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A statistical study of travelling ionospheric disturbances over the African-European and American sectors

- Thaganyana, Golekamang Piet

Authors: Thaganyana, Golekamang Piet
Date: 2023-03-31
Subjects: Uncatalogued
Language: English
Type: Academic theses , Doctoral theses , text
Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/422541 , vital:71956 , DOI 10.21504/10962/422543
Description: This research presents a long-term statistical study of travelling ionospheric disturbances (TIDs) of low- and high-latitude origin over the American and African-European sectors between 2010 and 2018. The TIDs of low latitude origin (hereafter known as poleward TIDs) were studied in both quiet and disturbed conditions, whereas the equatorward TIDs were only studied during quiet conditions. The Kp > 4 and Dst_ -50 nT was used as a criterion for geomagnetic disturbed conditions, while the four geomagnetically quiet days were selected each month based on Kp < 3. Observations of TIDs are made using Global Navigational Satellite Systems (GNSS) total electron content derived data. During quiet conditions, seven and two transhemispheric TIDs were identified over the African-European and American sectors, respectively. The observed TIDs originated from the wintertime hemisphere and propagated into the summertime hemisphere. The horizontal velocity, periods, and horizontal wavelengths of TIDs are in range of cH = 120-274 m/s, 48-80 min and _H = 379-1104 km, respectively. These quiet-time equatorward TIDs have been associated with tertiary gravity waves (GWs) from the dissipation of secondary GWs which are in turn generated from the dissipation of mountain waves (MWs) as a result of excited orographic forcing. The poleward TIDs during geomagnetically quiet conditions over the African and American sectors occur mainly during local daytime. Poleward TIDs were observed mostly in the African-European sector than the American sector. Their horizontal propagation velocities and periods range between 129-280 m/s and 39-70 min over African-European and American sectors. Although the mechanisms responsible for launching quiet-time poleward TIDs have not been established in this study, lower atmospheric processes such as convection systems, sudden stratospheric warming and cold weather fronts may have a role in their generation. During geomagnetic storms in the African sector, almost all poleward TIDs (with the exception of two cases) during the main phase were large-scale with horizontal velocities and periods ranging from 250-503 m/s and 30 min to 2 hours. During recovery phase, poleward TIDs fall under the category of medium scale. In the American sector, the majority of poleward TIDs occurred during the storm's main phase, as opposed to the African-European sector, which experienced a significant number of poleward TIDs during the recovery phase. The periods and horizontal velocities of TIDs range from 45 min-1.5 h and 180-296 m/s during main phase. During the recovery phase, the horizontal velocity and period range from 177-271 m/s and 40-1.5 h, respectively. Overall, it has been shown that statistically, changes in equatorial electrodynamics related to enhanced eastward electric _eld and hence increased equatorial electrojet (vertical E_B drift) correlates highly with the reported poleward TIDs. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Science, Physics and Electronics, 2023
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Date Issued: 2023-03-31

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A strategic turnaround model for distressed properties

