The role of training and organizational support in strengthening GIS interns’ (‘incubants’) participation in workplace occupations: a case study of the Groen Sebenza internship project
- Authors: Madiba, Morakane
- Date: 2016
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/1330 , vital:20047
- Description: The cases in this study are embedded within a multi-layered, nested case study design. An in-depth exploration of each case is provided with a view to understand the ways in which the internship training in the incubation model strengthens the learning, experience, knowledge, skills and interest of the university graduate interns/incubants to prepare them for full participation in their communities of practice in workplaces. The case study of Groen Sebenza internship project works across more than 40 partnering organisations. It is using incubation model for the first time in the biodiversity sector which is why its training needs to be investigated. To examine this question “In what way can training and the organizational support, of the incubation model strengthen the learning, experience, knowledge, skills and interest of interns/incubants to prepare them towards full participation in workplace roles and responsibilities in biodiversity occupations?” the research was undertaken in the context of university graduate incubants/interns in the Geographic Information System (GIS) field from three host-organizations; Limpopo Economic Development Environment and Tourism (LEDET), Environmental Systems Research Institute (ESRI) and South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI). The participants of the study were purposefully selected. Data was collected twice (i.e. after the first seven months and then a follow-up interview was conducted after a further five months) during the first twelve months of the project in the form of interviews and observations. There was also ongoing data collected in the form of documents which focused on their participation in workplaces and training. Data was analysed using different layers of qualitative content analysis and examination of documents at different stages of the study. Through immersion with the data and literature insights were developed regarding the enablers and constraints of the training in the incubation model related to the GIS interns. These included:- 1. The twelve months period spent by the GIS incubants in the Groen Sebenza internship project was not enough to prepare them towards full participation in workplace roles and responsibilities in biodiversity occupations. 2. Internship training is not just a ‘passing insignificant episode of the lives of the incubants/newcomers’ [specifically those from disadvantaged communities] but is a ‘real source of hope’. 3. The investigated institutions (and their members) need to make a real effort to improve if they want to stay relevant and useful in the Groen Sebenza internship project. 4. The incubants and mentors need to make the process of reflexivity real and practical. 5. The 2.5 years incubation model has high potential to work if the institutions, the mentors and the mentees involved in GIS improve the challenges mentioned in the study. Drawing from the data and literature I have discussed and recommended a model which could assist in improving the internship programmes specifically for the university students who are from underprivileged communities.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
- Authors: Madiba, Morakane
- Date: 2016
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/1330 , vital:20047
- Description: The cases in this study are embedded within a multi-layered, nested case study design. An in-depth exploration of each case is provided with a view to understand the ways in which the internship training in the incubation model strengthens the learning, experience, knowledge, skills and interest of the university graduate interns/incubants to prepare them for full participation in their communities of practice in workplaces. The case study of Groen Sebenza internship project works across more than 40 partnering organisations. It is using incubation model for the first time in the biodiversity sector which is why its training needs to be investigated. To examine this question “In what way can training and the organizational support, of the incubation model strengthen the learning, experience, knowledge, skills and interest of interns/incubants to prepare them towards full participation in workplace roles and responsibilities in biodiversity occupations?” the research was undertaken in the context of university graduate incubants/interns in the Geographic Information System (GIS) field from three host-organizations; Limpopo Economic Development Environment and Tourism (LEDET), Environmental Systems Research Institute (ESRI) and South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI). The participants of the study were purposefully selected. Data was collected twice (i.e. after the first seven months and then a follow-up interview was conducted after a further five months) during the first twelve months of the project in the form of interviews and observations. There was also ongoing data collected in the form of documents which focused on their participation in workplaces and training. Data was analysed using different layers of qualitative content analysis and examination of documents at different stages of the study. Through immersion with the data and literature insights were developed regarding the enablers and constraints of the training in the incubation model related to the GIS interns. These included:- 1. The twelve months period spent by the GIS incubants in the Groen Sebenza internship project was not enough to prepare them towards full participation in workplace roles and responsibilities in biodiversity occupations. 2. Internship training is not just a ‘passing insignificant episode of the lives of the incubants/newcomers’ [specifically those from disadvantaged communities] but is a ‘real source of hope’. 3. The investigated institutions (and their members) need to make a real effort to improve if they want to stay relevant and useful in the Groen Sebenza internship project. 4. The incubants and mentors need to make the process of reflexivity real and practical. 5. The 2.5 years incubation model has high potential to work if the institutions, the mentors and the mentees involved in GIS improve the challenges mentioned in the study. Drawing from the data and literature I have discussed and recommended a model which could assist in improving the internship programmes specifically for the university students who are from underprivileged communities.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
Field evaluation of the use of select entomopathogenic fungal isolates as microbial control agents of the soil-dwelling life stages of a key South African citrus pest, Thaumatotibia leucotreta (Meyrick) (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae)
- Authors: Coombes, Candice Anne
- Date: 2016
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/507 , vital:19965
- Description: The control of false codling moth (FCM), Thaumatotibia leucotreta (Meyrick, 1912) (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae), in citrus orchards is strongly reliant on the use of integrated pest management as key export markets impose stringent chemical restrictions on exported fruit and have a strict no entry policy towards this phytosanitary pest. Most current, registered control methods target the above-ground life stages of FCM, not the soil-dwelling life stages. As such, entomopathogenic fungi which are ubiquitous, percutaneously infective soil-borne microbes that have been used successfully as control agents worldwide, present ideal candidates as additional control agents. Following an initial identification of 62 fungal entomopathogens isolated from soil collected from citrus orchards in the Eastern Cape Province, South Africa, further laboratory research has highlighted three isolates as having the greatest control potential against FCM subterranean life stages: Metarhizium anisopliae G 11 3 L6 (Ma1), M. anisopliae FCM Ar 23 B3 (Ma2) and Beauveria bassiana G Ar 17 B3 (Bb1). These isolates are capable of causing above 80% laboratory-induced mycosis of FCM fifth instars. Whether this level of efficacy was obtainable under sub-optimal and fluctuating field conditions was unknown. Thus, this thesis aimed to address the following issues with regards to the three most laboratory-virulent fungal isolates: field efficacy, field persistence, optimal application rate, application timing, environmental dependency, compatibility with fungicides and the use of different wetting agents to promote field efficacy. Following fungal application to one hectare treatment blocks in the field, FCM infestation within fruit was reduced by 28.3% to 81.7%. Isolate Bb1 performed best under moderate to high soil moisture whilst Ma2 was more effective under low soil moisture conditions. All isolates, with the exception of Ma2 at one site, were recorded in the soil five months post-application. None of the wetting agents tested were found to be highly toxic to fungal germination and similar physical suspension characteristics were observed. Fungicide toxicity varied amongst isolates and test conditions. However, only Dithane (a.i. mancozeb) was considered incompatible with isolate Ma2. The implication of these results and the way forward is discussed. This study is the first report of the field efficacy of three laboratory-virulent fungal isolates applied to the soil of conventional citrus orchards against FCM soil-dwelling life stages. As such, it provides a foundation on which future research can build to ensure the development and commercialisation of a cost-effective and consistently reliable product.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
- Authors: Coombes, Candice Anne
- Date: 2016
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/507 , vital:19965
- Description: The control of false codling moth (FCM), Thaumatotibia leucotreta (Meyrick, 1912) (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae), in citrus orchards is strongly reliant on the use of integrated pest management as key export markets impose stringent chemical restrictions on exported fruit and have a strict no entry policy towards this phytosanitary pest. Most current, registered control methods target the above-ground life stages of FCM, not the soil-dwelling life stages. As such, entomopathogenic fungi which are ubiquitous, percutaneously infective soil-borne microbes that have been used successfully as control agents worldwide, present ideal candidates as additional control agents. Following an initial identification of 62 fungal entomopathogens isolated from soil collected from citrus orchards in the Eastern Cape Province, South Africa, further laboratory research has highlighted three isolates as having the greatest control potential against FCM subterranean life stages: Metarhizium anisopliae G 11 3 L6 (Ma1), M. anisopliae FCM Ar 23 B3 (Ma2) and Beauveria bassiana G Ar 17 B3 (Bb1). These isolates are capable of causing above 80% laboratory-induced mycosis of FCM fifth instars. Whether this level of efficacy was obtainable under sub-optimal and fluctuating field conditions was unknown. Thus, this thesis aimed to address the following issues with regards to the three most laboratory-virulent fungal isolates: field efficacy, field persistence, optimal application rate, application timing, environmental dependency, compatibility with fungicides and the use of different wetting agents to promote field efficacy. Following fungal application to one hectare treatment blocks in the field, FCM infestation within fruit was reduced by 28.3% to 81.7%. Isolate Bb1 performed best under moderate to high soil moisture whilst Ma2 was more effective under low soil moisture conditions. All isolates, with the exception of Ma2 at one site, were recorded in the soil five months post-application. None of the wetting agents tested were found to be highly toxic to fungal germination and similar physical suspension characteristics were observed. Fungicide toxicity varied amongst isolates and test conditions. However, only Dithane (a.i. mancozeb) was considered incompatible with isolate Ma2. The implication of these results and the way forward is discussed. This study is the first report of the field efficacy of three laboratory-virulent fungal isolates applied to the soil of conventional citrus orchards against FCM soil-dwelling life stages. As such, it provides a foundation on which future research can build to ensure the development and commercialisation of a cost-effective and consistently reliable product.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
Personality traits and emotional intelligence as predictors of sustainable commercial agricultural producers in South Africa
- Authors: Posthumus, Karen-Louise
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Sustainable agriculture -- South Africa Emotional intelligence -- South Africa Agriculture -- Economic aspects -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/10399 , vital:26742
- Description: The dual agriculture sector in South Africa comprises both a well-developed commercial farming and a smaller scale communal component. It is however, the commercial sector that is relied upon for food security. The multi-dimensional and complex nature of agricultural production in South Africa demands that sustainable commercial farmers of the future need to demonstrate the ability to effectively handle a multitude of tasks, which may be a function of individual personality traits and emotional intelligence. In this paper, the contribution of individual differences in personality and emotional intelligence as drivers for sustainability of South African commercial agricultural producers was investigated for inclusion into a selection model defining the entry-level requirements (skills, knowledge and competencies) for this occupation. Despite several studies that reported on the personality traits of farmers on a global level, no reports are found on similar studies conducted within a South African context. The main objective of this study was to improve the sustainability of all commercial agricultural producers in South Africa by investigating the personality traits and emotional intelligence driving that sustainability. This study focused on the commercial farming sector in South Africa, which has a unique need to integrate emerging/new farmers into the modern agricultural value chain. This is in accordance with the objectives of the Land Reform Bill (South Africa, 2015) as set out in the government’s National Development Plan (South Africa, 2012). The population of the study comprised commercial agricultural producers throughout South Africa and the sample frame was the estimated 40 000 commercial agricultural producers from whom the sample was drawn. The sampling method employed was snowball sampling (non-probability sampling) with the sampling unit selected on a degree of personal judgement. Quantitative questionnaires were administered to 60 commercial farmers throughout South Africa. Quantitative data was analysed using the STATISTICA Version 10.0 (2011) computer software programme and results were presented in tabulated format. The empirical results revealed that amongst the independent variables investigated in this study, only two variables were significantly related to the successful implementation of sustainable farming; they are neuroticism and management of emotions. Emanating from the findings of this study, recommendations were made to respective role-players on how to manage and support these findings.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
