Draft resolution to the Central Committee, 22-25 June 1995 in defence of our jobs and for job creation
- Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU)
- Authors: Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU)
- Date: 1998-05
- Subjects: Uncatalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/106145 , vital:32609
- Description: The 6th National Congress delegated to this Central Committee all socio-economic resolutions. The powers of this Central Committee on socio-economic issues is therefore equal to those of the National Congress. This means it can change any socio-economic policy of the federation. Once policy is adopted by the Central Committee it can only be changed by the next National Congress in the year 2000. This document attempts to integrate the resolutions received from affiliates with the other policy positions of the federation as adopted at the previous policy conferences (1992 Economic Policy Conference, 1993 Health and Safety Conference, 1995 Health, Safety and Environment Conference, 1996 Living Wage Conference and May 1997 Policy Conference). In addition we also used the socio-economic section of the September Commission, Secretariat Report to the 6th National Congress and Labour proposals on the Presidential Jobs Summit
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1998-05
- Authors: Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU)
- Date: 1998-05
- Subjects: Uncatalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/106145 , vital:32609
- Description: The 6th National Congress delegated to this Central Committee all socio-economic resolutions. The powers of this Central Committee on socio-economic issues is therefore equal to those of the National Congress. This means it can change any socio-economic policy of the federation. Once policy is adopted by the Central Committee it can only be changed by the next National Congress in the year 2000. This document attempts to integrate the resolutions received from affiliates with the other policy positions of the federation as adopted at the previous policy conferences (1992 Economic Policy Conference, 1993 Health and Safety Conference, 1995 Health, Safety and Environment Conference, 1996 Living Wage Conference and May 1997 Policy Conference). In addition we also used the socio-economic section of the September Commission, Secretariat Report to the 6th National Congress and Labour proposals on the Presidential Jobs Summit
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1998-05
Drive for show: putt for dough? The value of performance measures for professional golfers on the sunshine tour and the relationship with earnings
- Authors: Heathfield, Cameron Spencer
- Date: 2023-03-31
- Subjects: Uncatalogued
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/419499 , vital:71649
- Description: “Drive for show, putt for dough”. This controversial adage has been a prominent sentiment in the game of golf for decades. Empirical evidence investigating its robustness through determinant of earnings inquiries have identified that the most valuable measure of performance in golf is in fact putting. However, with the ever-perpetuating state of golf equipment and the technologies thereof, the distance debate in golf has thus gained traction. Recent investigations and evidence into the adage had identified a trend-shift with regards to the value associated with distance achievable and putting ability in golf. Therefore questioning the relevance of the adage in the modern form of the game. In conducting a determinant of earnings inquiry through the engagement of engineering “pure” performance measures as empirically identified, this investigation is aimed at recognising a similar trend in a South African perspective, on the Sunshine Tour. Utilising a generalised least square regression methodology, the analysis identifies how the value of the marginal product as-sociated with both player and non-player explanatory measures influence real earnings on the Sun-shine Tour. This determination is observed through the means of a comprehensive scenario analysis, demonstrating the effect of marginal performance differences to the degree of 1% and 5% increase in performance. A trend was therefore identified in which the value of the marginal product, and growth in real earnings associated to driving distance at the 5% level were in fact greater than the that of putting ability. The results further denote the robustness of the adage and the inherent value associated to putting vs. driving distance at the 1% level. The conclusion to this investigation demonstrates the importance of opportunistic positions player’s put themselves in within tournaments to encourage earnings accumulation. Identified through balanced return on investments for all performance measures to “drive for dough to putt for dough”. , Thesis (MEcon) -- Faculty of Commerce, Economics and Economics History, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-03-31
- Authors: Heathfield, Cameron Spencer
- Date: 2023-03-31
- Subjects: Uncatalogued
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/419499 , vital:71649
- Description: “Drive for show, putt for dough”. This controversial adage has been a prominent sentiment in the game of golf for decades. Empirical evidence investigating its robustness through determinant of earnings inquiries have identified that the most valuable measure of performance in golf is in fact putting. However, with the ever-perpetuating state of golf equipment and the technologies thereof, the distance debate in golf has thus gained traction. Recent investigations and evidence into the adage had identified a trend-shift with regards to the value associated with distance achievable and putting ability in golf. Therefore questioning the relevance of the adage in the modern form of the game. In conducting a determinant of earnings inquiry through the engagement of engineering “pure” performance measures as empirically identified, this investigation is aimed at recognising a similar trend in a South African perspective, on the Sunshine Tour. Utilising a generalised least square regression methodology, the analysis identifies how the value of the marginal product as-sociated with both player and non-player explanatory measures influence real earnings on the Sun-shine Tour. This determination is observed through the means of a comprehensive scenario analysis, demonstrating the effect of marginal performance differences to the degree of 1% and 5% increase in performance. A trend was therefore identified in which the value of the marginal product, and growth in real earnings associated to driving distance at the 5% level were in fact greater than the that of putting ability. The results further denote the robustness of the adage and the inherent value associated to putting vs. driving distance at the 1% level. The conclusion to this investigation demonstrates the importance of opportunistic positions player’s put themselves in within tournaments to encourage earnings accumulation. Identified through balanced return on investments for all performance measures to “drive for dough to putt for dough”. , Thesis (MEcon) -- Faculty of Commerce, Economics and Economics History, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-03-31
Drought impacts on livestock and crop production along an urban-rural gradient: perceptions and response strategies in the Eastern Cape province, South Africa
- Authors: Pamla, Avela
- Date: 2023-10-13
- Subjects: Uncatalogued
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/424732 , vital:72179
- Description: Drought is a major challenge threatening agricultural productivity in urban and rural areas across southern Africa. Drought events are expected to be more frequent, severe, last longer, and, impact land-based livelihoods in the coming decades. Despite the growing literature on the impacts of drought on livelihoods, there is limited focus on the impacts of droughts across rural-urban gradients. The study examined small-scale farmers’ perceptions of drought impacts and response strategies in the contexts of persistent droughts in the Eastern Cape province of South Africa. A total of 163 respondents, practicing livestock and/or crop farming across six towns, in urban and rural contexts were purposively identified. The study used snowball sampling approach to identify the relevant respondents. Data were collected through a semi-structured questionnaire survey, exploring the respondents' socio-demographic profiles, agricultural activities, perceptions of drought impacts, and drought response strategies. Qualitative data were coded and analyzed using descriptive statistics, thematic analysis, t-tests, and chi-square tests to identify patterns, themes, and relationships within the data. Nearly all (>95%) respondents owned livestock while substantially more rural farmers (81%) than urban farmers (35%) engaged in crop production. Drought was perceived by a sizeable proportion (>70%) of small-scale farmers as a very serious environmental challenge with adverse socio-economic repercussions on land-based activities. Livestock losses and crop failure were the key impacts reported by small-scale farmers in both rural and urban settings. About 86% of respondents across the sample reported declines in crop yields, with significantly more farmers in rural sites (45%) than urban sites (31%) reporting so. A substantial proportion of farmers across the sample (93%) reported drought response strategies relating to livestock and crop production, such as changing of farming practices, use of drought-resistant crops and government support, with slight differences in the proportion of farmers reporting so between urban (89 %) and rural (95 %) sites. Concerning government support, most respondents (>70%) stated that they were dissatisfied, with slightly more respondents in urban areas (77%) than in rural (70%) areas reporting so. Overall, the results of this study suggest a minimal response capacity of small-scale farmers to droughts in both rural and urban settings due to socio-economic and administrative factors, which calls for the need for drought-response strategies to build adaptive capacity for small-scale farmers. Turning to close cooperation between different stakeholders, such as local farmers, government officials, practitioners, and scientists might allow co-production of knowledge needed to inform drought response strategies. In some instances, attention needs to be given to farmers who are more vulnerable than others. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, Environmental Science, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-10-13