- Pitsiladi, Lesvokli N

Authors: Pitsiladi, Lesvokli N
Date: 2023-04
Subjects: Reorganization , Distressed properties
Language: English
Type: Doctoral's theses , Thesis
Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/60467 , vital:65603
Description: The importance of commercial real estate is clearly shown by the role it plays, worldwide, in the sustainability of economic activities, with a substantial global impact when measured in monetary terms. This study responds to an important gap in the built environment and turnaround literature relating to the likelihood of a successful distressed commercial property financial recovery. The present research effort addressed the absence of empirical evidence by identifying a number of important factors that influence the likelihood of a successful distressed, commercial property financial recovery. Once the important factors that increase the likelihood of recovery have been determined, the results can be used as a basis for turnaround strategies concerning property investors who invest in distressed opportunities. A theoretical turnaround model concerning properties in distress, would be of interest to ‘opportunistic investing’ yield-hungry investors targeting real estate transactions involving ‘turnaround’ potential. Against this background, the main research problem investigated in the present research effort was as follows: Determine the important factors that would increase the likelihood of a successful distressed commercial property financial recovery. A proposed theoretical model was constructed and empirically tested through a questionnaire distributed physically and electronically to a sample of real estate practitioners from across the globe, and who had all been involved, directly or indirectly, with reviving distressed properties. An explanation was provided to respondents of how the questionnaire was developed and how it would be administered. The demographic information pertaining to the 391 respondents was analysed and summarised. The statistical analysis performed to ensure the validity and reliability of the results, was explained to respondents, together with a detailed description of the covariance structural equation modelling method used to verify the proposed theoretical conceptual model. vi The independent variables of the present research effort comprised; Obsolescence Identification, Capital Improvements Feasibility, Tenant Mix, Triple Net Leases, Concessions, Property Management, Contracts, Business Analysis, Debt Renegotiation, Cost-Cutting, Market Analysis, Strategic Planning and Demography, while the dependent variable was The Perceived Likelihood of a Distressed Commercial Property Financial Recovery. After analysis of the findings, a revised model was then proposed and assessed. Both validity and reliability were assessed and resulted in the following factors that potentially influence the dependent variables; Strategy, Concessions, Tenant Mix, Debt Restructuring, Demography, Analyse Alternatives, Capital Improvements Feasibility, Property Management and Net Leases while, after analysis, the dependent variable was replaced by two dependent variables; The Likelihood of a Distressed Property Turnaround and The Likelihood of a Distressed Property Financial Recovery. The results showed that Strategy (comprising of items from Strategic Planning, Business Analysis, Obsolescence Identification and Property Management) and Concessions (comprising of items from Concessions and Triple Net Leases) had a positive influence on both the dependent variables. Property Management (comprising of items from Business Analysis, Property Management, Capital Improvements Feasibility and Tenant Mix) had a positive influence on Financial Turnaround variable while Capital Improvements Feasibility (comprising of items from Capital Improvements Feasibility, Obsolescence Identification and Property Management) had a negative influence on both. Demography (comprising of items only from Demography) had a negative influence on the Financial Recovery variable. The balance of the relationships were depicted as non-significant. The present research effort presents important actions that can be used to influence the turnaround and recovery of distressed real estate. The literature had indicated reasons to recover distressed properties as having wide-ranging economic consequences for the broader communities and the countries in which they reside. The turnaround of distressed properties will not only present financial rewards for opportunistic investors but will have positive effects on the greater community and economy and, thus, social and economic stability. Vii With the emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic crisis, issues with climate change and sustainability, global demographic shifts, changing user requirements, shifts in technology, the threat of obsolescence, urbanisation, globalisation, geo-political tensions, shifting global order, new trends and different generational expectations, it is becoming more apparent that the threat of distressed, abandoned and derelict properties is here to stay, and which will present future opportunities for turnaround, distressed property owners, as well as future worries for urban authorities and municipalities dealing with urban decay. The study concluded with an examination of the perceived limitations of the study as well as presenting a comprehensive range of suggestions for further research. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Engineering, Built Environment and Information Technology, School of the built Environment, 2023
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Date Issued: 2023-04

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A structural model for sustainable growth of the south African business process outsourcing sector

- Chinhamo, Edmore

Authors: Chinhamo, Edmore
Date: 2022-04
Subjects: Outsourcing sector , Contracting out -- South Africa
Language: English
Type: Master's theses , text
Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/58306 , vital:58970
Description: he total size of the South African Business Process Outsourcing sector is not growing as quickly as other global BPO locations like the Philippines and India. The sector has been identified by the South African government as a key sector for economic growth and for reducing unemployment. Reviewed frameworks are not exhaustive in providing a framework that is suitable for countries with an apartheid history like South Africa, so, the main aim of this study has been, therefore, to develop a structural model for sustainable growth of the South African BPO sector. The research was two phased: Firstly, it interrogated existing theories and models on BPO growth to identify variables for BPO growth. The variables were identified as talent pool, infrastructure, accessibility, lower costs, and legislative framework. The relationships between variables were hypothesised. The reviewed literature discussed the global economy and traced the origins of outsourcing as rooted in the advent of Information Technology and computer-enabled production which enabled fragmented processes which could be in any part of the world. The literature showed that competition for markets, coupled with a glut of products on the market, forced creativity which resulted in companies seeking operations in low-cost locations. The first popular locations for BPO operations were India and the Philippines, with emerging locations, like South Africa, positioning themselves to tap into this global development. Secondly, a quantitative study was performed using a web-based questionnaire which was sent to a sample of BPO executives in the BPO value chain in South Africa to test relationships among between variables. The results of the study showed statistically significant relationships between talent pool, infrastructure, lower costs, accessibility and legislative framework with BPO growth, albeit with varying degrees of strength. Contrary to popular belief, lower costs are no longer the most important driver of BPO location choice. Accessibility and legislative framework have also been confirmed by data as variables affecting BPO growth. After the computation of the relationships, the research concluded that the model developed is a good fit for BPO growth. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Engineering, the Built Environment, and Technology, 2022
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Date Issued: 2022-04

