystem that promoted the resilience of the child headed households in coping with their day to day challenges and needs. On the basis of the findings, it is recommended that the South African government should, among other things, provide a properly resourced, co-ordinated and well managed child protection system to facilitate constituency work that responds to the real needs of child headed households and SMART planning by social workers, with systemic teaming around CHH with the DSD as lead agency. The study also recommends a psychosocial approach to CHH care in the form of a model that rallies for robust assessments that social service practitioners and every structure that has the “duty to care” for CHH, can embed in their practice for improved outcomes.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
Development of InSb/GaSb quantum dots by MOVPE
- Authors: Ahia, Chinedu Christian
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Semiconductors , Quantum electronics Organometallic compounds
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DPhil
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/23382 , vital:30537
- Description: There has been an increasing interest in the modification of semiconductor band structures through the reduction of their dimensions, which simultaneously increases the band gap energy of the material and gives rise to flexibility in device properties. Advances in III-V antimony (Sb) based semiconductor fabrication have triggered the quest for extension of the emission/absorption wavelength range of this family of compounds for optoelectronic devices operating in the mid-infrared region of the electromagnetic spectrum. An interesting material system for mid-infrared (MIR) applications is indium antimonide (InSb) quantum dots (QDs) within a gallium antimonide (GaSb) matrix. However, its band alignment and emission wavelength has been the subject of some interest and controversy over the years. This study focuses on the development of InSb/GaSb QDs by metal organic vapour phase epitaxy (MOVPE). The samples were grown on different substrates using various growth parameters in order to vary the size, density and aspect ratio of the dots. Interfacial growth interruptions while flowing various source precursors through the reactor were investigated in order to influence the chemical termination of the surface, and hence the resulting strain in the structures. The samples were characterized using photoluminescence spectroscopy, scanning probe microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy. Likewise, the band alignment, energy levels, and carrier wave functions of the samples in this work were modelled theoretically using the nextnanomat software (version 3.1.0.0). A comparison of growth on two different GaSb substrates [(100) 2° off towards <111>B ± 0.1ᵒ and (111) ± 0.1ᵒ] using similar growth conditions yielded a higher dot density on the (100) substrate compared to the (111) substrate. This was attributed to the presence of terraces/atomic steps induced by the misorientation on the (100) substrate, which invariably gives rise to increased adsorption and an enhanced sticking coefficient of adatoms. Studies on the influence of a buffer layer on the morphology of uncapped dots showed that the shape and size of the dots are sensitive to the thickness of the buffer layer. In some case a corrugated buffer surface resulted, which introduced order in the arrangement of the dots, which formed preferentially inside the troughs. An increase in the V/III ratio from 1.0 to 3.0 was found to reduce the areal density of the QDs, while an analysis of the diameter histograms showed a narrowing of the size distribution with an increase in V/III ratio. The larger size distribution at low V/III was ascribed to the increase in indium species and the increased indium adatom migration length. This leads to increased dot density and nucleation sites, and thus triggers an increase in the conversion of tiny QDs into thermodynamically more suitable larger dots via coalescence. However, as the V/III ratio increased, the number of indium adatoms available for growth on the surface reduced, which automatically led to a decrease in the migration length of indium species which is unfavourable for the production of nucleation sites and to a decrease in dot density. Low growth rates were found to be beneficial for the growth of a high density (~5×1010cm-2) of QDs. Photoluminescence (PL) analysis of the capped samples at low temperature (~10 K), using an excitation power of 2 mW, showed a PL peak at ∼732 meV. Upon an increase in laser power to 120 mW, a blue shift of ∼ 8 meV was noticed. This emission typically persisted up to 60–70 K. An increase in the number of InSb QD-layers, was observed to cause an increase in the luminescence spectral line width and a long-wavelength shift of the PL lines, together with an enhancement in the strength of the PL emission. However, high resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) of the capped dots revealed the formation of an InGaSb quantum well-like structure, ∼10 nm thick, which was responsible for the PL signal mentioned above. The absence of QDs in the capped sample was attributed to inter-diffusion of Ga and In during the deposition of the cap layer, giving rise to a quantum well (QW) instead of the intended QDs. The presence of threading dislocations and stacking faults were also observed in the TEM micrographs of the samples containing multilayers, which can account for the fast quenching of the PL emission with increasing temperature from these samples. Theoretical simulations of the band alignment, wave functions and energy levels were in good agreement with the data collected from the PL spectra of the samples.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Ahia, Chinedu Christian
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Semiconductors , Quantum electronics Organometallic compounds
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DPhil
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/23382 , vital:30537