- Authors: Pamla, Avela
- Date: 2023-10-13
- Subjects: Uncatalogued
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/424732 , vital:72179
- Description: Drought is a major challenge threatening agricultural productivity in urban and rural areas across southern Africa. Drought events are expected to be more frequent, severe, last longer, and, impact land-based livelihoods in the coming decades. Despite the growing literature on the impacts of drought on livelihoods, there is limited focus on the impacts of droughts across rural-urban gradients. The study examined small-scale farmers’ perceptions of drought impacts and response strategies in the contexts of persistent droughts in the Eastern Cape province of South Africa. A total of 163 respondents, practicing livestock and/or crop farming across six towns, in urban and rural contexts were purposively identified. The study used snowball sampling approach to identify the relevant respondents. Data were collected through a semi-structured questionnaire survey, exploring the respondents' socio-demographic profiles, agricultural activities, perceptions of drought impacts, and drought response strategies. Qualitative data were coded and analyzed using descriptive statistics, thematic analysis, t-tests, and chi-square tests to identify patterns, themes, and relationships within the data. Nearly all (>95%) respondents owned livestock while substantially more rural farmers (81%) than urban farmers (35%) engaged in crop production. Drought was perceived by a sizeable proportion (>70%) of small-scale farmers as a very serious environmental challenge with adverse socio-economic repercussions on land-based activities. Livestock losses and crop failure were the key impacts reported by small-scale farmers in both rural and urban settings. About 86% of respondents across the sample reported declines in crop yields, with significantly more farmers in rural sites (45%) than urban sites (31%) reporting so. A substantial proportion of farmers across the sample (93%) reported drought response strategies relating to livestock and crop production, such as changing of farming practices, use of drought-resistant crops and government support, with slight differences in the proportion of farmers reporting so between urban (89 %) and rural (95 %) sites. Concerning government support, most respondents (>70%) stated that they were dissatisfied, with slightly more respondents in urban areas (77%) than in rural (70%) areas reporting so. Overall, the results of this study suggest a minimal response capacity of small-scale farmers to droughts in both rural and urban settings due to socio-economic and administrative factors, which calls for the need for drought-response strategies to build adaptive capacity for small-scale farmers. Turning to close cooperation between different stakeholders, such as local farmers, government officials, practitioners, and scientists might allow co-production of knowledge needed to inform drought response strategies. In some instances, attention needs to be given to farmers who are more vulnerable than others. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, Environmental Science, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-10-13
Dual and targeted photodynamic therapy ablation of bacterial and cancer cells using phthalocyanines and porphyrins in the presence of carbon-based nanomaterials
- Authors: Openda, Yolande Ikala
- Date: 2022-10-14
- Subjects: Uncatalogued
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/365945 , vital:65804 , DOI https://doi.org/10.21504/10962//365946
- Description: Phthalocyanines (Pcs) and porphyrins bearing substituents that possess antibacterial/anticancer properties are used as photosensitizers (PS) for the first time in the work. For targeting specificity and improved photoactivity, the PSs were afterward functionalized with carbon nanomaterials such as graphene quantum dots (GQDs) and detonation nanodiamonds (DNDs) via covalent conjugation (amide or ester bonds) or by non-covalent conjugation (π-π stacking and electrostatic interactions). Furthermore, the PSs-DNDs nanoconjugates were conjugated to either chitosan-capped silver nanoparticles (CSAg) via amide bonds or to the bare silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) using the silver- nitrogen affinity. The as-synthesized nanoconjugates were also fully characterized by spectroscopic and microscopic methods together with thermal analysis. The potential photocytotoxicity of the complexes alone and their nanoconjugates against S. aureus and/or E. coli planktonic and biofilm cultures has been evaluated in vitro. Compared to the non- quaternized PSs, the cationic analogs exhibited a higher photodynamic inactivation against the planktonic cells with log10 reduction values above 9 in the viable count using a concentration of ca. 1.25 μM following 30 min exposure to light (Light dose: 943 J/cm2 for Pcs and 250 mW/cm2 for porphyrins). Whereas, at a concentration of ca. 100 μM the cationic PSs showed complete eradication of biofilms upon 30 min exposure to light. As a result of conjugation to carbon-based nanomaterials and silver nanoparticles, the compounds proved to be more effective as they exhibited stronger antibacterial and anti-biofilm activities on the multi-drug resistant bacteria strains due to synergetic effect, compared to PSs alone. This suggests that the newly prepared nanohybrids (PS concentration ca. 100 μM) could be used as potential antimicrobial agents in the treatment of biofilm-related infections. The target nanoconjugates showed all the advantages of two different groups existing on a single entity. In light of the potential advantages of combined chemotherapy and photodynamic antimicrobial chemotherapy (PACT), this work reports for the first time the use of PACT-ciprofloxacin (CIP) dual therapy using selected indium quaternized PSs which showed higher photoactivity with complete eradication of both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria biofilms at concentrations of 8 μM of PS versus 2 μg/mL of the antibiotic following 15 min irradiation time (light dose: 471 J/cm2 for Pcs and fluence: 250 mW/cm2 for porphyrins) on S. aureus. Whereas the total killing of E. coli was obtained when combining 8 or 16 μM of PS combined with 4 μg/mL of CIP. The combined treatment resulted in the complete eradication of the matured biofilms with the highest log10 reduction values of 7.05 and 7.20 on S. aureus and E. coli, respectively. Used as a model, positively charged dimethylamino-chalcone Pcs also exhibited interesting photodynamic therapy (PDT) activity against MCF-7 cancer cells giving IC50 values of 17.9 and 7.4 μM, respectively following 15 min irradiation. Additionally, the TD-B3LYP/LanL2DZ calculations were run on the dimethylaminophenyl- porphyrins to compare the singlet excitation energies of quaternized and non-quaternized porphyrins in vacuo. the study shows excellent agreement between time-dependent density- functional theory (TD-DFT) exciting energies and the experimental S1>S0 excitation energies. The small deviation observed between the calculated and experimental spectra arises from the solvent effect. The excitation energies observed in these UV-Vis spectra mostly originated from electron promotion between the highest occupied molecular orbital (HOMO) for the less intense band and the HOMO-1 for the most intense band of the ground states to the lower unoccupied molecular orbital (LUMO) of the excited states. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Science, Chemistry, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-10-14
- Authors: Openda, Yolande Ikala
- Date: 2022-10-14
- Subjects: Uncatalogued
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/365945 , vital:65804 , DOI https://doi.org/10.21504/10962//365946
- Description: Phthalocyanines (Pcs) and porphyrins bearing substituents that possess antibacterial/anticancer properties are used as photosensitizers (PS) for the first time in the work. For targeting specificity and improved photoactivity, the PSs were afterward functionalized with carbon nanomaterials such as graphene quantum dots (GQDs) and detonation nanodiamonds (DNDs) via covalent conjugation (amide or ester bonds) or by non-covalent conjugation (π-π stacking and electrostatic interactions). Furthermore, the PSs-DNDs nanoconjugates were conjugated to either chitosan-capped silver nanoparticles (CSAg) via amide bonds or to the bare silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) using the silver- nitrogen affinity. The as-synthesized nanoconjugates were also fully characterized by spectroscopic and microscopic methods together with thermal analysis. The potential photocytotoxicity of the complexes alone and their nanoconjugates against S. aureus and/or E. coli planktonic and biofilm cultures has been evaluated in vitro. Compared to the non- quaternized PSs, the cationic analogs exhibited a higher photodynamic inactivation against the planktonic cells with log10 reduction values above 9 in the viable count using a concentration of ca. 1.25 μM following 30 min exposure to light (Light dose: 943 J/cm2 for Pcs and 250 mW/cm2 for porphyrins). Whereas, at a concentration of ca. 100 μM the cationic PSs showed complete eradication of biofilms upon 30 min exposure to light. As a result of conjugation to carbon-based nanomaterials and silver nanoparticles, the compounds proved to be more effective as they exhibited stronger antibacterial and anti-biofilm activities on the multi-drug resistant bacteria strains due to synergetic effect, compared to PSs alone. This suggests that the newly prepared nanohybrids (PS concentration ca. 100 μM) could be used as potential antimicrobial agents in the treatment of biofilm-related infections. The target nanoconjugates showed all the advantages of two different groups existing on a single entity. In light of the potential advantages of combined chemotherapy and photodynamic antimicrobial chemotherapy (PACT), this work reports for the first time the use of PACT-ciprofloxacin (CIP) dual therapy using selected indium quaternized PSs which showed higher