Conceptualising community radio: from global histories to the Kenyan example
- Authors: Korir, Geoffrey Kiplimo
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Community radio , Community radio -- Kenya , Community development -- Kenya , Social change -- Kenya , Radio broadcasting -- Kenya
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/165766 , vital:41279
- Description: This study sets out to gain insight into the way that the establishment of community radio in Kenya is located within the global history of ideas about such radio. The first four chapters in this study provide terms of reference for this examination through a series of literature reviews. It sets out, firstly, to locate the internationally shared conceptualisaiton of community radio within an existing spectrum of approaches to social analysis. It proposes that community radio can be located at the critical, emancipatory end of this spectrum. It then maps out the global circulation of ideas about community radio and proposes that such circulation was informed by the broader history of critical, emancipatory social analysis. The final literature review then deals with community radio in Kenya and examines the way in which the establishment of this sector was shaped by the social and political history of this country. It is argued that the establishment of a community radio sector became possible only when support for emancipatory approaches to media became acceptable in Kenya, in context of the establishment of multiparty democracy. It is proposed, further, that the articulation of a vision for community radio in Kenya depended in part on the existence of international support for such radio and in part on the efforts of local actors in civil society. The empirical component then focuses on the way global ideas about community radio have become realised in Kenya. The study achieves this purpose by drawing on qualitative interviews with individuals from within civil society who have participated in the history of the establishment and growth of community radio in Kenya. These individuals demonstrate consciousness of the internationally shared set of principles that can facilitate a successful establishment of community radio. However, they are also sceptical of the assumption that guidelines for community radio are universally applicable. They point, in particular, to the challenges involved in the realisation of these guidelines in an environment in which economic resources are limited, and which is characterised by extreme social inequality and conflict. The study concludes that it is individuals such as these participants, who are embedded within the local context, who are best placed to articulate locally appropriate alternatives to these guidelines.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
- Authors: Korir, Geoffrey Kiplimo
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Community radio , Community radio -- Kenya , Community development -- Kenya , Social change -- Kenya , Radio broadcasting -- Kenya
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/165766 , vital:41279
- Description: This study sets out to gain insight into the way that the establishment of community radio in Kenya is located within the global history of ideas about such radio. The first four chapters in this study provide terms of reference for this examination through a series of literature reviews. It sets out, firstly, to locate the internationally shared conceptualisaiton of community radio within an existing spectrum of approaches to social analysis. It proposes that community radio can be located at the critical, emancipatory end of this spectrum. It then maps out the global circulation of ideas about community radio and proposes that such circulation was informed by the broader history of critical, emancipatory social analysis. The final literature review then deals with community radio in Kenya and examines the way in which the establishment of this sector was shaped by the social and political history of this country. It is argued that the establishment of a community radio sector became possible only when support for emancipatory approaches to media became acceptable in Kenya, in context of the establishment of multiparty democracy. It is proposed, further, that the articulation of a vision for community radio in Kenya depended in part on the existence of international support for such radio and in part on the efforts of local actors in civil society. The empirical component then focuses on the way global ideas about community radio have become realised in Kenya. The study achieves this purpose by drawing on qualitative interviews with individuals from within civil society who have participated in the history of the establishment and growth of community radio in Kenya. These individuals demonstrate consciousness of the internationally shared set of principles that can facilitate a successful establishment of community radio. However, they are also sceptical of the assumption that guidelines for community radio are universally applicable. They point, in particular, to the challenges involved in the realisation of these guidelines in an environment in which economic resources are limited, and which is characterised by extreme social inequality and conflict. The study concludes that it is individuals such as these participants, who are embedded within the local context, who are best placed to articulate locally appropriate alternatives to these guidelines.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
An investigation of the experiences of psychotherapists regarding Ubuntu in their psychotherapy practice: an interpretative phenomenological analysis
- Authors: Qangule, Lumka Sybil
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Ubuntu (Philosophy) , Psychotherapy -- Cross-cultural studies , Psychoanalysis and culture -- South Africa , Xhosa (African people) -- Psychology , Xhosa (African people) -- Mental health , Black people -- South Africa -- Psychology , Black people -- South Africa -- Mental health , Psychotherapists -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/146923 , vital:38577
- Description: Psychotherapy is a Eurocentric concept and practice that has migrated to South Africa with technology, as part of the general transfer of knowledge (Mkhize, 2003). It has embedded Eurocentric principles that sometimes do not easily accommodate working with Africans. It has been practised by psychotherapists of African origin with clients of African origin, but is based upon Eurocentric ideas and guidelines for practice. Many African people consider their core values to be uBuntu, rooted in a principle ‘umntu ngumntu ngabantu’ (translated as ‘a human being is a human being because of other human beings’). Some important features of uBuntu are interdependence, respect, spirituality and the primacy of communality as an approach to life. Some of the ways in which these impact on daily functioning are not foregrounded by adherence to Western principles. The use of only Eurocentric principles when working with clients of African origin may thus not lead to the desired outcomes in psychotherapy. However, these Eurocentric principles are recognised and enforced by the authoritative bodies in the field of psychology, such as the Health Professions Council of South Africa. A distinction will be made between the more inflexible ethical principles of psychology and the ideas of therapy frames. Therapy frames are not seen as being as rigid as ethical codes and they could be augmented, to be appropriate for the context, particularly in the commonly multicultural settings that are found here. Psychotherapists of African origin are torn between abiding by the ethical principles that they have been taught and practising in the way that they, together with their clients, have been socialised. Abiding by the principles as described in the codes is safe because it does not pose any threat of being sanctioned by the regulator of practice, but clients may be let down and there may be limited success with certain clients. This clash of ideas of ways of practice poses dissonance and many dilemmas among psychotherapists of African origin. Due to the nature of this study, Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) was adopted as a suitable methodology, where eight practising amaXhosa psychotherapists were interviewed about their experiences of incorporating uBuntu in their psychotherapy practice. The raw data from initial interviews were analysed and the findings concluded that although psychotherapists were trained in Western ways of practice, they included some practices of uBuntu in their practice as well as upholding some Eurocentric principles that seemed to be helpful for their clientele. Subsequently a summary of the findings were discussed with participants in a focus group setting, where participants endorsed and expanded upon their original responses. With the above in mind, a psychotherapy model called uBuntu-Centred Psychotherapy was created, which reflects the principles and therapy frames that have been found to be useful in treating clients of African origin. This modality is more congruent with the worldviews and style of living of many South Africans, in the post-apartheid era. It embraces some Eurocentric principles that are relevant for Africans, while it is embedded in the phenomena and way of life reflected in uBuntu, a predominant mode of functioning for the group that was the focus of this study, the amaXhosa. The study ends by making recommendations for practice, as well as highlighting the need for further and more extensive research to contribute to the project of Africanising psychotherapy.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
- Authors: Qangule, Lumka Sybil
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Ubuntu (Philosophy) , Psychotherapy -- Cross-cultural studies , Psychoanalysis and culture -- South Africa , Xhosa (African people) -- Psychology , Xhosa (African people) -- Mental health , Black people -- South Africa -- Psychology , Black people -- South Africa -- Mental health , Psychotherapists -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/146923 , vital:38577
- Description: Psychotherapy is a Eurocentric concept and practice that has migrated to South Africa with technology, as part of the general transfer of knowledge (Mkhize, 2003). It has embedded Eurocentric principles that sometimes do not easily accommodate working with Africans. It has been practised by psychotherapists of African origin with clients of African origin, but is based upon Eurocentric ideas and guidelines for practice. Many African people consider their core values to be uBuntu, rooted in a principle ‘umntu ngumntu ngabantu’ (translated as ‘a human being is a human being because of other human beings’). Some important features of uBuntu are interdependence, respect, spirituality and the primacy of communality as an approach to life. Some of the ways in which these impact on daily functioning are not foregrounded by adherence to Western principles. The use of only Eurocentric principles when working with clients of African origin may thus not lead to the desired outcomes in psychotherapy. However, these Eurocentric principles are recognised and enforced by the authoritative bodies in the field of psychology, such as the Health Professions Council of South Africa. A distinction will be made between the more inflexible ethical principles of psychology and the ideas of therapy frames. Therapy frames are not seen as being as rigid as ethical codes and they could be augmented, to be appropriate for the context, particularly in the commonly multicultural settings that are found here. Psychotherapists of African origin are torn between abiding by the ethical principles that they have been taught and practising in the way that they, together with their clients, have been socialised. Abiding by the principles as described in the codes is safe because it does not pose any threat of being sanctioned by the regulator of practice, but clients may be let down and there may be limited success with certain clients. This clash of ideas of ways of practice poses dissonance and many dilemmas among psychotherapists of African origin. Due to the nature of this study, Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) was adopted as a suitable methodology, where eight practising amaXhosa psychotherapists were interviewed about their experiences of incorporating uBuntu in their psychotherapy practice. The raw data from initial interviews were analysed and the findings concluded that although psychotherapists were trained in Western ways of practice, they included some practices of uBuntu in their practice as well as upholding some Eurocentric principles that seemed to be helpful for their clientele. Subsequently a summary of the findings were discussed with participants in a focus group setting, where participants endorsed and expanded upon their original responses. With the above in mind, a psychotherapy model called uBuntu-Centred Psychotherapy was created, which reflects the principles and therapy frames that have been found to be useful in treating clients of African origin. This modality is more congruent with the worldviews and style of living of many South Africans, in the post-apartheid era. It embraces some Eurocentric principles that are relevant for Africans, while it is embedded in the phenomena and way of life reflected in uBuntu, a predominant mode of functioning for the group that was the focus of this study, the amaXhosa. The study ends by making recommendations for practice, as well as highlighting the need for further and more extensive research to contribute to the project of Africanising psychotherapy.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