- Description: There has been an increasing interest in the modification of semiconductor band structures through the reduction of their dimensions, which simultaneously increases the band gap energy of the material and gives rise to flexibility in device properties. Advances in III-V antimony (Sb) based semiconductor fabrication have triggered the quest for extension of the emission/absorption wavelength range of this family of compounds for optoelectronic devices operating in the mid-infrared region of the electromagnetic spectrum. An interesting material system for mid-infrared (MIR) applications is indium antimonide (InSb) quantum dots (QDs) within a gallium antimonide (GaSb) matrix. However, its band alignment and emission wavelength has been the subject of some interest and controversy over the years. This study focuses on the development of InSb/GaSb QDs by metal organic vapour phase epitaxy (MOVPE). The samples were grown on different substrates using various growth parameters in order to vary the size, density and aspect ratio of the dots. Interfacial growth interruptions while flowing various source precursors through the reactor were investigated in order to influence the chemical termination of the surface, and hence the resulting strain in the structures. The samples were characterized using photoluminescence spectroscopy, scanning probe microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy. Likewise, the band alignment, energy levels, and carrier wave functions of the samples in this work were modelled theoretically using the nextnanomat software (version 3.1.0.0). A comparison of growth on two different GaSb substrates [(100) 2° off towards <111>B ± 0.1ᵒ and (111) ± 0.1ᵒ] using similar growth conditions yielded a higher dot density on the (100) substrate compared to the (111) substrate. This was attributed to the presence of terraces/atomic steps induced by the misorientation on the (100) substrate, which invariably gives rise to increased adsorption and an enhanced sticking coefficient of adatoms. Studies on the influence of a buffer layer on the morphology of uncapped dots showed that the shape and size of the dots are sensitive to the thickness of the buffer layer. In some case a corrugated buffer surface resulted, which introduced order in the arrangement of the dots, which formed preferentially inside the troughs. An increase in the V/III ratio from 1.0 to 3.0 was found to reduce the areal density of the QDs, while an analysis of the diameter histograms showed a narrowing of the size distribution with an increase in V/III ratio. The larger size distribution at low V/III was ascribed to the increase in indium species and the increased indium adatom migration length. This leads to increased dot density and nucleation sites, and thus triggers an increase in the conversion of tiny QDs into thermodynamically more suitable larger dots via coalescence. However, as the V/III ratio increased, the number of indium adatoms available for growth on the surface reduced, which automatically led to a decrease in the migration length of indium species which is unfavourable for the production of nucleation sites and to a decrease in dot density. Low growth rates were found to be beneficial for the growth of a high density (~5×1010cm-2) of QDs. Photoluminescence (PL) analysis of the capped samples at low temperature (~10 K), using an excitation power of 2 mW, showed a PL peak at ∼732 meV. Upon an increase in laser power to 120 mW, a blue shift of ∼ 8 meV was noticed. This emission typically persisted up to 60–70 K. An increase in the number of InSb QD-layers, was observed to cause an increase in the luminescence spectral line width and a long-wavelength shift of the PL lines, together with an enhancement in the strength of the PL emission. However, high resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) of the capped dots revealed the formation of an InGaSb quantum well-like structure, ∼10 nm thick, which was responsible for the PL signal mentioned above. The absence of QDs in the capped sample was attributed to inter-diffusion of Ga and In during the deposition of the cap layer, giving rise to a quantum well (QW) instead of the intended QDs. The presence of threading dislocations and stacking faults were also observed in the TEM micrographs of the samples containing multilayers, which can account for the fast quenching of the PL emission with increasing temperature from these samples. Theoretical simulations of the band alignment, wave functions and energy levels were in good agreement with the data collected from the PL spectra of the samples.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
Thaumatotibia leucotreta (Meyrick) (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae) population ecology in citrus orchards: the influence of orchard age
- Authors: Albertyn, Sonnica
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Cryptophlebia leucotreta , Population biology , Insect populations , Orchards , Insect nematodes , Entomopathogenic fungi
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/62615 , vital:28213
- Description: Anecdotal reports in the South African citrus industry claim higher populations of false codling moth (FCM), Thaumatotibia (Cryptophlebia) leucotreta (Meyr) (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae), in orchards during the first three to five harvesting years of citrus planted in virgin soil, after which, FCM numbers seem to decrease and remain consistent. Various laboratory studies and field surveys were conducted to determine if, and why juvenile orchards (four to eight years old) experience higher FCM infestation than mature orchards (nine years and older). In laboratory trials, Washington Navel oranges and Nova Mandarins from juvenile trees were shown to be significantly more susceptible to FCM damage and significantly more attractive for oviposition in both choice and no-choice trials, than fruit from mature trees. Although fruit from juvenile Cambria Navel trees were significantly more attractive than mature orchards for oviposition, they were not more susceptible to FCM damage. In contrast, fruit from juvenile and mature Midnight Valencia orchards were equally attractive for oviposition, but fruit from juvenile trees were significantly more susceptible to