photoactivity with complete eradication of both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria biofilms at concentrations of 8 μM of PS versus 2 μg/mL of the antibiotic following 15 min irradiation time (light dose: 471 J/cm2 for Pcs and fluence: 250 mW/cm2 for porphyrins) on S. aureus. Whereas the total killing of E. coli was obtained when combining 8 or 16 μM of PS combined with 4 μg/mL of CIP. The combined treatment resulted in the complete eradication of the matured biofilms with the highest log10 reduction values of 7.05 and 7.20 on S. aureus and E. coli, respectively. Used as a model, positively charged dimethylamino-chalcone Pcs also exhibited interesting photodynamic therapy (PDT) activity against MCF-7 cancer cells giving IC50 values of 17.9 and 7.4 μM, respectively following 15 min irradiation. Additionally, the TD-B3LYP/LanL2DZ calculations were run on the dimethylaminophenyl- porphyrins to compare the singlet excitation energies of quaternized and non-quaternized porphyrins in vacuo. the study shows excellent agreement between time-dependent density- functional theory (TD-DFT) exciting energies and the experimental S1>S0 excitation energies. The small deviation observed between the calculated and experimental spectra arises from the solvent effect. The excitation energies observed in these UV-Vis spectra mostly originated from electron promotion between the highest occupied molecular orbital (HOMO) for the less intense band and the HOMO-1 for the most intense band of the ground states to the lower unoccupied molecular orbital (LUMO) of the excited states. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Science, Chemistry, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-10-14
Economically important cephalopods of southern Angola, with a focus on the artisanal jig fishery
- Vázquez Morán, Chénelle Lesley
- Authors: Vázquez Morán, Chénelle Lesley
- Date: 2023-03-31
- Subjects: Uncatalogued
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/422529 , vital:71955 , DOI 10.21504/10962/422529
- Description: The global decline in marine finfish stocks has been met with a concomitant expansion of fisheries for cephalopods. Despite the increase in the exploitation and commercialization of cephalopods, there is a dearth of scientific information for over 90% of the extant species and this is even more marked in the developing world. Angolan capture fisheries production noted a tenfold increase in cephalopod landings between 1994 and 2003. One of the important fisheries is a cephalopod directed jig fishery that targets the squid Loligo reynaudii and the cuttlefish Sepia vermiculata in southern Angola, however, there is a complete lack of socio-ecological information available for this fishery. Hence the aim of this thesis was to provide basic biological and demographic information on L. reynaudii and S. vermiculata distributed off the coast of southern Angola, assess the importance and dependence of local artisanal fishers on these two species and examine the current management strategies and policies in the region This study found that the artisanal cephalopod jig fishery is critical for the livelihoods of the coastal communities of southern Angola, particularly due to the limited alternative income generating opportunities available. The cephalopod jig fishery is highly labour intensive, with fishers spending a considerable amount of time per day, drifting over known fishing grounds. Catch composition of the artisanal jig fishery indicated that squid is the dominant species within the fishery, in terms of numerical abundance and weight. The productivity and progression of the fishery is hampered by a number of ecological, socio-economic and governance constraints, as highlighted by socio-economic surveys conducted with local squid fishers. Such constraints include, but are not limited to declining catches, increased negative interactions with seals, increased inter-sector competition, lack of infrastructure, poor quality fishing equipment as well as a lack of communication and support from government officials. To examine aspects of the biology and demography of L. reynaudii, whole specimens were collected monthly, from the two primary fishing areas in southern Angola; Namibe and Tombua, during two main sampling periods, June 2008 – May 2009 (Period 1) and June 2014 – May 2015 (Period 2). Male L. reynaudii were found to be significantly larger in size and weight than females, however both the average and maximum dorsal mantle length (DML) decreased between sampling periods. Length-at-50% maturity was larger for male L. reynaudii (170.47 mm DML – 1st period, 165.44 mm DML – 2nd period) than female L. reynaudii (114.71 mm DML – 1st period, 109.43 mm DML – 2nd period). Gonadosomatic indices (GSI) varied significantly during month and season for both sexes. Peak GSI coincided with a low catches in the artisanal jig fishery suggesting that the population may undergo a spawning migration away from fishing grounds, during late spring and summer. The theory of a seasonal spawning migration is further supported in this study by the low abundance of juvenile and sub-adult L, reynaudii collected during the study, along with the inability to detect egg beds in known fishing grounds. Stomach content analysis indicated that teleosts were the most important dietary item (66.3% F of the stomach contents). Trachurus capensis and Engraulis encrasicolus are both highly abundant small pelagic fishes in the cold nutrient rich waters of the Benguela Current and dominated the diet of sampled squid during autumn and winter months. It is likely that the prevalence of large, adult squid off the coast of Angola, as observed within the current study, may be ascribed to the suitable environmental conditions and the abundance of suitable prey. The results from the current study indicate that the southern Angolan subpopulation reveals similarities to that of the West Coast subpopulation of squid in South Africa, with regards to demographics and reproductive characteristics. It is likely that the population in southern Angola is an extension of the South African subpopulation of L. reynaudii on the western extremities. To examine the basic population biology and ecology of S. vermiculata off southern Angola whole specimens were collected from the fishery between December 2014 and April 2015. Morphological results indicate clear sexual dimorphism in soft part characteristics, cuttlebone and beak morphometry. Length-at-50% maturity was smaller in male S. vermiculata (217.53 mm DML) than female S. vermiculata (231.13 mm DML), although these differences were not significant. Stomach content analysis indicated that S. vermiculata predominantly fed on teleost species which were found within 64.5% of stomachs. Teleosts were more dominant in the diet of male S. vermiculata (78.6% F) than female S. vermiculata (53.0% F), which ate a more varied diet including crustaceans (41.2% F) and cephalopods (17.7% F). Availability and abundance of cuttlefish in Namibe indicates that the species may undergo a spatio-temporal shift in distribution, with majority of the artisanal catches of S. vermiculata occurring during summer months. The results from the current study highlights the fisheries potential of L. reynaudii and S. vermiculata and the dependence of artisanal fishers in southern Angola on cephalopods, and more specifically squid. The development of sustainable fisheries management strategies for the artisanal cephalopod jig fishery is critical, particularly as the global exploitation of cephalopods continues to increase with declining finfish populations. Failure to implement management strategies may remove this critical economic safety net for vulnerable coastal communities which have little alternative livelihood opportunities. Ongoing ecological research, a co-management approach and an increased consideration of local ecological knowledge will assist in designing appropriate management plans for the southern Angolan cephalopod jig fishery. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Science, Ichthyology and Fisheries Science, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-03-31
- Authors: Vázquez Morán, Chénelle Lesley
- Date: 2023-03-31
- Subjects: Uncatalogued
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/422529 , vital:71955 , DOI 10.21504/10962/422529
- Description: The global decline in marine finfish stocks has been met with a concomitant expansion of fisheries for cephalopods. Despite the increase in the exploitation and commercialization of cephalopods, there is a dearth of scientific information for over 90% of the extant species and this is even more marked in the developing world. Angolan capture fisheries production noted a tenfold increase in cephalopod landings between 1994 and 2003. One of the important fisheries is a cephalopod directed jig fishery that targets the squid Loligo reynaudii and the cuttlefish Sepia vermiculata in southern Angola, however, there is a complete lack of socio-ecological information available for this fishery. Hence the aim of this thesis was to provide basic biological and demographic information on L. reynaudii and S. vermiculata distributed off the coast of southern Angola, assess the importance and dependence of local artisanal fishers on these two species and examine the current management strategies and policies in the region This study found that the artisanal cephalopod jig fishery is critical for the livelihoods of the coastal communities of southern Angola, particularly due to the limited alternative income generating opportunities available. The cephalopod jig fishery is highly labour intensive, with fishers spending a considerable amount of time per day, drifting over known fishing grounds. Catch composition of the artisanal jig fishery indicated that squid is the dominant species within the fishery, in terms of numerical abundance and weight. The productivity and progression of the fishery is hampered by a number of ecological, socio-economic and governance constraints, as highlighted by socio-economic surveys conducted with local squid fishers. Such constraints include, but are not limited to declining catches, increased negative interactions with seals, increased inter-sector competition, lack of infrastructure, poor quality fishing equipment as well as a lack of communication and support from government officials. To