A model to enhance the perceived trustworthiness of Eastern Cape essential oil producers selling through electronic marketplaces
- Authors: Gcora, Nozibele
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Electronic commerce -- Security measures -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Essences and essential oils -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Essences and essential oils -- Marketing , Internet marketing -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/2194 , vital:27672
- Description: Eastern Cape Province farmers in the natural essential oils industry are yet to fully realise the use of electronic commerce (e-commerce) platforms, such as electronic marketplaces (e-marketplaces) for business purposes. This is due to the issues that include lack of awareness, poor product quality, untrusted payment gateways and unsuccessful delivery that are associated with e-marketplaces. As a result, farmers do not trust e-marketplaces and therefore hesitate to engage in e-marketplaces for business purposes. This is further complicated by natural essential oils buyers‟ tendency of preferring face-to-face interaction with a supplier rather than online interaction as they need quality assurance. As such, this research proposes a model to enhance the perceived trustworthiness of natural essential oil producers in the Eastern Cape Province selling through e-marketplaces. The model constitutes the factors that could be considered in assisting essential oil producers to create a perception of trustworthiness to buyers in e-marketplaces. These factors were evaluated amongst five organisations involved in the production, retail or processing of essential oils using a multiple-case study methodology. The study‟s use of multiple-case study was applied within the interpretivist paradigm and five cases were considered. Interviews, document analysis and observations were used for data collection. Data analysis was done using within-case analysis followed by cross-case analysis to establish factors of trust. The essential oil producers based in the Gauteng, Kwazulu-Natal and Western Cape provinces were cases that had been successfully using e-marketplaces for a notable period of time. Accordingly, factors that contributed to the successful use of e-marketplaces informed the proposed model of this research. The model proposes that perceived trustworthiness of enterprises in e-marketplaces can be achieved through following the uncertainty reduction stages (Entry, Personal and Exit) and applying uncertainty reduction strategies (passive, active and interactive).
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
- Authors: Gcora, Nozibele
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Electronic commerce -- Security measures -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Essences and essential oils -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Essences and essential oils -- Marketing , Internet marketing -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/2194 , vital:27672
- Description: Eastern Cape Province farmers in the natural essential oils industry are yet to fully realise the use of electronic commerce (e-commerce) platforms, such as electronic marketplaces (e-marketplaces) for business purposes. This is due to the issues that include lack of awareness, poor product quality, untrusted payment gateways and unsuccessful delivery that are associated with e-marketplaces. As a result, farmers do not trust e-marketplaces and therefore hesitate to engage in e-marketplaces for business purposes. This is further complicated by natural essential oils buyers‟ tendency of preferring face-to-face interaction with a supplier rather than online interaction as they need quality assurance. As such, this research proposes a model to enhance the perceived trustworthiness of natural essential oil producers in the Eastern Cape Province selling through e-marketplaces. The model constitutes the factors that could be considered in assisting essential oil producers to create a perception of trustworthiness to buyers in e-marketplaces. These factors were evaluated amongst five organisations involved in the production, retail or processing of essential oils using a multiple-case study methodology. The study‟s use of multiple-case study was applied within the interpretivist paradigm and five cases were considered. Interviews, document analysis and observations were used for data collection. Data analysis was done using within-case analysis followed by cross-case analysis to establish factors of trust. The essential oil producers based in the Gauteng, Kwazulu-Natal and Western Cape provinces were cases that had been successfully using e-marketplaces for a notable period of time. Accordingly, factors that contributed to the successful use of e-marketplaces informed the proposed model of this research. The model proposes that perceived trustworthiness of enterprises in e-marketplaces can be achieved through following the uncertainty reduction stages (Entry, Personal and Exit) and applying uncertainty reduction strategies (passive, active and interactive).
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
A preliminary validity study of the Rathus Assertiveness Schedule with a sample of the South African university population
- Authors: Dares, Anna Ewa
- Date: 1981
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:21178 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/6771
- Description: The study investigated the validity of the Rathus Assertiveness Schedule (RAS) with a sample (N=l68) of the white South African undergraduate students. In terms of criterion- related validity, results indicated that ratings of external judges, unaware of their subjects' self-evaluation, correlated significantly with the assertiveness scores of the male subjects only. Construct validation of the RAS with ten personality traits measured by the Howarth Personality Questionnaire yielded results consistent with Wolpe's hypothesis that assertiveness relates inversely to anxiety. In addition, evidence was found to support the contention that assertiveness correlates negatively with inferiority. A principal components analysis of the RAS revealed a potentially useful factor structure for both males and females. A number of factors including situation-specific assertive behavior as well as factors measuring aggressiveness were identified for both sexes.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1981
- Authors: Dares, Anna Ewa
- Date: 1981
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:21178 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/6771
- Description: The study investigated the validity of the Rathus Assertiveness Schedule (RAS) with a sample (N=l68) of the white South African undergraduate students. In terms of criterion- related validity, results indicated that ratings of external judges, unaware of their subjects' self-evaluation, correlated significantly with the assertiveness scores of the male subjects only. Construct validation of the RAS with ten personality traits measured by the Howarth Personality Questionnaire yielded results consistent with Wolpe's hypothesis that assertiveness relates inversely to anxiety. In addition, evidence was found to support the contention that assertiveness correlates negatively with inferiority. A principal components analysis of the RAS revealed a potentially useful factor structure for both males and females. A number of factors including situation-specific assertive behavior as well as factors measuring aggressiveness were identified for both sexes.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1981
An analysis of exchange rate pass-through to prices in South Africa
- Authors: Karoro, Tapiwa Daniel
- Date: 2008
- Subjects: Foreign exchange rates -- South Africa , Monetary policy -- South Africa , Inflation (Finance) -- South Africa , Prices -- South Africa , Banks and banking -- South Africa , South Africa -- Economic policy
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: vital:953 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002687 , Foreign exchange rates -- South Africa , Monetary policy -- South Africa , Inflation (Finance) -- South Africa , Prices -- South Africa , Banks and banking -- South Africa , South Africa -- Economic policy
- Description: The fact that South Africa has a floating exchange rate policy as well as an open trade policy leaves the country’s import, producer and consumer prices susceptible to the effects of exchange rate movements. Given the central role that inflation targeting occupies in South Africa’s monetary policy, it becomes necessary to determine the nature of influence of exchange rate changes on domestic prices. To this end, this thesis examines the magnitude and speed of exchange rate pass-through (ERPT) to import, producer and consumer prices in South Africa. Furthermore, it explores whether the direction and size of changes in the exchange rate have different pass-through effects on import prices, that is, whether the exchange rate pass-through is symmetric or asymmetric. The paper uses monthly data covering the period January 1980 to December 2005. In investigating ERPT, two main stages are identified. The initial stage is the transmission of fluctuations in the exchange rate to import prices, while the second-stage entails the pass-through of changes in import prices to producer and consumer prices. The first stage is estimated using the Johansen (1991) and (1995) cointegration techniques and a vector error correction model (VECM). The second stage pass-through is determined by estimating impulse response and variance decomposition functions, as well as conducting block exogeneity Wald tests. The study follows Wickremasinghe and Silvapulle’s (2004) approach in estimating pass-through asymmetry with respect to appreciations and depreciations. In addition, the thesis adapts the analytical framework of Wickremasinghe and Silvapulle (2004) to investigate the pass-through of large and small changes in the exchange rate to import prices. The results suggest that ERPT in South Africa is incomplete but relatively high. Furthermore, ERPT is found to be higher in periods of rand depreciation than appreciation which supports the binding quantity constraint theory. There is also some evidence that pass-through is higher in periods of small changes than large changes in the exchange rate, which supports the menu cost theory when invoices are denominated in the exporters’ currency.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2008
- Authors: Karoro, Tapiwa Daniel
- Date: 2008
- Subjects: Foreign exchange rates -- South Africa , Monetary policy -- South Africa , Inflation (Finance) -- South Africa , Prices -- South Africa , Banks and banking -- South Africa , South Africa -- Economic policy
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: vital:953 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002687 , Foreign exchange rates -- South Africa , Monetary policy -- South Africa , Inflation (Finance) -- South Africa , Prices -- South Africa , Banks and banking -- South Africa , South Africa -- Economic policy
- Description: The fact that South Africa has a floating exchange rate policy as well as an open trade policy leaves the country’s import, producer and consumer prices susceptible to the effects of exchange rate movements. Given the central role that inflation targeting occupies in South Africa’s monetary policy, it becomes necessary to determine the nature of influence of exchange rate changes on domestic prices. To this end, this thesis examines the magnitude and speed of exchange rate pass-through (ERPT) to import, producer and consumer prices in South Africa. Furthermore, it explores whether the direction and size of changes in the exchange rate have different pass-through effects on import prices, that is, whether the exchange rate pass-through is symmetric or asymmetric. The paper uses monthly data covering the period January 1980 to December 2005. In investigating ERPT, two main stages are identified. The initial stage is the transmission of fluctuations in the exchange rate to import prices, while the second-stage entails the pass-through of changes in import prices to producer and consumer prices. The first stage is estimated using the Johansen (1991) and (1995) cointegration techniques and a vector error correction model (VECM). The second stage pass-through is determined by estimating impulse response and variance decomposition functions, as well as conducting block exogeneity Wald tests. The study follows Wickremasinghe and Silvapulle’s (2004) approach in estimating pass-through asymmetry with respect to appreciations and depreciations. In addition, the thesis adapts the analytical framework of Wickremasinghe and Silvapulle (2004) to investigate the pass-through of large and small changes in the exchange rate to import prices. The results suggest that ERPT in South Africa is incomplete but relatively high. Furthermore, ERPT is found to be higher in periods of rand depreciation than appreciation which supports the binding quantity constraint theory. There is also some evidence that pass-through is higher in periods of small changes than large changes in the exchange rate, which supports the menu cost theory when invoices are denominated in the exporters’ currency.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2008
An analytical study of narrative techniques in Giono's Regain
- Authors: Abel, Hermione
- Date: 1986
- Subjects: French fiction , Novels , Criticism , Symbolism , Regain , Giono, Jean, 1895-1970 -- Criticism and interpretation
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:3561 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002008