FCM damage than fruit from mature trees. Artificial diets were augmented with powder from fruit from juvenile or mature Washington Navel orchards at 5%, 10%, 15% or 30%. Higher larval survival of 76%, 63%, 50% and 34%, respectively, was recorded on diets containing fruit powder from the juvenile trees than on diets containing fruit powder from the mature trees, at 69%, 57%, 44% and 27% larval survival, respectively. Bioassays were conducted to determine if differences in plant chemistry between fruit from juvenile and mature trees will have an impact on the susceptibility FCM to entomopathogenic nematodes (EPN), entomopathogenic fungi (EPF) and Cryptophlebia leucotreta granulovirus (CrleGV). No significant differences in the susceptibility of larvae reared on diets containing 15% fruit powder from juvenile and mature trees to EPN and EPF were recorded. Mortality of neonate larvae was significantly lower when placed on diets containing 15% fruit powder from mature trees (45% mortality) than diets containing 15% fruit powder from juvenile trees (61% mortality), after larvae ingested the lowest virus concentration tested, being 2 x104 OBs/ml. Data collected from field surveys showed significantly lower egg parasitism, virus infection of larvae and EPF occurrence in juvenile orchards than mature orchards. Egg parasitism was between 11% and 54% higher in mature orchards than juvenile orchards, with the exception of Mandarins during 2015, where egg parasitism was slightly higher in juvenile orchards, but not significantly so. A significantly higher proportion of larvae retrieved from mature orchards (7% of larvae) were infected with CrleGV than larvae retrieved from juvenile orchards (4% of larvae). A significantly higher occurrence of EPF was recorded in non-bearing and mature orchards, with 40% and 37% occurrence respectively, than in juvenile orchards, with 25% occurrence recorded. EPF occurrence in juvenile orchards increased significantly by 16% to 32% from the first to the third year of sampling. In contrast to results recorded in laboratory trials, similar or higher pest pressure in juvenile orchards than mature orchards did not always result in significantly higher levels of FCM damage under field conditions. FCM damage in juvenile orchards may have been lower than expected, as greater extremes of temperature and lower humidity were recorded in juvenile orchards, which would increase larval mortality. Results of this study showed that juvenile and mature orchards are significantly different and should be managed differently.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Albertyn, Sonnica
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Cryptophlebia leucotreta , Population biology , Insect populations , Orchards , Insect nematodes , Entomopathogenic fungi
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/62615 , vital:28213
- Description: Anecdotal reports in the South African citrus industry claim higher populations of false codling moth (FCM), Thaumatotibia (Cryptophlebia) leucotreta (Meyr) (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae), in orchards during the first three to five harvesting years of citrus planted in virgin soil, after which, FCM numbers seem to decrease and remain consistent. Various laboratory studies and field surveys were conducted to determine if, and why juvenile orchards (four to eight years old) experience higher FCM infestation than mature orchards (nine years and older). In laboratory trials, Washington Navel oranges and Nova Mandarins from juvenile trees were shown to be significantly more susceptible to FCM damage and significantly more attractive for oviposition in both choice and no-choice trials, than fruit from mature trees. Although fruit from juvenile Cambria Navel trees were significantly more attractive than mature orchards for oviposition, they were not more susceptible to FCM damage. In contrast, fruit from juvenile and mature Midnight Valencia orchards were equally attractive for oviposition, but fruit from juvenile trees were significantly more susceptible to FCM damage than fruit from mature trees. Artificial diets were augmented with powder from fruit from juvenile or mature Washington Navel orchards at 5%, 10%, 15% or 30%. Higher larval survival of 76%, 63%, 50% and 34%, respectively, was recorded on diets containing fruit powder from the juvenile trees than on diets containing fruit powder from the mature trees, at 69%, 57%, 44% and 27% larval survival, respectively. Bioassays were conducted to determine if differences in plant chemistry between fruit from juvenile and mature trees will have an impact on the susceptibility FCM to entomopathogenic nematodes (EPN), entomopathogenic fungi (EPF) and Cryptophlebia leucotreta granulovirus (CrleGV). No significant differences in the susceptibility of larvae reared on diets containing 15% fruit powder from juvenile and mature trees to EPN and EPF were recorded. Mortality of neonate larvae was significantly lower when placed on diets containing 15% fruit powder from mature trees (45% mortality) than diets containing 15% fruit powder from juvenile trees (61% mortality), after larvae ingested the lowest virus concentration tested, being 2 x104 OBs/ml. Data collected from field surveys showed significantly lower egg parasitism, virus infection of larvae and EPF occurrence in juvenile orchards than mature orchards. Egg parasitism was between 11% and 54% higher in mature orchards than juvenile orchards, with the exception of Mandarins during 2015, where egg parasitism was slightly higher in juvenile orchards, but not significantly so. A significantly higher proportion of larvae retrieved from mature orchards (7% of larvae) were infected with CrleGV than larvae retrieved from juvenile orchards (4% of larvae). A significantly higher occurrence of EPF was recorded in non-bearing and mature orchards, with 40% and 37% occurrence respectively, than in juvenile orchards, with 25% occurrence recorded. EPF occurrence in juvenile orchards increased significantly by 16% to 32% from the first to the third year of sampling. In contrast to results recorded in laboratory trials, similar or higher pest pressure in juvenile orchards than mature orchards did not always result in significantly higher levels of FCM damage under field conditions. FCM damage in juvenile orchards may have been lower than expected, as greater extremes of temperature and lower humidity were recorded in juvenile orchards, which would increase larval mortality. Results of this study showed that juvenile and mature orchards are significantly different and should be managed differently.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