examine aspects of the biology and demography of L. reynaudii, whole specimens were collected monthly, from the two primary fishing areas in southern Angola; Namibe and Tombua, during two main sampling periods, June 2008 – May 2009 (Period 1) and June 2014 – May 2015 (Period 2). Male L. reynaudii were found to be significantly larger in size and weight than females, however both the average and maximum dorsal mantle length (DML) decreased between sampling periods. Length-at-50% maturity was larger for male L. reynaudii (170.47 mm DML – 1st period, 165.44 mm DML – 2nd period) than female L. reynaudii (114.71 mm DML – 1st period, 109.43 mm DML – 2nd period). Gonadosomatic indices (GSI) varied significantly during month and season for both sexes. Peak GSI coincided with a low catches in the artisanal jig fishery suggesting that the population may undergo a spawning migration away from fishing grounds, during late spring and summer. The theory of a seasonal spawning migration is further supported in this study by the low abundance of juvenile and sub-adult L, reynaudii collected during the study, along with the inability to detect egg beds in known fishing grounds. Stomach content analysis indicated that teleosts were the most important dietary item (66.3% F of the stomach contents). Trachurus capensis and Engraulis encrasicolus are both highly abundant small pelagic fishes in the cold nutrient rich waters of the Benguela Current and dominated the diet of sampled squid during autumn and winter months. It is likely that the prevalence of large, adult squid off the coast of Angola, as observed within the current study, may be ascribed to the suitable environmental conditions and the abundance of suitable prey. The results from the current study indicate that the southern Angolan subpopulation reveals similarities to that of the West Coast subpopulation of squid in South Africa, with regards to demographics and reproductive characteristics. It is likely that the population in southern Angola is an extension of the South African subpopulation of L. reynaudii on the western extremities. To examine the basic population biology and ecology of S. vermiculata off southern Angola whole specimens were collected from the fishery between December 2014 and April 2015. Morphological results indicate clear sexual dimorphism in soft part characteristics, cuttlebone and beak morphometry. Length-at-50% maturity was smaller in male S. vermiculata (217.53 mm DML) than female S. vermiculata (231.13 mm DML), although these differences were not significant. Stomach content analysis indicated that S. vermiculata predominantly fed on teleost species which were found within 64.5% of stomachs. Teleosts were more dominant in the diet of male S. vermiculata (78.6% F) than female S. vermiculata (53.0% F), which ate a more varied diet including crustaceans (41.2% F) and cephalopods (17.7% F). Availability and abundance of cuttlefish in Namibe indicates that the species may undergo a spatio-temporal shift in distribution, with majority of the artisanal catches of S. vermiculata occurring during summer months. The results from the current study highlights the fisheries potential of L. reynaudii and S. vermiculata and the dependence of artisanal fishers in southern Angola on cephalopods, and more specifically squid. The development of sustainable fisheries management strategies for the artisanal cephalopod jig fishery is critical, particularly as the global exploitation of cephalopods continues to increase with declining finfish populations. Failure to implement management strategies may remove this critical economic safety net for vulnerable coastal communities which have little alternative livelihood opportunities. Ongoing ecological research, a co-management approach and an increased consideration of local ecological knowledge will assist in designing appropriate management plans for the southern Angolan cephalopod jig fishery. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Science, Ichthyology and Fisheries Science, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-03-31
Effects of hydraulic fracking fluid on soil microbial composition and diversity
- Authors: Sianyuka, Nicolette
- Date: 2022-04-06
- Subjects: Uncatalogued
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/232366 , vital:49985
- Description: Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, Biochemistry and Microbiology, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-04-06
- Authors: Sianyuka, Nicolette
- Date: 2022-04-06
- Subjects: Uncatalogued
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/232366 , vital:49985
- Description: Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, Biochemistry and Microbiology, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-04-06
Effects of organic and inorganic pollutants on the quality of river water and evaluation of possible negative effects on human health in the Eastern Cape Province
- Authors: Vumazonke, Sesethu
- Date: 2020-04
- Subjects: Uncatalogued
- Language: English
- Type: thesis , text , Masters , MSc (Pharmacy)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/164727 , vital:41158
- Description: Thesis (MSc)--Rhodes University, Faculty of Pharmacy, Pharmaceutics, 2020
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020-04
- Authors: Vumazonke, Sesethu
- Date: 2020-04
- Subjects: Uncatalogued
- Language: English
- Type: thesis , text , Masters , MSc (Pharmacy)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/164727 , vital:41158
- Description: Thesis (MSc)--Rhodes University, Faculty of Pharmacy, Pharmaceutics, 2020
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020-04
Election Programme for COSATU as adopted at COSATU EXCO 10 July 1993
- COSATU
- Authors: COSATU
- Date: 1993-07
- Subjects: Uncatalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/106431 , vital:32651
- Description: COSATU has three main priorities in relation to the elections. To ensure a victory for an ANC that is ready and able to govern. To build our organisation and prepare it for the struggles ahead. Worker's interests are foremost in an ANC led government
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1993-07
- Authors: COSATU
- Date: 1993-07
- Subjects: Uncatalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/106431 , vital:32651
- Description: COSATU has three main priorities in relation to the elections. To ensure a victory for an ANC that is ready and able to govern. To build our organisation and prepare it for the struggles ahead. Worker's interests are foremost in an ANC led government
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1993-07
Employment Equity: an introductory workshop for trade unionists organised by the COSATU Education Department
- Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU)
- Authors: Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU)
- Date: 1999-09
- Subjects: Uncatalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , pamphlet
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/106134 , vital:32610
- Description: This workshop is designed to give you a reliable introduction the Employment Equity Act. It is based on hard information and on ACTIVITIES or discussion exercises that will help you to understand how the Act works, who it covers, and what the implications are for trade unionists. Each of the Activities is complemented with information that will help you to understand the Act in more detail. Sections have been added to help you find further information, and to understand the terms that are used in the Act itself in a two day programme, you are not going to be an 'expert' on the Employment Equity Act, but we hope that you will feel more confident about using the Act, especially in ensuring that it is used to address a wide range of discriminatory practices at the workplace. As with most legislation, the more that you begin to use it, the more its strengths and weaknesses will emerge. It is very important that any weaknesses in the practical application of the Act are reported through your Union to the Federation. This will help the Federation to campaign for improvements in the legislation, and to close any loopholes that allow employers to avoid their responsibilities. All Labour Legislation, including the new Employment Equity Act should serve as a 'base-line' or minimum standard. Employer and Union observance of the minimum standards as laid down in law should be our starting point. Through collective bargaining and improved Union organisation, we aim to improve upon the standards set by the law, and increase the protection of our members. This is a real challenge. It is especially important for us all to recognise that as we enter into a period where employers are demanding more 'flexibility', the introduction of a new law to correct the legacy of imbalances left by apartheid at the workplace deserves our special attention. We hope this workshop is the first in a series of educational events that will cover this vital new area. The main aim of this workshop is to help you to understand the basic workings of the law, and how best it can be implemented. We also hope this programme encourages you to find out more about Employment Equity issues, and contribute positively to the struggle for the eradication of inequality. This pack is designed for a series of two-day introductory workshops that are being sponsored by COSATU in each region. A workshop of COSATU Educators held in September 1999 helped to assemble the material, and to test its appropriateness. As a result there are a considerable number of educators who can advise, and facilitate this workshop and who can be contacted via COSATU Education Department. We would also be very interested to hear how the pack has been used, and in particular how it can be improved to meet the needs of trade unionists who want to tackle discrimination using the tool of the Employment Equity Act, as well as other organisational means. If you use this pack, feedback would be most welcome.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1999-09
- Authors: Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU)
- Date: 1999-09
- Subjects: Uncatalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , pamphlet
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/106134 , vital:32610