- Description: The dominant theme in Regain is that of death leading to rebirth. This dissertation attempts to explore Giono's narrative techniques within this context. No single chapter will be devoted to a specific technique; instead, the various devices used by the author are discussed as they emerge from the structure of the chapters. Justifying the field of study as defined in the "Introduction", the following three chapters outline the passage of life from death to eventual rebirth. With acknowledgement to Frank Kermode, who writes: "A concord of past, present and future three dreams which, as Augustine said, cross in our minds, as in the present of things past, the present of things present, and the present of things future" ¹, the first three chapters bear his terminology for their headings. Chapter One, "The Present of Things Past", deals with Mameche's loss of her husband and son. Chapter Two, "The Present of Things Present", focuses upon Mameche' s realization of Gaubert's departure, and the decision that she must do something to save the dying village of Aubignane. Chapter Three, "The Present of Things Future", sees Mameche setting out in search of a wife for Panturle, and succeeding. This brings to an end Part One of the novel. Interwoven throughout the chapters are paradigms from Greek mythology, rich in universal symbolism, and the author's belief in man's ability to fuse himself with his surroundings. The conclusion summarizes the findings of this study, attempting to show how an analysis of Giono's narrative technique provides an insight into such a novel as Regain. ¹The Sense of an Ending (London: Oxford University Press, 1966), rpt., 1970, p. 50.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1986
- Authors: Abel, Hermione
- Date: 1986
- Subjects: French fiction , Novels , Criticism , Symbolism , Regain , Giono, Jean, 1895-1970 -- Criticism and interpretation
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:3561 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002008
- Description: The dominant theme in Regain is that of death leading to rebirth. This dissertation attempts to explore Giono's narrative techniques within this context. No single chapter will be devoted to a specific technique; instead, the various devices used by the author are discussed as they emerge from the structure of the chapters. Justifying the field of study as defined in the "Introduction", the following three chapters outline the passage of life from death to eventual rebirth. With acknowledgement to Frank Kermode, who writes: "A concord of past, present and future three dreams which, as Augustine said, cross in our minds, as in the present of things past, the present of things present, and the present of things future" ¹, the first three chapters bear his terminology for their headings. Chapter One, "The Present of Things Past", deals with Mameche's loss of her husband and son. Chapter Two, "The Present of Things Present", focuses upon Mameche' s realization of Gaubert's departure, and the decision that she must do something to save the dying village of Aubignane. Chapter Three, "The Present of Things Future", sees Mameche setting out in search of a wife for Panturle, and succeeding. This brings to an end Part One of the novel. Interwoven throughout the chapters are paradigms from Greek mythology, rich in universal symbolism, and the author's belief in man's ability to fuse himself with his surroundings. The conclusion summarizes the findings of this study, attempting to show how an analysis of Giono's narrative technique provides an insight into such a novel as Regain. ¹The Sense of an Ending (London: Oxford University Press, 1966), rpt., 1970, p. 50.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1986
An interevention strategy for improving reading comprehension in grade 9: a case study in one secondary school in East london education district
- Authors: Fesi, Liziwe
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: English language -- Study and teaching -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Reading comprehension -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , Degree
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/5905 , vital:29417
- Description: The study focused on strategies for improving reading comprehension skills at Grade 9 level through story writing in one secondary school in the East London Education District. Vygotskian theory formed the theoretical framework for this study, aligned with language theories as relevant literature for this particular research study. Data was generated from 15 Grade 9 learners who were selected from 3 Grade 9 classes using convenience sampling, comprising of five learners from Grade 9(a) intervention group, five learners from Grade 9(b) and five learners from Grade 9(c) non-intervention group who were selected for this study with the inclusion of two Grade 9 teachers and one Grade 8 teacher. Involvement of the grade 8 teacher is relevant to determine the voice from a Grade 8 teacher as an informed voice, which filtered into understanding how and why Grade 9 learners are unable to read and write with understanding in their present grade. The teachers were given three questions for semi-structured interviews. All the learners were given a specific activity as a pre-assessment without intervention strategy. The Grade 9(a), which is the intervention class, used story writing as an intervention strategy where they began a two week study using intensive intervention strategies, amounting to a total of 18 weeks study from pre-assessment to post-assessment. At the conclusion of the study the selected learners undertook a post-assessment using the same specific activity as in the pre-assessment. Subsequently, these selected Grade 9 learners’ reading comprehension pre-assessment and post-assessment was analysed. Five of the grade 9(a) learners demonstrated significant improvement in the intervention activities they were given. Grade 9(b) and Grade 9(c) showed difficulty in the post-assessment as they were the non-intervention group. It was concluded that Grade 9(a) learners performed better in the post-assessment. This could be attributed to the use of story writing as an intervention strategy to improve their English reading and reading comprehension skills. Keywords: intervention, reading, comprehension.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
- Authors: Fesi, Liziwe
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: English language -- Study and teaching -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Reading comprehension -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , Degree
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/5905 , vital:29417
- Description: The study focused on strategies for improving reading comprehension skills at Grade 9 level through story writing in one secondary school in the East London Education District. Vygotskian theory formed the theoretical framework for this study, aligned with language theories as relevant literature for this particular research study. Data was generated from 15 Grade 9 learners who were selected from 3 Grade 9 classes using convenience sampling, comprising of five learners from Grade 9(a) intervention group, five learners from Grade 9(b) and five learners from Grade 9(c) non-intervention group who were selected for this study with the inclusion of two Grade 9 teachers and one Grade 8 teacher. Involvement of the grade 8 teacher is relevant to determine the voice from a Grade 8 teacher as an informed voice, which filtered into understanding how and why Grade 9 learners are unable to read and write with understanding in their present grade. The teachers were given three questions for semi-structured interviews. All the learners were given a specific activity as a pre-assessment without intervention strategy. The Grade 9(a), which is the intervention class, used story writing as an intervention strategy where they began a two week study using intensive intervention strategies, amounting to a total of 18 weeks study from pre-assessment to post-assessment. At the conclusion of the study the selected learners undertook a post-assessment using the same specific activity as in the pre-assessment. Subsequently, these selected Grade 9 learners’ reading comprehension pre-assessment and post-assessment was analysed. Five of the grade 9(a) learners demonstrated significant improvement in the intervention activities they were given. Grade 9(b) and Grade 9(c) showed difficulty in the post-assessment as they were the non-intervention group. It was concluded that Grade 9(a) learners performed better in the post-assessment. This could be attributed to the use of story writing as an intervention strategy to improve their English reading and reading comprehension skills. Keywords: intervention, reading, comprehension.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
An investigation of the effetiveness of correctional centre-based vocational training programmes towards reducing recidivism
- Authors: Mangesi, Nosipho
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Recidivism Social justice
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSoc (Criminology)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/16408 , vital:40717
- Description: Since the Department of Correctional Services has been transformed into an institution of rehabilitation and skills development, there is a need for a sound classification system whereby offenders are classified according to their potential for treatment and training programmes that match their risk/needs. The study was conducted in Middledrift Correctional Centre in the Eastern Cape with the aim of examining the effectiveness of correctionally based vocational training programmes towards reducing recidivism. Research towards correctional programmes was necessitated by the extant of recidivism in South Africa. The question is where does the problem lie because offenders are provided with rehabilitation programmes to make them law abiding citizens and reintegrate well into the community up on release but, in many cases it does not become possible as many ex-offenders return to custody either for new offence or parole violation. The study used qualitative design in data collection and in explaining the results. A sample of sixteen recidivists and five correctional officials formed participants for the study selecting using purposive sampling procedures. Involvement in vocational programmes was used as a criteria for selectiong of correctional officials as participants. In-depth interviews were conducted with eight recidivists and all five correctional officials and a focus group interview was held with the other eight set of recidivists. The study examined the impact of vocational programmes on recidivism followed by the factors that hinder effective offender rehabilitation and factors that influence recidivism up on release. The findings of this study were analysed using thematic analysis with the assistance of a voice recorder as a back up for collected data. Findings revealed that a small number of recidivists attend vocational training programmes and these programmes vi (vocational) are short in the centre together with programme facilitators at the time of reporting. Offenders stated that the available vocational programmes are of no interest to them. Participantas stated that vocational training does assist in desisting criminal activities up on release as it provide skills and opportunities for employment to curb unemployment as indicated as a major factor influencing recidivism. Findings also revealed that periodic re-assesment is not adequately conducted and classification for vocational training is not likely to be sufficiently done according to offender risk/needs. The study recommends that, a large number of offenders be provided with vocational training programmes and that offender classification incorporate the principles of RNR model
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Mangesi, Nosipho
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Recidivism Social justice
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSoc (Criminology)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/16408 , vital:40717
- Description: Since the Department of Correctional Services has been transformed into an institution of rehabilitation and skills development, there is a need for a sound classification system whereby offenders are classified according to their potential for treatment and training programmes that match their risk/needs. The study was conducted in Middledrift Correctional Centre in the Eastern Cape with the aim of examining the effectiveness of correctionally based vocational training programmes towards reducing recidivism. Research towards correctional programmes was necessitated by the extant of recidivism in South Africa. The question is where does the problem lie because offenders are provided with rehabilitation programmes to make them law abiding citizens and reintegrate well into the community up on release but, in many cases it does not become possible as many ex-offenders return to custody either for new offence or parole violation. The study used qualitative design in data collection and in explaining the results. A sample of sixteen recidivists and five correctional officials formed participants for the study selecting using purposive sampling procedures. Involvement in vocational programmes was used as a criteria for selectiong of correctional officials as participants. In-depth interviews were conducted with eight recidivists and all five correctional officials and a focus group interview was held with the other eight set of recidivists. The study examined the impact of vocational programmes on recidivism followed by the factors that hinder effective offender rehabilitation and factors that influence recidivism up on release. The findings of this study were analysed using thematic analysis with the assistance of a voice recorder as a back up for collected data. Findings revealed that a small number of recidivists attend vocational training programmes and these programmes vi (vocational) are short in the centre together with programme facilitators at the time of reporting. Offenders stated that the available vocational programmes are of no interest to them. Participantas stated that vocational training does assist in desisting criminal activities up on release as it provide skills and opportunities for employment to curb unemployment as indicated as a major factor influencing recidivism. Findings also revealed that periodic re-assesment is not adequately conducted and classification for vocational training is not likely to be sufficiently done according to offender risk/needs. The study recommends that, a large number of offenders be provided with vocational training programmes and that offender classification incorporate the principles of RNR model
