A contribution to the oceanology of the Prince Edward Islands
- Authors: Parker, Llewellyn Derek
- Date: 1985
- Subjects: Oceanography -- Prince Edward Islands
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:5605 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002055
- Description: While the terrestrial ecosystem of the Prince Edward Island Group has been subject to intensive research, the marine ecosystem has to a large extent been neglected. This together with the possible existence of an "island effect" at these islands, as was first proposed after the visit to these islands of the French vessel Marion Dufresne, led to the initiation of a programme to determine the distribution of standing stocks and the productivity of phytoplankton and zooplankton in the neritic seas of these islands. To do this and before a detailed biological survey could be attempted, it was first necessary to define the physical and chemical properties of the circuminsular waters. This dissertation discusses the results of several surveys to these islands in the light of a possible "island effect" and comments upon processes likely to influence such an effect
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1985
- Authors: Parker, Llewellyn Derek
- Date: 1985
- Subjects: Oceanography -- Prince Edward Islands
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:5605 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002055
- Description: While the terrestrial ecosystem of the Prince Edward Island Group has been subject to intensive research, the marine ecosystem has to a large extent been neglected. This together with the possible existence of an "island effect" at these islands, as was first proposed after the visit to these islands of the French vessel Marion Dufresne, led to the initiation of a programme to determine the distribution of standing stocks and the productivity of phytoplankton and zooplankton in the neritic seas of these islands. To do this and before a detailed biological survey could be attempted, it was first necessary to define the physical and chemical properties of the circuminsular waters. This dissertation discusses the results of several surveys to these islands in the light of a possible "island effect" and comments upon processes likely to influence such an effect
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1985
A critical analysis of the tax concessions relating to medical expenses, with particular emphasis on persons with a physical impairment or disability
- Authors: Rogers, Richard
- Date: 2016
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/4144 , vital:20623
- Description: This thesis provides a critical analysis of the tax concessions granted in respect of medical costs, with particular reference to persons with a physical impairment or “disability” in the South African context. The primary method of collecting information for this research was through an extensive analysis of the South African legislation that is specifically applicable to a person who has a physical impairment or a “disability”. The analysis placed particular emphasis on the qualifying diagnosis criteria for a “disability” as defined for tax purposes as well as on the qualifying expenditure incurred in consequence of a person’s physical impairment or “disability”. A further goal of the research was to analyse the specific provisions of the Income Tax Act that are applicable to a special trust created for the benefit of a person with a physical impairment or “disability”. This research also includes a brief evaluation of the extent to which medical schemes provide coverage for non-discretionary expenditure items incurred in consequence of a person’s “disability” and whether this differs from the qualifying expenditure in terms of the Income Tax Act. It is important to conduct research of this nature in order to identify areas where the legislation could be improved. Accordingly, the thesis also recommends possible amendments to the current provisions of the legislation that are specifically applicable to persons with a physical impairment or “disability”.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
- Authors: Rogers, Richard
- Date: 2016
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/4144 , vital:20623
- Description: This thesis provides a critical analysis of the tax concessions granted in respect of medical costs, with particular reference to persons with a physical impairment or “disability” in the South African context. The primary method of collecting information for this research was through an extensive analysis of the South African legislation that is specifically applicable to a person who has a physical impairment or a “disability”. The analysis placed particular emphasis on the qualifying diagnosis criteria for a “disability” as defined for tax purposes as well as on the qualifying expenditure incurred in consequence of a person’s physical impairment or “disability”. A further goal of the research was to analyse the specific provisions of the Income Tax Act that are applicable to a special trust created for the benefit of a person with a physical impairment or “disability”. This research also includes a brief evaluation of the extent to which medical schemes provide coverage for non-discretionary expenditure items incurred in consequence of a person’s “disability” and whether this differs from the qualifying expenditure in terms of the Income Tax Act. It is important to conduct research of this nature in order to identify areas where the legislation could be improved. Accordingly, the thesis also recommends possible amendments to the current provisions of the legislation that are specifically applicable to persons with a physical impairment or “disability”.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
A critical investigation of conflict management : a case study of a Namibian institution
- Authors: Uiras, Hilja
- Date: 1999
- Subjects: Conflict management -- Namibia Conflict management -- Study and teaching Culture conflict Social conflict Conflict management -- Namibia -- Case studies Conflict management -- Study and teaching -- Case studies Culture conflict -- Namibia -- Case studies Social conflict -- Namibia -- Case studies
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: vital:1480 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003361
- Description: This study is a qualitative interpretative study of conflict management in a multicultural Namibian institution. The focus of the study is to understand how individual people in a particular organization perceive conflict, the possible sources of conflict as well as to explore the possible strategies of managing conflict. This is followed by an analysis of the general educational cultural and social characteristics of Namibia, which relate to the sources of conflict. I also make an attempt to have a deeper understanding of people from different cultural and educational backgrounds in viewing conflict and how these differences might be seen as major sources of conflict and how they deal with it - by using a case study approach. I interviewed 5 participants from different cultural backgrounds. The major research methodology I used in this study is in-depth interviews that allowed me to explore people's understanding of, attitudes to and views on conflict. I supplemented the interviews with participant observation, which allowed me to get first-hand information on how people interact socially and in meetings in order to explore possible sources and existence of conflict in meetings and how the staff dealt with it. Furthermore, I tried as much as possible to observe daily activities as an observer. People interviewed have different perceptions about conflict. Some use conflict to their advantage to arouse discussion and stimulate creative thinking. Some people find conflict to be a burden, something to be minimized. This avoidance leads to poor decisions and poor use of teams as a way to improve both decision making and acceptance of the decisions that are made. Cultural differences among staff and the process of reform emerge as the major sources of conflict. Whether a conflict will result in negative or positive consequences, or both, will depend to a large part on the strategy taken to resolve the conflict.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1999
- Authors: Uiras, Hilja
- Date: 1999
- Subjects: Conflict management -- Namibia Conflict management -- Study and teaching Culture conflict Social conflict Conflict management -- Namibia -- Case studies Conflict management -- Study and teaching -- Case studies Culture conflict -- Namibia -- Case studies Social conflict -- Namibia -- Case studies
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: vital:1480 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003361
- Description: This study is a qualitative interpretative study of conflict management in a multicultural Namibian institution. The focus of the study is to understand how individual people in a particular organization perceive conflict, the possible sources of conflict as well as to explore the possible strategies of managing conflict. This is followed by an analysis of the general educational cultural and social characteristics of Namibia, which relate to the sources of conflict. I also make an attempt to have a deeper understanding of people from different cultural and educational backgrounds in viewing conflict and how these differences might be seen as major sources of conflict and how they deal with it - by using a case study approach. I interviewed 5 participants from different cultural backgrounds. The major research methodology I used in this study is in-depth interviews that allowed me to explore people's understanding of, attitudes to and views on conflict. I supplemented the interviews with participant observation, which allowed me to get first-hand information on how people interact socially and in meetings in order to explore possible sources and existence of conflict in meetings and how the staff dealt with it. Furthermore, I tried as much as possible to observe daily activities as an observer. People interviewed have different perceptions about conflict. Some use conflict to their advantage to arouse discussion and stimulate creative thinking. Some people find conflict to be a burden, something to be minimized. This avoidance leads to poor decisions and poor use of teams as a way to improve both decision making and acceptance of the decisions that are made. Cultural differences among staff and the process of reform emerge as the major sources of conflict. Whether a conflict will result in negative or positive consequences, or both, will depend to a large part on the strategy taken to resolve the conflict.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1999
A customer service strategy for Ngqura Container Terminal
- Mtshiselwa, Mkhululi Terrence
- Authors: Mtshiselwa, Mkhululi Terrence
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: SERVQUAL (Service quality framework) , Customer services -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/8955 , vital:26446
- Description: The container terminals play an increasingly important role in the economy of many countries. In today’s global competitive environment delivering quality service is considered as an essential strategy for success and survival. In the very competitive container terminals, service quality is important in attracting and retaining customers. The shipping companies are interested in speed and reliability from the terminals. The time a ship stays in a port must be minimised, and, therefore, the handling of containers must be executed in a fast and reliable way. The importance of customer service as a competitive strategy in container terminal has long been recognised. The growth in container volumes and higher productivity by Ngqura Container Terminal has created greater demand than before from its customers in the shipping business. The current growth in container volumes and increased customer demand has made the situation at NCT less encouraging at times, due to additional traffic of vessels awaiting to dock at the port creating congestion problems; resulting in unplanned lengthy dock occupation by vessels and the current status quo is affecting NCT strategy in terms of arrival docking and providing a quick response to customers. The Ngqura terminal is under increasing pressure from its customers and stakeholders to demonstrate that their services are customer-focused and that continuous performance improvement is being delivered. Therefore, a literature study and questionnaire survey forms the main input for this research combined with interviews with terminal managers. The purpose of this research is to examine the service quality concepts and offer an operational approach for the measurement of the quality of Ngqura Container Terminal services. The main research problem in this study was to identify customer service strategies that could be applied by Ngqura Container Terminal in order to maintain and exceed its business growth as well as customer expectations? The study employed the SERVQUAL model as a measuring tool in establishing the customers’ general expectations of a service and their perceptions of the service received at Ngqura Container Terminal. The five elements of SERVQUAL, which are tangibles, reliability, responsiveness, assurance, and empathy, were used to deal with and solve the main problem. Below are the sub-problems that have been identified in order to investigate and develop a research strategy: What is the customer’s perception of service quality at NCT?; What are the specific customer service requirements of NCT’s customers?; Does NCT’s service operations performance enable it to fulfill its customer service requirements?; How can the performance gap between customer service requirements and service operations performance be bridged?; Which service quality elements are important to customers for container terminals? This study wants to concentrate on the customers’ perception and evaluation toward service performance in Ngqura Container Terminal.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