- Description: This workshop is designed to give you a reliable introduction the Employment Equity Act. It is based on hard information and on ACTIVITIES or discussion exercises that will help you to understand how the Act works, who it covers, and what the implications are for trade unionists. Each of the Activities is complemented with information that will help you to understand the Act in more detail. Sections have been added to help you find further information, and to understand the terms that are used in the Act itself in a two day programme, you are not going to be an 'expert' on the Employment Equity Act, but we hope that you will feel more confident about using the Act, especially in ensuring that it is used to address a wide range of discriminatory practices at the workplace. As with most legislation, the more that you begin to use it, the more its strengths and weaknesses will emerge. It is very important that any weaknesses in the practical application of the Act are reported through your Union to the Federation. This will help the Federation to campaign for improvements in the legislation, and to close any loopholes that allow employers to avoid their responsibilities. All Labour Legislation, including the new Employment Equity Act should serve as a 'base-line' or minimum standard. Employer and Union observance of the minimum standards as laid down in law should be our starting point. Through collective bargaining and improved Union organisation, we aim to improve upon the standards set by the law, and increase the protection of our members. This is a real challenge. It is especially important for us all to recognise that as we enter into a period where employers are demanding more 'flexibility', the introduction of a new law to correct the legacy of imbalances left by apartheid at the workplace deserves our special attention. We hope this workshop is the first in a series of educational events that will cover this vital new area. The main aim of this workshop is to help you to understand the basic workings of the law, and how best it can be implemented. We also hope this programme encourages you to find out more about Employment Equity issues, and contribute positively to the struggle for the eradication of inequality. This pack is designed for a series of two-day introductory workshops that are being sponsored by COSATU in each region. A workshop of COSATU Educators held in September 1999 helped to assemble the material, and to test its appropriateness. As a result there are a considerable number of educators who can advise, and facilitate this workshop and who can be contacted via COSATU Education Department. We would also be very interested to hear how the pack has been used, and in particular how it can be improved to meet the needs of trade unionists who want to tackle discrimination using the tool of the Employment Equity Act, as well as other organisational means. If you use this pack, feedback would be most welcome.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1999-09
Empty adjectives and excessive intensifiers, or savvy discourse moves? A feminist critical discourse study of gender-based differences in the discourse of businesspeople on LinkedIn
- Authors: Schmauss, Lindsay Susannah
- Date: 2023-10-13
- Subjects: Uncatalogued
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/425111 , vital:72211
- Description: This Feminist Critical Discourse Analysis (FCDA) examines the use of ‘empty’ adjectives and the equative intensifier so in discourse on LinkedIn, a social network service (SNS) for businesspeople and professionals. These linguistic features soften the impact of what is said in ways that can conform with politeness norms that one should not impose a point of view but can also be negatively construed as weak, uncertain and unclear. The North American sociolinguist, Robin Tolmach Lakoff (1973, 1975, 2004), first associated these linguistic markers with a feminine register in her seminal work, Language and Women’s Place, arguing that there is a social expectation that women talk like a lady and follow politeness conventions, while the speech of men is not similarly constrained. That women are socially conditioned to speak in ways that can undermine their clarity and assertiveness would present a particular dilemma in the business context, where clear, direct and confident communication is valued. This corpus-based study explores the dilemma in the context of LinkedIn where the linguistic behaviour of cisgender women indeed showed evidence of their struggle between conflicting impulses to talk like a lady and a desire to be taken seriously as businesspeople. While the examined features mainly appeared in the discourse of women, it was interesting to note men making use of ‘empty’ adjectives and so in communication contexts where the goal appeared to be relationship-building. As notions of business leadership are evolving to value organisational leadership more, this suggests that linguistic devices that have traditionally been associated more with the communal conversation of the stereotypical ‘woman’ appear to be gaining wider acceptance and relevance, although in domains orientated towards the “soft skill” of building relationships, rather than the “hard work” of business. While the value talking like a lady may be shifting, language that is the opposite of talking like a lady seems to remain the language of serious talk, and the kind of gender-based linguistic discrimination first theorised by Lakoff seems thus to persist, also in the sphere of business discourse. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Humanities, Linguistics and Applied Language Studies, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-10-13
- Authors: Schmauss, Lindsay Susannah
- Date: 2023-10-13
- Subjects: Uncatalogued
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/425111 , vital:72211
- Description: This Feminist Critical Discourse Analysis (FCDA) examines the use of ‘empty’ adjectives and the equative intensifier so in discourse on LinkedIn, a social network service (SNS) for businesspeople and professionals. These linguistic features soften the impact of what is said in ways that can conform with politeness norms that one should not impose a point of view but can also be negatively construed as weak, uncertain and unclear. The North American sociolinguist, Robin Tolmach Lakoff (1973, 1975, 2004), first associated these linguistic markers with a feminine register in her seminal work, Language and Women’s Place, arguing that there is a social expectation that women talk like a lady and follow politeness conventions, while the speech of men is not similarly constrained. That women are socially conditioned to speak in ways that can undermine their clarity and assertiveness would present a particular dilemma in the business context, where clear, direct and confident communication is valued. This corpus-based study explores the dilemma in the context of LinkedIn where the linguistic behaviour of cisgender women indeed showed evidence of their struggle between conflicting impulses to talk like a lady and a desire to be taken seriously as businesspeople. While the examined features mainly appeared in the discourse of women, it was interesting to note men making use of ‘empty’ adjectives and so in communication contexts where the goal appeared to be relationship-building. As notions of business leadership are evolving to value organisational leadership more, this suggests that linguistic devices that have traditionally been associated more with the communal conversation of the stereotypical ‘woman’ appear to be gaining wider acceptance and relevance, although in domains orientated towards the “soft skill” of building relationships, rather than the “hard work” of business. While the value talking like a lady may be shifting, language that is the opposite of talking like a lady seems to remain the language of serious talk, and the kind of gender-based linguistic discrimination first theorised by Lakoff seems thus to persist, also in the sphere of business discourse. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Humanities, Linguistics and Applied Language Studies, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-10-13
Enforced sojourn: Zimbabwean dispensation, special and exemption permits
- Authors: Maziyanhanga, Zvikomborero
- Date: 2023-03-30
- Subjects: Uncatalogued
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/408913 , vital:70537
- Description: This thesis investigates Zimbabwean’s immigration to South Africa. Zimbabwean’s immigration to South Africa dates back to the early 2000s. This thesis uses a combination of theories to interrogate and discuss the Zimbabwe special permits and some of the post-apartheid government’s amendments to the South African Citizenship Act and other immigration policies. Some of the theories that theoretically underpin this research project’s methodology include Marxism, Pan-Africanism, Liberalism and culture-based theories. This thesis interrogates the discursive strategies these permits draw on to frame and understand Zimbabwean immigrants in South Africa. This study has found that these permits use similar operating logic as the White South African governments used the migrant labour system to exploit Blacks from all of Southern Africa in the 20th century. For instance, the migrant labour system used during apartheid made all Blacks in South Africa “guest workers” who could be deported at the government’s whim. The apartheid government used racist pass laws to regulate the movement of Black people in South Africa, whereas the post-apartheid government uses Zimbabwean special permits to regulate the movement of Zimbabweans in South Africa. The pass laws were fundamentally racist, and their ultimate objective was to reinforce the idea of White citizenship, whereas the Zimbabwe special permits are not racist. Their colonial similarity, however, lies in how they make Zimbabwean migrants perpetual migrants in South Africa and the various ways in which they cast Zimbabweans as not deserving of South African citizenship. These special permits force Zimbabwe migrants to become “guest workers” who build the post-apartheid economy and then return home when they are no longer “useful” to the economy. This thesis concludes that the post-apartheid Zimbabwe special permits achieve analogous objectives. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Humanities, Political and International Studies, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-03-30