Inmate incarceration and rehabilitation : a cross sectional study of rehabilitation programmes and facilities in correctional centres in North Western Nigeria
- Authors: Amali, Sadiq Ewaoda
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Criminal -- Rehabilitation Prisoners -- Counseling of Prisoners -- Mental health services
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , Social Sciences
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/9984 , vital:35215
- Description: The study was conducted in Kano Central and Goron-Dutse prisons, North Western, Nigeria to determine the effectiveness of these correctional centres with regards to inmate rehabilitation. Both quantitative and qualitative collection was conducted concurrently and incorporated in the explanation of the results. This was achieved as the study empirically examined the experiences of convicted inmates and correctional officials in both correctional centres with a sample that compromised of both convicted male and female inmates as well as male and female correctional officials. A total of 250 questionnaires were administered to convicted inmates in Kano central and Goron-Dutse prisons. A sample size of 250 was determined using the sample size calculator at a confidence level of 95 percent, confidence interval of +/-5.97 percent, and with a population of 3488. Data for this study was generated from 250 respondents. Out of 250 respondents, questionnaires were administered to 140 inmates in Kano Central Prison and 110 questionnaires were administered to inmates in Goron Dutse Prison. The number of respondents in Kano Central Prisons is higher than that of Goron-Dutse Prison due to disparity in population of inmates. Also, 207 questionnaires were administered to correctional officials in Kano Central and Goron-Dutse prisons. A sample size of 207 was determined using the sample size calculator at a confidence interval of +/-5, confidence level of 95 percent and population of 449 correctional officials. Out of the 207 respondents, 107 questionnaires were administered to correctional officials in Kano Central Prison and 100 to correctional officials in Goron-Dutse Prison. The number of respondents in Kano Central Prison is higher than that of Goron-Dutse prison due to disparity in population of correctional officials. The selections were done using purposive sampling procedures. Rank, involvement in rehabilitation programmes were also used as criteria for selection of correctional officials as respondents. Furthermore, 28 correctional officials were selected purposively across the two correctional centres were interviewed. Thus, 14 correctional officials each were selected in Kano Central and Goron Dutse prisons using purposive sampling method. Thus, a total of 28 in-depth interviews were conducted in the study area. This study empirically probed into the factors mitigating against the effective rehabilitation of inmates. Therefore, against this background, this study involved an appraisal of rehabilitation programmes and facilities which was followed by an evaluation of inmates’ opinion of the correctional centre social setting and overall practices. Thus, inmate’s perceptions of correctional officials’ attitudes towards them and also its implication for re-integration principle was thoroughly appraised. The findings of this study were analyzed with the assistance of computer applications such as SPSS and atlas.ti.6. Some findings from this study revealed that only 15.7 percent of inmates in Kano Central prisons were satisfied with rehabilitation programmes, 37.3 percent were satisfied in Goron-Dutse prison while the majority of the inmates (88 percent) in Goron-Dutse prison stated that the relationship with correctional officials was cordial compared to 53.5 percent of the inmates in Kano Central prison. Also, data revealed that 64.2 percent of the inmates in Goron-Dutse Prison stated that medical attention was good and very good. The results also reveals that (58.9 percent) correctional officials stated that their relationship with inmates was very cordial compared to those of Goron-Dutse Prison (41.1 percent).Pearson Chi-square statistics showed that there was no statistical difference in correctional officials’ perceptions of the relationship with inmates between the two correctional centres (p.value>0.05). This study recommends that it is imperative for the Nigerian government to make more efforts with the provision of adequate rehabilitation programmes and facilities in the two correctional centres and correctional centres across the country as an exploration of existing literature reveals that most correctional centres in Nigeria lacked basic facilities for inmate rehabilitation as inmates were idle during incarceration.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Amali, Sadiq Ewaoda
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Criminal -- Rehabilitation Prisoners -- Counseling of Prisoners -- Mental health services
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , Social Sciences
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/9984 , vital:35215