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A Study of grade 3 teachers' practices of developing learners' comprehension skills when teaching reading of isiXhosa in one selected junior primary school at Mdatsane in the Eastern cape: a case study

- Filita, Mandisa

Authors: Filita, Mandisa
Date: 2014
Subjects: Reading comprehension , Xhosa language , Teachers -- Training of -- South Africa
Language: English
Type: Master's theses , text
Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/26448 , vital:65318
Description: The problem of reading in South African schools has attracted the growing attention of researchers in South Africa and the entire world. Learners’ inability to read isiXhosa with understanding has become of major concern to the teachers, parents and the DoE. The root of the problem has been identified as the ineffective teaching of reading of isiXhosa in the schools, which result in learners’ consequent inability to independently apply comprehension skills to learn from reading across the curriculum. Furthermore, systemic barriers that exist in the education system seem to be another reason for learners’ reading problems in isiXhosa. Also there is the problem of the inadequately trained teachers in the home language of learners (isiXhosa) as they seemingly lack capacity to develop learners’ literacy to effective levels. In addition, many learners come from deprived print environments where texts are seldom part of their daily experience. The main aim of this study was to interrogate the practices undertaken by teachers in trying to develop comprehension skills of learners when reading in isiXhosa and the value they attach to reading generally and to the reading of isiXhosa in particular. The support teachers get from relevant stakeholders was also considered. The overall approach used was a qualitative approach. The study was structured according to the case study mode of enquiry, using the interpretive paradigm. The sampling used was purposive as I purposefully selected grade 3 teachers, as grade 3 is an exit grade in foundation phase. Furthermore, convenience sampling was also used for easy access, as the research site was the school where I work. The instruments used for data collection were semi-structured interviews and observations that were conducted in one junior primary school in a township context with four grade 3 teachers. It was found that as much as teachers’ practices have a contributing effect on learners’ inability to read isiXhosa with understanding, there are also various other factors which multiply the problem. The study reveals the following main findings: Firstly, the teachers believe that reading is a very important skill that needs to be developed with learners as all other learning is based on it. , Thesis (MEd) -- Faculty of Education, 2014
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Date Issued: 2014

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A study of mathematics instructional practices in foundation phase grade three classrooms in East London

- Williams, Beverley Diana

Authors: Williams, Beverley Diana
Date: 2011
Subjects: Mathematics--Study and teaching (Primary) http://id.loc.gov/authorities/subjects/sh85082164 , Mathematics--Study and teaching (Elementary) http://id.loc.gov/authorities/subjects/sh85082163
Language: English
Type: Master's theses , text
Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/19585 , vital:43146
Description: This study describes the instructional practices of grade three teachers in their attempt to facilitate mathematical learning. The teachers’ practices are described in relation to the requirements of the revised National Curriculum Statement. In order to demarcate the field of investigation, the researcher provides an overview of the historical background of the study and draws attention to the knowledge interest of the investigation. The problem, the research questions, the assumptions of the study, the significance of the study, the rationale and the delimitation of the study are all set out in this chapter. A list of the major terms used in the study is also given. In concluding the chapter and outline of the issues discussed in each of the five chapters is given. , Thesis (MEd) -- University of Fort Hare, 2011
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Date Issued: 2011

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A study of rural self-help groups in the context of government-assisted community development: the case of Peddie, Eastern Cape, South Africa.