- Authors: Posthumus, Karen-Louise
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Sustainable agriculture -- South Africa Emotional intelligence -- South Africa Agriculture -- Economic aspects -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/10399 , vital:26742
- Description: The dual agriculture sector in South Africa comprises both a well-developed commercial farming and a smaller scale communal component. It is however, the commercial sector that is relied upon for food security. The multi-dimensional and complex nature of agricultural production in South Africa demands that sustainable commercial farmers of the future need to demonstrate the ability to effectively handle a multitude of tasks, which may be a function of individual personality traits and emotional intelligence. In this paper, the contribution of individual differences in personality and emotional intelligence as drivers for sustainability of South African commercial agricultural producers was investigated for inclusion into a selection model defining the entry-level requirements (skills, knowledge and competencies) for this occupation. Despite several studies that reported on the personality traits of farmers on a global level, no reports are found on similar studies conducted within a South African context. The main objective of this study was to improve the sustainability of all commercial agricultural producers in South Africa by investigating the personality traits and emotional intelligence driving that sustainability. This study focused on the commercial farming sector in South Africa, which has a unique need to integrate emerging/new farmers into the modern agricultural value chain. This is in accordance with the objectives of the Land Reform Bill (South Africa, 2015) as set out in the government’s National Development Plan (South Africa, 2012). The population of the study comprised commercial agricultural producers throughout South Africa and the sample frame was the estimated 40 000 commercial agricultural producers from whom the sample was drawn. The sampling method employed was snowball sampling (non-probability sampling) with the sampling unit selected on a degree of personal judgement. Quantitative questionnaires were administered to 60 commercial farmers throughout South Africa. Quantitative data was analysed using the STATISTICA Version 10.0 (2011) computer software programme and results were presented in tabulated format. The empirical results revealed that amongst the independent variables investigated in this study, only two variables were significantly related to the successful implementation of sustainable farming; they are neuroticism and management of emotions. Emanating from the findings of this study, recommendations were made to respective role-players on how to manage and support these findings.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
Single station TEC modelling during storm conditions
- Authors: Uwamahoro, Jean Claude
- Date: 2016
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/3812 , vital:20545
- Description: It has been shown in ionospheric research that modelling total electron content (TEC) during storm conditions is a big challenge. In this study, mathematical equations were developed to estimate TEC over Sutherland (32.38oS, 20.81oE), during storm conditions, using the Empirical Orthogonal Function (EOF) analysis, combined with regression analysis. TEC was derived from GPS observations and a geomagnetic storm was defined for Dst ≤ -50 nT. The inputs for the model were chosen based on the factors that influence TEC variation, such as diurnal, seasonal, solar and geomagnetic activity variation, and these were represented by hour of the day, day number of the year, F10.7 and A index respectively. The EOF model was developed using GPS TEC data from 1999 to 2013 and tested on different storms. For the model validation (interpolation), three storms were chosen in 2000 (solar maximum period) and three others in 2006 (solar minimum period), while for extrapolation six storms including three in 2014 and three in 2015 were chosen. Before building the model, TEC values for the selected 2000 and 2006 storms were removed from the dataset used to construct the model in order to make the model validation independent on data. A comparison of the observed and modelled TEC showed that the EOF model works well for storms with non-significant ionospheric TEC response and storms that occurred during periods of low solar activity. High correlation coefficients between the observed and modelled TEC were obtained showing that the model covers most of the information contained in the observed TEC. Furthermore, it has been shown that the EOF model developed for a specific station may be used to estimate TEC over other locations within a latitudinal and longitudinal coverage of 8.7o and 10.6o respectively. This is an important result as it reduces the data dimensionality problem for computational purposes. It may therefore not be necessary for regional storm-time TEC modelling to compute TEC data for all the closest GPS receiver stations since most of the needed information can be extracted from measurements at one location.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
- Authors: Uwamahoro, Jean Claude
- Date: 2016
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/3812 , vital:20545
- Description: It has been shown in ionospheric research that modelling total electron content (TEC) during storm conditions is a big challenge. In this study, mathematical equations were developed to estimate TEC over Sutherland (32.38oS, 20.81oE), during storm conditions, using the Empirical Orthogonal Function (EOF) analysis, combined with regression analysis. TEC was derived from GPS observations and a geomagnetic storm was defined for Dst ≤ -50 nT. The inputs for the model were chosen based on the factors that influence TEC variation, such as diurnal, seasonal, solar and geomagnetic activity variation, and these were represented by hour of the day, day number of the year, F10.7 and A index respectively. The EOF model was developed using GPS TEC data from 1999 to 2013 and tested on different storms. For the model validation (interpolation), three storms were chosen in 2000 (solar maximum period) and three others in 2006 (solar minimum period), while for extrapolation six storms including three in 2014 and three in 2015 were chosen. Before building the model, TEC values for the selected 2000 and 2006 storms were removed from the dataset used to construct the model in order to make the model validation independent on data. A comparison of the observed and modelled TEC showed that the EOF model works well for storms with non-significant ionospheric TEC response and storms that occurred during periods of low solar activity. High correlation coefficients between the observed and modelled TEC were obtained showing that the model covers most of the information contained in the observed TEC. Furthermore, it has been shown that the EOF model developed for a specific station may be used to estimate TEC over other locations within a latitudinal and longitudinal coverage of 8.7o and 10.6o respectively. This is an important result as it reduces the data dimensionality problem for computational purposes. It may therefore not be necessary for regional storm-time TEC modelling to compute TEC data for all the closest GPS receiver stations since most of the needed information can be extracted from measurements at one location.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
The Malarial Exported PFA0660w Is an Hsp40 Co-Chaperone of PfHsp70-x
- Daniyan, Michael O, Boshoff, Aileen, Prinsloo, Earl, Pesce, Eva-Rachele, Blatch, Gregory L
- Authors: Daniyan, Michael O , Boshoff, Aileen , Prinsloo, Earl , Pesce, Eva-Rachele , Blatch, Gregory L
- Date: 2016
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/66098 , vital:28901 , https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0148517
- Description: publisher version , Plasmodium falciparum, the human pathogen responsible for the most dangerous malaria infection, survives and develops in mature erythrocytes through the export of proteins needed for remodelling of the host cell. Molecular chaperones of the heat shock protein (Hsp) family are prominent members of the exportome, including a number of Hsp40s and a Hsp70. PFA0660w, a type II Hsp40, has been shown to be exported and possibly form a complex with PfHsp70-x in the infected erythrocyte cytosol. However, the chaperone properties of PFA0660w and its interaction with human and parasite Hsp70s are yet to be investigated. Recombinant PFA0660w was found to exist as a monomer in solution, and was able to significantly stimulate the ATPase activity of PfHsp70-x but not that of a second plasmodial Hsp70 (PfHsp70-1) or a human Hsp70 (HSPA1A), indicating a potential specific functional partnership with PfHsp70-x. Protein binding studies in the presence and absence of ATP suggested that the interaction of PFA0660w with PfHsp70-x most likely represented a co-chaperone/chaperone interaction. Also, PFA0660w alone produced a concentration-dependent suppression of rhodanese aggregation, demonstrating its chaperone properties. Overall, we have provided the first biochemical evidence for the possible role of PFA0660w as a chaperone and as co-chaperone of PfHsp70-x. We propose that these chaperones boost the chaperone power of the infected erythrocyte, enabling successful protein trafficking and folding, and thereby making a fundamental contribution to the pathology of malaria. , This work was supported by grants from the National Research Foundation (NRF) and Medical Research Council (MRC) of South Africa. The ProteOn XPR36 IAS was purchased from a National Nanotechnology Equipment Programme grant from the Department of Science and Technology and the NRF of South Africa. Michael O. Daniyan was a recipient of the Education Trust Fund (ETF) Academic Staff Training and Development (AST and D) scholarship of Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria and a Rhodes University Council research bursary
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
- Authors: Daniyan, Michael O , Boshoff, Aileen , Prinsloo, Earl , Pesce, Eva-Rachele , Blatch, Gregory L
- Date: 2016
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/66098 , vital:28901 , https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0148517
- Description: publisher version , Plasmodium falciparum, the human pathogen responsible for the most dangerous malaria infection, survives and develops in mature erythrocytes through the export of proteins needed for remodelling of the host cell. Molecular chaperones of the heat shock protein (Hsp) family are prominent members of the exportome, including a number of Hsp40s and a Hsp70. PFA0660w, a type II Hsp40, has been shown to be exported and possibly form a complex with PfHsp70-x in the infected erythrocyte cytosol. However, the chaperone properties of PFA0660w and its interaction with human and parasite Hsp70s are yet to be investigated. Recombinant PFA0660w was found to exist as a monomer in solution, and was able to significantly stimulate the ATPase activity of PfHsp70-x but not that of a second plasmodial Hsp70 (PfHsp70-1) or a human Hsp70 (HSPA1A), indicating a potential specific functional partnership with PfHsp70-x. Protein binding studies in the presence and absence of ATP suggested that the interaction of PFA0660w with PfHsp70-x most likely represented a co-chaperone/chaperone interaction. Also, PFA0660w alone produced a concentration-dependent suppression of rhodanese aggregation, demonstrating its chaperone properties. Overall, we have provided the first biochemical evidence for the possible role of PFA0660w as a chaperone and as co-chaperone of PfHsp70-x. We propose that these chaperones boost the chaperone power of the infected erythrocyte, enabling successful protein trafficking and folding, and thereby making a fundamental contribution to the pathology of malaria. , This work was supported by grants from the National Research Foundation (NRF) and Medical Research Council (MRC) of South Africa. The ProteOn XPR36 IAS was purchased from a National Nanotechnology Equipment Programme grant from the Department of Science and Technology and the NRF of South Africa. Michael O. Daniyan was a recipient of the Education Trust Fund (ETF) Academic Staff Training and Development (AST and D) scholarship of Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria and a Rhodes University Council research bursary
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
Improving employee engagement within a contemporary call centre in the Western Cape
- Authors: Pillay, Lesharin
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Employee motivation -- Research Employees -- Rating of , Employees -- Attitudes
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/48025 , vital:40464