- Description: The study was conducted in Kano Central and Goron-Dutse prisons, North Western, Nigeria to determine the effectiveness of these correctional centres with regards to inmate rehabilitation. Both quantitative and qualitative collection was conducted concurrently and incorporated in the explanation of the results. This was achieved as the study empirically examined the experiences of convicted inmates and correctional officials in both correctional centres with a sample that compromised of both convicted male and female inmates as well as male and female correctional officials. A total of 250 questionnaires were administered to convicted inmates in Kano central and Goron-Dutse prisons. A sample size of 250 was determined using the sample size calculator at a confidence level of 95 percent, confidence interval of +/-5.97 percent, and with a population of 3488. Data for this study was generated from 250 respondents. Out of 250 respondents, questionnaires were administered to 140 inmates in Kano Central Prison and 110 questionnaires were administered to inmates in Goron Dutse Prison. The number of respondents in Kano Central Prisons is higher than that of Goron-Dutse Prison due to disparity in population of inmates. Also, 207 questionnaires were administered to correctional officials in Kano Central and Goron-Dutse prisons. A sample size of 207 was determined using the sample size calculator at a confidence interval of +/-5, confidence level of 95 percent and population of 449 correctional officials. Out of the 207 respondents, 107 questionnaires were administered to correctional officials in Kano Central Prison and 100 to correctional officials in Goron-Dutse Prison. The number of respondents in Kano Central Prison is higher than that of Goron-Dutse prison due to disparity in population of correctional officials. The selections were done using purposive sampling procedures. Rank, involvement in rehabilitation programmes were also used as criteria for selection of correctional officials as respondents. Furthermore, 28 correctional officials were selected purposively across the two correctional centres were interviewed. Thus, 14 correctional officials each were selected in Kano Central and Goron Dutse prisons using purposive sampling method. Thus, a total of 28 in-depth interviews were conducted in the study area. This study empirically probed into the factors mitigating against the effective rehabilitation of inmates. Therefore, against this background, this study involved an appraisal of rehabilitation programmes and facilities which was followed by an evaluation of inmates’ opinion of the correctional centre social setting and overall practices. Thus, inmate’s perceptions of correctional officials’ attitudes towards them and also its implication for re-integration principle was thoroughly appraised. The findings of this study were analyzed with the assistance of computer applications such as SPSS and atlas.ti.6. Some findings from this study revealed that only 15.7 percent of inmates in Kano Central prisons were satisfied with rehabilitation programmes, 37.3 percent were satisfied in Goron-Dutse prison while the majority of the inmates (88 percent) in Goron-Dutse prison stated that the relationship with correctional officials was cordial compared to 53.5 percent of the inmates in Kano Central prison. Also, data revealed that 64.2 percent of the inmates in Goron-Dutse Prison stated that medical attention was good and very good. The results also reveals that (58.9 percent) correctional officials stated that their relationship with inmates was very cordial compared to those of Goron-Dutse Prison (41.1 percent).Pearson Chi-square statistics showed that there was no statistical difference in correctional officials’ perceptions of the relationship with inmates between the two correctional centres (p.value>0.05). This study recommends that it is imperative for the Nigerian government to make more efforts with the provision of adequate rehabilitation programmes and facilities in the two correctional centres and correctional centres across the country as an exploration of existing literature reveals that most correctional centres in Nigeria lacked basic facilities for inmate rehabilitation as inmates were idle during incarceration.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
The role of family structure and financial socialisation in influencing students' financial capabilities
- Authors: Antoni, Xolile Lucas
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Finance, Personal , Families -- Economic aspects Finance -- Social aspects
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DPhil
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/21505 , vital:29531
- Description: This research used three theories to develop a theoretical framework that investigated the role of family structures and financial socialisation in influencing students’ levels of financial knowledge, attitudes, self-efficacy and behaviour (financial capabilities). It also examined the mediating role of family financial situation in the relationship between the family structure and the mechanisms of financial socialisation. The theories of consumer socialisation, family financial socialisation and family structure model, guided the development of a proposed theoretical framework and development of five major hypotheses. To answer the research questions of the study and test the hypotheses, this study followed a quantitative survey research design. Undergraduate students in the Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences completed 350 questionnaires. Using exploratory factor analyses results, the theoretical framework was updated, and statistical relationships tested. Simple regression analysis results showed that students who were born or raised in an intact family structure reported more financial socialisation in terms of the mechanisms of financial socialisation than students who were born or raised in non-intact family structures. Simple regression results showed that intact family structures had positive significant relationships with four of the six components of the mechanisms of financial socialisation. Furthermore, intact family structures had negative significant relationships with two components of the mechanisms of financial socialisation. Multiple regression results showed four components of the mechanisms of financial socialisation (teaching and monitoring, reinforcement of financial behaviour, modelling of financial behaviour and financial conflict) had positive significant relationships with financial capabilities. The components of financial socialisation agents (peers and media) had positive significant relationships with three components of financial capabilities (financial behaviour, money