- Pakade-Yokwana, Nozuko zandiswa Gloria

Authors: Pakade-Yokwana, Nozuko zandiswa Gloria
Date: 2011
Subjects: Community development http://id.loc.gov/authorities/subjects/sh85029215 , Rural development http://id.loc.gov/authorities/subjects/sh85115899
Language: English
Type: Doctoral theses , text
Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/19616 , vital:43152
Description: This study was conducted against the backdrop of growing scholarly interest in the epistemic divide between formal, institutionalised knowledge, which guide government interventions in rural community development, and local knowledge, upon which rural communities construct their social existence. The study sought to understand why, despite their resilience and cultural embeddedness in South Africa's rural communities, indigenous self-help groups (SHGs) - as a particular form of indigenous rationality - remained on the periphery of contemporary community development interventions. The study was conducted in the communities of Dabhana, Feni and Mgwanlana in Peddie (Ngqushwa Local Municipality), Eastern Cape. Three SHG variants were eselected: a funeral group (Masingcwabane), an HIV and AIDS support groups, and a financial mutual (mgalelo) – all in the context of government-assisted community development. Empirical data was collected using a mini-survey, focus group discussion, in-depth interviews and key informant interviews. The findings revealed that SHGs were a collective model of indigenous knowledge and social interaction, driven by the belief that through 'sharing', 'reciprocity' and 'collectivism', what would ordinarily be a heavy burden for individuals became 'lighter'. Furthermore, while the institutional framework for community development mandated collaboration between government and SHGs, this framework created a stiff, bureaucratic canvass that alienated SHGs and stifled their operations. The study also found that partnership between the government and SHGs was characterised by fear and distrust on the part of government, and reluctance on the part of SHGs. Government's distrust was premised on the "informality" and "traditionality" of SHGs, and the fear that any investment in SHGs would go to waste. On the other hand, SHGs' reluctance to make themselves amenable to partnership with government seemed like a reaction to a "faulty, culturally insensitive" institutional framework which "delegitimised" grassroots development impulses. The study concluded that there existed in the rural community development arena an epistemic, ideational and practical chasm between government-driven development praxis and age-old indigenous initiatives, and that while the weaknesses of each knowledge domain were accentuated through this divide, development would continue to elude the grassroots communities unless the two knowledge domains interacted with, and leveraged, each other. , Thesis (PhD) (Sociology) -- University of Fort Hare, 2018
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Date Issued: 2011

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A study of the implementation of public policy to increase participation in recreation sports in Lagos state: Nigeria

- Setonji, Noel Adeoye https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2101-8037

Authors: Setonji, Noel Adeoye https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2101-8037
Date: 2013-04
Subjects: Public administration
Language: English
Type: Doctoral theses , text
Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/24035 , vital:62301
Description: The study investigated the extent to which implementation of the current public policy had improved recreation sport services and participation in Lagos metropolis of Lagos State-Nigeria. The study was delimited to 14 out of 16 Local Governments in Lagos metropolis. The study participants were 650 (334 males and 316 females) selected from 14 Local Governments in Lagos metropolis. Stratified random sampling technique was applied to get the volunteered metropolitan Lagos Local Government staff participants used for the study. Mixed research approaches involving quantitative and qualitative data collection were employed to carry out the study. Pilot study was carried out and reliability of each instrument was established with Cronbach’s alpha and test-re-test after an interval of two weeks. The reliability coefficients based on Pearson’s Product Moment Correlation were PRSPIQ (0.89), PRSPIBQ (0.87), RSFQ (0.79), and EPIMCEQ (0.85). The quantitative data collected were entered into Microsoft Excel 2007 Software and later exported to SPSS 18.0 statistical package for data analysis. Simple frequencies of responses in % and factor analysis were used in analysing the data collected, while Chi-square test of goodness-of-fit was used to test all the four hypotheses. The interview data collected were analysed using inductive method. All the hypotheses were pitched at 0.05 confidence level. Results of the study revealed that: implementation of the current public policy had not significantly improved recreation sport services and participation in Lagos metropolis: x2 (4, N = 650) = 395000, p<.0001, was significant at p<0.05); Barriers had affected effective implementation of the current public recreation sports policy in Lagos metropolis: x2 (4, N = 650) = 38.6000, p<.0001, was significant at p<0.05); implementation of the current public policy had not improved recreation sport facilities and safe recreation environments in Lagos metropolis: x2 (4, N = 650) = 33.3000, p<.0001, was significant at p<0.05; implementation of the current public policy had not effectively enhanced management competencies of recreation sport officers in Lagos metropolis: x2 (4, N = 650) = 64.3000, p<.0001, was significant at p<0.05. The conclusions drawn from the findings of the study include: the current public policy had not significantly improved recreation sport services in Lagos metropolis. Specifically, the study found that: the current policy had not done enough to enhance increased participation in recreation sport activities in Lagos metropolis; barriers had affected effective implementation of the current public recreation sports policy in Lagos metropolis; the public policy had not done enough to improve recreation sport facilities and safe recreation environments in most parts of Lagos metropolis; and the current public policy had not effectively enhanced management competencies of public recreation sport officers in Lagos metropolis. The study findings had it too that to effectively implement public recreation sports policy in Lagos metropolis, stakeholders should be adequately involved in the implementation activities. Based on the study findings, the study among others recommends that the State Government should be: proactive to update the content of the current public policy on recreation sports as the needs of the users are increasingly changing over time; Government agents, private organizations, recreation sport professionals and community stakeholders should be actively involved in the implementation processes to forestall any barriers; more recreation facility pools in safe and conducive environments should be provided and assessable to increase participation in recreation sports by the people of Lagos metropolis; and the public policy should be effectively implemented to enhance management competencies of public recreation sport managers in Lagos metropolis. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Management and Commerce, 2013
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Date Issued: 2013-04