- Authors: Mtshiselwa, Mkhululi Terrence
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: SERVQUAL (Service quality framework) , Customer services -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/8955 , vital:26446
- Description: The container terminals play an increasingly important role in the economy of many countries. In today’s global competitive environment delivering quality service is considered as an essential strategy for success and survival. In the very competitive container terminals, service quality is important in attracting and retaining customers. The shipping companies are interested in speed and reliability from the terminals. The time a ship stays in a port must be minimised, and, therefore, the handling of containers must be executed in a fast and reliable way. The importance of customer service as a competitive strategy in container terminal has long been recognised. The growth in container volumes and higher productivity by Ngqura Container Terminal has created greater demand than before from its customers in the shipping business. The current growth in container volumes and increased customer demand has made the situation at NCT less encouraging at times, due to additional traffic of vessels awaiting to dock at the port creating congestion problems; resulting in unplanned lengthy dock occupation by vessels and the current status quo is affecting NCT strategy in terms of arrival docking and providing a quick response to customers. The Ngqura terminal is under increasing pressure from its customers and stakeholders to demonstrate that their services are customer-focused and that continuous performance improvement is being delivered. Therefore, a literature study and questionnaire survey forms the main input for this research combined with interviews with terminal managers. The purpose of this research is to examine the service quality concepts and offer an operational approach for the measurement of the quality of Ngqura Container Terminal services. The main research problem in this study was to identify customer service strategies that could be applied by Ngqura Container Terminal in order to maintain and exceed its business growth as well as customer expectations? The study employed the SERVQUAL model as a measuring tool in establishing the customers’ general expectations of a service and their perceptions of the service received at Ngqura Container Terminal. The five elements of SERVQUAL, which are tangibles, reliability, responsiveness, assurance, and empathy, were used to deal with and solve the main problem. Below are the sub-problems that have been identified in order to investigate and develop a research strategy: What is the customer’s perception of service quality at NCT?; What are the specific customer service requirements of NCT’s customers?; Does NCT’s service operations performance enable it to fulfill its customer service requirements?; How can the performance gap between customer service requirements and service operations performance be bridged?; Which service quality elements are important to customers for container terminals? This study wants to concentrate on the customers’ perception and evaluation toward service performance in Ngqura Container Terminal.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
A polarographic study : the estimation of sodium and potassium in the presence of each other
- Authors: Carter, Austin John
- Date: 1938
- Subjects: Polarographs , Polarography , Potassium , Sodium
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:4455 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1010434
- Description: The polarographic method has been described, and an attempt made to describe the difficulty of the simultaneous deposition of sodium and potassium. Various methods have been examined, of which precipitation of potassium with magnesium dipicrylaminate seems the most promising. The quantitative results were unsatisfactory, and possible sources of error are discussed. The method, while very convenient, rapid and labour-saving, is not sufficiently standardised to be trustworthy.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1938
- Authors: Carter, Austin John
- Date: 1938
- Subjects: Polarographs , Polarography , Potassium , Sodium
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:4455 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1010434
- Description: The polarographic method has been described, and an attempt made to describe the difficulty of the simultaneous deposition of sodium and potassium. Various methods have been examined, of which precipitation of potassium with magnesium dipicrylaminate seems the most promising. The quantitative results were unsatisfactory, and possible sources of error are discussed. The method, while very convenient, rapid and labour-saving, is not sufficiently standardised to be trustworthy.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1938
A survey of employee preferences in the design of a performance management system
- Authors: Keshave, Hiten
- Date: 2016
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:863 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1021180
- Description: This thesis begins with an introduction to performance management and the intended aim and objective of the research. Thereafter literature findings relative to performance management and performance management systems are discussed. In the review of literature, three processes that could be implemented in a performance management system were highlighted, namely; (1) the planning process, (2) the monitoring and development process, and (3) an annual summative and feedback process. Performance management functions deemed important to employees during each process of the performance management system were identified and discussed. Subsequent to the literature review, the research methodology was described and involved the implementation of quantitative research within a post-positivist paradigm in the form of a close-ended survey questionnaire. Analysis of the data involved a gap analysis and needs analysis. The gap analysis study was based on the opinion of management respondents in comparison to the opinion of non-management respondents. Results of the gap analysis were determined based on the calculation of an importance score for each sub-group. The needs analysis study was based on the overall opinion of all respondents, and results were determined based on the calculation of an overall importance score. In light of the literature review that was conducted to inform the questionnaire design, the survey results supported the literature review of each discussed performance management function with no evident contradictions. The results of the gap analysis and needs analysis were satisfactorily met for each performance management function. On the basis of these findings, it was assumed that all the performance management functions identified in the literature are important and could be implemented in the design of a performance management system. The results highlighted the importance of a performance plan and development plan to underpin the performance management system.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
- Authors: Keshave, Hiten
- Date: 2016
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:863 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1021180
- Description: This thesis begins with an introduction to performance management and the intended aim and objective of the research. Thereafter literature findings relative to performance management and performance management systems are discussed. In the review of literature, three processes that could be implemented in a performance management system were highlighted, namely; (1) the planning process, (2) the monitoring and development process, and (3) an annual summative and feedback process. Performance management functions deemed important to employees during each process of the performance management system were identified and discussed. Subsequent to the literature review, the research methodology was described and involved the implementation of quantitative research within a post-positivist paradigm in the form of a close-ended survey questionnaire. Analysis of the data involved a gap analysis and needs analysis. The gap analysis study was based on the opinion of management respondents in comparison to the opinion of non-management respondents. Results of the gap analysis were determined based on the calculation of an importance score for each sub-group. The needs analysis study was based on the overall opinion of all respondents, and results were determined based on the calculation of an overall importance score. In light of the literature review that was conducted to inform the questionnaire design, the survey results supported the literature review of each discussed performance management function with no evident contradictions. The results of the gap analysis and needs analysis were satisfactorily met for each performance management function. On the basis of these findings, it was assumed that all the performance management functions identified in the literature are important and could be implemented in the design of a performance management system. The results highlighted the importance of a performance plan and development plan to underpin the performance management system.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
An examination of the pass-through from exchange rate to inflation in South Africa
- Authors: Mhizha,Tinashe
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Foreign exchange rates -- South Africa Inflation (Finance) -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom (Economics)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/13705 , vital:39698
- Description: This study examined the exchange-rate-pass-through to import, producer and consumer prices in South Africa using quarterly data covering the period 2000 to 2015. The study made use of panel data techniques to examine the degree of pass-through to import prices, producer prices as well consumer prices. The Hausman test indicated fixed effects (FE) as the correct model for the data. In order to correct for errors and get a more robust model, the least squares dummy variable (LSDV) model was estimated. The key findings claim that the exchange rate is negative and weakly significant to explain South African prices. It was highest for producer prices, followed by import prices and lowest at consumer prices. The findings have implications for policy and theory.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Mhizha,Tinashe
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Foreign exchange rates -- South Africa Inflation (Finance) -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom (Economics)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/13705 , vital:39698
- Description: This study examined the exchange-rate-pass-through to import, producer and consumer prices in South Africa using quarterly data covering the period 2000 to 2015. The study made use of panel data techniques to examine the degree of pass-through to import prices, producer prices as well consumer prices. The Hausman test indicated fixed effects (FE) as the correct model for the data. In order to correct for errors and get a more robust model, the least squares dummy variable (LSDV) model was estimated. The key findings claim that the exchange rate is negative and weakly significant to explain South African prices. It was highest for producer prices, followed by import prices and lowest at consumer prices. The findings have implications for policy and theory.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
An exploration of leadership attributes for good governance in selected public community learning centres in the Eastern Cape province