- Description: Call centres can be regarded as one of the most stressful working environments, where a number of challenges are experienced, such as a high staff turnover and a high level of absenteeism. Call centres have evolved over the past decade and will continue to evolve as technology progresses. The call centre industry, has experienced approximately an eight percent growth from 2013 to 2014 in terms of job creation within the Western Cape. The number of jobs increased from 38 000 to 41 000 year on year with a R9 billion contribution being made to the provincial gross domestic product. In investigating the call centre industry in the Western Cape, a core problem was identified which revealed a number of questions. Call centre agents experience low levels of satisfaction, mainly as a result of the repetitiveness and monotonous nature of their work. This leads to the main research problem, namely that of improving employee engagement within a contemporary call centre in the Western Cape. In order to resolve this problem, employee engagement need to be defined as well as various levels of engagement needed to be investigated. Furthermore, an understanding of the key drivers of engagement as well as an understanding on how employee engagement can be improved, is needed. This study aims at providing call centre managers with insight into various engagement factors which could impact on: absenteeism, attrition rates and performance of call centre agents as well as customer experience. In order to address the problem and answer the various questions described above, the researcher conducted a literature review in order to create an understanding of the employee engagement concept as well as identify the various levels of employee engagement and the key drivers of engagement. Based on the literature review conducted, a hypothesis was developed on key drivers that impact the engagement of call centre agents. The key drivers in accordance with the hypothesised model are communication, team support, autonomy, management support, rewards and recognition as well as career development. A further literature review was conducted on how to improve employee engagement based on the key drivers identified. Based on the literature review done a questionnaire has been constructed in order to test the hypothesis. Electronic surveys based on the questionnaire constructed were sent out to a sample of call centre agents. All results from the survey were captured onto excel spreadsheets and various statistical calculations were conducted. The results from empirical study were analysed in conjunction with the literature in order to address the objective of the research. The biographical statistics showed a greater composition of female respondents in comparison to male. The predominant age group was found to be 26-35 years and the predominant period of service towards the organisation was more than 3 years. Descriptive statistics per variable revealed a number of high positive indicators such as regular communication and relationships with managers as well as a sense of belonging in a team. The descriptive statistics also revealed various areas of concern of which the highest frequency of negative responses related to employees feeling like a professional associate and not just a simple worker as well as growth opportunities. All drivers in accordance with the hypothesised model, were positively correlated to employee engagement. The empirical research was conducted on a call centre within the Western Cape and thus it can be concluded that an improvement in the drivers of engagement should lead to improved employee engagement within a contemporary call centre in the Western Cape.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
- Authors: Pillay, Lesharin
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Employee motivation -- Research Employees -- Rating of , Employees -- Attitudes
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/48025 , vital:40464
- Description: Call centres can be regarded as one of the most stressful working environments, where a number of challenges are experienced, such as a high staff turnover and a high level of absenteeism. Call centres have evolved over the past decade and will continue to evolve as technology progresses. The call centre industry, has experienced approximately an eight percent growth from 2013 to 2014 in terms of job creation within the Western Cape. The number of jobs increased from 38 000 to 41 000 year on year with a R9 billion contribution being made to the provincial gross domestic product. In investigating the call centre industry in the Western Cape, a core problem was identified which revealed a number of questions. Call centre agents experience low levels of satisfaction, mainly as a result of the repetitiveness and monotonous nature of their work. This leads to the main research problem, namely that of improving employee engagement within a contemporary call centre in the Western Cape. In order to resolve this problem, employee engagement need to be defined as well as various levels of engagement needed to be investigated. Furthermore, an understanding of the key drivers of engagement as well as an understanding on how employee engagement can be improved, is needed. This study aims at providing call centre managers with insight into various engagement factors which could impact on: absenteeism, attrition rates and performance of call centre agents as well as customer experience. In order to address the problem and answer the various questions described above, the researcher conducted a literature review in order to create an understanding of the employee engagement concept as well as identify the various levels of employee engagement and the key drivers of engagement. Based on the literature review conducted, a hypothesis was developed on key drivers that impact the engagement of call centre agents. The key drivers in accordance with the hypothesised model are communication, team support, autonomy, management support, rewards and recognition as well as career development. A further literature review was conducted on how to improve employee engagement based on the key drivers identified. Based on the literature review done a questionnaire has been constructed in order to test the hypothesis. Electronic surveys based on the questionnaire constructed were sent out to a sample of call centre agents. All results from the survey were captured onto excel spreadsheets and various statistical calculations were conducted. The results from empirical study were analysed in conjunction with the literature in order to address the objective of the research. The biographical statistics showed a greater composition of female respondents in comparison to male. The predominant age group was found to be 26-35 years and the predominant period of service towards the organisation was more than 3 years. Descriptive statistics per variable revealed a number of high positive indicators such as regular communication and relationships with managers as well as a sense of belonging in a team. The descriptive statistics also revealed various areas of concern of which the highest frequency of negative responses related to employees feeling like a professional associate and not just a simple worker as well as growth opportunities. All drivers in accordance with the hypothesised model, were positively correlated to employee engagement. The empirical research was conducted on a call centre within the Western Cape and thus it can be concluded that an improvement in the drivers of engagement should lead to improved employee engagement within a contemporary call centre in the Western Cape.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
Relevance of the family assessment for least developed countries (FALDC) assessment tool rendering child protection services in the Eastern Cape, South Africa
- Authors: Mgidi, Siphelele
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Child abuse -- South Africa -- Prevention Family social work -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/6335 , vital:29578
- Description: Assessment tools have been used for various purposes, including for protecting children from maltreatment. The main aim of this study was to to evaluate and determine the relevance of the Family Assessment for Leased Developed Countries (FALDC) assessment tool for child protection services in the Eastern Cape Province. The research was conducted using the social developmental welfare approach (Patel, 2005) and ecological systems theory (Healy, 2005). The study made use of the qualitative research method; in doing so the study made use of the case study design. In using the qualitative research method, focus group discussions were conducted with 29 social workers involved in child protection services. The findings of the study indicated that the FALDC assessment tool provides information useful for child protection services even though it contains sections that are regarded as less relevant to child protection. The study also founded that the FALDC assessment tool is relevant to child protection in the South African context, yet it needs to be aligned so that it provides much of the information desired by those involved in child protection. A conclusion drawn from this study is that the FALDC assessment tool appears to be relevant for child protection services. The FALDC assessment tool needs to be adjusted taking into consideration other aspects important to child protection in the South African child protection context.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
- Authors: Mgidi, Siphelele
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Child abuse -- South Africa -- Prevention Family social work -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/6335 , vital:29578
- Description: Assessment tools have been used for various purposes, including for protecting children from maltreatment. The main aim of this study was to to evaluate and determine the relevance of the Family Assessment for Leased Developed Countries (FALDC) assessment tool for child protection services in the Eastern Cape Province. The research was conducted using the social developmental welfare approach (Patel, 2005) and ecological systems theory (Healy, 2005). The study made use of the qualitative research method; in doing so the study made use of the case study design. In using the qualitative research method, focus group discussions were conducted with 29 social workers involved in child protection services. The findings of the study indicated that the FALDC assessment tool provides information useful for child protection services even though it contains sections that are regarded as less relevant to child protection. The study also founded that the FALDC assessment tool is relevant to child protection in the South African context, yet it needs to be aligned so that it provides much of the information desired by those involved in child protection. A conclusion drawn from this study is that the FALDC assessment tool appears to be relevant for child protection services. The FALDC assessment tool needs to be adjusted taking into consideration other aspects important to child protection in the South African child protection context.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
Trophic interactions in an austral temperate ephemeral pond inferred using stable isotope analysis
- Dalu, Tatenda, Weyl, Olaf L F, Froneman, P William, Wasserman, Ryan J
- Authors: Dalu, Tatenda , Weyl, Olaf L F , Froneman, P William , Wasserman, Ryan J
- Date: 2016
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/68022 , vital:29185 , https://doi.org/10.1007/s10750-015-2533-5
- Description: Publisher version , Ephemeral ponds are vulnerable aquatic habitats which are difficult to protect given their dynamic nature and sensitivity to degradation during dry periods. Little information is available on these habitats in austral regions, with almost no information on food-web structure and complexity. The study aimed to assess trophic interactions among dominant organisms in an ephemeral pond food web, and investigate the importance of autochthonous and allochthonous carbon, using 13C and 15N isotopes. Results of the investigation suggest that the food web comprised four trophic levels, with the top predators being Notonectids (Notonecta sp.) and diving beetles (Cybister tripunctatus (Olivier)). Intermediary trophic levels comprised zooplankton (daphniids and copepodids), macroinvertebrates (e.g. micronectids and molluscs) and tadpoles. Generalist feeders dominated the higher trophic levels (>3) with specialists comprising the lower trophic levels (≤3). The consumers preferred autochthonous fine particulate organic matter, epiphyton and submerged macrophyte organic matter sources over allochthonous sources. Autochthonous organic matter was transferred to the food web via zooplankton and select macroinvertebrates including Micronecta sp. and Physa sp. The food-web structure within the pond appeared to reflect the secondary stage of trophic structural complexity in the evolution of ephemeral ponds over the course of their hydro-period.
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2016
- Authors: Dalu, Tatenda , Weyl, Olaf L F , Froneman, P William , Wasserman, Ryan J
- Date: 2016
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/68022 , vital:29185 , https://doi.org/10.1007/s10750-015-2533-5
- Description: Publisher version , Ephemeral ponds are vulnerable aquatic habitats which are difficult to protect given their dynamic nature and sensitivity to degradation during dry periods. Little information is available on these habitats in austral regions, with almost no information on food-web structure and complexity. The study aimed to assess trophic interactions among dominant organisms in an ephemeral pond food web, and investigate the importance of autochthonous and allochthonous carbon, using 13C and 15N isotopes. Results of the investigation suggest that the food web comprised four trophic levels, with the top predators being Notonectids (Notonecta sp.) and diving beetles (Cybister tripunctatus (Olivier)). Intermediary trophic levels comprised zooplankton (daphniids and copepodids), macroinvertebrates (e.g. micronectids and molluscs) and tadpoles. Generalist feeders dominated the higher trophic levels (>3) with specialists comprising the lower trophic levels (≤3). The consumers preferred autochthonous fine particulate organic matter, epiphyton and submerged macrophyte organic matter sources over allochthonous sources. Autochthonous organic matter was transferred to the food web via zooplankton and select macroinvertebrates including Micronecta sp. and Physa sp. The food-web structure within the pond appeared to reflect the secondary stage of trophic structural complexity in the evolution of ephemeral ponds over the course of their hydro-period.