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A study of the manifestations of the death instinct as evidenced in the case of a pathological organization

- De Villiers, Jeanine

Authors: De Villiers, Jeanine
Date: 1991-04
Subjects: Uncatalogued
Language: English
Type: Master's theses , text
Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/191691 , vital:45148
Description: The case study method was used to investigate the manifestations of the death instinct as evidenced in a pathological organization. Work of Kleinian analysts in this area was employed as a basis for interrogating the material that emerged in a five month psychotherapy with a borderline disordered patient. It was demonstrated how the pathological organization was employed as a means of evading paranoid- schizoid fears and depressive position anxieties. Two ways in which defences were assembled into the pathological organization could be traced, both leading to resistance in the therapy. The one set of defences would entail a complete withdrawal from contact, where the patient would hold herself aloof from experience through a solitary invulnerability. The other set of defences involved an active attack on the vulnerable, libidinal self. Identified with the bad, anti-libidinal self, the patient would attempt to annihilate the libidinal self in various ways. Fragmentation of her thoughts and memories, self-destructive behaviour and phantasized and actual attacks on the objects in her world which called forth her neediness were all evidenced. In conclusion, the issue of whether a more active interpretation of the manifestations of the death instinct or a less interpretative, more holding therapeutic stance should be adopted in the therapy with patients exhibiting a pathological organization was raised. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Humanities, Psychology, 1991
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Date Issued: 1991-04

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A study of the photophysicochemical and antimicrobial properties of two zinc phthalocyanine–silver nanoparticle conjugates

- Rapulenyane, Nomasonto, Antunes, Edith M, Nyokong, Tebello

Authors: Rapulenyane, Nomasonto , Antunes, Edith M , Nyokong, Tebello
Date: 2013
Subjects: To be catalogued
Language: English
Type: text , article
Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/232522 , vital:49999 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1039/C3NJ41107A"
Description: This work reports conjugation of two mono carboxy substituted zinc phthalocyanines with glutathione capped silver nanoparticles (GSH-AgNPs). The photophysicochemical behaviour of the novel phthalocyanines–silver nanoparticle conjugates was investigated together with simple mixtures of the silver nanoparticles with low symmetry phthalocyanines (i.e. with no direct chemical bond formation). It was observed that upon conjugation of the phthalocyanines to the silver nanoparticles, a blue shifting of the Q band was induced. The triplet lifetimes and quantum yields improved upon conjugation as compared to the phthalocyanines alone. Fluorescence lifetimes and quantum yields decreased for conjugates compared to the phthalocyanines alone due to quenching caused by the silver nanoparticles. The low symmetry phthalocyanines and their conjugates showed antimicrobial activity against Escherichia coli in the presence and absence of light.
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Date Issued: 2013