Skilled and competent officials: An imperative for effective and efficient public procurement management
- Hlwempu, Steven Siphosenkosi
- Authors: Hlwempu, Steven Siphosenkosi
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Skills development -- South Afica -- Eastern Cape , Municipal government -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/46945 , vital:39738
- Description: The study sought to examine the skills needed by public officials for effective and efficient public procurement management. Supply Chain Management (SCM) is one of the key mechanisms enabling the government to implement policies and strategies, and to realise set objectives. However, there is a series of reported cases of incompetence by South African public sector practitioners when it comes to implementing duties they are designated to do, which have raised many concerns and led to the failure of SCM policies in the public sector. The Eastern Cape provincial government has been seen to be affected by poor procurement, and public procurement officials in the province face challenges such as redundant spending and misinterpretation of contracts and needs. These problems in the Eastern Cape provincial government have been especially highlighted in the Auditor General of South Africa’s reports. The study adopted a qualitative approach, and desktop research was used in a bid to ascertain the competence and skills required by public sector SCM practitioners in the Eastern Cape. Results showed that the logistics and supply chain sector have skills shortages, both in terms of soft and hard skills.Numerous studies have been done around the world to determine the types of skills that are required for successful supply chains. These results showed that there are skill categories that can be valuable in properly determining management effectively and efficiently in any institution. The study, therefore, recommended that the government provide funds for public sector employees to take professional education in the area of SCM. The government can also send its employees to education institutions that offer supply chain course.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
- Authors: Hlwempu, Steven Siphosenkosi
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Skills development -- South Afica -- Eastern Cape , Municipal government -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/46945 , vital:39738
- Description: The study sought to examine the skills needed by public officials for effective and efficient public procurement management. Supply Chain Management (SCM) is one of the key mechanisms enabling the government to implement policies and strategies, and to realise set objectives. However, there is a series of reported cases of incompetence by South African public sector practitioners when it comes to implementing duties they are designated to do, which have raised many concerns and led to the failure of SCM policies in the public sector. The Eastern Cape provincial government has been seen to be affected by poor procurement, and public procurement officials in the province face challenges such as redundant spending and misinterpretation of contracts and needs. These problems in the Eastern Cape provincial government have been especially highlighted in the Auditor General of South Africa’s reports. The study adopted a qualitative approach, and desktop research was used in a bid to ascertain the competence and skills required by public sector SCM practitioners in the Eastern Cape. Results showed that the logistics and supply chain sector have skills shortages, both in terms of soft and hard skills.Numerous studies have been done around the world to determine the types of skills that are required for successful supply chains. These results showed that there are skill categories that can be valuable in properly determining management effectively and efficiently in any institution. The study, therefore, recommended that the government provide funds for public sector employees to take professional education in the area of SCM. The government can also send its employees to education institutions that offer supply chain course.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
Psychological capital as a moderator in the relationship between occupational stress and quality of work life among healthcare practitioners in Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality
- Umenze , Catherine Chetachukwu
- Authors: Umenze , Catherine Chetachukwu
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Job stress Human capital -- Psychological aspects
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom (Industrial Psychology)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/12536 , vital:39285
- Description: The study investigated psychological capital as a moderator in the relationship between occupational stress and quality of work life. The study used the explanatory survey research design. The convenience and purposive types of the non-probability sampling method were used to sample 150 male and female healthcare practitioners who participated in the study. Validated questionnaires were used to elicit information from the study’s participants. Four hypotheses were stated and analysed using the inferential statistical approach. The research findings showed that there was a significant positive relationship between occupational stress and quality of work life; there was a significant positive relationship between psychological capital and quality of work life; and there was a significant moderating influence of psychological capital on the relationship between occupational stress and quality of work life. And finally, there was no significant relationship between psychological capital and occupational stress. There is need for managers to focus on the four dimensions of psychological capital to help minimise occupational stress and improve quality of work life of healthcare practitioners. Management was also advised to devise optimal methods to curb stress and strengthen the mental and physical abilities of the employees’ outcomes. Future research should endeavour to apply a longitudinal research design in investigating the extent to which psychological capital can predict occupational stress, and in understanding its influence in the quality of work life of employees. The future study can spread the investigation to other districts as this study was conducted in just one district, which is a foremost limitation of the study.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
- Authors: Umenze , Catherine Chetachukwu
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Job stress Human capital -- Psychological aspects
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom (Industrial Psychology)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/12536 , vital:39285
- Description: The study investigated psychological capital as a moderator in the relationship between occupational stress and quality of work life. The study used the explanatory survey research design. The convenience and purposive types of the non-probability sampling method were used to sample 150 male and female healthcare practitioners who participated in the study. Validated questionnaires were used to elicit information from the study’s participants. Four hypotheses were stated and analysed using the inferential statistical approach. The research findings showed that there was a significant positive relationship between occupational stress and quality of work life; there was a significant positive relationship between psychological capital and quality of work life; and there was a significant moderating influence of psychological capital on the relationship between occupational stress and quality of work life. And finally, there was no significant relationship between psychological capital and occupational stress. There is need for managers to focus on the four dimensions of psychological capital to help minimise occupational stress and improve quality of work life of healthcare practitioners. Management was also advised to devise optimal methods to curb stress and strengthen the mental and physical abilities of the employees’ outcomes. Future research should endeavour to apply a longitudinal research design in investigating the extent to which psychological capital can predict occupational stress, and in understanding its influence in the quality of work life of employees. The future study can spread the investigation to other districts as this study was conducted in just one district, which is a foremost limitation of the study.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
An exploration of the overlap between open source threat intelligence and active internet background radiation
- Authors: Pearson, Deon Turner
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Computer networks -- Security measures , Computer networks -- Monitoring , Malware (Computer software) , TCP/IP (Computer network protocol) , Open source intelligence
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/103802 , vital:32299
- Description: Organisations and individuals are facing increasing persistent threats on the Internet from worms, port scanners, and malicious software (malware). These threats are constantly evolving as attack techniques are discovered. To aid in the detection and prevention of such threats, and to stay ahead of the adversaries conducting the attacks, security specialists are utilising Threat Intelligence (TI) data in their defense strategies. TI data can be obtained from a variety of different sources such as private routers, firewall logs, public archives, and public or private network telescopes. However, at the rate and ease at which TI is produced and published, specifically Open Source Threat Intelligence (OSINT), the quality is dropping, resulting in fragmented, context-less and variable data. This research utilised two sets of TI data, a collection of OSINT and active Internet Background Radiation (IBR). The data was collected over a period of 12 months, from 37 publicly available OSINT datasets and five IBR datasets. Through the identification and analysis of common data between the OSINT and IBR datasets, this research was able to gain insight into how effective OSINT is at detecting and potentially reducing ongoing malicious Internet traffic. As part of this research, a minimal framework for the collection, processing/analysis, and distribution of OSINT was developed and tested. The research focused on exploring areas in common between the two datasets, with the intention of creating an enriched, contextualised, and reduced set of malicious source IP addresses that could be published for consumers to use in their own environment. The findings of this research pointed towards a persistent group of IP addresses observed on both datasets, over the period under research. Using these persistent IP addresses, the research was able to identify specific services being targeted. Amongst these persistent IP addresses were significant packets from Mirai like IoT Malware on port 23/tcp and 2323/tcp as well as general scanning activity on port 445/TCP.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