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2016
The caramel Venus and other stories
- Authors: Terblanche, Tania
- Date: 2016
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:6006 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/1021214
- Description: My collection of stories illustrates the absurdity, the beauty and the pain of being human by depicting experience through fabulation. The intensity of existence comes to light in strange worlds that operate by rules of our inner mechanics, distorted so that only the colours and the shape of our hearts swim underneath. My fiction embodies these realities using the flatness of the fairy tale form while incorporating the humorous, the bizarre and the surreal. Some of the stories build dystopian worlds using the manifestation of the unfamiliar as a mirror of our psyche in an overpopulated and consumer-driven society. Others create contained worlds where the fantastical is fostered only by the narrator being drawn into an inner life. All the stories take us through inner landscapes with the humans, animals and objects around us that can pulse with so much meaning and then none at all.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
- Authors: Terblanche, Tania
- Date: 2016
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:6006 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/1021214
- Description: My collection of stories illustrates the absurdity, the beauty and the pain of being human by depicting experience through fabulation. The intensity of existence comes to light in strange worlds that operate by rules of our inner mechanics, distorted so that only the colours and the shape of our hearts swim underneath. My fiction embodies these realities using the flatness of the fairy tale form while incorporating the humorous, the bizarre and the surreal. Some of the stories build dystopian worlds using the manifestation of the unfamiliar as a mirror of our psyche in an overpopulated and consumer-driven society. Others create contained worlds where the fantastical is fostered only by the narrator being drawn into an inner life. All the stories take us through inner landscapes with the humans, animals and objects around us that can pulse with so much meaning and then none at all.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
Supra-maximal speed interval training effect on a 40m standing start sprint and timed 3000m running performance in moderately trained female runners: Alterg anti-gravity treadmill running
- Authors: Ellerbeck, Tim
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Interval training , Women runners , Running -- Training
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/6772 , vital:21140
- Description: The purpose of this study was to explore what the supra-maximal speed interval training effect was on a 40m standing start sprint and timed 3000m running performance was for two separate study groups when using either the AlterG® anti-gravity treadmill, or downhill running as a training intervention, for moderately trained female runners. The level of delayed onset of muscle soreness (DOMS) after each supra-maximal speed interval session was also captured. Data from 20 women was collected during initial pre-intervention testing; involving the 40m standing start sprint and 3000m timed trial run. During a four week training intervention the level of DOMS experienced by participants at increments of 24 hours, 48 hours and 72 hours, in each respective training group was recorded. Post-intervention testing was performed to once again measure the participants 40m standing start sprint and 3000m timed trial run values, results were analysed and compared to pre-intervention data.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
- Authors: Ellerbeck, Tim
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Interval training , Women runners , Running -- Training
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/6772 , vital:21140
- Description: The purpose of this study was to explore what the supra-maximal speed interval training effect was on a 40m standing start sprint and timed 3000m running performance was for two separate study groups when using either the AlterG® anti-gravity treadmill, or downhill running as a training intervention, for moderately trained female runners. The level of delayed onset of muscle soreness (DOMS) after each supra-maximal speed interval session was also captured. Data from 20 women was collected during initial pre-intervention testing; involving the 40m standing start sprint and 3000m timed trial run. During a four week training intervention the level of DOMS experienced by participants at increments of 24 hours, 48 hours and 72 hours, in each respective training group was recorded. Post-intervention testing was performed to once again measure the participants 40m standing start sprint and 3000m timed trial run values, results were analysed and compared to pre-intervention data.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
An evaluation of the morphological and genetic diversity of Eurydice occurring on South African sandy beaches
- Hawkins, Magdalena Johanna, Hauser, Lorenz
- Authors: Hawkins, Magdalena Johanna , Hauser, Lorenz
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Morphology , Beaches -- Morphology
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/6708 , vital:21128
- Description: This study evaluated the diversity of the genus Eurydice on sandy beaches in South Africa by analysis of morphological as well as genetic data. Type specimens of the three Eurydice species currently known from South Africa, E. longicornis, E. kensleyi and E. barnardi were obtained from the Museum für Naturkunde in Berlin and the Iziko Museum in Cape Town, South Africa. These specimens were studied in order to become familiar with their morphology. Eurydice individuals obtained from 30 sites spanning the South African coast, from Port Nolloth on the north-west coast to Bhanga Nek on the north-east coast were then examined. The two species E. kensleyi and E. barnardi, as well as four new morphospecies (A, B, C and D) were discriminated from these individuals by suites of morphological character types. Morphospecies A, B, C and D were therefore delimited according to the Phenetic Species Concept. None of the Eurydice individuals examined exhibited the same suite of characters as E. longicornis. Molecular sequences of two mitochondrial markers, cytochrome c oxidase 1 and 16S rRNA were analysed using both distance- and monophyly based methods. Uncorrected p-distances, a Minimum Spanning Haplotype Network and Maximum Likelihood phylogenetic trees were investigated to determine genetic diversity and phylogenetic relationships in the six Eurydice morphospecies. Results from the genetic analysis made it possible to delimit morphospecies A B, C and D as phylospecies A, B, C and D according to the Phylogenetic Species Concept, thereby validating the species status of four new Eurydice species, provisionally called Eurydice A, Eurydice B, Eurydice C and Eurydice D. This increases the total number of Eurydice species from South Africa to seven, of which six form part of the macrofauna of sandy beaches. The outcomes of this study represent an important step in the resolution of the taxonomy of the genus Eurydice in South Africa and enhance current knowledge of the biodiversity of sandy beach macrofauna, thus facilitating better-informed decisions on conservation policies and management to the benefit of conservation of biodiversity on sandy beaches in South Africa.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
- Authors: Hawkins, Magdalena Johanna , Hauser, Lorenz
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Morphology , Beaches -- Morphology
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/6708 , vital:21128
- Description: This study evaluated the diversity of the genus Eurydice on sandy beaches in South Africa by analysis of morphological as well as genetic data. Type specimens of the three Eurydice species currently known from South Africa, E. longicornis, E. kensleyi and E. barnardi were obtained from the Museum für Naturkunde in Berlin and the Iziko Museum in Cape Town, South Africa. These specimens were studied in order to become familiar with their morphology. Eurydice individuals obtained from 30 sites spanning the South African coast, from Port Nolloth on the north-west coast to Bhanga Nek on the north-east coast were then examined. The two species E. kensleyi and E. barnardi, as well as four new morphospecies (A, B, C and D) were discriminated from these individuals by suites of morphological character types. Morphospecies A, B, C and D were therefore delimited according to the Phenetic Species Concept. None of the Eurydice individuals examined exhibited the same suite of characters as E. longicornis. Molecular sequences of two mitochondrial markers, cytochrome c oxidase 1 and 16S rRNA were analysed using both distance- and monophyly based methods. Uncorrected p-distances, a Minimum Spanning Haplotype Network and Maximum Likelihood phylogenetic trees were investigated to determine genetic diversity and phylogenetic relationships in the six Eurydice morphospecies. Results from the genetic analysis made it possible to delimit morphospecies A B, C and D as phylospecies A, B, C and D according to the Phylogenetic Species Concept, thereby validating the species status of four new Eurydice species, provisionally called Eurydice A, Eurydice B, Eurydice C and Eurydice D. This increases the total number of Eurydice species from South Africa to seven, of which six form part of the macrofauna of sandy beaches. The outcomes of this study represent an important step in the resolution of the taxonomy of the genus Eurydice in South Africa and enhance current knowledge of the biodiversity of sandy beach macrofauna, thus facilitating better-informed decisions on conservation policies and management to the benefit of conservation of biodiversity on sandy beaches in South Africa.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
Alcoholism and being under the influence of alcohol
- Authors: Maliti, Zandisile
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Alcoholism and employment , Misconduct in office , Alcoholism -- Diagnosis
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , LLM
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/8416 , vital:26354
- Description: Being under the influence of alcohol at work or during working hours is dealt with as misconduct. On the other hand, in a case where an employee suffers from alcoholism, such a case is treated as incapacity due to ill health. The possibility of overlap between the two has contributed to a misconception. Alcoholism cases, are at times, incorrectly treated as misconduct. The same applies to cases of being under the influence of alcohol where such cases would be treated as incapacity instead of being treated as misconduct. The distinction between alcoholism and being under the influence of alcohol was made clear in Transnet Freight Rail v Transnet Bargaining Council C644/2009 [2011] ZALCJHB (4 March 2011) where the Labour Court held that employers have an obligation of assisting employees who suffer from alcoholism with counselling and rehabilitation. Such an obligation does not arise when an employee, who is not an alcoholic, comes to work under the influence of alcohol. Whilst the nature of work is taken into consideration in determining whether an employee is under the influence of alcohol or not, the major cause of disharmony in the determination is a common defence of having consumed alcohol during a night before and whether the physical observations combined with positive breathalyser test results or on their own are indicative, on the balance of probabilities, that an employee is under the influence of alcohol or not. There is no need for an employee to injure himself or herself or other employees before a determination is made that he or she is under the influence of alcohol. Physical observations combined with breathalyzer test results, can be indicative of an employee that is being under the influence of alcohol. The nature of work should be an aggravating or mitigating factor rather than a determining factor of guilt.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
- Authors: Maliti, Zandisile
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Alcoholism and employment , Misconduct in office , Alcoholism -- Diagnosis
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , LLM
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/8416 , vital:26354
- Description: Being under the influence of alcohol at work or during working hours is dealt with as misconduct. On the other hand, in a case where an employee suffers from alcoholism, such a case is treated as incapacity due to ill health. The possibility of overlap between the two has contributed to a misconception. Alcoholism cases, are at times, incorrectly treated as misconduct. The same applies to cases of being under the influence of alcohol where such cases would be treated as incapacity instead of being treated as misconduct. The distinction between alcoholism and being under the influence of alcohol was made clear in Transnet Freight Rail v Transnet Bargaining Council C644/2009 [2011] ZALCJHB (4 March 2011) where the Labour Court held that employers have an obligation of assisting employees who suffer from alcoholism with counselling and rehabilitation. Such an obligation does not arise when an employee, who is not an alcoholic, comes to work under the influence of alcohol. Whilst the nature of work is taken into consideration in determining whether an employee is under the influence of alcohol or not, the major cause of disharmony in the determination is a common defence of having consumed alcohol during a night before and whether the physical observations combined with positive breathalyser test results or on their own are indicative, on the balance of probabilities, that an employee is under the influence of alcohol or not. There is no need for an employee to injure himself or herself or other employees before a determination is made that he or she is under the influence of alcohol. Physical observations combined with breathalyzer test results, can be indicative of an employee that is being under the influence of alcohol. The nature of work should be an aggravating or mitigating factor rather than a determining factor of guilt.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