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A study of the selected wild edible plants utilized by indigenous people of the Amathole District in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa

- Kwinana-Mandindi, Thozama Ndileka

Authors: Kwinana-Mandindi, Thozama Ndileka
Date: 2012
Subjects: Wild plants, Edible http://id.loc.gov/authorities/subjects/sh85146686
Language: English
Type: Doctoral theses , text
Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/19598 , vital:43147
Description: Wild edible plants are an indispensible part of diets in some of the poor resourced rural societies. In many less resourced households a main meal comprises of a starch staple which is accompanied by a supplement of vegetables that provide the other nutritional elements as well as flavour to the meals. The vegetable relish (isishebo) thus, becomes an important component of the diet. The sustenance of many such resource poor indigenous societies over many generations has been as a result of their reliance on a readily available supply of their nutritional requirements, where edible wild plants formed the major food source. Wild edible plants provided the most important source of nutritional supply even during times of drought and famine. However, lifestyle changes have caused a serious reduction of the gathering and use of the wild edible vegetables, knowledge about them and the local culture are also lost with them. Unfortunately, others have come to regard their traditional food resource base as primitive and inferior and have come to rely on new exotic food plant whose supply is unstable and narrow compared to the wide variety of wild edible plants. Even when drought challenges play destruction with food availability, resulting in food shortages due to the reliance on cultivated crops that are poorly adapted to local conditions, communities cannot go back to the unknown food plants. However, detailed scientific investigations are needed to understand and preserve wild food uses. This study was undertaken to add to that body of knowledge. It started with an ethnobotanic survey of the use of wild food plants in 10 selected rural villages and peri-urban dwellings in the Amathole District of the Eastern Cape. These rural areas were chosen because of the belief that there are still individuals who possess the wealth of traditional knowledge within those remote areas in addition to that the villages are surrounded by indigenous vegetation from which they could be harvesting some indigenous food plants. Furthermore, the relationship between people and plants are often clearer in indigenous/traditional societies since the link between production and consumption is more direct. Besides the survey, this research employed various methods including Inductively Coupled Argon (ICP) analyses of minerals and vitamins, determination of phytochemicals and antioxidant/bio-activity that of, higher performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) determination of other vitamins, assessment of proximate and anti-nutrient compositions of raw and cooked samples of plants, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy (EDXS) to look into the micro-morphology of leaves for details that might have a bearing in the nutrient composition of the wild edible vegetables. This was done with the aim to explore and highlight the wild-food-plant base of indigenous people, to investigate the nutritional value of the selected frequently consumed wild vegetables and to recommend ways of educating people on the value of such plants and the need to promote their continued sustainable use as well as preservation of them for the benefit of people who cannot afford a continuous nutritious meal particularly among rural communities. Twenty-five (25) indigenous wild food plants which included leafy vegetables, nuts and fruits species were identified as being arbitrarily gathered and utilised as food, of which seven wild leafy vegetable species were often mentioned as common among the 15 dwellings surveyed and most frequently consumed by the respondents. Two additional plants were also frequently used as flavoring and in their raw state respectively. Wild edible vegetables were mainly eaten boiled as ‘laxa’, mixed with maize meal as ‘imifino’, fried as relish ‘isishebo’ or raw for both snacking purposes and medicinal functions. Wild edible plant species in the Amathole District of the Eastern Cape-South Africa were documented with respect to their uses and knowledge or identification. Four indigenous wild vegetables (Chenopodium album, Solanum nigrum/nodiflorum, Amaranthus dubius and Urtica lobulata) frequently consumed by the indigenous communities in the study region were selected. All the plant species had a remarkably high content of pro-anthocyanidins (between 58.42 and 65.18 mg/g) and also exhibited high radical scavenging activity in vitro. S. nigrum and C. album were found to be rich sources of ascorbic acid, having 1.05mg/100g and 1.01mg/100g, respectively. The entire wild, traditionally edible plants contain reasonably good concentrations of riboflavin while U. lobulata was found to contain maximum amount of thiamine. All plant species were rich sources of minerals and vitamins (both water soluble and fat soluble). Appropriate cooking methods are to be used to enhance the bio-availability of vitamins and nutrients in general. Cooking generally improved the nutritive value in certain wild vegetables. However, some nutrients were drained away. For example micro-nutrient and anti-nutrient component in the ash were reduced in cooking. The EDXS analysis has shown that the indigenous, wild vegetables in the Amathole District of South Africa are excellent sources of minerals, while the mineral crystals present at the level of the mesophyll of the indigenous wild vegetables were probably mixtures of calcium oxalate, calcium sulphate and silica. Saponin, tannins, oxalates, phytates and alkaloids are present in all the indigenous wild vegetables, but in minimal safe quantities. Nutritional analysis of some wild food plants demonstrates that in many cases the nutritional quality of the plants is comparable and in some cases even superior to domesticated exotic varieties. Knowledge about gathering and use of some wild food species is common among the rural dwellers. However, most uses are known by few elderly informants only. Education, awareness campaigns and revival of use of wild edible plants directed at the youth particularly is essential and this can be done through all forms of media. , Thesis (PhD) (Ethnobotany) -- University of Fort Hare, 2012
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Date Issued: 2012