- Authors: Pearson, Deon Turner
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Computer networks -- Security measures , Computer networks -- Monitoring , Malware (Computer software) , TCP/IP (Computer network protocol) , Open source intelligence
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/103802 , vital:32299
- Description: Organisations and individuals are facing increasing persistent threats on the Internet from worms, port scanners, and malicious software (malware). These threats are constantly evolving as attack techniques are discovered. To aid in the detection and prevention of such threats, and to stay ahead of the adversaries conducting the attacks, security specialists are utilising Threat Intelligence (TI) data in their defense strategies. TI data can be obtained from a variety of different sources such as private routers, firewall logs, public archives, and public or private network telescopes. However, at the rate and ease at which TI is produced and published, specifically Open Source Threat Intelligence (OSINT), the quality is dropping, resulting in fragmented, context-less and variable data. This research utilised two sets of TI data, a collection of OSINT and active Internet Background Radiation (IBR). The data was collected over a period of 12 months, from 37 publicly available OSINT datasets and five IBR datasets. Through the identification and analysis of common data between the OSINT and IBR datasets, this research was able to gain insight into how effective OSINT is at detecting and potentially reducing ongoing malicious Internet traffic. As part of this research, a minimal framework for the collection, processing/analysis, and distribution of OSINT was developed and tested. The research focused on exploring areas in common between the two datasets, with the intention of creating an enriched, contextualised, and reduced set of malicious source IP addresses that could be published for consumers to use in their own environment. The findings of this research pointed towards a persistent group of IP addresses observed on both datasets, over the period under research. Using these persistent IP addresses, the research was able to identify specific services being targeted. Amongst these persistent IP addresses were significant packets from Mirai like IoT Malware on port 23/tcp and 2323/tcp as well as general scanning activity on port 445/TCP.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
AMBER force field parameters for the Zn (II) ions of the tunneling-fold enzymes GTP cyclohydrolase I and 6-pyruvoyl tetrahydropterin synthase:
- Khairallah, Afrah, Tastan Bishop, Özlem, Moses, Vuyani
- Authors: Khairallah, Afrah , Tastan Bishop, Özlem , Moses, Vuyani
- Date: 2020
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/163068 , vital:41009 , DOI: 10.1080/07391102.2020.1796800
- Description: The folate biosynthesis pathway is an essential pathway for cell growth and survival. Folate derivatives serve as a source of the one-carbon units in several intracellular metabolic reactions. Rapidly dividing cells rely heavily on the availability of folate derivatives for their proliferation. As a result, drugs targeting this pathway have shown to be effective against tumor cells and pathogens, but drug resistance against the available antifolate drugs emerged quickly. Therefore, there is a need to develop new treatment strategies and identify alternative metabolic targets. The two de novo folate biosynthesis pathway enzymes, GTP cyclohydrolase I (GCH1) and 6-pyruvoyl tetrahydropterin synthase (PTPS), can provide an alternative strategy to overcome the drug resistance that emerged in the two primary targeted enzymes dihydrofolate reductase and dihydropteroate synthase.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
- Authors: Khairallah, Afrah , Tastan Bishop, Özlem , Moses, Vuyani
- Date: 2020
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/163068 , vital:41009 , DOI: 10.1080/07391102.2020.1796800
- Description: The folate biosynthesis pathway is an essential pathway for cell growth and survival. Folate derivatives serve as a source of the one-carbon units in several intracellular metabolic reactions. Rapidly dividing cells rely heavily on the availability of folate derivatives for their proliferation. As a result, drugs targeting this pathway have shown to be effective against tumor cells and pathogens, but drug resistance against the available antifolate drugs emerged quickly. Therefore, there is a need to develop new treatment strategies and identify alternative metabolic targets. The two de novo folate biosynthesis pathway enzymes, GTP cyclohydrolase I (GCH1) and 6-pyruvoyl tetrahydropterin synthase (PTPS), can provide an alternative strategy to overcome the drug resistance that emerged in the two primary targeted enzymes dihydrofolate reductase and dihydropteroate synthase.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
Perceptions of the sugar-sweetened beverage tax in South Africa: a comparative study
- Jankeeparsad, Thanesha Reddy
- Authors: Jankeeparsad, Thanesha Reddy
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Soft drinks -- Taxation -- South Africa , Carbonated drinks -- Taxation -- South Africa , Soft drinks -- Health aspects , College students -- South Africa -- Attitudes
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/142324 , vital:38070
- Description: This exploratory, comparative study aimed to investigate perceptions of the participants in the study in South Africa regarding the tax on sugar-sweetened beverages. The study further aimed to compare these perceptions with perceptions identified in selected foreign jurisdictions that have levied the tax on sugar-sweetened beverages. A voluntary, paper-based, anonymous survey questionnaire that included both closed- and open-ended questions was selected as the primary method of data collection. This questionnaire was administered to post-graduate Bachelor of Commerce Accounting and Postgraduate Diploma in Accounting students, aged twenty-one years and older, studying at three residential universities in South Africa, during the 2018 academic year. An extensive analysis of literature available on sugar-sweetened beverage taxes, both locally and internationally, was conducted. The two main constructs (construct 1: perception of the sugar-sweetened beverage tax and the price of sugar-sweetened beverages and construct 2: the social impact of the sugarsweetened beverage tax) were then analysed using descriptive statistics. This study found that there is a significant association between gender and perception that the sugary beverage levy will be beneficial to health, with female perceptions of the benefit of the sugary beverage levy being greater than that of males. Respondents appear to have a positive perception of the sugary beverages levy, understand the sugary beverage levy, as well as the health benefits that will be derived from the levy. Respondents supported the tax on sugar-sweetened beverages if the revenue generated was used to improve the health care system and if the price of healthy foods decreased. Female respondents were found to drink fewer sugarsweetened beverages than male respondents, but females reported higher sugar-sweetened beverage consumption during stressful periods. The current study can possibly provide policy makers with more information regarding acceptance of the sugar-sweetened beverage tax and shape guidelines for future amendments of the tax imposed.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
- Authors: Jankeeparsad, Thanesha Reddy
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Soft drinks -- Taxation -- South Africa , Carbonated drinks -- Taxation -- South Africa , Soft drinks -- Health aspects , College students -- South Africa -- Attitudes
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/142324 , vital:38070
- Description: This exploratory, comparative study aimed to investigate perceptions of the participants in the study in South Africa regarding the tax on sugar-sweetened beverages. The study further aimed to compare these perceptions with perceptions identified in selected foreign jurisdictions that have levied the tax on sugar-sweetened beverages. A voluntary, paper-based, anonymous survey questionnaire that included both closed- and open-ended questions was selected as the primary method of data collection. This questionnaire was administered to post-graduate Bachelor of Commerce Accounting and Postgraduate Diploma in Accounting students, aged twenty-one years and older, studying at three residential universities in South Africa, during the 2018 academic year. An extensive analysis of literature available on sugar-sweetened beverage taxes, both locally and internationally, was conducted. The two main constructs (construct 1: perception of the sugar-sweetened beverage tax and the price of sugar-sweetened beverages and construct 2: the social impact of the sugarsweetened beverage tax) were then analysed using descriptive statistics. This study found that there is a significant association between gender and perception that the sugary beverage levy will be beneficial to health, with female perceptions of the benefit of the sugary beverage levy being greater than that of males. Respondents appear to have a positive perception of the sugary beverages levy, understand the sugary beverage levy, as well as the health benefits that will be derived from the levy. Respondents supported the tax on sugar-sweetened beverages if the revenue generated was used to improve the health care system and if the price of healthy foods decreased. Female respondents were found to drink fewer sugarsweetened beverages than male respondents, but females reported higher sugar-sweetened beverage consumption during stressful periods. The current study can possibly provide policy makers with more information regarding acceptance of the sugar-sweetened beverage tax and shape guidelines for future amendments of the tax imposed.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
The impact of mergers and acquisitions on employee well-being in the beverage industry: The CCBSA coastal region case
- Authors: Belle, Isabel
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Employees health promotion -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Beverage industry -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/49751 , vital:41796