SIERRA: ERM and usage statistics
- Van der Walt, Wynand, Innovative User Group Southern Africa (IUGSA), 14th Annual Conference : 2016 : Vanderbijlpark, Gauteng
- Authors: Van der Walt, Wynand , Innovative User Group Southern Africa (IUGSA), 14th Annual Conference : 2016 : Vanderbijlpark, Gauteng
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Library science
- Language: English
- Type: text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/5611 , vital:20946
- Description: This paper outlines the processes involved in incorporating e-resources usages statistics into the ERM module within Sierra. The challenges and results of using the JR1 COUNTER statistics within the ERM module will be discussed.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
- Authors: Van der Walt, Wynand , Innovative User Group Southern Africa (IUGSA), 14th Annual Conference : 2016 : Vanderbijlpark, Gauteng
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Library science
- Language: English
- Type: text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/5611 , vital:20946
- Description: This paper outlines the processes involved in incorporating e-resources usages statistics into the ERM module within Sierra. The challenges and results of using the JR1 COUNTER statistics within the ERM module will be discussed.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
Effects of lethal management on black-backed jackal population structure and source-sink dynamics
- Authors: Minnie, Liaan
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Black-backed jackal Carnivorous animals
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/12658 , vital:27104
- Description: Lethal carnivore management, aimed at reducing carnivore impacts, threatens the persistence of carnivores globally. The effects of killing carnivores will depend on their life histories and social structures. Smaller canids, like black-backed jackals (Canis mesomelas), are highly adaptable and display variable population-level responses to mortality sources, which may contribute to their success in fragmented landscapes. Jackals, the dominant predator of livestock in South Africa, are widely hunted to reduce this predation. This hunting is heterogeneous across the landscape, focussed on livestock and game farms, with nature reserves acting as refuges. The aim of this research was to investigate the ecology and population dynamics of jackals in response to heterogeneous anthropogenic mortality. I hypothesized that the spatial variation in hunting results in the formation of a source-sink population structure, which contributes to the persistence of jackals. I addressed this hypothesis by evaluating two criteria, essential for the formation of a source-sink system in larger mammals. Firstly, I confirm that hunting pressures result in the formation of distinct subpopulations with asymmetrical dispersal (i.e. compensatory immigration) from unhunted reserves to neighbouring hunted farms. Secondly, I show that jackal subpopulation display asynchronous demographics, with farm populations displaying a relatively younger age structure and an associated increase in reproductive output (i.e. compensatory reproduction). This confirms the formation of a hunting-induced source-sink system. additionally, I show that jackals have a catholic diet, which confers a level of adaptability to direct (anthropogenic mortality, prey provisioning) and indirect (alteration in prey base) habitat modifications. This dietary flexibility allows jackals to obtain the appropriate resources to achieve reproductive condition. The relatively better body condition of younger jackals in sink habitats allows for compensatory reproduction which contributes to the success of jackals on hunted farms. Based on my findings, I hypothesize that the compensatory life history responses of jackals to anthropogenic mortality may be ascribed to two interconnected mechanism. Dispersal is presumably driven by density-dependent interference competition, as dominant territorial pairs outcompete subordinates in high-density reserve areas, forcing them to disperse onto low-density farms (i.e. ideal despotic model). Additionally, farms likely represent attractive habitats, owing to a reduction in conspecifics and a concomitant increase in resource availability (including anthropogenic resource provisioning). Therefore, dispersing subordinates presumably select for farms which are perceived as good quality habitats, as the high risks of anthropogenic mortality cannot be perceived by dispersing individuals. This results in the formation of an attractive sink or ecological trap. These compensatory processes will continue to counter population management actions as long as recruitment from unmanaged areas persists. This hypothesis provides a conceptual framework for future research directions in understanding jackal persistence and management (i.e. specifically focussing on controlling dispersal) of jackal populations.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
- Authors: Minnie, Liaan
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Black-backed jackal Carnivorous animals
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/12658 , vital:27104
- Description: Lethal carnivore management, aimed at reducing carnivore impacts, threatens the persistence of carnivores globally. The effects of killing carnivores will depend on their life histories and social structures. Smaller canids, like black-backed jackals (Canis mesomelas), are highly adaptable and display variable population-level responses to mortality sources, which may contribute to their success in fragmented landscapes. Jackals, the dominant predator of livestock in South Africa, are widely hunted to reduce this predation. This hunting is heterogeneous across the landscape, focussed on livestock and game farms, with nature reserves acting as refuges. The aim of this research was to investigate the ecology and population dynamics of jackals in response to heterogeneous anthropogenic mortality. I hypothesized that the spatial variation in hunting results in the formation of a source-sink population structure, which contributes to the persistence of jackals. I addressed this hypothesis by evaluating two criteria, essential for the formation of a source-sink system in larger mammals. Firstly, I confirm that hunting pressures result in the formation of distinct subpopulations with asymmetrical dispersal (i.e. compensatory immigration) from unhunted reserves to neighbouring hunted farms. Secondly, I show that jackal subpopulation display asynchronous demographics, with farm populations displaying a relatively younger age structure and an associated increase in reproductive output (i.e. compensatory reproduction). This confirms the formation of a hunting-induced source-sink system. additionally, I show that jackals have a catholic diet, which confers a level of adaptability to direct (anthropogenic mortality, prey provisioning) and indirect (alteration in prey base) habitat modifications. This dietary flexibility allows jackals to obtain the appropriate resources to achieve reproductive condition. The relatively better body condition of younger jackals in sink habitats allows for compensatory reproduction which contributes to the success of jackals on hunted farms. Based on my findings, I hypothesize that the compensatory life history responses of jackals to anthropogenic mortality may be ascribed to two interconnected mechanism. Dispersal is presumably driven by density-dependent interference competition, as dominant territorial pairs outcompete subordinates in high-density reserve areas, forcing them to disperse onto low-density farms (i.e. ideal despotic model). Additionally, farms likely represent attractive habitats, owing to a reduction in conspecifics and a concomitant increase in resource availability (including anthropogenic resource provisioning). Therefore, dispersing subordinates presumably select for farms which are perceived as good quality habitats, as the high risks of anthropogenic mortality cannot be perceived by dispersing individuals. This results in the formation of an attractive sink or ecological trap. These compensatory processes will continue to counter population management actions as long as recruitment from unmanaged areas persists. This hypothesis provides a conceptual framework for future research directions in understanding jackal persistence and management (i.e. specifically focussing on controlling dispersal) of jackal populations.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
Stratigraphic interrelationships, sedimentology and post Karoo intrusions in the Katberg and Burgersdorp formations around the town of Whittlesea, Eastern Cape province, South Africa
- Authors: Mzana, Siphokazi Kwamnandi
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Formations (Geology) -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Sedimentology -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Geology -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/15046 , vital:40157
- Description: Concentrating on the Katberg and Burgersdorp Formations, this research examined the sedimentary environments inter alia by conducting heavy mineral analysis, interpreting provenance and determining stratigraphic interrelationships of the two formations in the Tarkastad Subgroup (Beaufort Group, Karoo Supergroup) around the town of Whittlesea in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa. It has been observed that the strata of the Katberg Formation are dominated by sandstones of a braided river system. On the other hand, the Burgersdorp Formation comprises mainly dark greyish-red mudstone, red shale with subordinate siltstone and red sandstone deposited on floodplains and channels of meandering rivers. The Katberg Formation becomes progressively less arenaceous to the north of the study area until it is virtually indistinguishable from the overlying Burgersdorp Formation. Dolerite dykes and sills that intruded the Karoo Supergroup disturbed and baked the sedimentary strata of the Tarkastad Subgroup as well as other Karoo successions. The Katberg formation is mostly found in elevated areas, commonly metamorphosed and capped by dolerite sills while the Burgersdorp is found in low lying areas and is less metamorphosed or not metamorphosed at all. Lithologies of the two formations and the Karoo dolerites have been geologically mapped and the interfingering relationship between the Burgersdorp and Katberg Formation is also shown on the map. Horizontal laminae, planar bedding and planar and trough cross-bedding characterise lithofacies in the two formations. The fossil hunt done during the course of the study did not yield any positive results in both formations. Initially, the pebbles from outcrops of the Katberg Formation in the East London area were described in hand specimen by Mountain (1939). This study took it further with petrographic- and modal analysis as well as grain size analysis for the sedimentary pebbles. Microscopic studies done on the rock samples collected in the study area revealed quartz and feldspar as the dominant constituents. Most of the feldspar is hazy as a result of dissolution and alteration to clays. Sparse sedimentary rock fragments and quartz overgrowths in some of the rocks and grains respectively, indicate phases of recycling from older sedimentary sources. Furthermore, the samples have a wide range of grain sizes, sorting, grain shapes and classification categories. Textural attributes of sediments such as mean grain size, sorting, skewness and kurtosis were used to characterise the nature of the transport processes and to reconstruct the depositional environment of the sediments. The sandstones of both the Katberg and Burgersdorp Formations are medium-grained and moderately sorted to moderately well sorted but the pebbles are very coarse- to coarse-grained. Deducing sediment provenance from the final product of a basin fill is anything but straight-forward because rocks break down and unstable minerals change during transportation along the pathways from source to basin and afterwards during diagenesis. Heavy mineral studies coupled with geochemical sandstone analysis were used to unravel the sources of sediments. Among the heavies found were opaque and non-opaque minerals which are highly resistant to weathering with zircon being the most dominant. The heavy mineral grains vary in shape from subround to angular-subround in shape. The integrated results of petrography, XRD, XRF and SEM/EDX were used to identify the source rock character and to evaluate the relative role of tectonics and climate in determining the geochemical composition of the Katberg and Burgersdorp sandstones. Sandstone composition was used to decipher the provenance and tectonic setting of source areas by standard triangular QtFL and QmFLt diagrams, tectonic setting discrimination diagrams and source rock composition diagrams to characterise the source rocks.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