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
An investigation on the motivational feattures influence on technical efficiency and profitability of smallholder irrigated crop farmers in Kwa-Nobuhle, Eastern Cape province of South Africa
- Authors: Funde, Sibongile
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Crops -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Marketing Irrigation farming -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Agriculture -- Economic aspects -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/11917 , vital:39118
- Description: Substantial impact and the importance of agriculture in the economies of the developing countries is increasingly acknowledged. Agriculture generally has shown to remain crucial to economic development. It has been noted that agricultural growth plays a pivotal role in poverty reduction and employment creation. Due to the potential of the smallholder sector to alleviate poverty and minimize unemployment rate leading to the country’s economic growth, enormous development programs have in the past and continues to be implemented by South African government. Programs such as land-based development strategies including agriculture, extension services, improved technologies including irrigation establishment, revitalization and rehabilitation, water rights legislation and financial support. However, the current state of smallholder low-agricultural productivity growth trends raises concerns on what other fundamental development strategies to implement in order to enhance agricultural productivity growth. Hence, this study seeks to address the impact of social farming on agricultural productivity by investigating smallholder farmer’s motivational features. Motivational features regarded are as important determinants of success, modify behaviour, serve to mobilize and direct energy into actions. Given the importance of motivational features and their formation in social interaction, the objective of the study was to investigate motivational features of smallholder farmers with regard to expanding irrigation land, determine technical efficiency of smallholder farmers as well as their profitability generation capability. A multistage sampling method was used that involved using purposive sampling, simple random sampling was adopted where three smallholder agriculture projects using irrigation methods to farm were selected and by use of snowball sampling the study ended up collecting data from a total of 124 respondents. The sample was chosen on the basis that smallholder farmers hold attributes that were crucial for execution of this research. The study proceeded by conducting face-to face interviews of smallholder farmers, focus groups and key informant using interview schedules and a questionnaire consisting both open and close-ended questions. Data were analysed using different methods. Firstly, data were analysed descriptively to get a deeper understanding of smallholder farmer’s socio-economic characteristics as well as their motivational features. Secondly, data were analysed statistically to determine Technical Efficiency (TE) of smallholder farmers using both Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) and Stochastic Frontier Analysis (SFA). Lastly, Gross Margin Analysis was used to measure farmer’s profitability. Results show that smallholder farmers have a range of motivational features that incorporates both productive and non-productive goals. The study made use of twenty-five goals obtained from literature studies and categorised them into six motivational feature types namely; outcome based, process focused/extrinsic, performance, achievement, intrinsic/self-efficacy, and household livelihood strategies. Smallholder female and male outcome based motivations were found to be statistically significant at 5percent, while process focused/extrinsic, performance, achievement, intrinsic/self-efficacy and household livelihood strategies motivations between them were found not to be statistically significant, which means that smallholder female and male motivations are not different and that both farmers consider such motivations at the same level. Technical Efficiency (TE) was measured using DEA method and was found to be 0.70, which is different from the TE obtained using SFA that was 0.47. Three dominant crops were produced, namely potatoes, cabbage and spinach. Cabbage crop was the most produced, had the highest gross margin results with a commercialization ratio of 0.33percent as compared to potatoes and spinach. Which indicates that cabbage is a high value crop to smallholder farmers of Kwa-Nobuhle area. In view of the research findings, it was concluded that motivational features of smallholder farmers were positively related to technical efficiency which implies that the more motivated farmers become, the higher their technical efficiency, hence their potential to expand land under irrigation. Cabbage production was high and more profitable than potatoes and spinach production. Recommendations include that government, NGO’s, private sector and institution need to promote the use of improved technologies, agricultural training and take smallholder farmer’s motivational features into account in development programmes. These actions are necessary to increase irrigated farming, overcome low-performance levels and enhance profitability of smallholder farmers, and ultimately achieve poverty alleviation and improve employment opportunities in the rural areas.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
- Authors: Funde, Sibongile
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Crops -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Marketing Irrigation farming -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Agriculture -- Economic aspects -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/11917 , vital:39118
- Description: Substantial impact and the importance of agriculture in the economies of the developing countries is increasingly acknowledged. Agriculture generally has shown to remain crucial to economic development. It has been noted that agricultural growth plays a pivotal role in poverty reduction and employment creation. Due to the potential of the smallholder sector to alleviate poverty and minimize unemployment rate leading to the country’s economic growth, enormous development programs have in the past and continues to be implemented by South African government. Programs such as land-based development strategies including agriculture, extension services, improved technologies including irrigation establishment, revitalization and rehabilitation, water rights legislation and financial support. However, the current state of smallholder low-agricultural productivity growth trends raises concerns on what other fundamental development strategies to implement in order to enhance agricultural productivity growth. Hence, this study seeks to address the impact of social farming on agricultural productivity by investigating smallholder farmer’s motivational features. Motivational features regarded are as important determinants of success, modify behaviour, serve to mobilize and direct energy into actions. Given the importance of motivational features and their formation in social interaction, the objective of the study was to investigate motivational features of smallholder farmers with regard to expanding irrigation land, determine technical efficiency of smallholder farmers as well as their profitability generation capability. A multistage sampling method was used that involved using purposive sampling, simple random sampling was adopted where three smallholder agriculture projects using irrigation methods to farm were selected and by use of snowball sampling the study ended up collecting data from a total of 124 respondents. The sample was chosen on the basis that smallholder farmers hold attributes that were crucial for execution of this research. The study proceeded by conducting face-to face interviews of smallholder farmers, focus groups and key informant using interview schedules and a questionnaire consisting both open and close-ended questions. Data were analysed using different methods. Firstly, data were analysed descriptively to get a deeper understanding of smallholder farmer’s socio-economic characteristics as well as their motivational features. Secondly, data were analysed statistically to determine Technical Efficiency (TE) of smallholder farmers using both Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) and Stochastic Frontier Analysis (SFA). Lastly, Gross Margin Analysis was used to measure farmer’s profitability. Results show that smallholder farmers have a range of motivational features that incorporates both productive and non-productive goals. The study made use of twenty-five goals obtained from literature studies and categorised them into six motivational feature types namely; outcome based, process focused/extrinsic, performance, achievement, intrinsic/self-efficacy, and household livelihood strategies. Smallholder female and male outcome based motivations were found to be statistically significant at 5percent, while process focused/extrinsic, performance, achievement, intrinsic/self-efficacy and household livelihood strategies motivations between them were found not to be statistically significant, which means that smallholder female and male motivations are not different and that both farmers consider such motivations at the same level. Technical Efficiency (TE) was measured using DEA method and was found to be 0.70, which is different from the TE obtained using SFA that was 0.47. Three dominant crops were produced, namely potatoes, cabbage and spinach. Cabbage crop was the most produced, had the highest gross margin results with a commercialization ratio of 0.33percent as compared to potatoes and spinach. Which indicates that cabbage is a high value crop to smallholder farmers of Kwa-Nobuhle area. In view of the research findings, it was concluded that motivational features of smallholder farmers were positively related to technical efficiency which implies that the more motivated farmers become, the higher their technical efficiency, hence their potential to expand land under irrigation. Cabbage production was high and more profitable than potatoes and spinach production. Recommendations include that government, NGO’s, private sector and institution need to promote the use of improved technologies, agricultural training and take smallholder farmer’s motivational features into account in development programmes. These actions are necessary to increase irrigated farming, overcome low-performance levels and enhance profitability of smallholder farmers, and ultimately achieve poverty alleviation and improve employment opportunities in the rural areas.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
Arguments for other minds
- Authors: Dowling, Dolina Sylvia
- Date: 1989
- Subjects: Mind and body -- Philosophy
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:2702 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1001977
- Description: If I am aware of my own mental states by introspection (a) How can I know that other people have minds? and (b) How can I know what their mental states are? These are two of the questions with which I will be concerned in this dissertation. I discuss five different attempts to deal with them. (i) The claim that we can know that other people have minds by an argument from analogy. I show a number of serious flaws in Russell's and other versions of this argument. (ii) Malcolm's thesis that the criteria by which we apply mental terms to others are just different from the criteria one applies in one's own case. I argue that Halcolm's accounts of both first- and third-person criteria are not adequate. (iii) I consider Strawson claim that 'persons' is a primitive concept and that behavioural criteria are "logically adequate" for determining the correctness of statements about the mental states of others. I argue that both of his key concepts are underanalysed. (iv) A quite different attempt to answer our questions (a) and (b) is given by the empirical realist who argues that knowledge claims about other minds are best understood as hypotheses in a wider psycho-physical theory. I show that the major fault in Putnam's version of empirical realism is that he overlooks the subjective character of (iii) our mental states. (v) Finally I consider the claim, due to Nagel, that a conception of mental states is possible which incorporates both subjective and objective aspects of the phenonemon. I speculate that with a great deal of development this approach might hold the answer to our questions.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1989
- Authors: Dowling, Dolina Sylvia
- Date: 1989
- Subjects: Mind and body -- Philosophy
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:2702 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1001977
- Description: If I am aware of my own mental states by introspection (a) How can I know that other people have minds? and (b) How can I know what their mental states are? These are two of the questions with which I will be concerned in this dissertation. I discuss five different attempts to deal with them. (i) The claim that we can know that other people have minds by an argument from analogy. I show a number of serious flaws in Russell's and other versions of this argument. (ii) Malcolm's thesis that the criteria by which we apply mental terms to others are just different from the criteria one applies in one's own case. I argue that Halcolm's accounts of both first- and third-person criteria are not adequate. (iii) I consider Strawson claim that 'persons' is a primitive concept and that behavioural criteria are "logically adequate" for determining the correctness of statements about the mental states of others. I argue that both of his key concepts are underanalysed. (iv) A quite different attempt to answer our questions (a) and (b) is given by the empirical realist who argues that knowledge claims about other minds are best understood as hypotheses in a wider psycho-physical theory. I show that the major fault in Putnam's version of empirical realism is that he overlooks the subjective character of (iii) our mental states. (v) Finally I consider the claim, due to Nagel, that a conception of mental states is possible which incorporates both subjective and objective aspects of the phenonemon. I speculate that with a great deal of development this approach might hold the answer to our questions.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1989