- Description: Globalisation, technological advancement and currency regulations are key motivators for companies to invest in foreign countries. As new entrants enter the market companies are faced with the threat of market share loss due to increased competition. The increase in the global competitive landscape has a direct impact on the rise of Mergers and Acquisitions (M&A). The growth potential of companies that experienced mergers has resulted in the boom of M&A over the past three decades. In most cases M&A have resulted in job losses and in some demotions. It is no surprise that these transactions result in an anxious and stressed workforce. The merger of the three soft drink bottlers in South Africa namely: CCF, Shanduka and ABI has brought about changes that have left some employees feeling anxious about the future. The combining of different cultures from the different entities can have a negative effect on employees as they would need to adapt to a different culture of the new formed entity. M&A were first introduced in the United States during the eighteenth century and moved into Europe in the nineteenth century. A large body of research has been concentrated in the United States and European markets to understand phenomena relating to such activities in developed countries. M&A activities have also transcended into developing countries. Over the past few years M&A transactions have become a critical gateway for investment in Africa for both local and universal market players. The aim of the study is to understand the employees’ state of mind in the workplace after the merger. The results of the study show that employee morale prior to the merger was higher when compared to post the merger, which implies that employee morale has declined post the merger. The results indicate that after the merger there was a significant decrease in trust, motivation, employee well-being and job satisfaction.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
- Authors: Belle, Isabel
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Employees health promotion -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Beverage industry -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/49751 , vital:41796
- Description: Globalisation, technological advancement and currency regulations are key motivators for companies to invest in foreign countries. As new entrants enter the market companies are faced with the threat of market share loss due to increased competition. The increase in the global competitive landscape has a direct impact on the rise of Mergers and Acquisitions (M&A). The growth potential of companies that experienced mergers has resulted in the boom of M&A over the past three decades. In most cases M&A have resulted in job losses and in some demotions. It is no surprise that these transactions result in an anxious and stressed workforce. The merger of the three soft drink bottlers in South Africa namely: CCF, Shanduka and ABI has brought about changes that have left some employees feeling anxious about the future. The combining of different cultures from the different entities can have a negative effect on employees as they would need to adapt to a different culture of the new formed entity. M&A were first introduced in the United States during the eighteenth century and moved into Europe in the nineteenth century. A large body of research has been concentrated in the United States and European markets to understand phenomena relating to such activities in developed countries. M&A activities have also transcended into developing countries. Over the past few years M&A transactions have become a critical gateway for investment in Africa for both local and universal market players. The aim of the study is to understand the employees’ state of mind in the workplace after the merger. The results of the study show that employee morale prior to the merger was higher when compared to post the merger, which implies that employee morale has declined post the merger. The results indicate that after the merger there was a significant decrease in trust, motivation, employee well-being and job satisfaction.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
The Integration of Personally-owned Information and Communication Technologies (PICTs) for Teaching and Learning in Resource-Constrained Higher Education Environments – The Case of a Nigerian University
- Authors: Lewis, Oláñrewájú Olúrotimi
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Uncatalogued
- Language: English
- Type: thesis , text , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/163582 , vital:41050 , doi:10.21504/10962/163582
- Description: Thesis (PhD)--Rhodes University, Faculty of Commerce, Information Systems, 2020
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
- Authors: Lewis, Oláñrewájú Olúrotimi
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Uncatalogued
- Language: English
- Type: thesis , text , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/163582 , vital:41050 , doi:10.21504/10962/163582
- Description: Thesis (PhD)--Rhodes University, Faculty of Commerce, Information Systems, 2020
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
Perceptions of the preparedness of pharmacy graduates for internship responsibilities in the industrial pharmacy
- Putsoane, Mathabelo Maliboche
- Authors: Putsoane, Mathabelo Maliboche
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Pharmacy students
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPharm
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/46395 , vital:39593
- Description: Pharmacy graduates in South Africa are expected to undertake a compulsory one-yearinternship in diversepharmacy settings. These settings includethe industrial pharmacy sector,where they are expected to integrate furtherthe knowledge and skills they have acquired during their undergraduate training before entering into the pharmacy profession. The success of graduatesduring the internship,therefore, depends amongst other thingson their perceptions of preparedness. However, the perceptions of South African pharmacy graduates preparedness for the industrial pharmacy settingis not reportedin light of the shift in global pharmacy education from product-based to patient-based education which thus provided the impetus for this study.Semi-structured interviews with individual pharmacy graduateswere utilised to explorethe perceptions of the preparedness regarding the technical and generic skills required of an industrial pharmacy intern. Inductive data analysisculminated in thedevelopment of themes and subthemes. A lack of preparedness as perceived by graduateswas a result of a lack of industrial pharmacy experientialwork-basedpractical training and patient-focused education. Graduates perceived themselves to be fairly prepared with communication and teamwork skills; however, their problem-solving skills werenot clear due tothe scope of work ofanintern pharmacist which hinders them from solvingproblems.Though graduates expressed that they had acquired adequate theoretical training, the lack of practical application resulted in inadequate technical skills preparedness. Graduatespreparedness for the industrial pharmacy can be improved by work-based placements of students in the industry pharmacy setting which will assist students to integrate theory with practice.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
- Authors: Putsoane, Mathabelo Maliboche
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Pharmacy students
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPharm
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/46395 , vital:39593
- Description: Pharmacy graduates in South Africa are expected to undertake a compulsory one-yearinternship in diversepharmacy settings. These settings includethe industrial pharmacy sector,where they are expected to integrate furtherthe knowledge and skills they have acquired during their undergraduate training before entering into the pharmacy profession. The success of graduatesduring the internship,therefore, depends amongst other thingson their perceptions of preparedness. However, the perceptions of South African pharmacy graduates preparedness for the industrial pharmacy settingis not reportedin light of the shift in global pharmacy education from product-based to patient-based education which thus provided the impetus for this study.Semi-structured interviews with individual pharmacy graduateswere utilised to explorethe perceptions of the preparedness regarding the technical and generic skills required of an industrial pharmacy intern. Inductive data analysisculminated in thedevelopment of themes and subthemes. A lack of preparedness as perceived by graduateswas a result of a lack of industrial pharmacy experientialwork-basedpractical training and patient-focused education. Graduates perceived themselves to be fairly prepared with communication and teamwork skills; however, their problem-solving skills werenot clear due tothe scope of work ofanintern pharmacist which hinders them from solvingproblems.Though graduates expressed that they had acquired adequate theoretical training, the lack of practical application resulted in inadequate technical skills preparedness. Graduatespreparedness for the industrial pharmacy can be improved by work-based placements of students in the industry pharmacy setting which will assist students to integrate theory with practice.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
Financial integration in the BRICS countries
- Authors: Nach, Marida Nephertiti
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Autogression (Statistics) -- mathematical models , Monetary policy -- Econometric models
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/50609 , vital:42278
- Description: An optimum currency area (OCA) owes its definition to Robert Mundell (1961). In his seminal paper, Mundell (1961) defines an OCA as an area for which the costs of relinquishing the exchange rate as an internal instrument of adjustments are outweighed by the benefits of adopting a single currency or a fixed exchange rate regime. Mundell (1961) emphasises two major benefits of adopting a single currency: the elimination of transaction costs and a better performance of money as a medium of exchange and as a unit of account. Thus far, OCA theory has served as the framework for the discussion about monetary integration and has provided an explanation for the monetary integration processes around the world both developed and developing countries in Europe, Asia, Africa, and Latin America. The emergence of the BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa) countries can be a model and a representation of developing and emerging countries in the global economic and financial system. Hence, this has made the BRICS economies the object of many discussions and recent empirical researches. The research presented in this thesis uses a structural vector autoregression (SVAR) econometric model to explore whether there is a feasibility of macroeconomic convergence among the BRICS economies. The SVAR model permitted to examine the symmetry of shocks (supply, demand and monetary) among the five BRICS countries. The findings of this research showed that there was some degree of symmetry of shocks among the BRICS countries. Nevertheless, there is a need for more policy coordination in order to achieve the desired level of symmetry of shocks among these countries.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
- Authors: Nach, Marida Nephertiti
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Autogression (Statistics) -- mathematical models , Monetary policy -- Econometric models
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/50609 , vital:42278
- Description: An optimum currency area (OCA) owes its definition to Robert Mundell (1961). In his seminal paper, Mundell (1961) defines an OCA as an area for which the costs of relinquishing the exchange rate as an internal instrument of adjustments are outweighed by the benefits of adopting a single currency or a fixed exchange rate regime. Mundell (1961) emphasises two major benefits of adopting a single currency: the elimination of transaction costs and a better performance of money as a medium of exchange and as a unit of account. Thus far, OCA theory has served as the framework for the discussion about monetary integration and has provided an explanation for the monetary integration processes around the world both developed and developing countries in Europe, Asia, Africa, and Latin America. The emergence of the BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa) countries can be a model and a representation of developing and emerging countries in the global economic and financial system. Hence, this has made the BRICS economies the object of many discussions and recent empirical researches. The research presented in this thesis uses a structural vector autoregression (SVAR) econometric model to explore whether there is a feasibility of macroeconomic convergence among the BRICS economies. The SVAR model permitted to examine the symmetry of shocks (supply, demand and monetary) among the five BRICS countries. The findings of this research showed that there was some degree of symmetry of shocks among the BRICS countries. Nevertheless, there is a need for more policy coordination in order to achieve the desired level of symmetry of shocks among these countries.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