is respect and freedom, and money is good). In addition, family financial situation partially mediated the relationship between intact family structure and three components of the mechanisms of financial socialisation, namely, parental teaching and monitoring, modelling of financial behaviour and parental relationship. Furthermore, family financial situation perfectly mediated the relationship between intact family structures and one component of the mechanisms of financial socialisation (reinforcement of financial behaviour). Three components of the mechanisms of financial socialisation (parental teaching and monitoring, reinforcement of financial behaviour and modelling of financial behaviour) also perfectly mediated the relationship between intact family structure and one component of financial capabilities, namely, financial behaviour. Similarly, one component of the mechanisms of financial socialisation (parental teaching and monitoring) also perfectly mediated the relationship between intact family structure and one component of financial capabilities (financial self-efficacy). These results assisted in the development of a new empirically tested model to investigate the role of family structure and financial socialisation in influencing students’ financial capabilities. This study showed that family structures was an important variable that should not be excluded in financial planning as it influenced all the components of the mechanisms of financial socialisation. Financial socialisation agents also had an influence on financial capabilities and, thus, the parental financial socialisation should not be investigated in isolation. It was also important to identify the mechanisms of financial socialisation as seen in this study, as the components of the mechanisms had different influences on students’ financial capabilities. For this study, parental teaching and monitoring, reinforcement of financial behaviour and modelling of financial behaviour proved to be the most important components of the mechanisms of financial socialisation, which ultimately influenced students’ financial capabilities. This study has proved that family structures and financial socialisation influence the financial capabilities of students. To improve financial capabilities of students, parents should increase their level of modelling of financial behaviour and decrease the level of secrecy about money in the household. Parents should also instill positive financial attitudes in students, monitor their financial behaviour, and reinforce positive financial behaviour. This study contributes to the much-needed body of knowledge in financial planning by showing through empirical results that family structure has an influence on the components of the factor mechanisms of financial socialisation, and the factor financial capabilities. As little information exists to explain these relationships, this study makes a valuable contribution to new knowledge in this area.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Antoni, Xolile Lucas
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Finance, Personal , Families -- Economic aspects Finance -- Social aspects
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DPhil
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/21505 , vital:29531
- Description: This research used three theories to develop a theoretical framework that investigated the role of family structures and financial socialisation in influencing students’ levels of financial knowledge, attitudes, self-efficacy and behaviour (financial capabilities). It also examined the mediating role of family financial situation in the relationship between the family structure and the mechanisms of financial socialisation. The theories of consumer socialisation, family financial socialisation and family structure model, guided the development of a proposed theoretical framework and development of five major hypotheses. To answer the research questions of the study and test the hypotheses, this study followed a quantitative survey research design. Undergraduate students in the Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences completed 350 questionnaires. Using exploratory factor analyses results, the theoretical framework was updated, and statistical relationships tested. Simple regression analysis results showed that students who were born or raised in an intact family structure reported more financial socialisation in terms of the mechanisms of financial socialisation than students who were born or raised in non-intact family structures. Simple regression results showed that intact family structures had positive significant relationships with four of the six components of the mechanisms of financial socialisation. Furthermore, intact family structures had negative significant relationships with two components of the mechanisms of financial socialisation. Multiple regression results showed four components of the mechanisms of financial socialisation (teaching and monitoring, reinforcement of financial behaviour, modelling of financial behaviour and financial conflict) had positive significant relationships with financial capabilities. The components of financial socialisation agents (peers and media) had positive significant relationships with three components of financial capabilities (financial behaviour, money is respect and freedom, and money is good). In addition, family financial situation partially mediated the relationship between intact family structure and three components of the mechanisms of financial socialisation, namely, parental teaching and monitoring, modelling of financial behaviour and parental relationship. Furthermore, family financial situation perfectly mediated the relationship between intact family structures and one component of the mechanisms of financial socialisation (reinforcement of financial behaviour). Three components of the mechanisms of financial socialisation (parental teaching and monitoring, reinforcement of financial behaviour and modelling of financial behaviour) also perfectly mediated the relationship between intact family structure and one component of financial capabilities, namely, financial