- Madikiza-Sambane, Ndiliwe Christabell
- Authors: Madikiza-Sambane, Ndiliwe Christabell
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Human services -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Political leadership -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/13403 , vital:39658
- Description: The success of any government depends on its leadership’s efficiency and effectiveness in ensuring that government’s vision is realized. It therefore becomes important that all public administration activities are in line with the elements of good governance as reflected on the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996. These elements include, among others, responsiveness to the needs of the public, accountability, public participation, equity, effectiveness and efficiency. Leadership attributes play a pivotal role in this regard, as all leaders are expected to be able to give guidance and direction towards the vision of government, good communicators, have humble confidence and display exemplary behavior to be successful in their leadership responsibilities. This includes leaders who are assigned responsibilities at all levels and sectors, both in public and private institutions. The purpose of this study therefore, was to explore leadership attributes for good governance in selected Public Community Learning Centres (PCLCs) in the Eastern Cape Province and its focus was in Libode District. It sought to answer a number of questions relating to community participation, policy formulation and implementation, problem solving and the envisaged solutions to address the problems that enhance good governance in the PCLCs. The study is viewed as significant in assisting the process of putting new systems in place for the implementation of new approaches in adult education. The extensive literature review that was conducted before the study resumed contributed tremendously in the success of the study as it provided more insight to the study. The qualitative approach was mainly used and the data was collected through self- administered questionnaires, interviews and observation. The findings of the study revealed challenges that exist with regards to leadership attributes and the enhancement of good governance in Public Community Learning Centres. All participating Ward Councillors (the community leaders) expressed their ignorance about what is happening in the PCLCs. However, they expressed their willingness to work together with the centres for the benefit of all community members within their wards. The recommendations of the study are based on the problems revealed in the findings and provide solutions and answers to the research questions.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
- Authors: Madikiza-Sambane, Ndiliwe Christabell
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Human services -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Political leadership -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/13403 , vital:39658
- Description: The success of any government depends on its leadership’s efficiency and effectiveness in ensuring that government’s vision is realized. It therefore becomes important that all public administration activities are in line with the elements of good governance as reflected on the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996. These elements include, among others, responsiveness to the needs of the public, accountability, public participation, equity, effectiveness and efficiency. Leadership attributes play a pivotal role in this regard, as all leaders are expected to be able to give guidance and direction towards the vision of government, good communicators, have humble confidence and display exemplary behavior to be successful in their leadership responsibilities. This includes leaders who are assigned responsibilities at all levels and sectors, both in public and private institutions. The purpose of this study therefore, was to explore leadership attributes for good governance in selected Public Community Learning Centres (PCLCs) in the Eastern Cape Province and its focus was in Libode District. It sought to answer a number of questions relating to community participation, policy formulation and implementation, problem solving and the envisaged solutions to address the problems that enhance good governance in the PCLCs. The study is viewed as significant in assisting the process of putting new systems in place for the implementation of new approaches in adult education. The extensive literature review that was conducted before the study resumed contributed tremendously in the success of the study as it provided more insight to the study. The qualitative approach was mainly used and the data was collected through self- administered questionnaires, interviews and observation. The findings of the study revealed challenges that exist with regards to leadership attributes and the enhancement of good governance in Public Community Learning Centres. All participating Ward Councillors (the community leaders) expressed their ignorance about what is happening in the PCLCs. However, they expressed their willingness to work together with the centres for the benefit of all community members within their wards. The recommendations of the study are based on the problems revealed in the findings and provide solutions and answers to the research questions.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
An investigation into the popularity of the Zimbabwean tabloid newspaper, uMthunywa: a reception study of Bulawayo readers
- Authors: Mabweazara, Hayes Mawindi
- Date: 2007
- Subjects: uMthunywa (Zimbabwe) Tabloid newspapers -- Zimbabwe Journalism -- Zimbabwe Newspapers -- Marketing -- Zimbabwe Mass media -- Social aspects -- Zimbabwe
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:3454 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002908
- Description: The development of the tabloid press has stirred heated debate among media scholars. Critics have argued against the relevance of tabloids in society, often framing them as the ‘journalistic other’ deserving no place in ‘serious’ journalism. Much of this criticism, however, has not been based on a close interrogation of the phenomenon, or an examination of the reasons for their popularity amongst readers. It is against this background that this study investigates the reasons behind the popularity of the Zimbabwean state-controlled tabloid newspaper uMthunywa, among its Bulawayo readers. In particular, it explores the meanings obtained from the content of the paper and the relevance of this content to the readers’ everyday lives. In undertaking this investigation, the study draws primarily on qualitative research methods, particularly qualitative content analysis and in-depth interviews (both group and individual). As the study demonstrates, these methods uncover the complex manner in which Bulawayo readers are attracted to uMthunywa and how they appropriate its textual meanings to their lived realities. The study establishes that despite uMthunywa being state-controlled, it offers space through which the conventional ways of presenting reality are challenged, and the importance of the newspaper being written in isiNdebele. As the study indicates, the popularity of the newspaper is largely dependent on its excessive formulaic and sensational stories, which cover issues experienced by its readers in their lived circumstances. The study thus argues that the newspaper constitutes an alternative mediated public sphere that finds space in the deeper social conditions that have alienated the people of Bulawayo from the macropolitical life of the nation and the ‘power bloc’.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2007
- Authors: Mabweazara, Hayes Mawindi
- Date: 2007
- Subjects: uMthunywa (Zimbabwe) Tabloid newspapers -- Zimbabwe Journalism -- Zimbabwe Newspapers -- Marketing -- Zimbabwe Mass media -- Social aspects -- Zimbabwe
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:3454 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002908
- Description: The development of the tabloid press has stirred heated debate among media scholars. Critics have argued against the relevance of tabloids in society, often framing them as the ‘journalistic other’ deserving no place in ‘serious’ journalism. Much of this criticism, however, has not been based on a close interrogation of the phenomenon, or an examination of the reasons for their popularity amongst readers. It is against this background that this study investigates the reasons behind the popularity of the Zimbabwean state-controlled tabloid newspaper uMthunywa, among its Bulawayo readers. In particular, it explores the meanings obtained from the content of the paper and the relevance of this content to the readers’ everyday lives. In undertaking this investigation, the study draws primarily on qualitative research methods, particularly qualitative content analysis and in-depth interviews (both group and individual). As the study demonstrates, these methods uncover the complex manner in which Bulawayo readers are attracted to uMthunywa and how they appropriate its textual meanings to their lived realities. The study establishes that despite uMthunywa being state-controlled, it offers space through which the conventional ways of presenting reality are challenged, and the importance of the newspaper being written in isiNdebele. As the study indicates, the popularity of the newspaper is largely dependent on its excessive formulaic and sensational stories, which cover issues experienced by its readers in their lived circumstances. The study thus argues that the newspaper constitutes an alternative mediated public sphere that finds space in the deeper social conditions that have alienated the people of Bulawayo from the macropolitical life of the nation and the ‘power bloc’.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2007
An investigation of newsroom convergence at the MoAfrika media company in Lesotho and its implications for gatekeeping: a qualitative case study
- Authors: Senthebane, Teboho
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: MoAfrika Convergence (Telecommunication) Mass media -- Management -- Lesotho Journalism -- Management -- Lesotho Journalism -- Technological innovations -- Lesotho
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:3501 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1006112
- Description: This research is based on a case study of MoAfrika, a news organisation that has embraced digitisation to produce and distribute content across three platforms. It draws upon observation and in-depth interviews to show how MoAfrika's embrace of a degree of convergence has led to a fragmentation for journalists whose daily work now include additional responsibilities and pressures of time. While there is an increase in the quantity of news disseminated via radio, newspaper and online, questions arise about the quality of such news produced in a multi-skilled, multiple media news production environment. The result is repurposed stories with little original content and augmented employee workloads without training and compensation. The study examines these issues drawing on theories of gatekeeping and convergence. The decision to include a news story at MoAfrika depends partly on which medium it fits into most easily. News values, deadlines, organisational norms and national trends are some of the considerations which factored into gatekeepers' decisions. Primary decision-making was made within a group which also considered expense and expertise, and where the Managing Editor made the final call and set the frameworks for how content played across the enterprise's three platforms.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
- Authors: Senthebane, Teboho
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: MoAfrika Convergence (Telecommunication) Mass media -- Management -- Lesotho Journalism -- Management -- Lesotho Journalism -- Technological innovations -- Lesotho
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:3501 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1006112
- Description: This research is based on a case study of MoAfrika, a news organisation that has embraced digitisation to produce and distribute content across three platforms. It draws upon observation and in-depth interviews to show how MoAfrika's embrace of a degree of convergence has led to a fragmentation for journalists whose daily work now include additional responsibilities and pressures of time. While there is an increase in the quantity of news disseminated via radio, newspaper and online, questions arise about the quality of such news produced in a multi-skilled, multiple media news production environment. The result is repurposed stories with little original content and augmented employee workloads without training and compensation. The study examines these issues drawing on theories of gatekeeping and convergence. The decision to include a news story at MoAfrika depends partly on which medium it fits into most easily. News values, deadlines, organisational norms and national trends are some of the considerations which factored into gatekeepers' decisions. Primary decision-making was made within a group which also considered expense and expertise, and where the Managing Editor made the final call and set the frameworks for how content played across the enterprise's three platforms.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