Assessment of the Lake Liambezi fishery, Zambezi region, Namibia
- Authors: Simasiku, Evans Kamwi
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Fishery management -- Namibia -- Lake Liambezi , Seines -- Namibia -- Lake Liambezi , Gillnetting -- Namibia -- Lake Liambezi , Fishes -- Namibia -- Lake Liambezi , Fisheries -- Catch effort -- Namibia -- Lake Liambezi
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:5366 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1013036
- Description: Lake Liambezi in the Zambezi Region of Namibia, formerly known as the Caprivi Region, is shallow (<6m deep) and characterised by cyclic episodes of filling and drying. When full the lake supports a highly productive fishery and when dry the lake is completely dry and used for agriculture and grazing. In 2000 the lake filled, and between May 2011 and April 2012 was surveyed using beach seine, experimental gillnets and catch landing surveys to obtain information for conservation and management recommendations for the fishery. Littoral fishes in Lake Liambezi and the Kavango floodplain were sampled using seine net and physicochemical properties were measured. Seine net surveys demonstrated that Lake Liambezi littoral zones were dominated by fishes of the family Alestidae (59.7%) while Cichlids constituted the most diverse family. Juvenile Tilapia rendalli and Oreochromis macrochir were among the five most important species in the littoral zone, indicating that these commercially important species use the littoral zone as a nursery ground. Since T. rendalli and O. macrochir are commercially important species, because of this, it is advised that seine nets should not be used. Catch efficiency between monofilament and multifilament gillnets in Lake Liambezi offshore waters were assessed. Catch efficiency experimental fishing trials showed that monofilament gillnets catch per unit effort (CPUE) was three times higher than that of multifilament gillnets for Oreochromis andersonii, O. macrochir, T. rendalli, Serranochromis macrocephalus and Clarias spp. Oreochromis andersonii comprised over 66% of the overall CPUE for both net types combined indicating the importance of this species in the gillnet fishery on the lake. A fishery has been established on the lake with more than 300 canoes and 120 fishermen using monofilament and multifilament gillnets. CPUE was 15 kg/canoe/day and was significantly (P < 0.05) associated with monthly temperature and moon phase parameters indicating that the fishery of Lake Liambezi may be altered by climate and environmental factors. Annual catch from Lake Liambezi was estimated at 3193t with an estimated productivity of 106kg/ha, suggesting that Lake Liambezi makes a significant contribution to the fish supply in the Zambezi Region. Recommendations were made to manage the Lake Liambezi fishery by imposing restrictions on effort (number of fishing boats), gear type, mesh sizes and access. Proper fisheries management and monitoring should incorporate climatic and environmental factors such as temperature and moon phase to meet the challenges of global climatic changes as well as other environmental issues.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
- Authors: Simasiku, Evans Kamwi
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Fishery management -- Namibia -- Lake Liambezi , Seines -- Namibia -- Lake Liambezi , Gillnetting -- Namibia -- Lake Liambezi , Fishes -- Namibia -- Lake Liambezi , Fisheries -- Catch effort -- Namibia -- Lake Liambezi
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:5366 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1013036
- Description: Lake Liambezi in the Zambezi Region of Namibia, formerly known as the Caprivi Region, is shallow (<6m deep) and characterised by cyclic episodes of filling and drying. When full the lake supports a highly productive fishery and when dry the lake is completely dry and used for agriculture and grazing. In 2000 the lake filled, and between May 2011 and April 2012 was surveyed using beach seine, experimental gillnets and catch landing surveys to obtain information for conservation and management recommendations for the fishery. Littoral fishes in Lake Liambezi and the Kavango floodplain were sampled using seine net and physicochemical properties were measured. Seine net surveys demonstrated that Lake Liambezi littoral zones were dominated by fishes of the family Alestidae (59.7%) while Cichlids constituted the most diverse family. Juvenile Tilapia rendalli and Oreochromis macrochir were among the five most important species in the littoral zone, indicating that these commercially important species use the littoral zone as a nursery ground. Since T. rendalli and O. macrochir are commercially important species, because of this, it is advised that seine nets should not be used. Catch efficiency between monofilament and multifilament gillnets in Lake Liambezi offshore waters were assessed. Catch efficiency experimental fishing trials showed that monofilament gillnets catch per unit effort (CPUE) was three times higher than that of multifilament gillnets for Oreochromis andersonii, O. macrochir, T. rendalli, Serranochromis macrocephalus and Clarias spp. Oreochromis andersonii comprised over 66% of the overall CPUE for both net types combined indicating the importance of this species in the gillnet fishery on the lake. A fishery has been established on the lake with more than 300 canoes and 120 fishermen using monofilament and multifilament gillnets. CPUE was 15 kg/canoe/day and was significantly (P < 0.05) associated with monthly temperature and moon phase parameters indicating that the fishery of Lake Liambezi may be altered by climate and environmental factors. Annual catch from Lake Liambezi was estimated at 3193t with an estimated productivity of 106kg/ha, suggesting that Lake Liambezi makes a significant contribution to the fish supply in the Zambezi Region. Recommendations were made to manage the Lake Liambezi fishery by imposing restrictions on effort (number of fishing boats), gear type, mesh sizes and access. Proper fisheries management and monitoring should incorporate climatic and environmental factors such as temperature and moon phase to meet the challenges of global climatic changes as well as other environmental issues.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
Bioinformatic analysis, isolation and kinetic characterisation of red algae (Gelidium capense) dehydrogenases
- Authors: Gogela, Yanga
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Bioinformatics Chondrus crispus
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/19164 , vital:39878
- Description: Lactate and alcohol dehydrogenases have attracted much attention in various industries and scientific research for their ability to produce chirally pure compounds and be assayed for activity using more straightforward and reproducible assay methods. These enzymes have been previously isolated and purified from various plants, animals and microorganisms. So far, the molecular and biochemical properties of enzymes from these dehydrogenase families in red algae are mostly unknown. Red macroalgae have been used for centuries for the treatment of various diseases and as a source of ingredients in the food industry. The aim of this study was to identify genes in the sequenced red algae genomes that encode dehydrogenases, to use bioinformatic tools to confirm that the proteins encoded are dehydrogenases and to isolate and kinetically purify alcohol or lactate dehydrogenase from red algae species found along the coastline of the Eastern Cape Province. A combination of bioinformatics tools, molecular and biochemical techniques were used to identify, purify, and characterise ADH and LDH enzymes. Bioinformatics analysis revealed two alcohol dehydrogenase genes and two hypothetical genes encoding functional domains similar to D-lactate dehydrogenases from other species. The ADH and LDH-like genes shared low sequence identity at the protein level with medium-chain dehydrogenases/reductases (MDRs) and 2-hydroxy acid dehydrogenases, respectively. These two dehydrogenase genes showed a highly conserved NAD-binding motif (Rossmann-fold) similar to many other NAD-dependent dehydrogenases. The ADH and LDH proteins contained no signal peptides and may be located in the cytoplasm. The phylogenetic tree analysis showed that the two ADH genes belonged to cinnamyl and class III alcohol dehydrogenases, whereas the LDHlike genes were grouped with D-lactate dehydrogenases from other organisms. The ADH and LDH gene family showed cis-acting regulatory elements that are mostly involved in stress response and hormonal response. Structural analysis showed that the dehydrogenases 3D structure predicted models comprise of two domains, namely the substrate binding and the coenzyme binding domains that are rich in beta-strands secondary structure elements. The LDH from red algae was purified approximately 4-fold with a specific activity of 0.044 U/mg. The purified LDH enzyme had a molecular weight of approximately 37kDa. The LDH was active across a broad pH range from 5-9 with a pH optimum observed at 7.5. The LDH ii enzyme in red algae exhibits a temperature optimum of 40 ⁰C and heat stability up to 40 ⁰C. Above 50 °C the LDH activity rapidly decreased showing that the LDH in red algae is not thermostable. The LDH enzyme showed a Km value of 0.8 mM and Vmax of 0.0067 mM.min-1 when using sodium pyruvate as a substrate.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Gogela, Yanga
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Bioinformatics Chondrus crispus
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/19164 , vital:39878
- Description: Lactate and alcohol dehydrogenases have attracted much attention in various industries and scientific research for their ability to produce chirally pure compounds and be assayed for activity using more straightforward and reproducible assay methods. These enzymes have been previously isolated and purified from various plants, animals and microorganisms. So far, the molecular and biochemical properties of enzymes from these dehydrogenase families in red algae are mostly unknown. Red macroalgae have been used for centuries for the treatment of various diseases and as a source of ingredients in the food industry. The aim of this study was to identify genes in the sequenced red algae genomes that encode dehydrogenases, to use bioinformatic tools to confirm that the proteins encoded are dehydrogenases and to isolate and kinetically purify alcohol or lactate dehydrogenase from red algae species found along the coastline of the Eastern Cape Province. A combination of bioinformatics tools, molecular and biochemical techniques were used to identify, purify, and characterise ADH and LDH enzymes. Bioinformatics analysis revealed two alcohol dehydrogenase genes and two hypothetical genes encoding functional domains similar to D-lactate dehydrogenases from other species. The ADH and LDH-like genes shared low sequence identity at the protein level with medium-chain dehydrogenases/reductases (MDRs) and 2-hydroxy acid dehydrogenases, respectively. These two dehydrogenase genes showed a highly conserved NAD-binding motif (Rossmann-fold) similar to many other NAD-dependent dehydrogenases. The ADH and LDH proteins contained no signal peptides and may be located in the cytoplasm. The phylogenetic tree analysis showed that the two ADH genes belonged to cinnamyl and class III alcohol dehydrogenases, whereas the LDHlike genes were grouped with D-lactate dehydrogenases from other organisms. The ADH and LDH gene family showed cis-acting regulatory elements that are mostly involved in stress response and hormonal response. Structural analysis showed that the dehydrogenases 3D structure predicted models comprise of two domains, namely the substrate binding and the coenzyme binding domains that are rich in beta-strands secondary structure elements. The LDH from red algae was purified approximately 4-fold with a specific activity of 0.044 U/mg. The purified LDH enzyme had a molecular weight of approximately 37kDa. The LDH was active across a broad pH range from 5-9 with a pH optimum observed at 7.5. The LDH ii enzyme in red algae exhibits a temperature optimum of 40 ⁰C and heat stability up to 40 ⁰C. Above 50 °C the LDH activity rapidly decreased showing that the LDH in red algae is not thermostable. The LDH enzyme showed a Km value of 0.8 mM and Vmax of 0.0067 mM.min-1 when using sodium pyruvate as a substrate.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
Community engagement in practice? : an exploration of the relationship between the University of Fort Hare (Alice Campus) and the Ilima Agripark Project
- Authors: Jubera, Memory
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Community development--South Africa Universities and colleges--South Africa Sustainable development--South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , Sociology
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/17327 , vital:40956