behaviour. Similarly, one component of the mechanisms of financial socialisation (parental teaching and monitoring) also perfectly mediated the relationship between intact family structure and one component of financial capabilities (financial self-efficacy). These results assisted in the development of a new empirically tested model to investigate the role of family structure and financial socialisation in influencing students’ financial capabilities. This study showed that family structures was an important variable that should not be excluded in financial planning as it influenced all the components of the mechanisms of financial socialisation. Financial socialisation agents also had an influence on financial capabilities and, thus, the parental financial socialisation should not be investigated in isolation. It was also important to identify the mechanisms of financial socialisation as seen in this study, as the components of the mechanisms had different influences on students’ financial capabilities. For this study, parental teaching and monitoring, reinforcement of financial behaviour and modelling of financial behaviour proved to be the most important components of the mechanisms of financial socialisation, which ultimately influenced students’ financial capabilities. This study has proved that family structures and financial socialisation influence the financial capabilities of students. To improve financial capabilities of students, parents should increase their level of modelling of financial behaviour and decrease the level of secrecy about money in the household. Parents should also instill positive financial attitudes in students, monitor their financial behaviour, and reinforce positive financial behaviour. This study contributes to the much-needed body of knowledge in financial planning by showing through empirical results that family structure has an influence on the components of the factor mechanisms of financial socialisation, and the factor financial capabilities. As little information exists to explain these relationships, this study makes a valuable contribution to new knowledge in this area.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
The intersection between social development and the internationalisation of higher education in Colombia
- Authors: Anzola-Pardo, Giovanni
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Education, Higher -- Colombia , Education and globalization International education -- Colombia Education, Higher -- International cooperation -- Colombia
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/23371 , vital:30536
- Description: The study addresses the nature of Colombian sustainable social development and the internationalisation of higher education (iHE). This intersection is analysed within various theoretical paradigms surrounding social sustainable development and the internationalisation of higher education. This study aims at reviewing the activities of Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) which focus on internationalisation. The analysis focuses on the manner in which HEIs in Colombia approach internationalisation vis-à-vis social sustainable development, and emphasis is made on knowledge transfer, research and community engagement. Using the theories of sustainable development, the iHE, in terms of practises and policies, are assessed. Within a mixed-methods approach, data gathered from Colombian university heads (16 presidents and vice-presidents) and 133 individuals responsible for internationalisation affairs is analysed. Concurrent triangulation is used to help introduce a series of themes and sub-themes derived from the qualitative and quantitative information. Within a social constructionist framework, this study has a twofold purpose. On the one hand, it is sought to identify and understand the challenges for Colombia’s academic internationalisation; on the other, an in-depth approach is presented in relation to the way different stakeholders perceive the society-HE internationalisation nexus. The major findings of the study indicate that there is a need to clarify and revise Colombia’s Higher Education policy to address both the education needs of the society and its social development requirements. It was also found that higher education internationalisation could act as an important agent of social change.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Anzola-Pardo, Giovanni
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Education, Higher -- Colombia , Education and globalization International education -- Colombia Education, Higher -- International cooperation -- Colombia
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/23371 , vital:30536
- Description: The study addresses the nature of Colombian sustainable social development and the internationalisation of higher education (iHE). This intersection is analysed within various theoretical paradigms surrounding social sustainable development and the internationalisation of higher education. This study aims at reviewing the activities of Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) which focus on internationalisation. The analysis focuses on the manner in which HEIs in Colombia approach internationalisation vis-à-vis social sustainable development, and emphasis is made on knowledge transfer, research and community engagement. Using the theories of sustainable development, the iHE, in terms of practises and policies, are assessed. Within a mixed-methods approach, data gathered from Colombian university heads (16 presidents and vice-presidents) and 133 individuals responsible for internationalisation affairs is analysed. Concurrent triangulation is used to help introduce a series of themes and sub-themes derived from the qualitative and quantitative information. Within a social constructionist framework, this study has a twofold purpose. On the one hand, it is sought to identify and understand the challenges for Colombia’s academic internationalisation; on the other, an in-depth approach is presented in relation to the way different stakeholders perceive the society-HE internationalisation nexus. The major findings of the study indicate that there is a need to clarify and revise Colombia’s Higher Education policy to address both the education needs of the society and its social development requirements. It was also found that higher education internationalisation could act as an important agent of social change.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