An investigation of the management and leadership experiences of female school principals in the Ondangwa education regions
- Authors: Udjombala, Maria
- Date: 2002
- Subjects: Women school principals -- Namibia -- Ondangwa Educational leadership -- Namibia -- Ondangwa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: vital:1653 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003536
- Description: This study explores practical school leadership and management, as enacted by women. The study, conducted in an interpretive paradigm, attempts to gain an understanding of women’s subjective experiences of school leadership and management. Two women principals from Ondangwa West Educational Region were interviewed. The two were selected through consultations with one of the senior inspectors in the region. Both had been principals for more than ten years and were seen by those who are concerned with their school to be successful. The study found that these women prefer a participative style of leadership and management, characterised by consultations with others, teamwork, collaborative decision-making and the use of power to empower others. They also strive for good human relationships because they believe that it fosters mutual respect, trust, openness and a good working atmosphere. All these human centred approaches are directed towards creating a school atmosphere that is conducive to teaching and learning and therefore result in effective schooling and quality educational outcomes. They do not experience gender discrimination in their work places. They have the full support of their supervisors. Though both are married with children, these dual roles do not prevent them from being successful in their professional work. In fact they have reached a stage where they feel confident as leaders and feel that they are acting as role models for fellow women principals and those aspiring to this position. The study concludes that the styles of leadership and management displayed by women are similar to those that are universally accepted as characteristics needed for effective school management and leadership. Though these leadership styles are traditionally associated with women, these characteristics are not gender specific. Therefore it will be in the best interest of schools, if school principals, both men and women, could borrow from these qualities in order to change schools from authoritarian to more democratic institutions.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2002
- Authors: Udjombala, Maria
- Date: 2002
- Subjects: Women school principals -- Namibia -- Ondangwa Educational leadership -- Namibia -- Ondangwa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: vital:1653 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003536
- Description: This study explores practical school leadership and management, as enacted by women. The study, conducted in an interpretive paradigm, attempts to gain an understanding of women’s subjective experiences of school leadership and management. Two women principals from Ondangwa West Educational Region were interviewed. The two were selected through consultations with one of the senior inspectors in the region. Both had been principals for more than ten years and were seen by those who are concerned with their school to be successful. The study found that these women prefer a participative style of leadership and management, characterised by consultations with others, teamwork, collaborative decision-making and the use of power to empower others. They also strive for good human relationships because they believe that it fosters mutual respect, trust, openness and a good working atmosphere. All these human centred approaches are directed towards creating a school atmosphere that is conducive to teaching and learning and therefore result in effective schooling and quality educational outcomes. They do not experience gender discrimination in their work places. They have the full support of their supervisors. Though both are married with children, these dual roles do not prevent them from being successful in their professional work. In fact they have reached a stage where they feel confident as leaders and feel that they are acting as role models for fellow women principals and those aspiring to this position. The study concludes that the styles of leadership and management displayed by women are similar to those that are universally accepted as characteristics needed for effective school management and leadership. Though these leadership styles are traditionally associated with women, these characteristics are not gender specific. Therefore it will be in the best interest of schools, if school principals, both men and women, could borrow from these qualities in order to change schools from authoritarian to more democratic institutions.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2002
Aspects of fuzzy spaces with special reference to cardinality, dimension, and order-homomorphisms
- Authors: Lubczonok, Pawel
- Date: 1992
- Subjects: Fuzzy sets Topological spaces
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: vital:5399 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1005213
- Description: Aspects of fuzzy vector spaces and fuzzy groups are investigated, including linear independence, basis, dimension, group order, finitely generated groups and cyclic groups. It was necessary to consider cardinality of fuzzy sets and related issues, which included a question of ways in which to define functions between fuzzy sets. Among the results proved, are the additivity property of dimension for fuzzy vector spaces, Lagrange's Theorem for fuzzy groups ( the existing version of this theorem does not take fuzziness into account at all), a compactness property of finitely generated fuzzy groups and an extension of an earlier result on the order-homomorphisms. An open question is posed with regard to the existence of a basis for an arbitrary fuzzy vector space.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1992
- Authors: Lubczonok, Pawel
- Date: 1992
- Subjects: Fuzzy sets Topological spaces
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: vital:5399 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1005213
- Description: Aspects of fuzzy vector spaces and fuzzy groups are investigated, including linear independence, basis, dimension, group order, finitely generated groups and cyclic groups. It was necessary to consider cardinality of fuzzy sets and related issues, which included a question of ways in which to define functions between fuzzy sets. Among the results proved, are the additivity property of dimension for fuzzy vector spaces, Lagrange's Theorem for fuzzy groups ( the existing version of this theorem does not take fuzziness into account at all), a compactness property of finitely generated fuzzy groups and an extension of an earlier result on the order-homomorphisms. An open question is posed with regard to the existence of a basis for an arbitrary fuzzy vector space.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1992
Evaluating farmers' perceptions and the impact of bush encroachment on herbaceous vegetation and soil nutrients in Sheshegu communal rangelands of the Eastern Cape, South Africa
- Authors: Tokozwayo, Sive
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Range management -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Brush -- Control -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Communal rangelands -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/2733 , vital:28066
- Description: Communal rangelands occupy 13 percent of the agricultural land in South Africa, and these rangelands serve as a source of feed to livestock. These areas are threatened by bush encroachment due to poor rangeland management. This study was conducted in Alice (Sheshegu communal area) and the objective was to assess farmers' perceptions and the impact of bush encroachment on herbaceous vegetation and soil nutrients. Structured questionnaires were used to assess indigenous knowledge of communal farmers on the impact of bush encroachment on rangelands. Fourty (40) respondents from households who owned livestock were randomly selected and interviewed at Sheshegu village. About 89 percent of communal farmers perceived that change of their grasslands to encroached savannas was caused by unreliable rainfall, prolonged drought, and poor rangeland management. Rangeland assessment was performed at four sites (Scattered, Moderate, Mixed and Dense bushland. 100mx50m were demarcated per site, and four 100m transects were laid parallel to each other, 30m apart. The step point method was used to determine both species composition and basal cover. Biomass production was determined by harvesting forage within randomly-paced a 0.25m2 quadrats. Aristada congesta and Eragrostis obtuse were the most dominating grass species in dense, mixed and moderate bushland. Scattered bushland was dominated by Themeda triandra. Biomass production increases with increase in bush density and basal cover improved from winter to summer season. Increaser grass species increase with the increase in bush density, this indicated that the rangeland was poorly managed and palatable species were being replaced by less palatable ones. Species composition of woody plants was determined within a 200m2 belt transect in all sites. Maytenus polycantha, Aloe ferox, Erehia rigida and lucas capensis were the most dominant woody species in Mixed bushland while Acacia karroo was most dominated in Scattered, Moderate and Dense bushland. Woody density showed no significant differences (P> 0.05) between Dense, Mixed and Moderate bushland. Woody plant density in all these sites exceed 2500 plants/ha, which showed that the rangeland was encroached with woody plants. Soil nutrient content was determined for each site. Five samples of soil were collected per site to test the effect of bush encroachment on soil nutrient composition. The concentration of nitrogen and soil pH increased with increase in bush density, while that of potassium, phosphorous, magnesium, sodium and sulphur showed no significant differences (P>0.05) across all homogenous vegetation units. The study revealed that Sheshegu communal farmers are aware of both negative and positive effects of encroachment on their community, and also argue that the government is not willing to support communal farmers in the process of reducing the spread of bush encroachment. It was concluded that the concentration of nitrogen and soil pH increased with increasing bush density and that bush encroachment had negative effects on herbaceous species. It was recommended that communal farmers should be formulating rangeland rules and regulations to manage rangeland resources. Rangeland rules and regulations should be based on the management of livestock management during grazing and harvesting of rangeland resources. The harvesting of woody and good timing of application of fire can also reduce the spread of bush encroachment. Veld resting and rotational grazing can also improve fuel load which is required for burning of woody plants. Furthermore, Department of agriculture should also provide workshops or training to communal farmers use different approaches or cheap ways of reducing bush encroachment and conserving rangeland resources.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
- Authors: Tokozwayo, Sive
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Range management -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Brush -- Control -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Communal rangelands -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/2733 , vital:28066