- Description: Cooperatives have principles and goals that regulate their day-to-day operations. Their aim is to create jobs through carrying out income generating projects. This aim is usually difficult to achieve as ‘human’ factors sometimes obscure the projects’ progress. This study therefore explored the nature of relationship that exists between the University of Fort Hare (UFH) and the cooperative members involved in the project, which in this study are referred to as, Ilima Agripark Project (IAP) members. This relationship was investigated through the three particular forms (information, consultation and participation) of community engagement, their nature, meanings, the influence they possess and how IAP/UFH members comprehend these. Guided by her research matrix and interview guide, the researcher used the qualitative and interpretive approach method to collect data. The case study made use of document analysis, key informant interviews, direct observations, face to face interviews and focus group discussions to collect data. In order to validate her data, she also made use of a tape recorder and notebook. The study’s key finding is that the three particular community engagement forms are not fully utilised by the university. The study revealed that there is lack of transparency when it comes to information dissemination hence, the IAP members feel insecure and socially excluded.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
- Authors: Jubera, Memory
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Community development--South Africa Universities and colleges--South Africa Sustainable development--South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , Sociology
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/17327 , vital:40956
- Description: Cooperatives have principles and goals that regulate their day-to-day operations. Their aim is to create jobs through carrying out income generating projects. This aim is usually difficult to achieve as ‘human’ factors sometimes obscure the projects’ progress. This study therefore explored the nature of relationship that exists between the University of Fort Hare (UFH) and the cooperative members involved in the project, which in this study are referred to as, Ilima Agripark Project (IAP) members. This relationship was investigated through the three particular forms (information, consultation and participation) of community engagement, their nature, meanings, the influence they possess and how IAP/UFH members comprehend these. Guided by her research matrix and interview guide, the researcher used the qualitative and interpretive approach method to collect data. The case study made use of document analysis, key informant interviews, direct observations, face to face interviews and focus group discussions to collect data. In order to validate her data, she also made use of a tape recorder and notebook. The study’s key finding is that the three particular community engagement forms are not fully utilised by the university. The study revealed that there is lack of transparency when it comes to information dissemination hence, the IAP members feel insecure and socially excluded.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
Design and implementation of a multi-agent opportunistic grid computing platform
- Authors: Muranganwa, Raymond
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Computational grids (Computer systems)
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/2722 , vital:28064
- Description: Opportunistic Grid Computing involves joining idle computing resources in enterprises into a converged high performance commodity infrastructure. The research described in this dissertation investigates the viability of public resource computing in offering a plethora of possibilities through seamless access to shared compute and storage resources. The research proposes and conceptualizes the Multi-Agent Opportunistic Grid (MAOG) solution in an Information and Communication Technologies for Development (ICT4D) initiative to address some limitations prevalent in traditional distributed system implementations. Proof-of-concept software components based on JADE (Java Agent Development Framework) validated Multi-Agent Systems (MAS) as an important tool for provisioning of Opportunistic Grid Computing platforms. Exploration of agent technologies within the research context identified two key components which improve access to extended computer capabilities. The first component is a Mobile Agent (MA) compute component in which a group of agents interact to pool shared processor cycles. The compute component integrates dynamic resource identification and allocation strategies by incorporating the Contract Net Protocol (CNP) and rule based reasoning concepts. The second service is a MAS based storage component realized through disk mirroring and Google file-system’s chunking with atomic append storage techniques. This research provides a candidate Opportunistic Grid Computing platform design and implementation through the use of MAS. Experiments conducted validated the design and implementation of the compute and storage services. From results, support for processing user applications; resource identification and allocation; and rule based reasoning validated the MA compute component. A MAS based file-system that implements chunking optimizations was considered to be optimum based on evaluations. The findings from the undertaken experiments also validated the functional adequacy of the implementation, and show the suitability of MAS for provisioning of robust, autonomous, and intelligent platforms. The context of this research, ICT4D, provides a solution to optimizing and increasing the utilization of computing resources that are usually idle in these contexts.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
- Authors: Muranganwa, Raymond
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Computational grids (Computer systems)
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/2722 , vital:28064
- Description: Opportunistic Grid Computing involves joining idle computing resources in enterprises into a converged high performance commodity infrastructure. The research described in this dissertation investigates the viability of public resource computing in offering a plethora of possibilities through seamless access to shared compute and storage resources. The research proposes and conceptualizes the Multi-Agent Opportunistic Grid (MAOG) solution in an Information and Communication Technologies for Development (ICT4D) initiative to address some limitations prevalent in traditional distributed system implementations. Proof-of-concept software components based on JADE (Java Agent Development Framework) validated Multi-Agent Systems (MAS) as an important tool for provisioning of Opportunistic Grid Computing platforms. Exploration of agent technologies within the research context identified two key components which improve access to extended computer capabilities. The first component is a Mobile Agent (MA) compute component in which a group of agents interact to pool shared processor cycles. The compute component integrates dynamic resource identification and allocation strategies by incorporating the Contract Net Protocol (CNP) and rule based reasoning concepts. The second service is a MAS based storage component realized through disk mirroring and Google file-system’s chunking with atomic append storage techniques. This research provides a candidate Opportunistic Grid Computing platform design and implementation through the use of MAS. Experiments conducted validated the design and implementation of the compute and storage services. From results, support for processing user applications; resource identification and allocation; and rule based reasoning validated the MA compute component. A MAS based file-system that implements chunking optimizations was considered to be optimum based on evaluations. The findings from the undertaken experiments also validated the functional adequacy of the implementation, and show the suitability of MAS for provisioning of robust, autonomous, and intelligent platforms. The context of this research, ICT4D, provides a solution to optimizing and increasing the utilization of computing resources that are usually idle in these contexts.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
Effects of temperature on the development, behaviour and geography of blowflies in a forensic context
- Authors: Richards, Cameron Spencer
- Date: 2008
- Subjects: Blowflies Blowflies -- South Africa Diptera -- South Africa Insects -- Development Insects -- Behavior Forensic entomology
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: vital:5683 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1005369
- Description: The development of immature insects is commonly employed in forensic investigations to estimate time of death, or postmortem interval (PMI), of a corpse on which they are feeding. The bulk of this thesis focuses on factors influencing the accuracy of developmental data, and exploring how and why developmental data differ between studies involving the same species, and between different species. Because carrion feeding insects are ectotherms, temperature may be expected to significantly influence their behaviour, development and distribution, and the remainder of the thesis therefore focuses on the thermal biology and geographical distribution of seven forensically important blowflies. The species include Chrysomya albiceps, C. putoria, C. chloropyga, C. megacephala, C. marginalis, C. inclinata and Calliphora croceipalpis. A robust experimental design for estimating developmental models is outlined and tested. It is recommended that forensic entomologists should involve at least six constant temperatures, starting at about 7°C above the relevant developmental zero (D0) and going to about 10°C above the upper critical temperature, and a temporal sampling interval with a relative precision of about 10%. Using this design, focused experiments consistently provided the most reliable developmental data, while data pooled from different studies yielded inconsistent results. Similarly, developmental data from closely related species differed significantly, and surprisingly so did developmental data from different populations of the same species. Possible explanations for the latter lay in the different methods of data collection but only temporal sampling resolution had a direct influence on the accuracy of developmental data. Consequently, disparities in such data were primarily ascribed to genetic differences and phenotypic plasticity. Comparisons between numerous thermal thresholds of larvae, pupae and adults support this conclusion and suggest a phylogenetic component to the thermal biology of blowflies. Further comparisons were made between these temperature thresholds and the distributions of blowfly species present on two rhinoceros carcasses. These comparisons suggest that blowfly larvae with high upper lethal temperature thresholds dominate in interspecific competition in favorable thermal environments by raising maggot mass temperature above the thresholds of other carrion-feeding blowflies, through maggot-generated heat. Bioclimatic modeling using maximum entropy analysis provided a successful means of predicting whether a species is likely to occur in an area, and whether it would therefore be expected in a local carcass community. It also showed that temperature was less important than moisture in shaping the geographical distribution of African carrion blowflies. Based on these results, several recommendations are made for the practice of forensic entomology.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2008
- Authors: Richards, Cameron Spencer
- Date: 2008
- Subjects: Blowflies Blowflies -- South Africa Diptera -- South Africa Insects -- Development Insects -- Behavior Forensic entomology
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: vital:5683 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1005369
- Description: The development of immature insects is commonly employed in forensic investigations to estimate time of death, or postmortem interval (PMI), of a corpse on which they are feeding. The bulk of this thesis focuses on factors influencing the accuracy of developmental data, and exploring how and why developmental data differ between studies involving the same species, and between different species. Because carrion feeding insects are ectotherms, temperature may be expected to significantly influence their behaviour, development and distribution, and the remainder of the thesis therefore focuses on the thermal biology and geographical distribution of seven forensically important blowflies. The species include Chrysomya albiceps, C. putoria, C. chloropyga, C. megacephala, C. marginalis, C. inclinata and Calliphora croceipalpis. A robust experimental design for estimating developmental models is outlined and tested. It is recommended that forensic entomologists should involve at least six constant temperatures, starting at about 7°C above the relevant developmental zero (D0) and going to about 10°C above the upper critical temperature, and a temporal sampling interval with a relative precision of about 10%. Using this design, focused experiments consistently provided the most reliable developmental data, while data pooled from different studies yielded inconsistent results. Similarly, developmental data from closely related species differed significantly, and surprisingly so did developmental data from different populations of the same species. Possible explanations for the latter lay in the different methods of data collection but only temporal sampling resolution had a direct influence on the accuracy of developmental data. Consequently, disparities in such data were primarily ascribed to genetic differences and phenotypic plasticity. Comparisons between numerous thermal thresholds of larvae, pupae and adults support this conclusion and suggest a phylogenetic component to the thermal biology of blowflies. Further comparisons were made between these temperature thresholds and the distributions of blowfly species present on two rhinoceros carcasses. These comparisons suggest that blowfly larvae with high upper lethal temperature thresholds dominate in interspecific competition in favorable thermal environments by raising maggot mass temperature above the thresholds of other carrion-feeding blowflies, through maggot-generated heat. Bioclimatic modeling using maximum entropy analysis provided a successful means of predicting whether a species is likely to occur in an area, and whether it would therefore be expected in a local carcass community. It also showed that temperature was less important than moisture in shaping the geographical distribution of African carrion blowflies. Based on these results, several recommendations are made for the practice of forensic entomology.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2008