The indigenous I/Eye: transgressive performativities of blackness within the South African Visual Arts
- Authors: Maneli, Vuyolwethu Pola
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Art, Black -- South Africa , Art Criticism -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/46900 , vital:39729
- Description: South African Black visual artists have to contend with the racialized economic disparities of the country within which they are enmeshed. This make them susceptible to producing work with the sole motivation of not slipping (further) into poverty, which can greatly hinder our creative autonomy. We are further constrained by the fact that visual arts institutions, whose role it is to decide and regulate what constitutes legitimate art, still operate in accordance with whiteness and a white supremacist logic. The combination of these two factors can lead to the interpellation and artistic production of a Black subjectivity that predominantly caters to – and understands itself in relation to - whiteness. This process of subjectivation, which is performative, can - and regularly does - materialize in various ways through our studio practice. However, with the intervention of critical theory (and the application of strategies of resistance to hegemony that it can provide), interrogative self-reflexivity, and a singular perspective, it is possible to create work that disrupts and transgresses these norms, ultimately contesting the prevalent notion of Black identity as a homogenous experience.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
- Authors: Maneli, Vuyolwethu Pola
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Art, Black -- South Africa , Art Criticism -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/46900 , vital:39729
- Description: South African Black visual artists have to contend with the racialized economic disparities of the country within which they are enmeshed. This make them susceptible to producing work with the sole motivation of not slipping (further) into poverty, which can greatly hinder our creative autonomy. We are further constrained by the fact that visual arts institutions, whose role it is to decide and regulate what constitutes legitimate art, still operate in accordance with whiteness and a white supremacist logic. The combination of these two factors can lead to the interpellation and artistic production of a Black subjectivity that predominantly caters to – and understands itself in relation to - whiteness. This process of subjectivation, which is performative, can - and regularly does - materialize in various ways through our studio practice. However, with the intervention of critical theory (and the application of strategies of resistance to hegemony that it can provide), interrogative self-reflexivity, and a singular perspective, it is possible to create work that disrupts and transgresses these norms, ultimately contesting the prevalent notion of Black identity as a homogenous experience.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
Understanding the relationship between mangrove composition, stand dynamics and resource use in the Ntafufu estuary, Eastern Cape, as basis for sustainable resource use
- Mvakade, Monica, Rajkaran, Anusha
- Authors: Mvakade, Monica , Rajkaran, Anusha
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Estuarine ecology -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Aquatic ecology , Marine sciences , Fresh water
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/49215 , vital:41611
- Description: Traditionally, coastal communities along the Wild Coast in the Eastern Cape, used mangrove forests for their livelihoods and socio-economic needs. Mangroves along the Eastern Cape coast are threatened by both natural and human factors. The wood obtained from the mangroves by rural households was used as poles for house and fence construction, firewood, and traditional medicine. This is a threat to the status of several mangrove species in this and surrounding areas. The harvesting of mangrove trees will have a direct and indirect effect on the other biotic and abiotic components of the mangrove ecosystems. The Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (DAFF) (currently the Department of Environment, Forestry and Fisheries, or DEFF), through the National Forest Act no 84 of 1998, was directly responsible for the wellbeing of the national forests in South Africa. This also includes the mangroves as a specific national forest type. Several estuaries with mangroves occur within state forests. The harvesting and clear-felling of trees for timber and land conversion and associated waste of harvested mangrove poles and laths causes the many changes in mangrove forests. The aim of this study was to develop a framework for sustainable management of the mangroves for the Mtambalala forest management unit. This was done in relation to the requirements of the current legislation, policy guidelines and business plan of the management authority. The aim was pursued through two specific objectives. The first objective was to understand the variation in the composition in different parts of the Ntafufu Estuary, and the population dynamics of the main mangrove species, as basis for the development of sustainable resource use practices. Plots along transects were used to measure seedling to adult ratios, population structure and abiotic characteristics. The second objective was to understand the community use and requirements of mangrove wood from the Ntafufu Estuary. A participatory approach was followed to collect demographic data from each community, the requirements of mangrove poles and behaviour of harvesters. This was used to set up a framework to guide the sustainable management of mangroves based on the current status and stand dynamics of the mangrove communities. There are three mangrove species found in the Ntafufu Estuary: Bruguiera gymnorhiza (black mangrove) regenerates under the mangrove canopy and forms layers of even-aged stands. Avicennia marina (white mangrove) does not regenerate under a mangrove canopy i.e. the seedlings establish outside the canopy. A few Rhizophora mucronata (red mangrove) trees exist in the lower intertidal zone and form multiple stems on stilt roots. The mangrove associate, Hibiscus tiliaceus (wild cotton tree- mangrove associate), forms dense clusters of scrambling stems. Some of the Avicennia individuals show signs of mangrove bleeding and one individual of Bruguiera showed indications of disease. Mngazana and Ntafufu Estuaries had the highest tree densities of 2594 and 1402 trees ha-1 respectively, typical of riverine mangrove forest. The seedling to adult ratio was high in this study: 12.8 for B. gymnorrhiza and 24.3 for A. marina. Abandoned cut stems and laths were found during the study. Bark harvested for traditional medicine and cattle feeding in mangroves was also prevalent and expected to reduce the health of the forest. Mangroves in the Ntafufu Estuary are expanding, and the population structure of the three mangrove species showed a healthy balance between young and mature stems. The harvesting of Black mangrove (B. gymnorrhiza) poles for mainly roof construction is relatively limited. As part of the functions of the DAFF, the use of the mangrove resources has to be balanced with the resource availability from the mangroves, and this should result in a healthy functioning mangrove forest. Development of a participatory forest management (PFM) plan for a forest estate and its forest management unit, require an understanding of the mangrove communities and their dynamics, and the current level of resource use associated with the mangroves. The study recommended that a Mangrove Pole Harvesters Group is needed to practice silviculture through guidance of relevant governmental personnel.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
- Authors: Mvakade, Monica , Rajkaran, Anusha
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Estuarine ecology -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Aquatic ecology , Marine sciences , Fresh water
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/49215 , vital:41611
- Description: Traditionally, coastal communities along the Wild Coast in the Eastern Cape, used mangrove forests for their livelihoods and socio-economic needs. Mangroves along the Eastern Cape coast are threatened by both natural and human factors. The wood obtained from the mangroves by rural households was used as poles for house and fence construction, firewood, and traditional medicine. This is a threat to the status of several mangrove species in this and surrounding areas. The harvesting of mangrove trees will have a direct and indirect effect on the other biotic and abiotic components of the mangrove ecosystems. The Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (DAFF) (currently the Department of Environment, Forestry and Fisheries, or DEFF), through the National Forest Act no 84 of 1998, was directly responsible for the wellbeing of the national forests in South Africa. This also includes the mangroves as a specific national forest type. Several estuaries with mangroves occur within state forests. The harvesting and clear-felling of trees for timber and land conversion and associated waste of harvested mangrove poles and laths causes the many changes in mangrove forests. The aim of this study was to develop a framework for sustainable management of the mangroves for the Mtambalala forest management unit. This was done in relation to the requirements of the current legislation, policy guidelines and business plan of the management authority. The aim was pursued through two specific objectives. The first objective was to understand the variation in the composition in different parts of the Ntafufu Estuary, and the population dynamics of the main mangrove species, as basis for the development of sustainable resource use practices. Plots along transects were used to measure seedling to adult ratios, population structure and abiotic characteristics. The second objective was to understand the community use and requirements of mangrove wood from the Ntafufu Estuary. A participatory approach was followed to collect demographic data from each community, the requirements of mangrove poles and behaviour of harvesters. This was used to set up a framework to guide the sustainable management of mangroves based on the current status and stand dynamics of the mangrove communities. There are three mangrove species found in the Ntafufu Estuary: Bruguiera gymnorhiza (black mangrove) regenerates under the mangrove canopy and forms layers of even-aged stands. Avicennia marina (white mangrove) does not regenerate under a mangrove canopy i.e. the seedlings establish outside the canopy. A few Rhizophora mucronata (red mangrove) trees exist in the lower intertidal zone and form multiple stems on stilt roots. The mangrove associate, Hibiscus tiliaceus (wild cotton tree- mangrove associate), forms dense clusters of scrambling stems. Some of the Avicennia individuals show signs of mangrove bleeding and one individual of Bruguiera showed indications of disease. Mngazana and Ntafufu Estuaries had the highest tree densities of 2594 and 1402 trees ha-1 respectively, typical of riverine mangrove forest. The seedling to adult ratio was high in this study: 12.8 for B. gymnorrhiza and 24.3 for A. marina. Abandoned cut stems and laths were found during the study. Bark harvested for traditional medicine and cattle feeding in mangroves was also prevalent and expected to reduce the health of the forest. Mangroves in the Ntafufu Estuary are expanding, and the population structure of the three mangrove species showed a healthy balance between young and mature stems. The harvesting of Black mangrove (B. gymnorrhiza) poles for mainly roof construction is relatively limited. As part of the functions of the DAFF, the use of the mangrove resources has to be balanced with the resource availability from the mangroves, and this should result in a healthy functioning mangrove forest. Development of a participatory forest management (PFM) plan for a forest estate and its forest management unit, require an understanding of the mangrove communities and their dynamics, and the current level of resource use associated with the mangroves. The study recommended that a Mangrove Pole Harvesters Group is needed to practice silviculture through guidance of relevant governmental personnel.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