- Description: Communal rangelands occupy 13 percent of the agricultural land in South Africa, and these rangelands serve as a source of feed to livestock. These areas are threatened by bush encroachment due to poor rangeland management. This study was conducted in Alice (Sheshegu communal area) and the objective was to assess farmers' perceptions and the impact of bush encroachment on herbaceous vegetation and soil nutrients. Structured questionnaires were used to assess indigenous knowledge of communal farmers on the impact of bush encroachment on rangelands. Fourty (40) respondents from households who owned livestock were randomly selected and interviewed at Sheshegu village. About 89 percent of communal farmers perceived that change of their grasslands to encroached savannas was caused by unreliable rainfall, prolonged drought, and poor rangeland management. Rangeland assessment was performed at four sites (Scattered, Moderate, Mixed and Dense bushland. 100mx50m were demarcated per site, and four 100m transects were laid parallel to each other, 30m apart. The step point method was used to determine both species composition and basal cover. Biomass production was determined by harvesting forage within randomly-paced a 0.25m2 quadrats. Aristada congesta and Eragrostis obtuse were the most dominating grass species in dense, mixed and moderate bushland. Scattered bushland was dominated by Themeda triandra. Biomass production increases with increase in bush density and basal cover improved from winter to summer season. Increaser grass species increase with the increase in bush density, this indicated that the rangeland was poorly managed and palatable species were being replaced by less palatable ones. Species composition of woody plants was determined within a 200m2 belt transect in all sites. Maytenus polycantha, Aloe ferox, Erehia rigida and lucas capensis were the most dominant woody species in Mixed bushland while Acacia karroo was most dominated in Scattered, Moderate and Dense bushland. Woody density showed no significant differences (P> 0.05) between Dense, Mixed and Moderate bushland. Woody plant density in all these sites exceed 2500 plants/ha, which showed that the rangeland was encroached with woody plants. Soil nutrient content was determined for each site. Five samples of soil were collected per site to test the effect of bush encroachment on soil nutrient composition. The concentration of nitrogen and soil pH increased with increase in bush density, while that of potassium, phosphorous, magnesium, sodium and sulphur showed no significant differences (P>0.05) across all homogenous vegetation units. The study revealed that Sheshegu communal farmers are aware of both negative and positive effects of encroachment on their community, and also argue that the government is not willing to support communal farmers in the process of reducing the spread of bush encroachment. It was concluded that the concentration of nitrogen and soil pH increased with increasing bush density and that bush encroachment had negative effects on herbaceous species. It was recommended that communal farmers should be formulating rangeland rules and regulations to manage rangeland resources. Rangeland rules and regulations should be based on the management of livestock management during grazing and harvesting of rangeland resources. The harvesting of woody and good timing of application of fire can also reduce the spread of bush encroachment. Veld resting and rotational grazing can also improve fuel load which is required for burning of woody plants. Furthermore, Department of agriculture should also provide workshops or training to communal farmers use different approaches or cheap ways of reducing bush encroachment and conserving rangeland resources.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
Evaluation of antidiarrhoeal and toxicological properties of Hermannia Incana cav.: a South African medicinal plant
- Authors: Appidi, Jaipal Reddy
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: Sterculiaceae , Medicinal plants -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Diarrhea , Botany, Medical
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: vital:11304 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/259 , Sterculiaceae , Medicinal plants -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Diarrhea , Botany, Medical
- Description: Hermannia incana Cav. (Sterculiaceae), known as sweet yellow bells, is a medicinal plant used by the people of the Eastern Cape for the treatment of stomach-ache and diarrhoea. It has purgative and diaphoretic effects. It is a prostrate herb with yellow flowers and sparsely hairy and slightly glandular leaves, occurring in grassland and marshes in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa. Based on the ethnomedical uses of this plant, the research project was designed to evaluate its antidiarrhoeal and toxicological properties. An ethnobotanical study of plants used for the treatment of diarrhoea in the Eastern Cape Province was carried out, using a questionnaire which was administered to herbalists, traditional healers and rural dwellers. This survey indicated a total of 17 plant species from 14 families. Elephantorrhiza elephantine (Burch.) Skeels, Hermannia incana Cav., Pelargonium reniforme Curt., Alepidea amatymbica Eckl. & Zeyh. and Bulbine latifolia (L.f.) Roem. et Schult. were the most frequently mentioned and highly recommended plants for the treatment of diarrhoea by both the traditional healers and rural dwellers. The root, bark and leaves are the common parts of plants used, while decoctions and infusions are the main methods of preparation. The agar dilution method was used to study the antimicrobial activity. The methanol extracts of the plant showed appreciable activity against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria at concentrations ranging from 0.5 to 7.0 mg/ml. The acetone and water extracts of both the leaves and the roots showed moderate activity against Gram positive bacteria and less activity against Gram negative bacteria. All the extracts inhibited the growth of the fungi Aspergillus flavus, Aspergillus niger, and Mucor hiemalis with growth inhibition ranging from 54.31 percent to 96.67 percent at 0.1-10 mg/ml. None of the extracts suppressed the growth of Candida albicans at the maximum concentration (10 mg/ml) tested. iii In the in vivo antidiarrhoeal evaluation using Wistar rats, the aqueous extract at all the doses tested, significantly prolonged the time of induction of diarrhoea and also reduced the frequency of diarrhoeal episodes and fecal parameters (total number, number of wet, fresh and dry weight and water content of the faeces). The percentage inhibition of defecation and intestinal content (enteropooling) were increased in dose dependent manner. The doses also reduced the intestinal transit time of charcoal, masses and volumes of intestinal fluid (gastrointestinal motility). These results are indications of antidiarrhoeal property of H. incana leaf extract with the 600 mg/kg body weight of the extract being the most effective. In the toxicological evaluation using Wistar rats, the oral administration of the extract did not produce any significant effect on the liver and kidney body weight ratios, RBC, HB, PCV, MCV MCH, MCHC, RCDW, WBC, neutrophils, monocytes and basophils cholesterol, triacylglycerol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and atherogenic index. The extract also did not affect the levels of sodium, potassium, chloride, inorganic phosphorus, urea, creatinine, total protein, globulin, albumin, total and conjugated bilirubin. The activities of alkaline phosphatase, gamma glutamyl transferase and alanine aminotransaminase in the serum were increased by the extract whereas aspartate aminotransaminase was decreased. The levels of LUC, platelets, lymphocytes and eosinophils were significantly affected at 600 mg/kg body weight. The available evidence in this study suggests that the extract of H. incana leaf is mild, parameter and dose specific. The structure and distribution of foliar appendages on the leaves of this plant were investigated with the JEOL (JSM-6390LV) scanning electron microscope (SEM). Both glandular and non-glandular trichomes were observed. Long stalked glandular trichomes were present on both the abaxial and adaxial surfaces while short stalked glandular trichomes were present only on the adaxial surface. Glandular trichomes were capitate while nonglandular trichomes were stellate with many arms. Energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopyiv SEM showed that Al, Ca, K, Na, Ti and Si were the major constituents of the crystals analyzed from the leaf surfaces. The phytochemical screening of H. incana revealed the presence of bioactive antidiarrhoeal agents such as alkaloids, tannins, saponins, phenolics, triterpenes, cardiac glycosides, flavonoids, cardenolides and dienolides. Two flavonoids, epicatechin and 3, 5, 7, 2’ tetra-hydroxy flavone-3- O--D-glucopyranoside were isolated from the leaves of the plant through bio-active guided fractionation. Both these compounds were screened against diarrhoea causative organisms (Echerichia coli, Shigella flexneri, Bacillus cereus and Staphylococcus aureus) and exhibiting minimum inhibitory concentrations ranging from 12.5 to 100 μg/ml. The findings from this research have generally justified the traditional use of this plant for the treatment of diarrhoea in this province.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010
- Authors: Appidi, Jaipal Reddy
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: Sterculiaceae , Medicinal plants -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Diarrhea , Botany, Medical
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: vital:11304 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/259 , Sterculiaceae , Medicinal plants -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Diarrhea , Botany, Medical
- Description: Hermannia incana Cav. (Sterculiaceae), known as sweet yellow bells, is a medicinal plant used by the people of the Eastern Cape for the treatment of stomach-ache and diarrhoea. It has purgative and diaphoretic effects. It is a prostrate herb with yellow flowers and sparsely hairy and slightly glandular leaves, occurring in grassland and marshes in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa. Based on the ethnomedical uses of this plant, the research project was designed to evaluate its antidiarrhoeal and toxicological properties. An ethnobotanical study of plants used for the treatment of diarrhoea in the Eastern Cape Province was carried out, using a questionnaire which was administered to herbalists, traditional healers and rural dwellers. This survey indicated a total of 17 plant species from 14 families. Elephantorrhiza elephantine (Burch.) Skeels, Hermannia incana Cav., Pelargonium reniforme Curt., Alepidea amatymbica Eckl. & Zeyh. and Bulbine latifolia (L.f.) Roem. et Schult. were the most frequently mentioned and highly recommended plants for the treatment of diarrhoea by both the traditional healers and rural dwellers. The root, bark and leaves are the common parts of plants used, while decoctions and infusions are the main methods of preparation. The agar dilution method was used to study the antimicrobial activity. The methanol extracts of the plant showed appreciable activity against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria at concentrations ranging from 0.5 to 7.0 mg/ml. The acetone and water extracts of both the leaves and the roots showed moderate activity against Gram positive bacteria and less activity against Gram negative bacteria. All the extracts inhibited the growth of the fungi Aspergillus flavus, Aspergillus niger, and Mucor hiemalis with growth inhibition ranging from 54.31 percent to 96.67 percent at 0.1-10 mg/ml. None of the extracts suppressed the growth of Candida albicans at the maximum concentration (10 mg/ml) tested. iii In the in vivo antidiarrhoeal evaluation using Wistar rats, the aqueous extract at all the doses tested, significantly prolonged the time of induction of diarrhoea and also reduced the frequency of diarrhoeal episodes and fecal parameters (total number, number of wet, fresh and dry weight and water content of the faeces). The percentage inhibition of defecation and intestinal content (enteropooling) were increased in dose dependent manner. The doses also reduced the intestinal transit time of charcoal, masses and volumes of intestinal fluid (gastrointestinal motility). These results are indications of antidiarrhoeal property of H. incana leaf extract with the 600 mg/kg body weight of the extract being the most effective. In the toxicological evaluation using Wistar rats, the oral administration of the extract did not produce any significant effect on the liver and kidney body weight ratios, RBC, HB, PCV, MCV MCH, MCHC, RCDW, WBC, neutrophils, monocytes and basophils cholesterol, triacylglycerol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and atherogenic index. The extract also did not affect the levels of sodium, potassium, chloride, inorganic phosphorus, urea, creatinine, total protein, globulin, albumin, total and conjugated bilirubin. The activities of alkaline phosphatase, gamma glutamyl transferase and alanine aminotransaminase in the serum were increased by the extract whereas aspartate aminotransaminase was decreased. The levels of LUC, platelets, lymphocytes and eosinophils were significantly affected at 600 mg/kg body weight. The available evidence in this study suggests that the extract of H. incana leaf is mild, parameter and dose specific. The structure and distribution of foliar appendages on the leaves of this plant were investigated with the JEOL (JSM-6390LV) scanning electron microscope (SEM). Both glandular and non-glandular trichomes were observed. Long stalked glandular trichomes were present on both the abaxial and adaxial surfaces while short stalked glandular trichomes were present only on the adaxial surface. Glandular trichomes were capitate while nonglandular trichomes were stellate with many arms. Energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopyiv SEM showed that Al, Ca, K, Na, Ti and Si were the major constituents of the crystals analyzed from the leaf surfaces. The phytochemical screening of H. incana revealed the presence of bioactive antidiarrhoeal agents such as alkaloids, tannins, saponins, phenolics, triterpenes, cardiac glycosides, flavonoids, cardenolides and dienolides. Two flavonoids, epicatechin and 3, 5, 7, 2’ tetra-hydroxy flavone-3- O--D-glucopyranoside were isolated from the leaves of the plant through bio-active guided fractionation. Both these compounds were screened against diarrhoea causative organisms (Echerichia coli, Shigella flexneri, Bacillus cereus and Staphylococcus aureus) and exhibiting minimum inhibitory concentrations ranging from 12.5 to 100 μg/ml. The findings from this research have generally justified the traditional use of this plant for the treatment of diarrhoea in this province.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010