- Authors: Maziyanhanga, Zvikomborero
- Date: 2023-03-30
- Subjects: Uncatalogued
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/408913 , vital:70537
- Description: This thesis investigates Zimbabwean’s immigration to South Africa. Zimbabwean’s immigration to South Africa dates back to the early 2000s. This thesis uses a combination of theories to interrogate and discuss the Zimbabwe special permits and some of the post-apartheid government’s amendments to the South African Citizenship Act and other immigration policies. Some of the theories that theoretically underpin this research project’s methodology include Marxism, Pan-Africanism, Liberalism and culture-based theories. This thesis interrogates the discursive strategies these permits draw on to frame and understand Zimbabwean immigrants in South Africa. This study has found that these permits use similar operating logic as the White South African governments used the migrant labour system to exploit Blacks from all of Southern Africa in the 20th century. For instance, the migrant labour system used during apartheid made all Blacks in South Africa “guest workers” who could be deported at the government’s whim. The apartheid government used racist pass laws to regulate the movement of Black people in South Africa, whereas the post-apartheid government uses Zimbabwean special permits to regulate the movement of Zimbabweans in South Africa. The pass laws were fundamentally racist, and their ultimate objective was to reinforce the idea of White citizenship, whereas the Zimbabwe special permits are not racist. Their colonial similarity, however, lies in how they make Zimbabwean migrants perpetual migrants in South Africa and the various ways in which they cast Zimbabweans as not deserving of South African citizenship. These special permits force Zimbabwe migrants to become “guest workers” who build the post-apartheid economy and then return home when they are no longer “useful” to the economy. This thesis concludes that the post-apartheid Zimbabwe special permits achieve analogous objectives. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Humanities, Political and International Studies, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-03-30
Enhancement of the electrocatalytic activity of phthalocyanines through the reduction in symmetry and conjugation to detonation nanodiamonds
- Authors: Ncwane, Lunathi
- Date: 2023-10-13
- Subjects: Uncatalogued
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/424541 , vital:72162
- Description: This thesis reports on the synthesis of novel phthalocynines tetrakis[(benzo[d]thiazol-2ylthio)phthalocyaninato]cobalt(II)chloride (complex 1) and tris(2-(ethylthio)benzo[d]thiazole)2-(phthalocyanine-9-ylthio)propionate cobalt(II) chloride (complex 2). The complexes are combined with DNDs via different techniques such as π-π stacking, covalent linkage and sequential modification on glassy carbon electrode. The synthesized MPcs and conjugates were characterized using UV-visible, mass, Fourier transform infrared, and Raman spectroscopies as well as transmission electron microscopy and dynamic light scattering. Combining MPcs with DNDs sought to improve electrooxidation of hydrazine. The electrochemical studies were conducted using cyclic voltammetry, chronocoloumetry, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and chronoamperometry. Hydrazine was utilized as an analyte of interest, due to its mutagenic and carcinogenic effects. Glassy carbon electrodes (GCE) were modified using drop and dry method. The conjugation via covalent linkage proved to be the best way of enhancing electrocatalytic properties. Since it performed better in terms of limit of detection (0.33 μM), even though catalytic rate and sensitivity are not the highest. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, Chemistry, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-10-13
- Authors: Ncwane, Lunathi
- Date: 2023-10-13
- Subjects: Uncatalogued
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/424541 , vital:72162
- Description: This thesis reports on the synthesis of novel phthalocynines tetrakis[(benzo[d]thiazol-2ylthio)phthalocyaninato]cobalt(II)chloride (complex 1) and tris(2-(ethylthio)benzo[d]thiazole)2-(phthalocyanine-9-ylthio)propionate cobalt(II) chloride (complex 2). The complexes are combined with DNDs via different techniques such as π-π stacking, covalent linkage and sequential modification on glassy carbon electrode. The synthesized MPcs and conjugates were characterized using UV-visible, mass, Fourier transform infrared, and Raman spectroscopies as well as transmission electron microscopy and dynamic light scattering. Combining MPcs with DNDs sought to improve electrooxidation of hydrazine. The electrochemical studies were conducted using cyclic voltammetry, chronocoloumetry, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and chronoamperometry. Hydrazine was utilized as an analyte of interest, due to its mutagenic and carcinogenic effects. Glassy carbon electrodes (GCE) were modified using drop and dry method. The conjugation via covalent linkage proved to be the best way of enhancing electrocatalytic properties. Since it performed better in terms of limit of detection (0.33 μM), even though catalytic rate and sensitivity are not the highest. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, Chemistry, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-10-13
Enhancing the use of large-scale assessment data in South Africa: Multidimensional Item Response Theory
- Authors: Lahoud, Tamlyn Ann
- Date: 2023-03-29
- Subjects: Uncatalogued
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/422389 , vital:71938
- Description: This research aims to enhance the use of large-scale assessment data in South Africa by evaluating assessment validity by means of multidimensional item response theory and its associated statistical techniques, which have been severely underutilised. Data from the 2014 administration of the grade 6 Mathematics annual national assessment was used in this study and all analyses were conducted using the mirt package in R. A two parameter logistic item response theory model was developed which indicated a clear alignment between the model parameters and difficulty specifications of the test. The test was found to favour learners within the central band on the ability scale. An exploratory five dimensional item response theory model was then developed to investigate the alignment with the test specifications as evidence for construct validity. Significant discrepancies between the factor structure and the specifications of the test were identified. Notably, the results suggest that some items measured an ability that was not purely mathematical, such as reading ability, which would distort the test’s representation of Mathematics ability, disadvantage learners with lower English literacy, and reduce the construct validity of the test. Further validity evidence was obtained by differential item functioning analyses which revealed that fourteen items function differently for learners from different provinces. Although possible reasons for the presence of differential item functioning among provinces were not discussed, its presence provided sufficient evidence against the validity of the test. In conclusion, multidimensional item response theory provided an effective and rigorous approach to establishing the validity of a large-scale assessment. To avoid the pitfalls of the annual national assessments, it is recommended that this multidimensional item and differential item functioning techniques are utilised for the development and evaluation of future national assessment instruments in South Africa. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, Statistics, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-03-29
- Authors: Lahoud, Tamlyn Ann
- Date: 2023-03-29
- Subjects: Uncatalogued
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/422389 , vital:71938
- Description: This research aims to enhance the use of large-scale assessment data in South Africa by evaluating assessment validity by means of multidimensional item response theory and its associated statistical techniques, which have been severely underutilised. Data from the 2014 administration of the grade 6 Mathematics annual national assessment was used in this study and all analyses were conducted using the mirt package in R. A two parameter logistic item response theory model was developed which indicated a clear alignment between the model parameters and difficulty specifications of the test. The test was found to favour learners within the central band on the ability scale. An exploratory five dimensional item response theory model was then developed to investigate the alignment with the test specifications as evidence for construct validity. Significant discrepancies between the factor structure and the specifications of the test were identified. Notably, the results suggest that some items measured an ability that was not purely mathematical, such as reading ability, which would distort the test’s representation of Mathematics ability, disadvantage learners with lower English literacy, and reduce the construct validity of the test. Further validity evidence was obtained by differential item functioning analyses which revealed that fourteen items function differently for learners from different provinces. Although possible reasons for the presence of differential item functioning among provinces were not discussed, its presence provided sufficient evidence against the validity of the test. In conclusion, multidimensional item response theory provided an effective and rigorous approach to establishing the validity of a large-scale assessment. To avoid the pitfalls of the annual national assessments, it is recommended that this multidimensional item and differential item functioning techniques are utilised for the development and evaluation of future national assessment instruments in South Africa. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, Statistics, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-03-29
Enteric microbial responses to host hyperthermia in southern African insectivorous bats: a test of thermal co-adaptation
- Authors: Hunter, Amy Alison
- Date: 2023-10-13
- Subjects: Uncatalogued