Plankton dynamics in response to algal blooms in a highly eutrophic estuary in South Africa
- Authors: Smit, Taryn
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Algal blooms -- South Africa , Estuaries -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DPhil
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/49303 , vital:41619
- Description: The global rise in the incidence of harmful algal blooms in estuaries is a major concern given their importance as a nursery area for a variety of invertebrates and fishes. On the warm-temperate, south-east coast of South Africa, the Sundays Estuary experiences persistent, seasonal HABs due to stable eutrophic conditions. Spring blooms of the dinoflagellate, Heterosigma akashiwo, were recorded for several years in the estuary. This Raphidophyte is known for its consequences in fish and shellfish aquaculture and exhibits harmful properties such as mucilage and reactive oxygen species production. Subsequently, the dissertation investigated larval fish assemblage dynamics, larval prey and predator dynamics and body condition in association with H. akashiwo blooms. HABs mainly altered the water quality within the mesohaline zone in terms of microalgal biomass and dissolved oxygen. Hypereutrophic blooms of H. akashiwo reached 24 996 cells∙mL-1 during the study period. Supersaturated dissolved oxygen concentrations (up to ~13 mg∙L-1 at night and ~21 mg∙L-1 during the day) were recorded during hypereutrophic blooms (> 80 μg∙L-1, ≥ 2781 H. akashiwo cells∙mL-1). Dissolved oxygen differed significantly by bloom state, with the highest dissolved oxygen concentrations. Larval fish density, diversity and community structure variability were lower during hypereutrophic blooms compared to standard blooms and bloom absence, albeit statistically insignificant. Estuarine resident larval density was negatively correlated with dissolved oxygen concentration (P < 0.001). Dominant prey copepod of G. aestuaria larvae, P. hessei, was less abundant and variable during hypereutrophic blooms (mean: 664, range: 4-4301 individuals per m3) compared to standard blooms (mean: 950, range: 2-5237 individuals per m3) and bloom absence (mean: 1182, range: 23-7259 individuals per m3). Although HABs did not appear to drive a mismatch between prey and G. aestuaria larvae, early juvenile larvae made only a small contribution to the assemblage (0.2-1.8%). In terms of predator effects, yolk sac larvae were negatively related to R. terranatalis (P < 0.05). A significant positive relationship was found between prey, P. hessei and G. aestuaria preflexion (P < 0.001), flexion (P < 0.001) and postflexion (P < 0.05) larvae. In a world first, the effects of HABs were investigated on a larval fish species, Gilchristella aestuaria, using biochemical body condition analyses. During severe bloom conditions, G. aestuaria larvae were smaller and the assemblage consisted of mainly early developmental stages (stats). Body condition (RNA per dry weight) was poorest in the presence of hypereutrophic blooms (P < 0.001). A bell-curved relationship between RNA/DW and dissolved oxygen concentration was also produced in a 3-day time-lagged GAM (P < 0.001). In conclusion, hypereutrophic bloom conditions appeared to trigger adult G. aestuaria spawning in the upper mesohaline zone of the estuary in response to heightened primary productivity which occurs during the early bloom stage. However, reductions in copepod abundance (P. hessei) and unfavourable oxygen concentrations interfered with grow-out of G. aestuaria larvae. This research showed that HABs can alter nursery properties to the detriment of G. aestuaria larvae can have serious knock-on effects up the food chain. The loss in abundance of adult, juvenile and larval G. aestuaria, a key forage fish in South African estuaries, has major implications for estuarine food webs, especially in reduced prey availability to juvenile fishes and birds. There is still much to learn about the effects of HABs on the physiological and behavioural aspects on plankton communities worldwide.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
- Authors: Smit, Taryn
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Algal blooms -- South Africa , Estuaries -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DPhil
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/49303 , vital:41619
- Description: The global rise in the incidence of harmful algal blooms in estuaries is a major concern given their importance as a nursery area for a variety of invertebrates and fishes. On the warm-temperate, south-east coast of South Africa, the Sundays Estuary experiences persistent, seasonal HABs due to stable eutrophic conditions. Spring blooms of the dinoflagellate, Heterosigma akashiwo, were recorded for several years in the estuary. This Raphidophyte is known for its consequences in fish and shellfish aquaculture and exhibits harmful properties such as mucilage and reactive oxygen species production. Subsequently, the dissertation investigated larval fish assemblage dynamics, larval prey and predator dynamics and body condition in association with H. akashiwo blooms. HABs mainly altered the water quality within the mesohaline zone in terms of microalgal biomass and dissolved oxygen. Hypereutrophic blooms of H. akashiwo reached 24 996 cells∙mL-1 during the study period. Supersaturated dissolved oxygen concentrations (up to ~13 mg∙L-1 at night and ~21 mg∙L-1 during the day) were recorded during hypereutrophic blooms (> 80 μg∙L-1, ≥ 2781 H. akashiwo cells∙mL-1). Dissolved oxygen differed significantly by bloom state, with the highest dissolved oxygen concentrations. Larval fish density, diversity and community structure variability were lower during hypereutrophic blooms compared to standard blooms and bloom absence, albeit statistically insignificant. Estuarine resident larval density was negatively correlated with dissolved oxygen concentration (P < 0.001). Dominant prey copepod of G. aestuaria larvae, P. hessei, was less abundant and variable during hypereutrophic blooms (mean: 664, range: 4-4301 individuals per m3) compared to standard blooms (mean: 950, range: 2-5237 individuals per m3) and bloom absence (mean: 1182, range: 23-7259 individuals per m3). Although HABs did not appear to drive a mismatch between prey and G. aestuaria larvae, early juvenile larvae made only a small contribution to the assemblage (0.2-1.8%). In terms of predator effects, yolk sac larvae were negatively related to R. terranatalis (P < 0.05). A significant positive relationship was found between prey, P. hessei and G. aestuaria preflexion (P < 0.001), flexion (P < 0.001) and postflexion (P < 0.05) larvae. In a world first, the effects of HABs were investigated on a larval fish species, Gilchristella aestuaria, using biochemical body condition analyses. During severe bloom conditions, G. aestuaria larvae were smaller and the assemblage consisted of mainly early developmental stages (stats). Body condition (RNA per dry weight) was poorest in the presence of hypereutrophic blooms (P < 0.001). A bell-curved relationship between RNA/DW and dissolved oxygen concentration was also produced in a 3-day time-lagged GAM (P < 0.001). In conclusion, hypereutrophic bloom conditions appeared to trigger adult G. aestuaria spawning in the upper mesohaline zone of the estuary in response to heightened primary productivity which occurs during the early bloom stage. However, reductions in copepod abundance (P. hessei) and unfavourable oxygen concentrations interfered with grow-out of G. aestuaria larvae. This research showed that HABs can alter nursery properties to the detriment of G. aestuaria larvae can have serious knock-on effects up the food chain. The loss in abundance of adult, juvenile and larval G. aestuaria, a key forage fish in South African estuaries, has major implications for estuarine food webs, especially in reduced prey availability to juvenile fishes and birds. There is still much to learn about the effects of HABs on the physiological and behavioural aspects on plankton communities worldwide.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
The impact of agricultural infrastructure on rural livelihoods in KwaZulu-Natal
- Authors: Mankahla, Sipesihle Qukeza
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Agriculture -- Economic aspects , Agricultural development projects -- South Africa -- KwaZulu Natal , Project management
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/46141 , vital:39508
- Description: The purpose of the study was to investigate the impact of agricultural infrastructure on rural livelihoods of kwaZulu-Natal. The main objective of the study is to look into the ways in which rural infrastructure can improve the livelihoods of kwaZulu-Natal farmers. Government programmes such as agri-parks, one household-one hectare and cooperative funding, when implemented according to their objective, can improve the implementation of infrastructure development in rural areas of kwaZulu-Natal. The objectives of the study were achieved by reviewing the literature relevant to the topic. Data was sourced from primary and secondary sources. A qualitative method was used as the qualitative approach has been considered to be the most appropriate method in achieving research objectives. This approach puts emphasis on the meanings and experiences as found in the study of Lincoln and Denzin. This approach best describes events, opinions and views without the use of data in the form of numbers; rather it provides textual data that gives an insight into the occurrence being studied. The developments in agriculture would not be sustainable without developing the rural areas and addressing the issues of poverty and enhancing investment capacities of the resource-poor farmers. The linkage of infrastructure to positive economic development cannot be denied. Agricultural infrastructure is infrastructure such as irrigation, rural electrification, roads, and markets in close coordination with institutional infrastructure. There is a long list of infrastructure assets that affect rural development. There is basic agricultural infrastructure which forms the foundation for agricultural economic development of rural livelihoods. This infrastructure includes transport networks, access to water and livestock agricultural infrastructure. Thus, the study sought to establish the impact of existing agricultural infrastructure on agricultural economic development and improvement of rural livelihoods in kwaZulu-Natal. The study revealed that the rural farmers in this province were affected and limited by poor road infrastructure and that access to suitable water for irrigation was far from ideal. As a result, the sector is hindered and does not perform to its full potential and this slows economic development and negatively affects rural livelihoods.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
- Authors: Mankahla, Sipesihle Qukeza
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Agriculture -- Economic aspects , Agricultural development projects -- South Africa -- KwaZulu Natal , Project management