Experiences of professional nurses regarding the use of mobile technology for accessing information at the point of care clinical decision making
- Authors: Lindi, Ntombizodwa
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Nursing -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Mobile communication systems -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Rural health services -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCur
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/45399 , vital:38613
- Description: The research has provided valuable insight into the experiences of professional nurses regarding use of mobile technology for accessing health information at the point of care in clinical decision making at rural primary health clinics. The ability to access health information enabled them to render accurate and safe patient care. Recommendations were made with regard to nursing practice, education and research. Innovative strategies such as the use of mobile technology have been employed in order to access health information at the point of care for clinical decision making in 2012 in the rural primary health care clinics by the Department of Health in the Eastern Cape Province. Retrieval of information from mobile technology is perceived as being useful for clinical decision making and could result in positive patient outcomes. In this study the researcher explored and described the professional nurses’ experiences of using smart for accessing information in clinical decision making at rural primary health care clinics.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
- Authors: Lindi, Ntombizodwa
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Nursing -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Mobile communication systems -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Rural health services -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCur
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/45399 , vital:38613
- Description: The research has provided valuable insight into the experiences of professional nurses regarding use of mobile technology for accessing health information at the point of care in clinical decision making at rural primary health clinics. The ability to access health information enabled them to render accurate and safe patient care. Recommendations were made with regard to nursing practice, education and research. Innovative strategies such as the use of mobile technology have been employed in order to access health information at the point of care for clinical decision making in 2012 in the rural primary health care clinics by the Department of Health in the Eastern Cape Province. Retrieval of information from mobile technology is perceived as being useful for clinical decision making and could result in positive patient outcomes. In this study the researcher explored and described the professional nurses’ experiences of using smart for accessing information in clinical decision making at rural primary health care clinics.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
Muscle nanostructure and physicochemical characteristics of South African A and AB mutton classes
- Authors: Mdikili, Zizipho
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Meat -- Quality -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , (MSc) (Animal Science)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/12005 , vital:39126
- Description: Significant variations exist in quality of red meat due to the effect of various intrinsic and extrinsic factors. Research has been conducted in early 1990s to prove that carcasses from A and AB classes differ in meat quality due to age variation. This led to a conclusion that the two should be separated in the South African Red meat Classification System (SARCS). However, an interesting debate arose from a carcass classification workshop that A and AB meat classes have the same quality and thus must be integrated into one class in the carcass classification system. In addition, as much as it can be debated that these classes have the same quality, it is also possible that slight differences exist between the two since they are from different age groups. The current study was therefore developed and two trials were conducted to evaluate the impact of age differences on physicochemical attributes and muscle nanostructure of A and AB classes in sheep. In the first trial a total of ninety (n=90) Dorper sheep of the same sex but different age groups slaughtered at a high throughput abattoir in the Eastern Cape province were used to evaluate meat ultimate pH (pH24), colour (L* , a* , b* , H* , C* ), thawing loss (TL%), cooking loss (CL%) and tenderness (Warner Bratzler Shear Force - WBSF) of A and AB classes, whereas, on the second trial forty (n=40) Dorper sheep were used to evaluate muscle nanostructure and its relationship with tenderness. Meat samples were harvested from the Muscularis longissimuss thoracis et lumborum (LTL) for v meat quality and nanostructure measurements. The results showed significant variations (P<0.05) between the two classes for lean a* , H* and CL%. Significant differences (P<0.01) were observed in pH24, TL% and WBSF between A and AB classes. However, there were no significant differences (P>0.05) observed in meat L*, b* and C * . Ultimate pH was negatively correlated with thawing loss and some colorimetric attributes of lamb such as lightness, yellowness and hue angle. Moreover, tenderness was positively correlated with cooking and thawing losses. Significant differences were not (P>0.05) observed in sarcomere length, myofibrilar diameter and shear force between A and AB classes. Both sarcomere length and myofibrilar diameter were not correlated (P>0.05) with meat tenderness. These results suggest that A and AB classes are the same in nanostructure and that muscle nanostructure of these two classes is not related to meat tenderness. It was concluded that meat from sheep carcasses falling under the A and AB classes in the South African classification system vary greatly in physicochemical quality. Moreover, sheep carcasses from A and AB classes have the same sarcomere lengths and hence, they do not differ in meat tenderness (WBSF). However, when these classes were observed under a microscope, slight differences were noted in sarcomere lengths and myofibrilar diameters, which led to a conclusion that the two should remain as separated classes because their combination would result in the expansion of the non-uniformity of red meat tenderness. Therefore, A and AB classes should not be combined in the South African classification system. Further research is, however, recommended to evaluate the influence of other factors that were not examined in the current study.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Mdikili, Zizipho
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Meat -- Quality -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , (MSc) (Animal Science)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/12005 , vital:39126
- Description: Significant variations exist in quality of red meat due to the effect of various intrinsic and extrinsic factors. Research has been conducted in early 1990s to prove that carcasses from A and AB classes differ in meat quality due to age variation. This led to a conclusion that the two should be separated in the South African Red meat Classification System (SARCS). However, an interesting debate arose from a carcass classification workshop that A and AB meat classes have the same quality and thus must be integrated into one class in the carcass classification system. In addition, as much as it can be debated that these classes have the same quality, it is also possible that slight differences exist between the two since they are from different age groups. The current study was therefore developed and two trials were conducted to evaluate the impact of age differences on physicochemical attributes and muscle nanostructure of A and AB classes in sheep. In the first trial a total of ninety (n=90) Dorper sheep of the same sex but different age groups slaughtered at a high throughput abattoir in the Eastern Cape province were used to evaluate meat ultimate pH (pH24), colour (L* , a* , b* , H* , C* ), thawing loss (TL%), cooking loss (CL%) and tenderness (Warner Bratzler Shear Force - WBSF) of A and AB classes, whereas, on the second trial forty (n=40) Dorper sheep were used to evaluate muscle nanostructure and its relationship with tenderness. Meat samples were harvested from the Muscularis longissimuss thoracis et lumborum (LTL) for v meat quality and nanostructure measurements. The results showed significant variations (P<0.05) between the two classes for lean a* , H* and CL%. Significant differences (P<0.01) were observed in pH24, TL% and WBSF between A and AB classes. However, there were no significant differences (P>0.05) observed in meat L*, b* and C * . Ultimate pH was negatively correlated with thawing loss and some colorimetric attributes of lamb such as lightness, yellowness and hue angle. Moreover, tenderness was positively correlated with cooking and thawing losses. Significant differences were not (P>0.05) observed in sarcomere length, myofibrilar diameter and shear force between A and AB classes. Both sarcomere length and myofibrilar diameter were not correlated (P>0.05) with meat tenderness. These results suggest that A and AB classes are the same in nanostructure and that muscle nanostructure of these two classes is not related to meat tenderness. It was concluded that meat from sheep carcasses falling under the A and AB classes in the South African classification system vary greatly in physicochemical quality. Moreover, sheep carcasses from A and AB classes have the same sarcomere lengths and hence, they do not differ in meat tenderness (WBSF). However, when these classes were observed under a microscope, slight differences were noted in sarcomere lengths and myofibrilar diameters, which led to a conclusion that the two should remain as separated classes because their combination would result in the expansion of the non-uniformity of red meat tenderness. Therefore, A and AB classes should not be combined in the South African classification system. Further research is, however, recommended to evaluate the influence of other factors that were not examined in the current study.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
Negotiating the line between information and panic: a case study of vanguard’s coverage of the ebola outbreak in Nigeria
- Authors: Akingbade, Olutobi Elijah
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Digital media -- Marketing , Marketing -- Technological innovations , Internet marketing , Carbonated beverages -- Marketing , Coca Cola (Trademark) -- Marketing , Social media -- Economic aspects , Soft drink industry -- Internet marketing , Health behavior in adolescence , Advertising -- Carbonated beverages , Obesity in adolescence , Drinking behavior
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/5903 , vital:20986