- Authors: Mzana, Siphokazi Kwamnandi
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Formations (Geology) -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Sedimentology -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Geology -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/15046 , vital:40157
- Description: Concentrating on the Katberg and Burgersdorp Formations, this research examined the sedimentary environments inter alia by conducting heavy mineral analysis, interpreting provenance and determining stratigraphic interrelationships of the two formations in the Tarkastad Subgroup (Beaufort Group, Karoo Supergroup) around the town of Whittlesea in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa. It has been observed that the strata of the Katberg Formation are dominated by sandstones of a braided river system. On the other hand, the Burgersdorp Formation comprises mainly dark greyish-red mudstone, red shale with subordinate siltstone and red sandstone deposited on floodplains and channels of meandering rivers. The Katberg Formation becomes progressively less arenaceous to the north of the study area until it is virtually indistinguishable from the overlying Burgersdorp Formation. Dolerite dykes and sills that intruded the Karoo Supergroup disturbed and baked the sedimentary strata of the Tarkastad Subgroup as well as other Karoo successions. The Katberg formation is mostly found in elevated areas, commonly metamorphosed and capped by dolerite sills while the Burgersdorp is found in low lying areas and is less metamorphosed or not metamorphosed at all. Lithologies of the two formations and the Karoo dolerites have been geologically mapped and the interfingering relationship between the Burgersdorp and Katberg Formation is also shown on the map. Horizontal laminae, planar bedding and planar and trough cross-bedding characterise lithofacies in the two formations. The fossil hunt done during the course of the study did not yield any positive results in both formations. Initially, the pebbles from outcrops of the Katberg Formation in the East London area were described in hand specimen by Mountain (1939). This study took it further with petrographic- and modal analysis as well as grain size analysis for the sedimentary pebbles. Microscopic studies done on the rock samples collected in the study area revealed quartz and feldspar as the dominant constituents. Most of the feldspar is hazy as a result of dissolution and alteration to clays. Sparse sedimentary rock fragments and quartz overgrowths in some of the rocks and grains respectively, indicate phases of recycling from older sedimentary sources. Furthermore, the samples have a wide range of grain sizes, sorting, grain shapes and classification categories. Textural attributes of sediments such as mean grain size, sorting, skewness and kurtosis were used to characterise the nature of the transport processes and to reconstruct the depositional environment of the sediments. The sandstones of both the Katberg and Burgersdorp Formations are medium-grained and moderately sorted to moderately well sorted but the pebbles are very coarse- to coarse-grained. Deducing sediment provenance from the final product of a basin fill is anything but straight-forward because rocks break down and unstable minerals change during transportation along the pathways from source to basin and afterwards during diagenesis. Heavy mineral studies coupled with geochemical sandstone analysis were used to unravel the sources of sediments. Among the heavies found were opaque and non-opaque minerals which are highly resistant to weathering with zircon being the most dominant. The heavy mineral grains vary in shape from subround to angular-subround in shape. The integrated results of petrography, XRD, XRF and SEM/EDX were used to identify the source rock character and to evaluate the relative role of tectonics and climate in determining the geochemical composition of the Katberg and Burgersdorp sandstones. Sandstone composition was used to decipher the provenance and tectonic setting of source areas by standard triangular QtFL and QmFLt diagrams, tectonic setting discrimination diagrams and source rock composition diagrams to characterise the source rocks.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
Anti-diabetic and phytochemical analysis of sutherlandia frutescens extracts
- Authors: Adefuye, Ogheneochuko Janet
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Medicinal plants -- Africa , Traditional medicine -- Africa , Herbs -- Therapeutic use -- Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/3549 , vital:20441
- Description: In Africa, the importance of medicinal plants in folklore medicine and their contribution to primary healthcare is well recognized. Across the continent, local herbal mixtures still provide the only therapeutic option for about 80% of the population. The vast floral diversity and the intrinsic ethnobotanical knowledge has been the backbone of localized traditional herbal medical practices. In Africa, an estimated 5400 of the 60000 described plant taxa possess over 16300 therapeutic uses. Similarly, with a therapeutic flora comprising of approximately 650 species, herbal medical practitioners in South Africa, make use of a plethora of plants to treat different human diseases and infections. Over the years, studies have identified numerous plant species with potential against chronic metabolic diseases including type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Globally, the incidence and prevalence of T2DM have reached epidemic proportions affecting people of all ages, nationalities and ethnicity. Considered the fourth leading cause of deaths by disease, T2DM is a global health crisis with an estimated diagnosis and mortality frequency of 1 every 5 seconds and 1 every 7 seconds respectively. Though the exact pathophysiology of T2DM is not entirely understood, initial peripheral insulin resistance in adipose tissue, liver, and skeletal muscle with subsequent pancreatic β-cell dysfunction resulting from an attempt to compensate for insulin resistance is a common feature of the disease. The current approach to treating T2DM is the use of oral antidiabetic agents (OAAs), insulin, and incretin-based drugs in an attempt to achieve glycaemic control and maintain glucose homeostasis. However, conventional anti-T2DM drugs have been shown to have limited efficacies and serious adverse effects. Hence, the need for newer, more efficacious and safer anti-T2DM agents. Sutherlandia frutescens subsp. microphylla is a flowering shrub of the pea family (Fabaceae/Leguminaceae) found mainly in the Western Cape and Karoo regions of Southern Africa. Concoctions of various parts of the plant are used in the management of different ailments including T2DM. However, despite extensive biological and pharmacological studies, few analyses exist of the chemical constituents of S. frutescens and no Triple Time of Flight Liquid Chromatography with Mass Spectrometry (Triple TOF LC/MS/MS) analysis has been performed. The initial aim of this study was to investigate the phytochemical profile of hot aqueous, cold aqueous, 80% ethanolic, 100% ethanolic, 80% methanolic and 100% methanolic extracts of a single source S. frutescens plant material using colorimetric and spectrophotometric analysis. The hot aqueous extractant was found to be the best extractant for S. frutescens, yielding 1.99 g of crude extract from 16 g fresh powdered plant material. This data suggests that application of heat and water as the extractant (hot aqueous) could play a vital role in extraction of bioactive compounds from S. frutescens and also justifies the traditional use of a tea infusion of S. frutescens. Colorimetric analysis revealed the presence of flavonoids, flavonols, tannins, and phenols in all extracts with varying intensity. The organic extracts 100% methanol, 80% and 100% ethanol exhibited high color intensity (+++) for flavonoids and flavonols respectively, while all the extracts exhibited a moderate color intensity (++) for tannins and phenols. Spectrophotometric analysis of S. frutescens extracts revealed that all the organic extracts contained a significantly higher concentration (in mg/g of extract) of flavonols and tannins when compared to the aqueous extracts. All extracts contained approximately equal levels of phenols. These data confirm the presence of all four groups of bioactive phytocompounds in the S. frutescens extracts used in this study, and also confirm that different solvent extractants possess the capability to differentially extract specific groups of phytocompounds. in individual extracts. Further comparison of these compounds with online databases of anti-diabetic phytocompounds led to the preliminary identification of 10 possible anti-diabetic compounds; α-Pinene, Limonene, Sabinene, Carvone, Myricetin, Rutin, Stigmasterol, Emodin, Sarpagine and Hypoglycin B in crude and solid phase extraction (SPE) fractions of S. frutesecens. Furthermore, using two hepatic cell lines (Chang and HepG2) as an in-vtro model system, the anti-T2DM properties of crude aqueous and organic extracts of S. frutescents was investigated and compared. Both aqueous and organic extracts of S. frutescens were found to decrease gluconeogenesis, increase glucose uptake and decrease lipid accumulation (Triacylglycerol, Diacylglycerol, and Monoacylglycerol) in Chang and HepG2 hepatic cell cultures made insulin resistant (IR) following exposure to high concentration of insulin and fructose. Using real-time quantitative reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR), the aqueous and organic extracts of S. frutescens were confirmed to regulate the expression of Vesicle-associated membrane protein 3 (VAMP3), Mitogen-activated protein kinase 8 (MAPK8), and Insulin receptor substrate 1 (IRS1) in insulin resistant hepatic cells. IR-mediated downregulation of VAMP3, MAPK8, and IRS1 mRNA in IR HepG2 hepatic cell cultures was reversed in the presence of aqueous and organic extracts of S. frutescens. The hot aqueous extract displayed the highest activity in all the assays, while all the organic extracts displayed similar potency. In conclusion, this study reports that aqueous and organic extracts of S. frutescens possess numerous anti-diabetic compounds that can be further investigated for the development of new, more efficacious and less toxic anti-diabetic agents. The presence of multiple compounds in a single extract does suggest a synergistic or combinatorial therapeutic effect. These findings support the burgeoning body of in-vivo and in-vitro literature evidence on the anti-diabetic properties of S. frutescens and its use in folklore medicine.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
- Authors: Adefuye, Ogheneochuko Janet
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Medicinal plants -- Africa , Traditional medicine -- Africa , Herbs -- Therapeutic use -- Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/3549 , vital:20441
- Description: In Africa, the importance of medicinal plants in folklore medicine and their contribution to primary healthcare is well recognized. Across the continent, local herbal mixtures still provide the only therapeutic option for about 80% of the population. The vast floral diversity and the intrinsic ethnobotanical knowledge has been the backbone of localized traditional herbal medical practices. In Africa, an estimated 5400 of the 60000 described plant taxa possess over 16300 therapeutic uses. Similarly, with a therapeutic flora comprising of approximately 650 species, herbal medical practitioners in South Africa, make use of a plethora of plants to treat different human diseases and infections. Over the years, studies have identified numerous plant species with potential against chronic metabolic diseases including type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Globally, the incidence and prevalence of T2DM have reached epidemic proportions affecting people of all ages, nationalities and ethnicity. Considered the fourth leading cause of deaths by disease, T2DM is a global health crisis with an estimated diagnosis and mortality frequency of 1 every 5 seconds and 1 every 7 seconds respectively. Though the exact pathophysiology of T2DM is not entirely understood, initial peripheral insulin resistance in adipose tissue, liver, and skeletal muscle with subsequent pancreatic β-cell dysfunction resulting from an attempt to compensate for insulin resistance is a common feature of the disease. The current approach to treating T2DM is the use of oral antidiabetic agents (OAAs), insulin, and incretin-based drugs in an attempt to achieve glycaemic control and maintain glucose homeostasis. However, conventional anti-T2DM drugs have been shown to have limited efficacies and serious adverse effects. Hence, the need for newer, more efficacious and safer anti-T2DM agents. Sutherlandia frutescens subsp. microphylla is a flowering shrub of the pea family (Fabaceae/Leguminaceae) found mainly in the Western Cape and Karoo regions of Southern Africa. Concoctions of various parts of the plant are used in the management of different ailments including T2DM. However, despite extensive biological and pharmacological studies, few analyses exist of the chemical constituents of S. frutescens and no Triple Time of Flight Liquid Chromatography with Mass Spectrometry (Triple TOF LC/MS/MS) analysis has been performed. The initial aim of this study was to investigate the phytochemical profile of hot aqueous, cold aqueous, 80% ethanolic, 100% ethanolic, 80% methanolic and 100% methanolic extracts of a single source S. frutescens plant material using colorimetric and spectrophotometric analysis. The hot aqueous extractant was found to