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/424391 , vital:72149
- Description: Embargoed. Expected release date 2025. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, Zoology and Entomology, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-10-13
- Authors: Hunter, Amy Alison
- Date: 2023-10-13
- Subjects: Uncatalogued
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/424391 , vital:72149
- Description: Embargoed. Expected release date 2025. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, Zoology and Entomology, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-10-13
Esibelekweni: Ingqokelela Yemibongo ngesiXhosa nangesiNgesi
- Authors: Busakwe, Yenzokuhle
- Date: 2023-10-13
- Subjects: Uncatalogued
- Language: English , Xhosa
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/424917 , vital:72193
- Description: My thesis is a collection of poems that is written in isiXhosa and English. It explores African spirituality, my relationship with God, heartache from romantic and platonic relationships. I make use of dual languages because some themes that I write about such as African spirituality I find words that capture their truest emotion in my Xhosa vocabulary, and I cannot find them in English. My poems use the narrative form because it allows me to tell stories through poetry without having to commit my writing to musicality or rhyming that a lyric poetry normally has. My work is shaped by writers such as Kate Beinhemer, Mangaliso Buzani, Amy Saul Zerby, Nontsizi Mgqwethio, Simphiwe Nolutshungu and Oiu Miaojin. Buzani makes use of images and few lines in his writing but still manages to capture a story with brevity. Saul-Zerby makes use of text lingo in some of her poems, and I make use of it to close a gap that I have identified with the books that I was reading that are all written in a formal and serious format. Mgqwetho’s poems explore Christianity and African Spirituality which is one of the subjects that my work is exploring too but in a manner that differs. I talk about how they have been my guidance instead of praising their powers like Nontsizi normally does in her poems. Simphiwe Nolutshungu’s poems has influenced the structure of my poems. Fairy tales written by writers like Kate helps my writing to bring to life issues that sound too dreamy to be true but have manifested as visions and memories that I cannot wipe out from my conscience. Oiu Miaojin’s novel “Last words from Montmantre” I am fascinated by how the writer detail emotions such as vulnerability and heartbreak in his storytelling. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Humanities, School of Languages and Literatures, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-10-13
- Authors: Busakwe, Yenzokuhle
- Date: 2023-10-13
- Subjects: Uncatalogued
- Language: English , Xhosa
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/424917 , vital:72193
- Description: My thesis is a collection of poems that is written in isiXhosa and English. It explores African spirituality, my relationship with God, heartache from romantic and platonic relationships. I make use of dual languages because some themes that I write about such as African spirituality I find words that capture their truest emotion in my Xhosa vocabulary, and I cannot find them in English. My poems use the narrative form because it allows me to tell stories through poetry without having to commit my writing to musicality or rhyming that a lyric poetry normally has. My work is shaped by writers such as Kate Beinhemer, Mangaliso Buzani, Amy Saul Zerby, Nontsizi Mgqwethio, Simphiwe Nolutshungu and Oiu Miaojin. Buzani makes use of images and few lines in his writing but still manages to capture a story with brevity. Saul-Zerby makes use of text lingo in some of her poems, and I make use of it to close a gap that I have identified with the books that I was reading that are all written in a formal and serious format. Mgqwetho’s poems explore Christianity and African Spirituality which is one of the subjects that my work is exploring too but in a manner that differs. I talk about how they have been my guidance instead of praising their powers like Nontsizi normally does in her poems. Simphiwe Nolutshungu’s poems has influenced the structure of my poems. Fairy tales written by writers like Kate helps my writing to bring to life issues that sound too dreamy to be true but have manifested as visions and memories that I cannot wipe out from my conscience. Oiu Miaojin’s novel “Last words from Montmantre” I am fascinated by how the writer detail emotions such as vulnerability and heartbreak in his storytelling. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Humanities, School of Languages and Literatures, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-10-13
Ethics matter: A critical realist account of research ethics for social science and humanities researchers
- Authors: Dlova, Lisolethu
- Date: 2021-10-29
- Subjects: Uncatalogued
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/192440 , vital:45226
- Description: Thesis (MEd) -- Faculty of Education, Centre for Higher Education Research, Teaching and Learning, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-10-29
- Authors: Dlova, Lisolethu
- Date: 2021-10-29
- Subjects: Uncatalogued
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/192440 , vital:45226
- Description: Thesis (MEd) -- Faculty of Education, Centre for Higher Education Research, Teaching and Learning, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-10-29
Evaluating liberal and hybrid approaches to peacebuilding : the case of Sierra Leone
- Authors: Sitole, Sivuyile
- Date: 2023-10-13
- Subjects: Uncatalogued
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/425278 , vital:72225
- Description: This thesis explores liberal and hybrid approaches to peacebuilding and their decisiveness in building sustainable peace in Sierra Leone. Contemporary peacebuilding interventions have been dominated by liberal peacebuilding, also known as liberal state-building. Post-conflict states have been transforming to replicate liberal states due to assumptions of liberal states being more peaceful and less likely to fall into conflict again than non-liberal states. There is growing criticism regarding the effectiveness of this approach as its initiatives have not always translated to sustainable peace. This failure is attributed to its minimal inclusion or exclusion of local actors in the peacebuilding process as well as its application of standardised approaches in complex contexts. In response to these shortfalls, international peacebuilding scholars propose an alternative approach that would combine the liberal and the local to produce a hybrid peace, which is inclusive and context-specific. This thesis tests the decisiveness of these approaches by examining the successful peacebuilding process in Sierra Leone. It then concludes that the peacebuilding interventions of Sierra Leone demonstrate how liberal peacebuilding initiatives have little or limited success when conducted without the inclusion of local actors. However, when local actors are included in the peace-building process to make meaningful contributions (hybrid peacebuilding), peacebuilding initiatives can have a much larger impact on society. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Humanities, Political and International Studies, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-10-13
- Authors: Sitole, Sivuyile
- Date: 2023-10-13
- Subjects: Uncatalogued
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/425278 , vital:72225
- Description: This thesis explores liberal and hybrid approaches to peacebuilding and their decisiveness in building sustainable peace in Sierra Leone. Contemporary peacebuilding interventions have been dominated by liberal peacebuilding, also known as liberal state-building. Post-conflict states have been transforming to replicate liberal states due to assumptions of liberal states being more peaceful and less likely to fall into conflict again than non-liberal states. There is growing criticism regarding the effectiveness of this approach as its initiatives have not always translated to sustainable peace. This failure is attributed to its minimal inclusion or exclusion of local actors in the peacebuilding process as well as its application of standardised approaches in complex contexts. In response to these shortfalls, international peacebuilding scholars propose an alternative approach that would combine the liberal and the local to produce a hybrid peace, which is inclusive and context-specific. This thesis tests the decisiveness of these approaches by examining the successful peacebuilding process in Sierra Leone. It then concludes that the peacebuilding interventions of Sierra Leone demonstrate how liberal peacebuilding initiatives have little or limited success when conducted without the inclusion of local actors. However, when local actors are included in the peace-building process to make meaningful contributions (hybrid peacebuilding), peacebuilding initiatives can have a much larger impact on society. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Humanities, Political and International Studies, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-10-13
Evaluating the potential effects of microplastics at environmentally realistic concentrations in South African freshwater systems
- Authors: Mtintsilana, Zintle
- Date: 2023-10-13
- Subjects: Uncatalogued
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/424160 , vital:72129