Investigation of entomopathogenic fungi for control of false codling moth, Thaumatotibia leucotrata, Mediterranean fruit fly, Ceratitis capitata and Natal fruit fly, C. rosa in South African citrus
- Authors: Goble, Tarryn Anne
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: Insect pests -- Biological control , Tortricidae -- Biological control -- South Africa , Tephritidae -- Biological control -- South Africa , Citrus -- Diseases and pests -- Biological control -- South Africa , Entomopathogenic fungi , Fungi as biological pest control agents , Biological pest control agents
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:5723 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1005409 , Insect pests -- Biological control , Tortricidae -- Biological control -- South Africa , Tephritidae -- Biological control -- South Africa , Citrus -- Diseases and pests -- Biological control -- South Africa , Entomopathogenic fungi , Fungi as biological pest control agents , Biological pest control agents
- Description: The biology of key citrus pests Thaumatotibia leucotreta Meyrick (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae), Ceratitis capitata Wiedemann (Diptera: Tephritidae) and Ceratitis rosa Karsch (Diptera: Tephritidae) includes their dropping from host plants to pupate in the soil below citrus trees. Since most EP fungi are soil-borne microorganisms, the development and formulation of alternative control strategies using these fungi as subterranean control agents, targeted at larvae and pupae in the soil, can potentially benefit existing IPM management of citrus in South Africa. Thus, a survey of occurrence of entomopathogenic fungi was undertaken on soils from citrus orchards and natural vegetation (refugia) on conventionally and organically managed farms in the Eastern Cape Province in South Africa. A method for baiting soil samples with citrus pest T. leucotreta and C. capitata larvae, as well as with the standard bait insect, Galleria mellonella Linnaeus (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae), was implemented. Sixty-two potentially useful entomopathogenic fungal isolates belonging to four genera were collected from 288 soil samples, an occurrence frequency of 21.53%. The most frequently isolated entomopathogenic fungal species was Beauveria bassiana (Balsamo) Vuillemin (15.63%), followed by Metarhizium anisopliae var. anisopliae (Metschnikoff) Sorokin (3.82%). Galleria mellonella was the most effective insect used to isolate fungal species (χ2=40.13, df=2, P≤ 0.005), with a total of 45 isolates obtained, followed by C. capitata with 11 isolates, and T. leucotreta with six isolates recovered. There was a significantly (χ2=11.65, df=1, P≤ 0.005) higher occurrence of entomopathogenic fungi in soil samples taken from refugia compared to cultivated orchards of both organically and conventionally managed farms. No significant differences were observed in the recovery of fungal isolates when soil samples from both farming systems were compared. The physiological effects and host range of 21 indigenous fungal isolates obtained in the Eastern Cape were investigated in the laboratory to establish whether these isolates could be effectively used as biological control agents against the subterranean life stages of C. rosa, C. capitata and T. leucotreta. When these pests were treated with a fungal concentration of 1 x 10⁷ conidia ml⁻¹, the percentage of T. leucotreta adults which emerged in fungal treated sand ranged from 5 to 60% (F=33.295; df=21; P=0.0001) depending on fungal isolate and the percentage of pupae with visible signs of mycosis ranged from 21 to 93% (F= 96.436; df=21; P=0.0001). Based on fungal isolates, the percentage adult survival in C. rosa and C. capitata ranged from 30 to 90% and 55 to 86% respectively. The percentage of C. rosa and C. capitata puparia with visible signs of mycosis ranged from 1 to 14% and 1 to 11% respectively. Deferred mortality due to mycosis in C. rosa and C. capitata adult flies ranged from 1 to 58% and 1 to 33% respectively, depending on fungal isolate. Entomopathogenic fungal isolates had a significantly greater effect on the adults of C. rosa and C. capitata than they did on the puparia of these two fruit fly species. Further, C. rosa and C. capitata did not differ significantly in their response to entomopathogenic fungi when adult survival or adult and pupal mycosis were considered. The relative potency of the four most virulent Beauveria isolates as well as the commercially available Beauveria bassiana product, Bb Plus® (Biological Control Products, South Africa), were compared against one another as log-probit regressions of mortality against C. rosa, C. capitata and T. leucotreta which all exhibited a dose-dependent response. Against fruit flies the estimated LC50 values of all five Beauveria isolates ranged from 5.5 x 10¹¹ to 2.8 x 10¹² conidia/ml⁻¹. There were no significant differences between the relative potencies of these five fungal isolates. When T. leucotreta was considered, isolates: G Moss R10 and G 14 2 B5 and Bb Plus® were significantly more pathogenic than G B Ar 23 B3 and FCM 10 13 L1. The estimated LC₅₀ values of the three most pathogenic isolates ranged from 6.8 x 10⁵ to 2.1 x 10⁶ conidia/ml⁻¹, while those of the least pathogenic ranged from 1.6 x 10⁷ to 3.7 x 10⁷ conidia/ml⁻¹. Thaumatotibia leucotreta final instar larvae were exposed to two conidial concentrations, at four different exposure times (12, 48, 72 and 96 hrs) and showed an exposure time-dependant relationship (F=5.43; df=3; P=0.001). At 1 x 10⁷conidia/ml⁻¹ two Beauveria isolates: G Moss R10 and G 14 2 B5 were able to elicit a response in 50% of test insects at 72 hrs (3 days) exposure. Although a limited amount of mycosis was observed in the puparia of both fruit fly species, deferred adult mortality due to mycosis was high. The increased incidence of adult mortality suggests that post emergence mycosis in adult fruit flies may play a more significant role in field suppression than the control of fruit flies at the pupal stage. The increased incidence of pupal mortality, as well as the relatively low concentrations of conidia required to elicit meaningful responses in T. leucotreta pupae may suggest that pre-emergent control of false codling moth will play a more significant role in field suppression than the control of adult life stages using indigenous isolates of entomopathogenic fungi. Various entomopathogenic fungal application techniques targeted at key insect pests within integrated pest management (IPM) systems of citrus are discussed.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010
- Authors: Goble, Tarryn Anne
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: Insect pests -- Biological control , Tortricidae -- Biological control -- South Africa , Tephritidae -- Biological control -- South Africa , Citrus -- Diseases and pests -- Biological control -- South Africa , Entomopathogenic fungi , Fungi as biological pest control agents , Biological pest control agents
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:5723 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1005409 , Insect pests -- Biological control , Tortricidae -- Biological control -- South Africa , Tephritidae -- Biological control -- South Africa , Citrus -- Diseases and pests -- Biological control -- South Africa , Entomopathogenic fungi , Fungi as biological pest control agents , Biological pest control agents
- Description: The biology of key citrus pests Thaumatotibia leucotreta Meyrick (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae), Ceratitis capitata Wiedemann (Diptera: Tephritidae) and Ceratitis rosa Karsch (Diptera: Tephritidae) includes their dropping from host plants to pupate in the soil below citrus trees. Since most EP fungi are soil-borne microorganisms, the development and formulation of alternative control strategies using these fungi as subterranean control agents, targeted at larvae and pupae in the soil, can potentially benefit existing IPM management of citrus in South Africa. Thus, a survey of occurrence of entomopathogenic fungi was undertaken on soils from citrus orchards and natural vegetation (refugia) on conventionally and organically managed farms in the Eastern Cape Province in South Africa. A method for baiting soil samples with citrus pest T. leucotreta and C. capitata larvae, as well as with the standard bait insect, Galleria mellonella Linnaeus (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae), was implemented. Sixty-two potentially useful entomopathogenic fungal isolates belonging to four genera were collected from 288 soil samples, an occurrence frequency of 21.53%. The most frequently isolated entomopathogenic fungal species was Beauveria bassiana (Balsamo) Vuillemin (15.63%), followed by Metarhizium anisopliae var. anisopliae (Metschnikoff) Sorokin (3.82%). Galleria mellonella was the most effective insect used to isolate fungal species (χ2=40.13, df=2, P≤ 0.005), with a total of 45 isolates obtained, followed by C. capitata with 11 isolates, and T. leucotreta with six isolates recovered. There was a significantly (χ2=11.65, df=1, P≤ 0.005) higher occurrence of entomopathogenic fungi in soil samples taken from refugia compared to cultivated orchards of both organically and conventionally managed farms. No significant differences were observed in the recovery of fungal isolates when soil samples from both farming systems were compared. The physiological effects and host range of 21 indigenous fungal isolates obtained in the Eastern Cape were investigated in the laboratory to establish whether these isolates could be effectively used as biological control agents against the subterranean life stages of C. rosa, C. capitata and T. leucotreta. When these pests were treated with a fungal concentration of 1 x 10⁷ conidia ml⁻¹, the percentage of T. leucotreta adults which emerged in fungal treated sand ranged from 5 to 60% (F=33.295; df=21; P=0.0001) depending on fungal isolate and the percentage of pupae with visible signs of mycosis ranged from 21 to 93% (F= 96.436; df=21; P=0.0001). Based on fungal isolates, the percentage adult survival in C. rosa and C. capitata ranged from 30 to 90% and 55 to 86% respectively. The percentage of C. rosa and C. capitata puparia with visible signs of mycosis ranged from 1 to 14% and 1 to 11% respectively. Deferred mortality due to mycosis in C. rosa and C. capitata adult flies ranged from 1 to 58% and 1 to 33% respectively, depending on fungal isolate. Entomopathogenic fungal isolates had a significantly greater effect on the adults of C. rosa and C. capitata than they did on the puparia of these two fruit fly species. Further, C. rosa and C. capitata did not differ significantly in their response to entomopathogenic fungi when adult survival or adult and pupal mycosis were considered. The relative potency of the four most virulent Beauveria isolates as well as the commercially available Beauveria bassiana product, Bb Plus® (Biological Control Products, South Africa), were compared against one another as log-probit regressions of mortality against C. rosa, C. capitata and T. leucotreta which all exhibited a dose-dependent response. Against fruit flies the estimated LC50 values of all five Beauveria isolates ranged from 5.5 x 10¹¹ to 2.8 x 10¹² conidia/ml⁻¹. There were no significant differences between the relative potencies of these five fungal isolates. When T. leucotreta was considered, isolates: G Moss R10 and G 14 2 B5 and Bb Plus® were significantly more pathogenic than G B Ar 23 B3 and FCM 10 13 L1. The estimated LC₅₀ values of the three most pathogenic isolates ranged from 6.8 x 10⁵ to 2.1 x 10⁶ conidia/ml⁻¹, while those of the least pathogenic ranged from 1.6 x 10⁷ to 3.7 x 10⁷ conidia/ml⁻¹. Thaumatotibia leucotreta final instar larvae were exposed to two conidial concentrations, at four different exposure times (12, 48, 72 and 96 hrs) and showed an exposure time-dependant relationship (F=5.43; df=3; P=0.001). At 1 x 10⁷conidia/ml⁻¹ two Beauveria isolates: G Moss R10 and G 14 2 B5 were able to elicit a response in 50% of test insects at 72 hrs (3 days) exposure. Although a limited amount of mycosis was observed in the puparia of both fruit fly species, deferred adult mortality due to mycosis was high. The increased incidence of adult mortality suggests that post emergence mycosis in adult fruit flies may play a more significant role in field suppression than the control of fruit flies at the pupal stage. The increased incidence of pupal mortality, as well as the relatively low concentrations of conidia required to elicit meaningful responses in T. leucotreta pupae may suggest that pre-emergent control of false codling moth will play a more significant role in field suppression than the control of adult life stages using indigenous isolates of entomopathogenic fungi. Various entomopathogenic fungal application techniques targeted at key insect pests within integrated pest management (IPM) systems of citrus are discussed.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010
Linguistic minorities in the South African context : the case of Tshivenda
- Authors: Luvhengo, Nkhangweleni
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Indigenous African languages , Apartheid , Tshivenda , Minority languages , Development , Status , Multilingualism , Sesotho , isiZulu , Perceptions , Linguistic minorities -- Research -- South Africa , Venda language -- Research -- South Africa , Language policy -- Research -- South Africa , Multilingualism -- Research -- South Africa , Linguistic rights -- Research -- South Africa , Language and languages -- Political aspects
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:3558 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1001862