- Description: This study titled ‘Negotiating the line between information and panic: A case study of Vanguard’s coverage of the Ebola Outbreak in Nigeria’ investigates and evaluates Vanguard’s coverage of the 2014 Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) outbreak in Nigeria. This study was conducted to understand how Vanguard negotiated the line between the dissemination of actual EVD information and the possibility of creating panic and fear during the coverage of the outbreak. Using qualitative content analysis and interview embedded within a qualitative research design, the study was carried out against the backdrop of relevant literature that asserts that the mass media is an important carrier, prime mover and producer of tensions, anxieties, fears and panics while the print media specifically is argued to have as part of its history the business of irrational fear mongering and the creation of panic about social problems. Vanguard, rated as one of the ten largest newspapers in Nigeria, was purposively selected for this study. Vanguard did substantial reporting and dissemination of the 2014 EVD outbreak and it was possible to draw on the availability and accessibility of the electronic archives of the EVD articles. Using the theory of moral panic, the normative theories of the media and theories about essential constituents of journalism culture as a theoretical framework, the study reveals that Vanguard’s coverage of the 2014 EVD outbreak was challenging and more demanding compared to coverage of previous outbreaks of viral diseases in Nigeria by the print medium. The study shows that lack of sufficient understanding of the science that underlies EVD, the initial exclusion of the media from the national response to contain the outbreak, and the lack of sufficient proactive measures by government and the print medium were powerful factors in how the epidemic was reported. The study also shows an interesting dimension in Vanguard’s early and latter coverage of the EVD outbreak while it lasted in Nigeria. This dimension reveals a high number of EVD articles with the propensity to inspire fear and panic in the early days of the coverage compared to EVD articles with the propensity to douse fear and panic in the early and latter days of the outbreak. The study shows that while the challenges encountered stem from Ebola’s mode of transmission, lack of scientific and medically proven cure and early coverage amidst uncertainties, the inherent tensions and anxieties that characterised the outbreak coupled with Vanguard’s fire brigade approach led to the relatively high number of EVD articles with the propensity to inspire fear and panic. The study recommends the mass media’s inclusion in national responses to epidemics and ongoing training for health journalists to update their knowledge base about emerging and infectious diseases. The study also recommends for further study a reception analysis to enhance the socio-cultural understanding of how the EVD articles were received.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
- Authors: Akingbade, Olutobi Elijah
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Digital media -- Marketing , Marketing -- Technological innovations , Internet marketing , Carbonated beverages -- Marketing , Coca Cola (Trademark) -- Marketing , Social media -- Economic aspects , Soft drink industry -- Internet marketing , Health behavior in adolescence , Advertising -- Carbonated beverages , Obesity in adolescence , Drinking behavior
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/5903 , vital:20986
- Description: This study titled ‘Negotiating the line between information and panic: A case study of Vanguard’s coverage of the Ebola Outbreak in Nigeria’ investigates and evaluates Vanguard’s coverage of the 2014 Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) outbreak in Nigeria. This study was conducted to understand how Vanguard negotiated the line between the dissemination of actual EVD information and the possibility of creating panic and fear during the coverage of the outbreak. Using qualitative content analysis and interview embedded within a qualitative research design, the study was carried out against the backdrop of relevant literature that asserts that the mass media is an important carrier, prime mover and producer of tensions, anxieties, fears and panics while the print media specifically is argued to have as part of its history the business of irrational fear mongering and the creation of panic about social problems. Vanguard, rated as one of the ten largest newspapers in Nigeria, was purposively selected for this study. Vanguard did substantial reporting and dissemination of the 2014 EVD outbreak and it was possible to draw on the availability and accessibility of the electronic archives of the EVD articles. Using the theory of moral panic, the normative theories of the media and theories about essential constituents of journalism culture as a theoretical framework, the study reveals that Vanguard’s coverage of the 2014 EVD outbreak was challenging and more demanding compared to coverage of previous outbreaks of viral diseases in Nigeria by the print medium. The study shows that lack of sufficient understanding of the science that underlies EVD, the initial exclusion of the media from the national response to contain the outbreak, and the lack of sufficient proactive measures by government and the print medium were powerful factors in how the epidemic was reported. The study also shows an interesting dimension in Vanguard’s early and latter coverage of the EVD outbreak while it lasted in Nigeria. This dimension reveals a high number of EVD articles with the propensity to inspire fear and panic in the early days of the coverage compared to EVD articles with the propensity to douse fear and panic in the early and latter days of the outbreak. The study shows that while the challenges encountered stem from Ebola’s mode of transmission, lack of scientific and medically proven cure and early coverage amidst uncertainties, the inherent tensions and anxieties that characterised the outbreak coupled with Vanguard’s fire brigade approach led to the relatively high number of EVD articles with the propensity to inspire fear and panic. The study recommends the mass media’s inclusion in national responses to epidemics and ongoing training for health journalists to update their knowledge base about emerging and infectious diseases. The study also recommends for further study a reception analysis to enhance the socio-cultural understanding of how the EVD articles were received.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
Pharmacological Evaluation and Medicinal Potential of Vachellia Karroo (Hayne) Banfi & Galasso Pods traditionally used to treat Sexually Transmitted Diseases in the Eastern Cape, South Africa.
- Authors: Maposa, Sandisiwe
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Medicinal plants
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/14583 , vital:40017
- Description: Vachellia karroo is widely used in folk medicine in the Eastern Cape Province South Africa, however, the pods are usually discarded as waste. The current study was conducted to evaluate the phytochemical content and the antioxidant activity of V. karroo pods. The pods were extracted using acetone, distilled water, hexane and methanol. The total phenol, flavonoid, proanthocyanidin, alkaloid and saponin contents of the various extracts were determined spectrometrically and antioxidant activity was evaluated using inhibition of 2,2-diphenyl-1- picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), 2,2´-azino-bis-(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonic acid (ABTS), nitric oxide (NO) radicals, while total antioxidant capacity (TAC) was estimated by the phosphomolybdenum assay. V. karro pods had significant amounts of total phenols, flavonoids and proanthocynadin, although, proanthocynadin was not detected in the aqueous and hexane extracts. Methanol and acetone extracts showed higher phenolic, proanthocynadin and flavonoids contents (52.47 ± 6.82 and 29.31 ± 1.49), (334.8±85.1 and 231.22 ±1.80),(288±4.26 & 208.2±17.7) compared to the aqueous and hexane extracts. The alkaloid and saponin contents were 26.67 and 12.85 % respectively. The IC50 values of the methanol extract for DPPH, ABTS and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) were 0.345, 0.017 and 0.116 mg/mL, respectively. Methanol extract of V. karroo pod showed higher polyphenolic content of all the extracts analysed with corresponding strong free radical scavenging potential. These underutilized pods could serve as a new source of antioxidant compounds which could help in combating various ailments. The great antioxidant activity displayed by V. karroo pods extract supports the therapeutic use of this plant in traditional medicine and are attributed to the phytochemical content.The current information suggests that extracts from Vachellia karroo pods might be a ix cheap potential source of natural antioxidants that could be of great importance for the treatment of free radical related diseases. Furthermore, it makes a case for the utilization of the pods instead of discarding them as waste materials. The evaluation of antimicrobial potential of Vachellia karroo extracts was carried out using agar dilution assay against 8 bacterial strains-4 gram-positive [ Enterococcus faecalis (ATCC 29212), Staphylococcus aureus (OK), Bacillus subtilis KZN, Bacillus cereus, and Streptococcus pyogenes] and 4 gram-negative strains[ Vibrio cholera, Klebsiella pneumonia (ATCC 4352), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (ATCC 19582), Salmonella typhi (OK) ]. Six fungal isolates[ Trichophyton mucoides ATCC 201382, Candida albicans (ATCC 10231), Candida glabatra, Penicillium chrysogenum, Aspergillus fumigatus, Penicillum aurantiogriseum] were usedor antifungal assessment. The methanol extract exhibited broad-spectrum activity, with Gram-positive strains being more sensitive than Gram-negative strains. The extracts also showed great inhibition against Candida albicans the fungal isolate responsible for causing candidiasis in women. Since the pods showed promising antimicrobial activity, they could serve as a cheap source for the treatment and management of these sexually transmitted infections. The brine shrimp toxicity test revealed successful hatching of the cysts was in the order: Aqueous extract> methanol extract> hexane extract> acetone extract. The hatching of nauplii was in a concentration dependent fashion, with hatching success decreasing with increase in concentration of extracts. Lethality of extracts determined based on Meyerʼs index of toxicity, showed that the acetone and hexane extracts of V. karroo were moderately toxic. The results of this study indicated that aqueous and methanolic extracts of Vachellia karroo pods were not toxic, therefore supporting its traditional therapeutic usage. This implies that rather than discard x the pods as is waste as it being currently done, Vachellia karroo pods could be salvaged and processed along with the leaves, thus reducing environmental pollution. Proximate parameters (moisture, ash, crude fibre, crude fat, proteins, and carbohydrate) were evaluated using ALASA methods, and elemental analysis by ICP-OES technique. Nutritional analysis showed that V. karroo pods had low content of crude fat and high content of crude fibre, ash, crude protein, and carbohydrate sufficient to meet the recommended dietary allowances. The pods were rich in major minerals Ca, K, P and Mg, with sufficient amount of trace elements Na, Fe, Zn, and Cu. The outcome of this study suggests that Vachellia karroo pods have good nutritional potentials to support or complement the recommended dietary allowance and could be a cheap source of essential nutrients that could help in ameliorating most nutritional challenges as well as contribute remarkably to the amount of nutrient intake in human and animal diets.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Maposa, Sandisiwe
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Medicinal plants
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/14583 , vital:40017