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/46141 , vital:39508
- Description: The purpose of the study was to investigate the impact of agricultural infrastructure on rural livelihoods of kwaZulu-Natal. The main objective of the study is to look into the ways in which rural infrastructure can improve the livelihoods of kwaZulu-Natal farmers. Government programmes such as agri-parks, one household-one hectare and cooperative funding, when implemented according to their objective, can improve the implementation of infrastructure development in rural areas of kwaZulu-Natal. The objectives of the study were achieved by reviewing the literature relevant to the topic. Data was sourced from primary and secondary sources. A qualitative method was used as the qualitative approach has been considered to be the most appropriate method in achieving research objectives. This approach puts emphasis on the meanings and experiences as found in the study of Lincoln and Denzin. This approach best describes events, opinions and views without the use of data in the form of numbers; rather it provides textual data that gives an insight into the occurrence being studied. The developments in agriculture would not be sustainable without developing the rural areas and addressing the issues of poverty and enhancing investment capacities of the resource-poor farmers. The linkage of infrastructure to positive economic development cannot be denied. Agricultural infrastructure is infrastructure such as irrigation, rural electrification, roads, and markets in close coordination with institutional infrastructure. There is a long list of infrastructure assets that affect rural development. There is basic agricultural infrastructure which forms the foundation for agricultural economic development of rural livelihoods. This infrastructure includes transport networks, access to water and livestock agricultural infrastructure. Thus, the study sought to establish the impact of existing agricultural infrastructure on agricultural economic development and improvement of rural livelihoods in kwaZulu-Natal. The study revealed that the rural farmers in this province were affected and limited by poor road infrastructure and that access to suitable water for irrigation was far from ideal. As a result, the sector is hindered and does not perform to its full potential and this slows economic development and negatively affects rural livelihoods.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
Decision analysis to inform invasive alien plant management in the Garden Route Biosphere Reserve
- Authors: Masunungure, Current
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Invasive plants -- South Africa , Alien plants -- South Africa , Biodiversity -- South Africa -- Management , Ecosystem management -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DPhil
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/49159 , vital:41606
- Description: Invasive alien plants (IAP) pose significant threats to global economies and biodiversity and are often considered as wicked problems. With an increasing number of IAP and limited resources, their management and decision-making processes are becoming difficult because of uncertainty, multiple and conflicting objectives, and diverse stakeholder views, facts and values. This is particularly challenging given the complex interactions between economic, ecological, and social elements that exist in invaded areas. Consequently, it is important to incorporate new ways of thinking and novel methodologies to improve our understanding of IAP management and the decision-making processes around them, which are currently inadequate. Decision analysis can help with dealing with these challenges and support decision-making under uncertainty. Drawing on the systems thinking approach and the concepts of leverage points, transition management and transformational change, the aim of this thesis was to explore the effectiveness of IAP management and the decision-making process in the Garden Route Biosphere Reserve (GRBR). This was achieved using a mixed methods approach involving: social-ecological inventory (identifying relevant stakeholders); review of literature on the available decision support tools; key informant interviews (stakeholder perspectives on the current decision-making process); and stakeholder workshop and expert consultation (casual loop modelling). The results of this thesis provide evidence that application of the proposed principles of robust decision-making has the potential to overcome the weaknesses of the current decision-making process and as such, enables decision-makers to efficiently allocate resources towards IAS management. A novel causal loop diagram (CLD) was developed to highlight the interconnections between key variables in IAP management and decision-making. This revealed that to transcend ‘policy resistance’ and ‘quickfixes that fail’ archetypes, and improve IAP management, the stakeholders need to consider deep leverage points, for example, fostering trust and shared understanding among different stakeholder groups. These can be realistically maintained over the long-term and can cause a fundamental change in IAP management, rather than focusing on shallow leverage points that are relatively easy to implement but do not result in significant systemic change. The findings of this thesis are flexible and could guide various stakeholder groups at local, national, and international scales in improving the effectiveness of IAP management and decision-making.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
- Authors: Masunungure, Current
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Invasive plants -- South Africa , Alien plants -- South Africa , Biodiversity -- South Africa -- Management , Ecosystem management -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DPhil
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/49159 , vital:41606
- Description: Invasive alien plants (IAP) pose significant threats to global economies and biodiversity and are often considered as wicked problems. With an increasing number of IAP and limited resources, their management and decision-making processes are becoming difficult because of uncertainty, multiple and conflicting objectives, and diverse stakeholder views, facts and values. This is particularly challenging given the complex interactions between economic, ecological, and social elements that exist in invaded areas. Consequently, it is important to incorporate new ways of thinking and novel methodologies to improve our understanding of IAP management and the decision-making processes around them, which are currently inadequate. Decision analysis can help with dealing with these challenges and support decision-making under uncertainty. Drawing on the systems thinking approach and the concepts of leverage points, transition management and transformational change, the aim of this thesis was to explore the effectiveness of IAP management and the decision-making process in the Garden Route Biosphere Reserve (GRBR). This was achieved using a mixed methods approach involving: social-ecological inventory (identifying relevant stakeholders); review of literature on the available decision support tools; key informant interviews (stakeholder perspectives on the current decision-making process); and stakeholder workshop and expert consultation (casual loop modelling). The results of this thesis provide evidence that application of the proposed principles of robust decision-making has the potential to overcome the weaknesses of the current decision-making process and as such, enables decision-makers to efficiently allocate resources towards IAS management. A novel causal loop diagram (CLD) was developed to highlight the interconnections between key variables in IAP management and decision-making. This revealed that to transcend ‘policy resistance’ and ‘quickfixes that fail’ archetypes, and improve IAP management, the stakeholders need to consider deep leverage points, for example, fostering trust and shared understanding among different stakeholder groups. These can be realistically maintained over the long-term and can cause a fundamental change in IAP management, rather than focusing on shallow leverage points that are relatively easy to implement but do not result in significant systemic change. The findings of this thesis are flexible and could guide various stakeholder groups at local, national, and international scales in improving the effectiveness of IAP management and decision-making.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
The influence of academic interventions on the academic performance of human resource management students
- Authors: Hiles, Tevin
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Academic achievement -- South Africa , Education, Higher -- Evaluation
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/49846 , vital:41808
- Description: There are many contextual challenges related to this problem. Some of these include the mass of diverse students entering tertiary institutions and the level of educational preparedness of these students. Moreover, the lasting legacy of Apartheid brings its own challenges in relation to widening access for students entering South African higher education institutions. There are considerable repercussions related to the costs of re-educating students and re-admitting failing students into continuously growing classes. Furthermore, there is a protruding argument that the level of student readiness/preparedness is continually declining. The above-mentioned challenges place extreme pressure on higher education institutions and their staff to provide academic support to students, along with maintaining adequate pass rates. Reflecting on the challenges faced in the South African higher educational context, it is evident that the development and implementation of academic support programmes are important. These programmes are aimed at providing quality learning and teaching and counteracting declining success rates. In addition, there is a need to transform how massification of higher education takes place, to address the challenges of diverse student profiles, dropout rates and low throughput rates. This study explored the impact of academic support interventions on academic performance by focusing on student engagement as it is the leading factor of academic success. For the purpose of this study, this was measured through the attendance of academic interventions. Student engagement may be defined as the time and energy learners dedicate to educational activities both inside and outside of the classroom, along with the policies and practices institutions use to persuade students to partake in these activities. The findings revealed that academic interventions indeed have a positive influence on student behaviour and student academic progress. The results of this study could assist the department of HRM in determining the effectiveness of academic interventions created for first year students.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
- Authors: Hiles, Tevin
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Academic achievement -- South Africa , Education, Higher -- Evaluation
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/49846 , vital:41808