be the best extractant for S. frutescens, yielding 1.99 g of crude extract from 16 g fresh powdered plant material. This data suggests that application of heat and water as the extractant (hot aqueous) could play a vital role in extraction of bioactive compounds from S. frutescens and also justifies the traditional use of a tea infusion of S. frutescens. Colorimetric analysis revealed the presence of flavonoids, flavonols, tannins, and phenols in all extracts with varying intensity. The organic extracts 100% methanol, 80% and 100% ethanol exhibited high color intensity (+++) for flavonoids and flavonols respectively, while all the extracts exhibited a moderate color intensity (++) for tannins and phenols. Spectrophotometric analysis of S. frutescens extracts revealed that all the organic extracts contained a significantly higher concentration (in mg/g of extract) of flavonols and tannins when compared to the aqueous extracts. All extracts contained approximately equal levels of phenols. These data confirm the presence of all four groups of bioactive phytocompounds in the S. frutescens extracts used in this study, and also confirm that different solvent extractants possess the capability to differentially extract specific groups of phytocompounds. in individual extracts. Further comparison of these compounds with online databases of anti-diabetic phytocompounds led to the preliminary identification of 10 possible anti-diabetic compounds; α-Pinene, Limonene, Sabinene, Carvone, Myricetin, Rutin, Stigmasterol, Emodin, Sarpagine and Hypoglycin B in crude and solid phase extraction (SPE) fractions of S. frutesecens. Furthermore, using two hepatic cell lines (Chang and HepG2) as an in-vtro model system, the anti-T2DM properties of crude aqueous and organic extracts of S. frutescents was investigated and compared. Both aqueous and organic extracts of S. frutescens were found to decrease gluconeogenesis, increase glucose uptake and decrease lipid accumulation (Triacylglycerol, Diacylglycerol, and Monoacylglycerol) in Chang and HepG2 hepatic cell cultures made insulin resistant (IR) following exposure to high concentration of insulin and fructose. Using real-time quantitative reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR), the aqueous and organic extracts of S. frutescens were confirmed to regulate the expression of Vesicle-associated membrane protein 3 (VAMP3), Mitogen-activated protein kinase 8 (MAPK8), and Insulin receptor substrate 1 (IRS1) in insulin resistant hepatic cells. IR-mediated downregulation of VAMP3, MAPK8, and IRS1 mRNA in IR HepG2 hepatic cell cultures was reversed in the presence of aqueous and organic extracts of S. frutescens. The hot aqueous extract displayed the highest activity in all the assays, while all the organic extracts displayed similar potency. In conclusion, this study reports that aqueous and organic extracts of S. frutescens possess numerous anti-diabetic compounds that can be further investigated for the development of new, more efficacious and less toxic anti-diabetic agents. The presence of multiple compounds in a single extract does suggest a synergistic or combinatorial therapeutic effect. These findings support the burgeoning body of in-vivo and in-vitro literature evidence on the anti-diabetic properties of S. frutescens and its use in folklore medicine.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
The Health and Wellness programme in the Department of Roads and Public Works
- Authors: Mali, Thobela Charlotte
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Employee assistance programs -- South Africa Employee health promotion -- South Africa , Employee motivation -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/40856 , vital:36244
- Description: After 20 years of political democracy, South Africa is still faced with a variety of organisational challenges. Such challenges include crime, poverty, increasing unemployment rate, discrimination of employees in the workplace, the steadily increasing spread of HIV/AIDS and inequalities in the workplace. All these and others not mentioned, coupled with the inherited vast inequalities contribute to the increasing social and economic imbalances in the country. The Health and Wellness Programme of the Department of Roads and Public Works focuses on ensuring health and productivity within the employees of the department to help assist with the minimisation of absenteeism, diminished work performance and dissatisfaction of employees. The Health and Wellness Programme has identified, through its interventions, that there are tremendous factors that directly and indirectly plays a role on the productivity of employees within the workplace. This resulted in the formulation and implementation of various legislative frameworks after such challenges transpired. During the study, it has transpired that the majority of the employees within the Department of Roads and Public Works are not making use of the Health and Wellness Programmes due to lack of knowledge. This has resulted to absenteeism and insufficient productivity in the workplace. It is recommended that there should be coordination of the health education and promotion programmes. This includes health screenings, health promotion activities and medical surveillance. If these programmes are conducted promptly in the workplace, the chances of sick employees will be minimised and some sicknesses such as diabetes and high and low blood pressure can be detected early and treated before it becomes chronic.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
- Authors: Mali, Thobela Charlotte
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Employee assistance programs -- South Africa Employee health promotion -- South Africa , Employee motivation -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/40856 , vital:36244
- Description: After 20 years of political democracy, South Africa is still faced with a variety of organisational challenges. Such challenges include crime, poverty, increasing unemployment rate, discrimination of employees in the workplace, the steadily increasing spread of HIV/AIDS and inequalities in the workplace. All these and others not mentioned, coupled with the inherited vast inequalities contribute to the increasing social and economic imbalances in the country. The Health and Wellness Programme of the Department of Roads and Public Works focuses on ensuring health and productivity within the employees of the department to help assist with the minimisation of absenteeism, diminished work performance and dissatisfaction of employees. The Health and Wellness Programme has identified, through its interventions, that there are tremendous factors that directly and indirectly plays a role on the productivity of employees within the workplace. This resulted in the formulation and implementation of various legislative frameworks after such challenges transpired. During the study, it has transpired that the majority of the employees within the Department of Roads and Public Works are not making use of the Health and Wellness Programmes due to lack of knowledge. This has resulted to absenteeism and insufficient productivity in the workplace. It is recommended that there should be coordination of the health education and promotion programmes. This includes health screenings, health promotion activities and medical surveillance. If these programmes are conducted promptly in the workplace, the chances of sick employees will be minimised and some sicknesses such as diabetes and high and low blood pressure can be detected early and treated before it becomes chronic.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
Investigation of α-aryl substituted 3-indolylethanones as potential antiplasmodial agents
- Authors: Svogie, Archibald Lesley
- Date: 2016
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MPharm
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/55487 , vital:26704
- Description: According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), deaths attributed to Plasmodium falciparum exceeded 584 000 in 2013, with 198 million new cases of malaria being reported. One contributing factor to these alarming figures is the emergence of drug resistance against available antimalarial agents. Therefore, there is a pressing need to develop new therapeutic antimalarial drugs with novel mechanisms of action in order to curb the increasing spread of malaria. The indole scaffold is often associated with biologically active compounds, recently exemplified by the antimalarial agent NITD609, which is currently in phase 1 clinical trials. Based on the biological evaluation of a small series of indolyl-3-amides and esters which showed moderate antimalarial activity, coupled to significant toxicity, we were prompted to investigate the synthesis of a series of indolyl-3-ethanone-α-amines (3.37 and 3.41), ethers (3.39 and 3.44) and thioethers (3.42, 3.43, 3.40, 3.45 – 3.73), where the carbonyl moiety and respective heteroatom were separated by a methine spacer. We further investigated these compounds for in vitro biological activity against P. falciparum and a human HeLa cell line. Our study explored the synthetic pathway of a three-step procedure toward our target compounds, with the initial Friedel-Crafts acetylation of indole, followed by α-bromination of the respective 3-acetylindoles. Finally, the halogen of the α-bromo ketone was substituted with an appropriate nucleophile, to yield our desired compounds. Various reagents were explored to optimise the nucleophilic displacement step, including potassium carbonate and various silver containing compounds. While many of the silver salts were found to assist in nucleophilic substitution, none were superior to the addition of potassium carbonate. The majority of compounds, chiefly the thioethers, displayed promising antimalarial activity, against the chloroquine sensitive 3D7 P. falciparum strain, with two thioethers in particular (3.54 and 3.65) inhibiting P. falciparum in the low nanomolar range. Additionally, active compounds were generally found to be non-toxic against HeLa cells, indicating that indolyl-3-thioethers are selective for the malaria parasite. These findings allowed us to begin hypothesising a structure activity relationship of this class, as well as elucidating the possible pharmacophore. In a speculative attempt to uncover the possible mechanism of action of these active compounds, in silico docking studies were conducted against Staphylococcus aureus HPPK (PDB ID: 4CRJ), which is an enzyme that immediately precedes DHPS in the microbial folate biosynthesis. Inhibition of folate biosynthesis is a validated selective antimalarial pathway and HPPK also exists in P. falciparum. Results from these docking studies suggested that our inhibitors bound well in the HPPK ATP pocket and were supportive of our hypothesized structure activity relationship.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
- Authors: Svogie, Archibald Lesley
- Date: 2016
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MPharm
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/55487 , vital:26704
- Description: According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), deaths attributed to Plasmodium falciparum exceeded 584 000 in 2013, with 198 million new cases of malaria being reported. One contributing factor to these alarming figures is the emergence of drug resistance against available antimalarial agents. Therefore, there is a pressing need to develop new therapeutic antimalarial drugs with novel mechanisms of action in order to curb the increasing spread of malaria. The indole scaffold is often associated with biologically active compounds, recently exemplified by the antimalarial agent NITD609, which is currently in phase 1 clinical trials. Based on the biological evaluation of a small series of indolyl-3-amides and esters which showed moderate antimalarial activity, coupled to significant toxicity, we were prompted to investigate the synthesis of a series of indolyl-3-ethanone-α-amines (3.37 and 3.41), ethers (3.39 and 3.44) and thioethers (3.42, 3.43, 3.40, 3.45 – 3.73), where the carbonyl moiety and respective heteroatom were separated by a methine spacer. We further investigated these compounds for in vitro biological activity against P. falciparum and a human HeLa cell line. Our study explored the synthetic pathway of a three-step procedure toward our target compounds, with the initial Friedel-Crafts acetylation of indole, followed by α-bromination of the respective 3-acetylindoles. Finally, the halogen of the α-bromo ketone was substituted with an appropriate nucleophile, to yield our desired compounds. Various reagents were explored to optimise the nucleophilic displacement step, including potassium carbonate and various silver containing compounds. While many of the silver salts were found to assist in nucleophilic substitution, none were superior to the addition of potassium carbonate. The majority of compounds, chiefly the thioethers, displayed promising antimalarial activity, against the chloroquine sensitive 3D7 P. falciparum strain, with two thioethers in particular (3.54 and 3.65) inhibiting P. falciparum in the low nanomolar range. Additionally, active compounds were generally found to be non-toxic against HeLa cells, indicating that indolyl-3-thioethers are selective for the malaria parasite. These findings allowed us to begin hypothesising a structure activity relationship of this class, as well as elucidating the possible pharmacophore. In a speculative attempt to uncover the possible mechanism of action of these active compounds, in silico docking studies were conducted against Staphylococcus aureus HPPK (PDB ID: 4CRJ), which is an enzyme that immediately precedes DHPS in the microbial folate biosynthesis. Inhibition of folate biosynthesis is a validated selective antimalarial pathway and HPPK also exists in P. falciparum. Results from these docking studies suggested that our inhibitors bound well in the HPPK ATP pocket and were supportive of our hypothesized structure activity relationship.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