- Description: Vachellia karroo is widely used in folk medicine in the Eastern Cape Province South Africa, however, the pods are usually discarded as waste. The current study was conducted to evaluate the phytochemical content and the antioxidant activity of V. karroo pods. The pods were extracted using acetone, distilled water, hexane and methanol. The total phenol, flavonoid, proanthocyanidin, alkaloid and saponin contents of the various extracts were determined spectrometrically and antioxidant activity was evaluated using inhibition of 2,2-diphenyl-1- picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), 2,2´-azino-bis-(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonic acid (ABTS), nitric oxide (NO) radicals, while total antioxidant capacity (TAC) was estimated by the phosphomolybdenum assay. V. karro pods had significant amounts of total phenols, flavonoids and proanthocynadin, although, proanthocynadin was not detected in the aqueous and hexane extracts. Methanol and acetone extracts showed higher phenolic, proanthocynadin and flavonoids contents (52.47 ± 6.82 and 29.31 ± 1.49), (334.8±85.1 and 231.22 ±1.80),(288±4.26 & 208.2±17.7) compared to the aqueous and hexane extracts. The alkaloid and saponin contents were 26.67 and 12.85 % respectively. The IC50 values of the methanol extract for DPPH, ABTS and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) were 0.345, 0.017 and 0.116 mg/mL, respectively. Methanol extract of V. karroo pod showed higher polyphenolic content of all the extracts analysed with corresponding strong free radical scavenging potential. These underutilized pods could serve as a new source of antioxidant compounds which could help in combating various ailments. The great antioxidant activity displayed by V. karroo pods extract supports the therapeutic use of this plant in traditional medicine and are attributed to the phytochemical content.The current information suggests that extracts from Vachellia karroo pods might be a ix cheap potential source of natural antioxidants that could be of great importance for the treatment of free radical related diseases. Furthermore, it makes a case for the utilization of the pods instead of discarding them as waste materials. The evaluation of antimicrobial potential of Vachellia karroo extracts was carried out using agar dilution assay against 8 bacterial strains-4 gram-positive [ Enterococcus faecalis (ATCC 29212), Staphylococcus aureus (OK), Bacillus subtilis KZN, Bacillus cereus, and Streptococcus pyogenes] and 4 gram-negative strains[ Vibrio cholera, Klebsiella pneumonia (ATCC 4352), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (ATCC 19582), Salmonella typhi (OK) ]. Six fungal isolates[ Trichophyton mucoides ATCC 201382, Candida albicans (ATCC 10231), Candida glabatra, Penicillium chrysogenum, Aspergillus fumigatus, Penicillum aurantiogriseum] were usedor antifungal assessment. The methanol extract exhibited broad-spectrum activity, with Gram-positive strains being more sensitive than Gram-negative strains. The extracts also showed great inhibition against Candida albicans the fungal isolate responsible for causing candidiasis in women. Since the pods showed promising antimicrobial activity, they could serve as a cheap source for the treatment and management of these sexually transmitted infections. The brine shrimp toxicity test revealed successful hatching of the cysts was in the order: Aqueous extract> methanol extract> hexane extract> acetone extract. The hatching of nauplii was in a concentration dependent fashion, with hatching success decreasing with increase in concentration of extracts. Lethality of extracts determined based on Meyerʼs index of toxicity, showed that the acetone and hexane extracts of V. karroo were moderately toxic. The results of this study indicated that aqueous and methanolic extracts of Vachellia karroo pods were not toxic, therefore supporting its traditional therapeutic usage. This implies that rather than discard x the pods as is waste as it being currently done, Vachellia karroo pods could be salvaged and processed along with the leaves, thus reducing environmental pollution. Proximate parameters (moisture, ash, crude fibre, crude fat, proteins, and carbohydrate) were evaluated using ALASA methods, and elemental analysis by ICP-OES technique. Nutritional analysis showed that V. karroo pods had low content of crude fat and high content of crude fibre, ash, crude protein, and carbohydrate sufficient to meet the recommended dietary allowances. The pods were rich in major minerals Ca, K, P and Mg, with sufficient amount of trace elements Na, Fe, Zn, and Cu. The outcome of this study suggests that Vachellia karroo pods have good nutritional potentials to support or complement the recommended dietary allowance and could be a cheap source of essential nutrients that could help in ameliorating most nutritional challenges as well as contribute remarkably to the amount of nutrient intake in human and animal diets.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
Preliminary investigation of the molecular pathogenicity determinants of Xanthomonas campestris pv. zeae
- Authors: Downing, T G
- Date: 1998
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:4066 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1004922
- Description: Xanthomonas campestris pv. zeae was shown to posses a vast range of potential plant cell wall degrading enzymes including at least one protease, a carboxymethylcellulase, pectin lyase, polygalacturonase and a B-endoglucanase. Replicon stability and transfer system efficiencies were determined for a range of oriC, and oriT -tra combinations, and suitable vectors were constructed and identified for insertional inactivation by homologous recombination. Ideal suicide replicons were found to be pACYC184 and p15A, while P, Wand Q group replicons were supported by X campestris pv. zeae. Group P and group N transfer systems were shown to be highly efficient in intra-genus matings between Escherichia coli and X campestris pv. zeae, with the exception of P-tra systems in trans for the delivery of Tn5. Various cloning vectors were tested for stability and mobility. Tn5 was shown to transpose at high frequencies into the genome of the bacterial plant pathogen, and insertion was relatively random. Suitable screening assays were established to allow rapid isolation of mutants with potential virulence or pathogenic deviations, after mutagenesis. Two non-pathogenic mutants were identified, one of which was a putative hrp·, while the other was a leaky virulence. A single mutant showing 40% reduced protease activity was also shown to exhibit reduced virulence indicating a minor role for the protease in pathogenicity. The majority of virulence mutants showed altered growth in different levels of nutritional availability and complexity. Nutritional viability (the ability to acquire and use nutrients at a sufficient rate to grow fast enough to overcome host defences) was shown to be essential for virulence and possibly pathogenicity. Wild-type in-planta behaviour was analysed and growth and spread patterns typical for pathogenic response identified. Chief amongst these was the requirement for a threshold level of cells per leaf area or length, before symptoms could develop. Occlusion of vascular bundles was shown not to be the primary factor in the pathogenicity of X campestris pv. zeae. Threshold levels for lesion development indicate the absence of a diffusable lesion forming element, and possibly the requirement of cell density for induction of certain functions. , KMBT_363
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1998
- Authors: Downing, T G
- Date: 1998
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:4066 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1004922
- Description: Xanthomonas campestris pv. zeae was shown to posses a vast range of potential plant cell wall degrading enzymes including at least one protease, a carboxymethylcellulase, pectin lyase, polygalacturonase and a B-endoglucanase. Replicon stability and transfer system efficiencies were determined for a range of oriC, and oriT -tra combinations, and suitable vectors were constructed and identified for insertional inactivation by homologous recombination. Ideal suicide replicons were found to be pACYC184 and p15A, while P, Wand Q group replicons were supported by X campestris pv. zeae. Group P and group N transfer systems were shown to be highly efficient in intra-genus matings between Escherichia coli and X campestris pv. zeae, with the exception of P-tra systems in trans for the delivery of Tn5. Various cloning vectors were tested for stability and mobility. Tn5 was shown to transpose at high frequencies into the genome of the bacterial plant pathogen, and insertion was relatively random. Suitable screening assays were established to allow rapid isolation of mutants with potential virulence or pathogenic deviations, after mutagenesis. Two non-pathogenic mutants were identified, one of which was a putative hrp·, while the other was a leaky virulence. A single mutant showing 40% reduced protease activity was also shown to exhibit reduced virulence indicating a minor role for the protease in pathogenicity. The majority of virulence mutants showed altered growth in different levels of nutritional availability and complexity. Nutritional viability (the ability to acquire and use nutrients at a sufficient rate to grow fast enough to overcome host defences) was shown to be essential for virulence and possibly pathogenicity. Wild-type in-planta behaviour was analysed and growth and spread patterns typical for pathogenic response identified. Chief amongst these was the requirement for a threshold level of cells per leaf area or length, before symptoms could develop. Occlusion of vascular bundles was shown not to be the primary factor in the pathogenicity of X campestris pv. zeae. Threshold levels for lesion development indicate the absence of a diffusable lesion forming element, and possibly the requirement of cell density for induction of certain functions. , KMBT_363
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1998
Production of Indigenous Leafy Vegetables (ILVs) and their contribution to household food security: evidence from Coffee Bay, Eastern Cape Province of South Africa
- Authors: Mayekiso Anele
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Food security , Edible greens , Vegetable gardening -- South Africa , Food -- Preservation
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc Agric (Agricultural Economics)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/712 , vital:26490 , Food security , Edible greens , Vegetable gardening -- South Africa , Food -- Preservation
- Description: This study used cross-sectional survey data to estimate farmers` perceptions of, and commonly cultivated ILVs, factors that influence the participation of smallholder famers in the production of Indigenous Leafy Vegetables and its contribution to household food security]. With regard to farmers` perceptions of ILVs, descriptive results reveal that a majority of the people from the study area share positive perceptions with respect to ILVs. Regression estimates for determinants of participation indicate that the production of ILVs is primarily conditioned by shared perceptions and institutional factors rather than the socio-economic attributes of farmers. Public policies that address the institutional framework (extension, credit, market and social networks) in favour of ILVs are more likely to promote production. Also, more research on the documentation and benefits of ILVs, supported by investments targeting educational campaigns towards promoting positive attitudes and dispelling fears and myths surrounding ILVs, will further promote production. With reference to the contribution of ILVs to food security, descriptive results indicate that participation in the production of ILVs leads to a higher HDDS and a lower HFIAS. Regression estimates further revealed that participation positively contributes to a higher HDDS and a lower HFIAS, suggesting that households who participate in the production of ILVs are more likely to be food secure than non-participants. Therefore, participation in the production of ILVs has significant potential to address household food security.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
- Authors: Mayekiso Anele
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Food security , Edible greens , Vegetable gardening -- South Africa , Food -- Preservation
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc Agric (Agricultural Economics)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/712 , vital:26490 , Food security , Edible greens , Vegetable gardening -- South Africa , Food -- Preservation
- Description: This study used cross-sectional survey data to estimate farmers` perceptions of, and commonly cultivated ILVs, factors that influence the participation of smallholder famers in the production of Indigenous Leafy Vegetables and its contribution to household food security]. With regard to farmers` perceptions of ILVs, descriptive results reveal that a majority of the people from the study area share positive perceptions with respect to ILVs. Regression estimates for determinants of participation indicate that the production of ILVs is primarily conditioned by shared perceptions and institutional factors rather than the socio-economic attributes of farmers. Public policies that address the institutional framework (extension, credit, market and social networks) in favour of ILVs are more likely to promote production. Also, more research on the documentation and benefits of ILVs, supported by investments targeting educational campaigns towards promoting positive attitudes and dispelling fears and myths surrounding ILVs, will further promote production. With reference to the contribution of ILVs to food security, descriptive results indicate that participation in the production of ILVs leads to a higher HDDS and a lower HFIAS. Regression estimates further revealed that participation positively contributes to a higher HDDS and a lower HFIAS, suggesting that households who participate in the production of ILVs are more likely to be food secure than non-participants. Therefore, participation in the production of ILVs has significant potential to address household food security.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016