- Description: After many years of the oppressive apartheid government, the new democratic era came into being in 1994. Lot of policy changes came into being, including language policy. This new language policy of the post-apartheid era recognises eleven official languages which include the nine indigenous African languages which were previously recognised as regional languages in the different homelands. The present study investigates the progress of Tshivenda in terms of status and development since it was accorded the official status in South Africa. Literature investigating the status of Tshivenda is generally sparse. This study investigates the status of Tshivenda in South Africa to explore how minority languages which are also recognised as official languages are treated. In most multilingual countries, there are issues which affect the development of minority languages, but the South African situation is interesting in that some of the minority languages are recognised as official languages. This study is a comparative in nature. Firstly, the study compares the level of corpus planning and development in Tshivenda and other indigenous South African languages. Secondly, it compares how people use Tshivenda in a rural area of Lukalo Village where the language is not under pressure from other languages and in Cosmo City, an urban area in Gauteng where Tshivenda speakers come into contact with speakers of more dominant languages such as isiZulu and Sesotho. Language use in different domains like, media, education, government and the home is considered in order to establish how people use languages and the factors which influence their linguistic behaviours. The study also establishes the perceptions and attitudes of the speakers of Tshivenda as a minority and those of the speakers of other languages towards Tshivenda’s role in the different domains such as education and the media. This study was influenced by previous research (Alexander 1989, Webb 2002) which found out that during the apartheid period Tshivenda speakers used to disguise their identity by adopting dominant languages like isiZulu and Sesotho in Johannesburg. Accordingly, the present research wanted to establish how the language policy change in the democratic era has impacted on the confidence of Tshivenda speakers regarding themselves and their language. This study establishes that although Tshivenda is now an official language in post-apartheid South Africa, it still has features of underdevelopment and marginalization that are typically of unofficial minority languages. Translation, lexicographic and terminological work in this language still lags behind that of other indigenous South African languages and there is still a shortage of school textbooks and adult literature in this language. As a result, using the language in education, the media and other controlling domains is still quite challenging, although positive developments such as the teaching of the language at university level can be noted. The Tshivenda speakers generally have a positive attitude towards their language and seem prepared to learn and use it confidently as long its functional value is enhanced, which is currently not happening. As a result, some Tshivenda speakers still regard English as a more worthwhile language to learn at the expense of their language
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
- Authors: Luvhengo, Nkhangweleni
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Indigenous African languages , Apartheid , Tshivenda , Minority languages , Development , Status , Multilingualism , Sesotho , isiZulu , Perceptions , Linguistic minorities -- Research -- South Africa , Venda language -- Research -- South Africa , Language policy -- Research -- South Africa , Multilingualism -- Research -- South Africa , Linguistic rights -- Research -- South Africa , Language and languages -- Political aspects
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:3558 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1001862
- Description: After many years of the oppressive apartheid government, the new democratic era came into being in 1994. Lot of policy changes came into being, including language policy. This new language policy of the post-apartheid era recognises eleven official languages which include the nine indigenous African languages which were previously recognised as regional languages in the different homelands. The present study investigates the progress of Tshivenda in terms of status and development since it was accorded the official status in South Africa. Literature investigating the status of Tshivenda is generally sparse. This study investigates the status of Tshivenda in South Africa to explore how minority languages which are also recognised as official languages are treated. In most multilingual countries, there are issues which affect the development of minority languages, but the South African situation is interesting in that some of the minority languages are recognised as official languages. This study is a comparative in nature. Firstly, the study compares the level of corpus planning and development in Tshivenda and other indigenous South African languages. Secondly, it compares how people use Tshivenda in a rural area of Lukalo Village where the language is not under pressure from other languages and in Cosmo City, an urban area in Gauteng where Tshivenda speakers come into contact with speakers of more dominant languages such as isiZulu and Sesotho. Language use in different domains like, media, education, government and the home is considered in order to establish how people use languages and the factors which influence their linguistic behaviours. The study also establishes the perceptions and attitudes of the speakers of Tshivenda as a minority and those of the speakers of other languages towards Tshivenda’s role in the different domains such as education and the media. This study was influenced by previous research (Alexander 1989, Webb 2002) which found out that during the apartheid period Tshivenda speakers used to disguise their identity by adopting dominant languages like isiZulu and Sesotho in Johannesburg. Accordingly, the present research wanted to establish how the language policy change in the democratic era has impacted on the confidence of Tshivenda speakers regarding themselves and their language. This study establishes that although Tshivenda is now an official language in post-apartheid South Africa, it still has features of underdevelopment and marginalization that are typically of unofficial minority languages. Translation, lexicographic and terminological work in this language still lags behind that of other indigenous South African languages and there is still a shortage of school textbooks and adult literature in this language. As a result, using the language in education, the media and other controlling domains is still quite challenging, although positive developments such as the teaching of the language at university level can be noted. The Tshivenda speakers generally have a positive attitude towards their language and seem prepared to learn and use it confidently as long its functional value is enhanced, which is currently not happening. As a result, some Tshivenda speakers still regard English as a more worthwhile language to learn at the expense of their language
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
Monetary policy credibility, exchange rate pass through and inflation in South Africa
- Authors: Bom, Sandisiwe Abongile
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Foreign exchange rates -- South Africa Monetary policy -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom (Economics)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/13303 , vital:39632
- Description: The South African Reserve Bank (SARB) implemented inflation targeting as a monetary policy framework in 2000 with the aim of achieving low and stable price associated with economic growth. However, the period in which the framework was implemented is characterised by periods of price instability and low economic growth. This contradicts the view of different views in the literature that indicates that inflation targeting ensures low inflation rates. The purpose of the current study was to investigate the nexus between monetary policy credibility, exchange rate pass-through and inflation in South Africa. The study employed the Johansen co-integration test, Vector error correction modelling (VECM) techniques, impulse response and variance decomposition for the period from 2000 to 2017 using quarterly data. The Johansen cointegration indicated that there was a long-term relationship between the variables of interest. The VECM was estimated together with the impulse response and variance decomposition. The empirical results indicated that the variables utilised in the study are positively related. Impulse response functions also proved that in the long run, changes in consumer prices are a result of fluctuations in oil prices and the repo rate. It is evident that consumer prices (inflation) are positively related to changes in exchange rates and monetary policy credibility. Thus, the study recommends that changes in the exchange rate must be considered when implementing the monetary policy as the prices move in the same direction as changes in the NEER. Further, the lack of monetary policy credibility seems to be an issue for monetary authorities as there is supposed to be an inverse relationship among the CPI and MPCRED, which is opposed by the study. Additionally, the results also indicate that the repo rate is positively related to the consumer price and this opposes previous literature. Thus, recommending that the SARB needs to evaluate the monetary policy or the inflation targeting framework to ensure they achieve credibility
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Bom, Sandisiwe Abongile
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Foreign exchange rates -- South Africa Monetary policy -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom (Economics)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/13303 , vital:39632
- Description: The South African Reserve Bank (SARB) implemented inflation targeting as a monetary policy framework in 2000 with the aim of achieving low and stable price associated with economic growth. However, the period in which the framework was implemented is characterised by periods of price instability and low economic growth. This contradicts the view of different views in the literature that indicates that inflation targeting ensures low inflation rates. The purpose of the current study was to investigate the nexus between monetary policy credibility, exchange rate pass-through and inflation in South Africa. The study employed the Johansen co-integration test, Vector error correction modelling (VECM) techniques, impulse response and variance decomposition for the period from 2000 to 2017 using quarterly data. The Johansen cointegration indicated that there was a long-term relationship between the variables of interest. The VECM was estimated together with the impulse response and variance decomposition. The empirical results indicated that the variables utilised in the study are positively related. Impulse response functions also proved that in the long run, changes in consumer prices are a result of fluctuations in oil prices and the repo rate. It is evident that consumer prices (inflation) are positively related to changes in exchange rates and monetary policy credibility. Thus, the study recommends that changes in the exchange rate must be considered when implementing the monetary policy as the prices move in the same direction as changes in the NEER. Further, the lack of monetary policy credibility seems to be an issue for monetary authorities as there is supposed to be an inverse relationship among the CPI and MPCRED, which is opposed by the study. Additionally, the results also indicate that the repo rate is positively related to the consumer price and this opposes previous literature. Thus, recommending that the SARB needs to evaluate the monetary policy or the inflation targeting framework to ensure they achieve credibility
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
Optical fibre measurement for clock tones in telescope networks
- Authors: Dlamini, Phumla Patience
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Fiber optics Very large array telescopes
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/22200 , vital:29872
- Description: Astronomy dates back to the early man’s impression of the heavens with little information recorded including some drawings of comets, eclipse and supernovas[1]. Major progress has been made in the field of Astronomy since then. Scientific curiosity to probe the universe in attempt to answer questions such as the origin of the universe, the matter it is made of, the formation of stars, planets and galaxies, and tracking life in other solar systems has brought about the need for more advanced tools capable of detailed observations. In 1608 H. Lippershey developed the first refracting telescope[2], [3]. A year later Galileo used a similar telescope pointing skywards discovering mountains and craters on the earth’s moon, the moons of Jupiter and the phases of Venus. Over the years telescopes have been developed with advancements from the optical telescope towards much larger and more sensitive radio telescopes. The first radio signal from space was detected by Karl Jansky and ever since then astronomers have been using radio telescopes to explore the universe by detecting radio waves emitted by cosmic objects[4]. The ability of radio telescopes to detect weak signals is related to the signal capture surface. As the demand for sensitivity, transmission bandwidth and data rate increases, so does the need for telescopes with a large field of view and capability to observe different parts of the sky at once[5]. This is possible with radio telescope array, with the data from the antennas combined electronically to produce a high resolution image of the sky. The South African MeerKAT radio telescope is an array of 64 interlinked antennas each transmitting up to 160 Gbps of data to the central processing site over optical fibre which is ideal for carrying large volumes of data at high speeds. The MeerKAT telescope is a precursor to the Square kilometer Array which will have up to 50 times the sensitivity and 10000 times the survey speed than the best telescope[6].