- Description: Microplastic pollution is spatially broad, microplastics can be found in various habitats including freshwater systems. Microplastic exposure to aquatic organisms has been associated with several physical impacts on aquatic organisms from multiple trophic levels such as; increased immune response, a decrease in food intake, excessive loss of weight, reduced growth rate, reduced energy and adverse effects on successive generations. However, these significant effects of microplastics exposure have been observed mostly in studies that use concentrations of microplastics that exceed environmental concentrations. Therefore, there is an overall lack of research on the effects of microplastics on freshwater organisms using environmentally realistic concentrations, especially in the Southern Hemisphere. A series of toxicity tests were used to expose a range of taxa including Tilapia sparrmanii, Caridina nilotica, and Melanoides tuberculata to different environmentally realistic concentrations of microplastics of different polymers. The study results show that the environmentally realistic concentrations had no statistically significant effects on most of the chosen test organisms and selected study endpoints, except for T. sparrmanii microplastic particle egestion and growth in polyethylene exposures which produced significant results. Although this study showed that at environmentally realistic concentrations and 21 days of exposure, minute effects on the test taxa were detected, various studies have proven that with longer exposure to microplastics, significant effects on freshwater organisms can be detected. Additionally, studies using concentrations higher than the current environmental concentrations have recorded significant effects on organisms and therefore, with increasing concentrations in the environment, more significant effects may be observed. Therefore, plastic pollution in the environment should be reduced as microplastics are in continuous production and circulation, and microplastic concentrations in freshwater environments are predicted to increase. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, Institute for Water Research, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-10-13
- Authors: Mtintsilana, Zintle
- Date: 2023-10-13
- Subjects: Uncatalogued
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/424160 , vital:72129
- Description: Microplastic pollution is spatially broad, microplastics can be found in various habitats including freshwater systems. Microplastic exposure to aquatic organisms has been associated with several physical impacts on aquatic organisms from multiple trophic levels such as; increased immune response, a decrease in food intake, excessive loss of weight, reduced growth rate, reduced energy and adverse effects on successive generations. However, these significant effects of microplastics exposure have been observed mostly in studies that use concentrations of microplastics that exceed environmental concentrations. Therefore, there is an overall lack of research on the effects of microplastics on freshwater organisms using environmentally realistic concentrations, especially in the Southern Hemisphere. A series of toxicity tests were used to expose a range of taxa including Tilapia sparrmanii, Caridina nilotica, and Melanoides tuberculata to different environmentally realistic concentrations of microplastics of different polymers. The study results show that the environmentally realistic concentrations had no statistically significant effects on most of the chosen test organisms and selected study endpoints, except for T. sparrmanii microplastic particle egestion and growth in polyethylene exposures which produced significant results. Although this study showed that at environmentally realistic concentrations and 21 days of exposure, minute effects on the test taxa were detected, various studies have proven that with longer exposure to microplastics, significant effects on freshwater organisms can be detected. Additionally, studies using concentrations higher than the current environmental concentrations have recorded significant effects on organisms and therefore, with increasing concentrations in the environment, more significant effects may be observed. Therefore, plastic pollution in the environment should be reduced as microplastics are in continuous production and circulation, and microplastic concentrations in freshwater environments are predicted to increase. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, Institute for Water Research, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-10-13
Evaluating the potential of monometallic and bimetallic nanomaterials as horseradish peroxidase mimetics
- Authors: Mvango, Sindisiwe
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Uncatalogued
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/65134 , vital:28694
- Description: This study presents the synthesis of citrate-capped gold nanoparticles (cit-AuNPs), copper oxide nanoparticles (CuONPs), glutathione-capped gold nanoparticles (GSH-AuNPs), 4- aminothiophenol-capped gold nanoparticles (4-ATP-AuNPs), 4-mercapto benzoic acid- capped gold nanoparticles (4-MBA-AuNPs) and copper oxide gold nanoalloys (CuO-Au nanoalloys). Microscopy and spectroscopy techniques were used to confirm the successful synthesis of these nanoparticles. The synthesized nanoparticles were studied their potential applications as horseradish peroxidase (HPR) enzyme mimetics and for the detection of glucose. The cit-AuNPs and GSH-AuNPs exhibited peroxidase-like activity towards hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) with high Michaelis-Menten (Km) values of 61.5 mM and 30.8 mM, respectively. The other nanoparticles, that is, 4-ATP-AuNPs, CuONPs and CuO-Au nanoalloys gave lower Km values of 4.74 mM, 1.92 mM and 4.05 mM, respectively. The obtained Km values were comparable to those of HRP enzymes which ranged from 0.214 - 3.70 mM with 4-ATP-AuNPs and CuO-Au nanoalloys slightly higher. These values were within the reasonable experimental values of the HRP enzyme. The studies showed that the gold nanoparticles had low adsorptive efficiency towards H2O2 compared to the copper-based nanoparticles (CuONPs and CuO-Au nanoalloys). The CuO-Au nanoalloys also showed the synergistic effect between the gold and copper nanoparticles with extended linear concentration range for the quantification of H2O2. The mechanism of catalysis was confirmed using UV-vis spectroscopy and electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) in that the generation of reactive oxygen species was observed. The use of 1,3-diphenylisobenzofuran (DPBF) as radical quencher and 5,5- dimethyl-1-pyrroline N-oxide (DMPO) as a radical scavenger confirmed the production of reductive reactive oxygen species using UV-vis and EPR studies. The rate of production of reactive oxygen species in the gold-based nanoparticles was small compared to the copper-based nanoparticles, that is CuONPs and CuO-Au (bimetallic) nanoalloys. The synthesized nanoparticles were further studied their potential use in the colorimetric detection of glucose. The copper-based nanomaterials, CuONPs and CuO-Au nanoalloys, were excellent towards detection of glucose, with a limit of detection (LoD) of 9.34 pM for CuONPs and 6.75 pM for CuO-Au nanoalloys. The linear concentration (LCR) range of CuONPs was 0 to 70 pM and for CuO-Au nanoalloys the LCR was 0.0 - 30 pM. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, Chemistry, 2017
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
- Authors: Mvango, Sindisiwe
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Uncatalogued
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/65134 , vital:28694
- Description: This study presents the synthesis of citrate-capped gold nanoparticles (cit-AuNPs), copper oxide nanoparticles (CuONPs), glutathione-capped gold nanoparticles (GSH-AuNPs), 4- aminothiophenol-capped gold nanoparticles (4-ATP-AuNPs), 4-mercapto benzoic acid- capped gold nanoparticles (4-MBA-AuNPs) and copper oxide gold nanoalloys (CuO-Au nanoalloys). Microscopy and spectroscopy techniques were used to confirm the successful synthesis of these nanoparticles. The synthesized nanoparticles were studied their potential applications as horseradish peroxidase (HPR) enzyme mimetics and for the detection of glucose. The cit-AuNPs and GSH-AuNPs exhibited peroxidase-like activity towards hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) with high Michaelis-Menten (Km) values of 61.5 mM and 30.8 mM, respectively. The other nanoparticles, that is, 4-ATP-AuNPs, CuONPs and CuO-Au nanoalloys gave lower Km values of 4.74 mM, 1.92 mM and 4.05 mM, respectively. The obtained Km values were comparable to those of HRP enzymes which ranged from 0.214 - 3.70 mM with 4-ATP-AuNPs and CuO-Au nanoalloys slightly higher. These values were within the reasonable experimental values of the HRP enzyme. The studies showed that the gold nanoparticles had low adsorptive efficiency towards H2O2 compared to the copper-based nanoparticles (CuONPs and CuO-Au nanoalloys). The CuO-Au nanoalloys also showed the synergistic effect between the gold and copper nanoparticles with extended linear concentration range for the quantification of H2O2. The mechanism of catalysis was confirmed using UV-vis spectroscopy and electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) in that the generation of reactive oxygen species was observed. The use of 1,3-diphenylisobenzofuran (DPBF) as radical quencher and 5,5- dimethyl-1-pyrroline N-oxide (DMPO) as a radical scavenger confirmed the production of reductive reactive oxygen species using UV-vis and EPR studies. The rate of production of reactive oxygen species in the gold-based nanoparticles was small compared to the copper-based nanoparticles, that is CuONPs and CuO-Au (bimetallic) nanoalloys. The synthesized nanoparticles were further studied their potential use in the colorimetric detection of glucose. The copper-based nanomaterials, CuONPs and CuO-Au nanoalloys, were excellent towards detection of glucose, with a limit of detection (LoD) of 9.34 pM for CuONPs and 6.75 pM for CuO-Au nanoalloys. The linear concentration (LCR) range of CuONPs was 0 to 70 pM and for CuO-Au nanoalloys the LCR was 0.0 - 30 pM. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, Chemistry, 2017
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
Evaluating the role of Stress Induced Phosphoprotein 1 isoforms in Kaposi's Sarcoma-Associated Herpesvirus biology
- Authors: Ruck, Duncan Kyle
- Date: 2022-10-14
- Subjects: Uncatalogued
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/365280 , vital:65723
- Description: Thesis embargoed. Possible release date set for early 2025. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, Biochemistry and Microbiology, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-10-14
- Authors: Ruck, Duncan Kyle
- Date: 2022-10-14
- Subjects: Uncatalogued
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/365280 , vital:65723
- Description: Thesis embargoed. Possible release date set for early 2025. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, Biochemistry and Microbiology, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-10-14