A framework for the inclusion of students with visual impairments: a case of a Zimbabwe state university
- Authors: Manyumwa, Ennie
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Inclusive education -- Zimbabwe Students with disabilities -- Education (Higher) -- Zimbabwe
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/29805 , vital:30780
- Description: The aim of this study was to explore the experiences of students with visual impairments in a selected state university in Zimbabwe in order to develop a framework for their inclusion. The study was necessitated by the increased enrolment of students with visual impairments in universities worldwide in response to inclusion in education and the continuous search for the best placement model for students with disabilities. Studies conducted internationally show that students with visual impairments have unique learning needs which must be addressed if their inclusion in universities is to be successful. The study was informed by Bronfenbrenner’s ecological and Bandura’s agentic theories, both of which stress the bi-directional relationship between an individual and the environment. The transformative paradigm which guided this study, lays emphasis on the need to improve the social situation of individuals with disabilities in order to bring about a more equitable society. Since the study intended to gain an understanding of how students with visual impairments interpret their experiences within a selected state university in Zimbabwe which practices inclusion, the qualitative case study design was used. Purposeful sampling was also used in the selection of both the university studied and the participants. Data generation methods employed included the semi-structured interview, photo-voice, document analysis and observation. Data generated were analysed following emergent themes that were used to answer the research questions. Findings revealed that the university started enrolling students with visual impairments in 2004 and has since established a Disability Resource Centre which is equipped with assistive devices and is manned by caring staff. Findings revealed a glaring absence of a university policy on inclusion. The guiding principles used did not clearly articulate issues of inclusion. The students’ positive experiences resulted from single rooms allocated to them and the support received from friends and caring staff. Negative experiences emanated from bureaucratic admission procedures, challenges of adjusting to university life in the absence of orientation and mobility training, financial challenges, hostile social environment and the students’ perceptions of themselves. The students suggested that the university should assist them with fees and expressed their wish to be consulted on matters that concern them. They xviii also suggested close co-operation between the administration and the Disability Resource Centre. The conclusion reached was that although the university was sensitive to issues of inclusion, there were still some deficiencies in the system that were impacting negatively on the inclusion of students with visual impairments. The study recommended a framework which shows the different committees and support systems which can be formed at different levels to facilitate the development of a comprehensive policy on inclusion and expedite its implementation. The involvement of students with visual impairments in the different committees was also recommended. This would afford them the chance to exercise their agentic resources and be involved in matters which concern them, rather than rely on decisions made by sighted individuals who might not possess adequate knowledge of what visual impairment entails.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
- Authors: Manyumwa, Ennie
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Inclusive education -- Zimbabwe Students with disabilities -- Education (Higher) -- Zimbabwe
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/29805 , vital:30780
- Description: The aim of this study was to explore the experiences of students with visual impairments in a selected state university in Zimbabwe in order to develop a framework for their inclusion. The study was necessitated by the increased enrolment of students with visual impairments in universities worldwide in response to inclusion in education and the continuous search for the best placement model for students with disabilities. Studies conducted internationally show that students with visual impairments have unique learning needs which must be addressed if their inclusion in universities is to be successful. The study was informed by Bronfenbrenner’s ecological and Bandura’s agentic theories, both of which stress the bi-directional relationship between an individual and the environment. The transformative paradigm which guided this study, lays emphasis on the need to improve the social situation of individuals with disabilities in order to bring about a more equitable society. Since the study intended to gain an understanding of how students with visual impairments interpret their experiences within a selected state university in Zimbabwe which practices inclusion, the qualitative case study design was used. Purposeful sampling was also used in the selection of both the university studied and the participants. Data generation methods employed included the semi-structured interview, photo-voice, document analysis and observation. Data generated were analysed following emergent themes that were used to answer the research questions. Findings revealed that the university started enrolling students with visual impairments in 2004 and has since established a Disability Resource Centre which is equipped with assistive devices and is manned by caring staff. Findings revealed a glaring absence of a university policy on inclusion. The guiding principles used did not clearly articulate issues of inclusion. The students’ positive experiences resulted from single rooms allocated to them and the support received from friends and caring staff. Negative experiences emanated from bureaucratic admission procedures, challenges of adjusting to university life in the absence of orientation and mobility training, financial challenges, hostile social environment and the students’ perceptions of themselves. The students suggested that the university should assist them with fees and expressed their wish to be consulted on matters that concern them. They xviii also suggested close co-operation between the administration and the Disability Resource Centre. The conclusion reached was that although the university was sensitive to issues of inclusion, there were still some deficiencies in the system that were impacting negatively on the inclusion of students with visual impairments. The study recommended a framework which shows the different committees and support systems which can be formed at different levels to facilitate the development of a comprehensive policy on inclusion and expedite its implementation. The involvement of students with visual impairments in the different committees was also recommended. This would afford them the chance to exercise their agentic resources and be involved in matters which concern them, rather than rely on decisions made by sighted individuals who might not possess adequate knowledge of what visual impairment entails.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
Development of a stemmer for the isiXhosa language
- Authors: Nogwina, Mnoneleli
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Computational linguistics Language and languages Xhosa language
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/2611 , vital:27938
- Description: IsiXhosa language is one of the eleven official languages and the second most widely spoken language in South Africa. However, in terms of computational linguistics, the language did not get attention and natural language related work is almost non-existent. Document retrieval using unstructured queries requires some kind of language processing, and an efficient retrieval of documents can be achieved if we use a technique called stemming. The area that involves document storage and retrieval is called Information Retrieval (IR). Basically, IR systems make use of a Stemmer to index document representations and also terms in users’ queries to retrieve matching documents. In this dissertation, we present the developed Stemmer that can be used in both conditions. The Stemmer is used in IR systems, like Google to retrieve documents written in isiXhosa. In the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa many public schools take isiXhosa as a subject and also a number of Universities in South Africa teach isiXhosa. Therefore, for a language important such as this, it is important to make valuable information that is available online accessible to users through the use of IR systems. In our efforts to develop a Stemmer for the isiXhosa language, an investigation on how others have developed Stemmers for other languages was carried out. From the investigation we came to realize that the Porter stemming algorithm in particular was the main algorithm that many of other Stemmers make use of as a reference. We found that Porter’s algorithm could not be used in its totality in the development of the isiXhosa Stemmer because of the morphological complexity of the language. We developed an affix removal that is embedded with rules that determine which order should be followed in stripping the affixes. The rule is that, the word under consideration is checked against the exceptions, if it’s not in the exceptions list then the stripping continue in the following order; Prefix removal, Suffix removal and finally save the result as stem. The Stemmer was successfully developed and was tested and evaluated in a sample data that was randomly collected from the isiXhosa text books and isiXhosa dictionary. From the results obtained we concluded that the Stemmer can be used in IR systems as it showed 91 percent accuracy. The errors were 9 percent and therefore these results are within the accepted range and therefore the Stemmer can be used to help in retrieval of isiXhosa documents. This is only a noun Stemmer and in the future it can be extended to also stem verbs as well. The Stemmer can also be used in the development of spell-checkers of isiXhosa.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
- Authors: Nogwina, Mnoneleli
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Computational linguistics Language and languages Xhosa language
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/2611 , vital:27938
- Description: IsiXhosa language is one of the eleven official languages and the second most widely spoken language in South Africa. However, in terms of computational linguistics, the language did not get attention and natural language related work is almost non-existent. Document retrieval using unstructured queries requires some kind of language processing, and an efficient retrieval of documents can be achieved if we use a technique called stemming. The area that involves document storage and retrieval is called Information Retrieval (IR). Basically, IR systems make use of a Stemmer to index document representations and also terms in users’ queries to retrieve matching documents. In this dissertation, we present the developed Stemmer that can be used in both conditions. The Stemmer is used in IR systems, like Google to retrieve documents written in isiXhosa. In the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa many public schools take isiXhosa as a subject and also a number of Universities in South Africa teach isiXhosa. Therefore, for a language important such as this, it is important to make valuable information that is available online accessible to users through the use of IR systems. In our efforts to develop a Stemmer for the isiXhosa language, an investigation on how others have developed Stemmers for other languages was carried out. From the investigation we came to realize that the Porter stemming algorithm in particular was the main algorithm that many of other Stemmers make use of as a reference. We found that Porter’s algorithm could not be used in its totality in the development of the isiXhosa Stemmer because of the morphological complexity of the language. We developed an affix removal that is embedded with rules that determine which order should be followed in stripping the affixes. The rule is that, the word under consideration is checked against the exceptions, if it’s not in the exceptions list then the stripping continue in the following order; Prefix removal, Suffix removal and finally save the result as stem. The Stemmer was successfully developed and was tested and evaluated in a sample data that was randomly collected from the isiXhosa text books and isiXhosa dictionary. From the results obtained we concluded that the Stemmer can be used in IR systems as it showed 91 percent accuracy. The errors were 9 percent and therefore these results are within the accepted range and therefore the Stemmer can be used to help in retrieval of isiXhosa documents. This is only a noun Stemmer and in the future it can be extended to also stem verbs as well. The Stemmer can also be used in the development of spell-checkers of isiXhosa.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016