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
- Authors: Dlamini, Phumla Patience
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Fiber optics Very large array telescopes
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/22200 , vital:29872
- Description: Astronomy dates back to the early man’s impression of the heavens with little information recorded including some drawings of comets, eclipse and supernovas[1]. Major progress has been made in the field of Astronomy since then. Scientific curiosity to probe the universe in attempt to answer questions such as the origin of the universe, the matter it is made of, the formation of stars, planets and galaxies, and tracking life in other solar systems has brought about the need for more advanced tools capable of detailed observations. In 1608 H. Lippershey developed the first refracting telescope[2], [3]. A year later Galileo used a similar telescope pointing skywards discovering mountains and craters on the earth’s moon, the moons of Jupiter and the phases of Venus. Over the years telescopes have been developed with advancements from the optical telescope towards much larger and more sensitive radio telescopes. The first radio signal from space was detected by Karl Jansky and ever since then astronomers have been using radio telescopes to explore the universe by detecting radio waves emitted by cosmic objects[4]. The ability of radio telescopes to detect weak signals is related to the signal capture surface. As the demand for sensitivity, transmission bandwidth and data rate increases, so does the need for telescopes with a large field of view and capability to observe different parts of the sky at once[5]. This is possible with radio telescope array, with the data from the antennas combined electronically to produce a high resolution image of the sky. The South African MeerKAT radio telescope is an array of 64 interlinked antennas each transmitting up to 160 Gbps of data to the central processing site over optical fibre which is ideal for carrying large volumes of data at high speeds. The MeerKAT telescope is a precursor to the Square kilometer Array which will have up to 50 times the sensitivity and 10000 times the survey speed than the best telescope[6].
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
Perceptions and experiences of small and medium enterprise owners towards the implementation of broad-based-black-economic-empowerment
- Authors: Pike, Angela Patricia
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Business enterprises, Black -- South Africa Employee empowerment -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/15705 , vital:40510
- Description: The South African economy has been faced with numerous challenges within the twenty-first century such as poverty, unemployment and crime. Broad-Based-Black- Economic-Empowerment (BBBEE) has become an emerging obstacle for not only Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in South Africa(SA), but it is currently one of the principle issues on the South African government’s agenda. It has been identified that the core issue surrounding BBBEE SMEs is being BBBEE compliant. Therefore, this qualitative research study investigated the perceptions and experiences of SME owners towards the implementation of BBBEE. This investigation was executed within the East London area in which a total of 22 semi-structured interviews were conducted. The results illustrated that although BBBEE was not favoured amongst SMEs in East London, they were still implementing BBBEE into their businesses in order to gain tender work and enjoy financial improvement. Becoming BBBEE compliant presented certain administrative challenges such as the large amount of documentation, the timely process of becoming BBBEE compliant and the cost of BBBEE compliance. However, although challenges existed, SMEs had implemented strategies in order to overcome such challenges and were seeking guidance from BBBEE agencies. The final outlook of BBBEE was that it be restructured in such a manner that it included all races of SA in order to contribute towards social justice and equality. This study, therefore, had a considerable contribution on a methodological, theoretical and practical level. Furthermore, the implications of the study were explored.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
- Authors: Pike, Angela Patricia
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Business enterprises, Black -- South Africa Employee empowerment -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/15705 , vital:40510
- Description: The South African economy has been faced with numerous challenges within the twenty-first century such as poverty, unemployment and crime. Broad-Based-Black- Economic-Empowerment (BBBEE) has become an emerging obstacle for not only Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in South Africa(SA), but it is currently one of the principle issues on the South African government’s agenda. It has been identified that the core issue surrounding BBBEE SMEs is being BBBEE compliant. Therefore, this qualitative research study investigated the perceptions and experiences of SME owners towards the implementation of BBBEE. This investigation was executed within the East London area in which a total of 22 semi-structured interviews were conducted. The results illustrated that although BBBEE was not favoured amongst SMEs in East London, they were still implementing BBBEE into their businesses in order to gain tender work and enjoy financial improvement. Becoming BBBEE compliant presented certain administrative challenges such as the large amount of documentation, the timely process of becoming BBBEE compliant and the cost of BBBEE compliance. However, although challenges existed, SMEs had implemented strategies in order to overcome such challenges and were seeking guidance from BBBEE agencies. The final outlook of BBBEE was that it be restructured in such a manner that it included all races of SA in order to contribute towards social justice and equality. This study, therefore, had a considerable contribution on a methodological, theoretical and practical level. Furthermore, the implications of the study were explored.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
Relating indigenous knowledge practices and science concepts : an exploratory case study in a secondary school teacher-training programme
- Authors: Mandikonza, Caleb
- Date: 2007
- Subjects: Ethnoscience -- Study and teaching (Secondary) -- Zimbabwe Science -- Study and teaching (Secondary) -- Zimbabwe Teachers -- Training of -- Zimbabwe
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: vital:1918 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1007321
- Description: This study reports research on how student teachers in Science at Mutare Teachers' College in Zimbabwe worked with indigenous knowledge practices in relation to science concepts in the secondary school syllabus. The study was conducted among first-year science students and involved them in developing science learning activities for a peer-teaching process that was part of their course. The research was undertaken during a review ofthe college syllabus and as a study to inform the Secondary Teacher Training Environmental Education Programme (ST²EEP). The research design involved the researcher in participant observations and interviews with rural people to document indigenous knowledge practices and to develop materials for the students to work with in the lessons design part of the study. The student teachers used the documented practices to generate learning activities and lesson plans to teach the science concepts they had identified. A peer review session and focus group interviews followed the lesson presentations. Findings from the research point to the rural community being a repository of diverse indigenous knowledge practices. Student teachers showed that they had prior knowledge of both indigenous knowledge practices and science concepts when they come to class. Student teachers were able to relate indigenous knowledge practices and science concepts in ways that have the potential to enhance the learning of science in rural school contexts that lack laboratories and science equipment. The scope of the study does not allow for anything beyond tentative conclusions that point to the need for further work to be undertaken with student teachers and for the research to be extended to teaching and learning interactions in schools. Recommendations are also made for further resource-based work to be undertaken within the forthcoming St²eep implementation phase in 2007.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2007
- Authors: Mandikonza, Caleb
- Date: 2007
- Subjects: Ethnoscience -- Study and teaching (Secondary) -- Zimbabwe Science -- Study and teaching (Secondary) -- Zimbabwe Teachers -- Training of -- Zimbabwe
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: vital:1918 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1007321
- Description: This study reports research on how student teachers in Science at Mutare Teachers' College in Zimbabwe worked with indigenous knowledge practices in relation to science concepts in the secondary school syllabus. The study was conducted among first-year science students and involved them in developing science learning activities for a peer-teaching process that was part of their course. The research was undertaken during a review ofthe college syllabus and as a study to inform the Secondary Teacher Training Environmental Education Programme (ST²EEP). The research design involved the researcher in participant observations and interviews with rural people to document indigenous knowledge practices and to develop materials for the students to work with in the lessons design part of the study. The student teachers used the documented practices to generate learning activities and lesson plans to teach the science concepts they had identified. A peer review session and focus group interviews followed the lesson presentations. Findings from the research point to the rural community being a repository of diverse indigenous knowledge practices. Student teachers showed that they had prior knowledge of both indigenous knowledge practices and science concepts when they come to class. Student teachers were able to relate indigenous knowledge practices and science concepts in ways that have the potential to enhance the learning of science in rural school contexts that lack laboratories and science equipment. The scope of the study does not allow for anything beyond tentative conclusions that point to the need for further work to be undertaken with student teachers and for the research to be extended to teaching and learning interactions in schools. Recommendations are also made for further resource-based work to be undertaken within the forthcoming St²eep implementation phase in 2007.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2007
South African labour law and conflict resolution: towards a theoretical critique
- Authors: Jooste, Nico
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Labor disputes -- South Africa , Conflict management -- South Africa , Mediation -- South Africa , Labor laws and legislation -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPhil
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/7417 , vital:21357
- Description: The intention of this treatise is to reflect on the concept, as well as on the theory, of conflict resolution and to investigate whether the mechanisms of true conflict resolution are afforded within the structures and instruments provided for by the South African Labour Relations Act (66 of 1995). The Act aims to give effect to one of its primary purpose of advancing labour peace by attempting to promote the effective resolution of labour disputes through a very sophisticated system of dispute resolution. What is of great significance is that The Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration (CCMA) has been experiencing an increasingly high rate of disputes referred to it since its inception in 1996. In my review I established that the dispute resolution system is a construction of rules and statutes which concentrates on rights, rather than on conflict management. However, rights only imperfectly reflect basic human needs, which continue to dominate human behaviour mechanisms that indeed facilitate processes and guidelines of resolving labour disputes, but fail to acknowledge and make provision for the resolution of a latent or manifest conflict. The instruments afforded by the Labour Relations Act (66 of 1995) fail to explore and entertain the needs most relevant and significant to the perception of social conflicts such as security, identity, personal development and recognition as suggested by conflict theorists and scholars. It also fails to acknowledge that parties to a dispute undergo psychological changes that could flow over to community changes and group dynamics as the parties become polarised and become more contentious as the conflict escalates. My review gave more substance to my original assumption that the current South African labour dispute resolution system does not harmonize itself with its own objective of promoting true labour peace.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
- Authors: Jooste, Nico
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Labor disputes -- South Africa , Conflict management -- South Africa , Mediation -- South Africa , Labor laws and legislation -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPhil
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/7417 , vital:21357
- Description: The intention of this treatise is to reflect on the concept, as well as on the theory, of conflict resolution and to investigate whether the mechanisms of true conflict resolution are afforded within the structures and instruments provided for by the South African Labour Relations Act (66 of 1995). The Act aims to give effect to one of its primary purpose of advancing labour peace by attempting to promote the effective resolution of labour disputes through a very sophisticated system of dispute resolution. What is of great significance is that The Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration (CCMA) has been experiencing an increasingly high rate of disputes referred to it since its inception in 1996. In my review I established that the dispute resolution system is a construction of rules and statutes which concentrates on rights, rather than on conflict management. However, rights only imperfectly reflect basic human needs, which continue to dominate human behaviour mechanisms that indeed facilitate processes and guidelines of resolving labour disputes, but fail to acknowledge and make provision for the resolution of a latent or manifest conflict. The instruments afforded by the Labour Relations Act (66 of 1995) fail to explore and entertain the needs most relevant and significant to the perception of social conflicts such as security, identity, personal development and recognition as suggested by conflict theorists and scholars. It also fails to acknowledge that parties to a dispute undergo psychological changes that could flow over to community changes and group dynamics as the parties become polarised and become more contentious as the conflict escalates. My review gave more substance to my original assumption that the current South African labour dispute resolution system does not harmonize itself with its own objective of promoting true labour peace.
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- Date Issued: 2016