- Description: There are many contextual challenges related to this problem. Some of these include the mass of diverse students entering tertiary institutions and the level of educational preparedness of these students. Moreover, the lasting legacy of Apartheid brings its own challenges in relation to widening access for students entering South African higher education institutions. There are considerable repercussions related to the costs of re-educating students and re-admitting failing students into continuously growing classes. Furthermore, there is a protruding argument that the level of student readiness/preparedness is continually declining. The above-mentioned challenges place extreme pressure on higher education institutions and their staff to provide academic support to students, along with maintaining adequate pass rates. Reflecting on the challenges faced in the South African higher educational context, it is evident that the development and implementation of academic support programmes are important. These programmes are aimed at providing quality learning and teaching and counteracting declining success rates. In addition, there is a need to transform how massification of higher education takes place, to address the challenges of diverse student profiles, dropout rates and low throughput rates. This study explored the impact of academic support interventions on academic performance by focusing on student engagement as it is the leading factor of academic success. For the purpose of this study, this was measured through the attendance of academic interventions. Student engagement may be defined as the time and energy learners dedicate to educational activities both inside and outside of the classroom, along with the policies and practices institutions use to persuade students to partake in these activities. The findings revealed that academic interventions indeed have a positive influence on student behaviour and student academic progress. The results of this study could assist the department of HRM in determining the effectiveness of academic interventions created for first year students.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
The effects of the stock and bond market on economic growth in South Africa (2003-2017)
- Authors: Faiers, Jarryd Brad
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Capital market -- South Africa , Economic development -- Environmental aspects -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/48102 , vital:40486
- Description: Using quarterly data from 2003:Q3 to 2017:Q1, this study investigates the effect of the stock and bond markets on economic growth in South Africa. The variables used in the study pertain to South Africa and include the JSE All-Share Index, real effective exchange rate, bond market growth, investment expenditure, inflation rate, government expenditure and gross domestic product. The empirical study is guided by an Autoregressive Distributed Lag (ARDL) model approach which includes unit root tests for stationarity, bounds tests for cointegration and causality tests using the long run and short run error correction models. Diagnostic tests and stability tests are performed on the various econometric models. Tests include the Jarque-Bera test, Ramsey Reset Test, Whites test, CUSUM and CUSUM square test. The findings suggest that the stock market growth and bond market growth have displayed significantly different results with regards to their effects on economic growth. Stock market growth has had a positive impact on economic growth in the long run, whilst growth and development in the bond market does not have a statistically significant relationship with economic growth in the long run. The study provides a solid foundation for establishing the effects of the stock and bond market on economic growth.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
- Authors: Faiers, Jarryd Brad
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Capital market -- South Africa , Economic development -- Environmental aspects -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/48102 , vital:40486
- Description: Using quarterly data from 2003:Q3 to 2017:Q1, this study investigates the effect of the stock and bond markets on economic growth in South Africa. The variables used in the study pertain to South Africa and include the JSE All-Share Index, real effective exchange rate, bond market growth, investment expenditure, inflation rate, government expenditure and gross domestic product. The empirical study is guided by an Autoregressive Distributed Lag (ARDL) model approach which includes unit root tests for stationarity, bounds tests for cointegration and causality tests using the long run and short run error correction models. Diagnostic tests and stability tests are performed on the various econometric models. Tests include the Jarque-Bera test, Ramsey Reset Test, Whites test, CUSUM and CUSUM square test. The findings suggest that the stock market growth and bond market growth have displayed significantly different results with regards to their effects on economic growth. Stock market growth has had a positive impact on economic growth in the long run, whilst growth and development in the bond market does not have a statistically significant relationship with economic growth in the long run. The study provides a solid foundation for establishing the effects of the stock and bond market on economic growth.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
Biocompatibility of biomaterials for nanoencapsulation: Current approaches
- Witika, Bwalya A, Makoni, Pedzisai A, Matafwali, Scott K, Chabalenge, Billy, Mwila, Chiluba, Kalungia, Aubrey C, Nkanga, Christian I, Bapolisi, Alain M, Walker, Roderick B
- Authors: Witika, Bwalya A , Makoni, Pedzisai A , Matafwali, Scott K , Chabalenge, Billy , Mwila, Chiluba , Kalungia, Aubrey C , Nkanga, Christian I , Bapolisi, Alain M , Walker, Roderick B
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/183289 , vital:43939 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.3390/nano10091649"
- Description: Nanoencapsulation is an approach to circumvent shortcomings such as reduced bioavailability, undesirable side effects, frequent dosing and unpleasant organoleptic properties of conventional drug delivery systems. The process of nanoencapsulation involves the use of biomaterials such as surfactants and/or polymers, often in combination with charge inducers and/or ligands for targeting. The biomaterials selected for nanoencapsulation processes must be as biocompatible as possible. The type(s) of biomaterials used for different nanoencapsulation approaches are highlighted and their use and applicability with regard to haemo- and, histocompatibility, cytotoxicity, genotoxicity and carcinogenesis are discussed.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
- Authors: Witika, Bwalya A , Makoni, Pedzisai A , Matafwali, Scott K , Chabalenge, Billy , Mwila, Chiluba , Kalungia, Aubrey C , Nkanga, Christian I , Bapolisi, Alain M , Walker, Roderick B
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/183289 , vital:43939 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.3390/nano10091649"
- Description: Nanoencapsulation is an approach to circumvent shortcomings such as reduced bioavailability, undesirable side effects, frequent dosing and unpleasant organoleptic properties of conventional drug delivery systems. The process of nanoencapsulation involves the use of biomaterials such as surfactants and/or polymers, often in combination with charge inducers and/or ligands for targeting. The biomaterials selected for nanoencapsulation processes must be as biocompatible as possible. The type(s) of biomaterials used for different nanoencapsulation approaches are highlighted and their use and applicability with regard to haemo- and, histocompatibility, cytotoxicity, genotoxicity and carcinogenesis are discussed.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
Photocatalytic reduction of CO2 by cobalt doped TiO2 and ZnO micro/nanostructured materials
- Authors: Mgolombane, Mvano
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Nanostructures , Catalysis , Nanotechnology , Chemistry
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/49171 , vital:41607
- Description: Large emissions of carbon dioxide (CO2) in the atmosphere have caused many harmful effects on humans and the environment. Carbon dioxide is a good source C and is used in a number of applications such as synthesis of fossil fuels. Redox reaction of CO2 and H2O with photocatalysts such as TiO2 and ZnO to produce solar fuels is a promising approach in reducing the environmental impacts of greenhouse gasses. This dissertation describes an in-depth synthesis of four photochemical catalysts and their photocatalytic conversion of CO2 to methanol, thereby addressing the above-mentioned problems by applying synthesised nano-based catalysts. Prior to photocatalytic reduction studies, catalysts such as TiO2, Co-doped TiO2, Co-doped TiO2/rGO, ZnO, Co-doped ZnO and Co-doped ZnO/rGO were synthesized and characterized using various spectroscopic and imaging techniques such as Powder X-Ray Diffraction (PXRD), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Transmission Electron Micrograph (TEM), X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS), Brunner- Emmet- Teller measurement (BET), Thermogravimetry Analysis (TGA) and UV-Vis Diffuse Reflectance Spectroscopy (UV-Vis-DRS). The conversion yield of CO2 to methanol on TiO2, Co-doped TiO2 and Co-doped TiO2/rGO reached 32.3 μmol/gcat, 730 μmol/gcat and 936 μmol/gcat, respectively, after 7 h of irradiation. Theoretical studies via Density functional theory (DFT) revealed that doping TiO2 with Co ions facilitated the formation of adsorbed carbonate or CO2•- species, as CO2 adsorbs onto Co-doped TiO2 surface with binding energy (BE) of -18.12 KJ/mol. The photocatalytic activities of ZnO-based nanomaterials found that Co-doped ZnO/rGO with high ratio of Co, reduced graphene (rGO) and large surface area (10.62 m2g-1) possessed higher CH3OH (30.1 μmol/g) in comparison with Co-doped ZnO (27.3 μmol/g) and ZnO (7.5 μmol/g). The research will deepen the understanding that TiO2 based photocatalyst show higher activity and the mole ratio (Ti/Zn:Co) influences nanocomposites performance and provide new ideas for designing efficient photocatalysts.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
- Authors: Mgolombane, Mvano
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Nanostructures , Catalysis , Nanotechnology , Chemistry
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/49171 , vital:41607
- Description: Large emissions of carbon dioxide (CO2) in the atmosphere have caused many harmful effects on humans and the environment. Carbon dioxide is a good source C and is used in a number of applications such as synthesis of fossil fuels. Redox reaction of CO2 and H2O with photocatalysts such as TiO2 and ZnO to produce solar fuels is a promising approach in reducing the environmental impacts of greenhouse gasses. This dissertation describes an in-depth synthesis of four photochemical catalysts and their photocatalytic conversion of CO2 to methanol, thereby addressing the above-mentioned problems by applying synthesised nano-based catalysts. Prior to photocatalytic reduction studies, catalysts such as TiO2, Co-doped TiO2, Co-doped TiO2/rGO, ZnO, Co-doped ZnO and Co-doped ZnO/rGO were synthesized and characterized using various spectroscopic and imaging techniques such as Powder X-Ray Diffraction (PXRD), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Transmission Electron Micrograph (TEM), X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS), Brunner- Emmet- Teller measurement (BET), Thermogravimetry Analysis (TGA) and UV-Vis Diffuse Reflectance Spectroscopy (UV-Vis-DRS). The conversion yield of CO2 to methanol on TiO2, Co-doped TiO2 and Co-doped TiO2/rGO reached 32.3 μmol/gcat, 730 μmol/gcat and 936 μmol/gcat, respectively, after 7 h of irradiation. Theoretical studies via Density functional theory (DFT) revealed that doping TiO2 with Co ions facilitated the formation of adsorbed carbonate or CO2•- species, as CO2 adsorbs onto Co-doped TiO2 surface with binding energy (BE) of -18.12 KJ/mol. The photocatalytic activities of ZnO-based nanomaterials found that Co-doped ZnO/rGO with high ratio of Co, reduced graphene (rGO) and large surface area (10.62 m2g-1) possessed higher CH3OH (30.1 μmol/g) in comparison with Co-doped ZnO (27.3 μmol/g) and ZnO (7.5 μmol/g). The research will deepen the understanding that TiO2 based photocatalyst show higher activity and the mole ratio (Ti/Zn:Co) influences nanocomposites performance and provide new ideas for designing efficient photocatalysts.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020