An investigation into the introduction of a new wealth tax in South Africa
- Authors: Arendse, Jacqueline A
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Wealth tax -- Law and legislation -- South Africa , Taxation -- Law and legislation -- South Africa , Income tax -- South Africa , Fiscal policy -- South Africa , South Africa -- Economic conditions , Income distribution -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/61379 , vital:28020
- Description: In a world of economic uncertainty and manifold social problems, South Africa has its own unique challenges of low economic growth, persistent budget deficits that produce increasing government debt and the highest level of economic inequality in the world. The history of injustice and economic marginalisation and the failure of the economy to provide inclusive growth drives an urgent need to address economic inequality through tax policy, placing ever more focus on wealth taxes as a possible solution. There is a hope is that taxing the wealthy may provide the opportunity to redistribute desperately-needed resources to those denied the opportunity to build wealth and who are trapped in the cycle of poverty. Yet, as appealing as a new wealth tax may seem, the introduction of such a tax carries with it a range of risks, not all of which are known. Of great concern is the possible effect on the economy, which, in its vulnerable state, cannot afford any loss of capital and investment. Very little research has been done on wealth tax in the South African context and there is a dearth of literature focusing on the views and perceptions of the wealthy individuals themselves. This qualitative study investigates the merits and disadvantages of a new wealth tax and seeks to identify any unintended consequences that could result from the implementation of a new wealth tax in South Africa, drawing from historical and international experience and primary data obtained from interviews with individuals likely to be affected by such a tax. Having explored the literature and international experiences with wealth tax and having probed the thinking of wealthy individuals who would be the payers of a wealth tax, the study finds that a new wealth tax may contribute towards the progressivity of the tax system, but it is doubtful whether such a tax would provide a sustainable revenue stream that would be sufficient to address economic inequality and there is a risk of causing harm to the economy. Recognising that the motivation for wealth taxes is often driven more by political argument and public perception than by rational quantitative analysis, the study also anticipates the introduction of a new wealth tax and suggests guidelines for the design of such a tax within the framework for evaluating a good tax system. This study informs the debate on wealth taxes in South Africa and contributes to the design of such a tax, should it be implemented.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Arendse, Jacqueline A
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Wealth tax -- Law and legislation -- South Africa , Taxation -- Law and legislation -- South Africa , Income tax -- South Africa , Fiscal policy -- South Africa , South Africa -- Economic conditions , Income distribution -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/61379 , vital:28020
- Description: In a world of economic uncertainty and manifold social problems, South Africa has its own unique challenges of low economic growth, persistent budget deficits that produce increasing government debt and the highest level of economic inequality in the world. The history of injustice and economic marginalisation and the failure of the economy to provide inclusive growth drives an urgent need to address economic inequality through tax policy, placing ever more focus on wealth taxes as a possible solution. There is a hope is that taxing the wealthy may provide the opportunity to redistribute desperately-needed resources to those denied the opportunity to build wealth and who are trapped in the cycle of poverty. Yet, as appealing as a new wealth tax may seem, the introduction of such a tax carries with it a range of risks, not all of which are known. Of great concern is the possible effect on the economy, which, in its vulnerable state, cannot afford any loss of capital and investment. Very little research has been done on wealth tax in the South African context and there is a dearth of literature focusing on the views and perceptions of the wealthy individuals themselves. This qualitative study investigates the merits and disadvantages of a new wealth tax and seeks to identify any unintended consequences that could result from the implementation of a new wealth tax in South Africa, drawing from historical and international experience and primary data obtained from interviews with individuals likely to be affected by such a tax. Having explored the literature and international experiences with wealth tax and having probed the thinking of wealthy individuals who would be the payers of a wealth tax, the study finds that a new wealth tax may contribute towards the progressivity of the tax system, but it is doubtful whether such a tax would provide a sustainable revenue stream that would be sufficient to address economic inequality and there is a risk of causing harm to the economy. Recognising that the motivation for wealth taxes is often driven more by political argument and public perception than by rational quantitative analysis, the study also anticipates the introduction of a new wealth tax and suggests guidelines for the design of such a tax within the framework for evaluating a good tax system. This study informs the debate on wealth taxes in South Africa and contributes to the design of such a tax, should it be implemented.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018