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A study on staff provisioning using the Peter Morkel Model with reference to a selected school in the Amathole East District

- Qaba, Loyiso Siyabulela

Authors: Qaba, Loyiso Siyabulela
Date: 2020-04
Subjects: Port Elizabeth (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , South Africa
Language: English
Type: Master's theses , text
Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/55161 , vital:49171
Description: The Post-Provisioning Model (PPM) is a Resource Allocation Model (RAM) used by the Department of Education to optimize the distribution of available educator resources to public schools. The Department of Education adopted the PPM to distribute the total available posts to all public schools in an “equitable, transparent and resource-efficient manner. The PPM is a formula-driven model that primarily allocates educators, as human capital, to public schools based on learner enrolment numbers. In addition to allocating teaching staff, the PPM allocates the School Management Team (SMT) to each school. The outcome of the PPM formula is called the Post-Provisioning Norm (PPN). The implementation of the PPM has presented various challenges in the management of public schools. The primary aims of this study were to investigate any possible weaknesses of the PPM and to critically evaluate and explore school managers’ views of the PPM in the management of public schools. For the purposes of this study a probability sampling procedure was used. The participants were chosen from the principals within the Department of Education in Amathole East District. The literature review undertaken and the field research findings in the fourth chapter revealed that there is a gap between the ideals of the PPM and its implementation. It was found that there was a poor understanding of the technical aspects of the PPM formula among senior managers of public schools. There is evidence of equitable quantitative distribution of posts through the PPM. However, it was discovered that the PPM does not take into account the distribution of qualified educators. Hence, some of the allocated posts in public schools were often filled by under-qualified or non-qualified staff. The appointment of qualified educators was skewed. Further findings of this study revealed, amongst others, the inability of the PPM to provide for and promote the needs of a diverse curriculum in rural areas, and the inability to factor in and balance the variable that some public schools raise more money in school fees, which enables the advantaged schools to employ additional educators. The primary recommendations of this study are that principals be trained, on an annual basis, on the workings of the PPM and that the South African Schools Act No.84 of 1996 should be amended to grant authority to the Head of Department of the province to appoint and deploy qualified educators to public schools. , Thesis (MPA) -- Faculty of Humanities, School of Governmental and Social Sciences, 2020
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Date Issued: 2020-04

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A study on the morphology of thin copper films on para-aramid yarns and their influence on the yarn’s electro-conductive and mechanical properties

- Schwarz, Anne, Hakuzimana, Jean, Westbroek, Philippe, Mey, Gilbert De, Priniotakis, Georgios, Nyokong, Tebello, Langenhove, Lieva Van

Authors: Schwarz, Anne , Hakuzimana, Jean , Westbroek, Philippe , Mey, Gilbert De , Priniotakis, Georgios , Nyokong, Tebello , Langenhove, Lieva Van
Date: 2012
Subjects: To be catalogued
Language: English
Type: text , article
Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/243487 , vital:51157 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1177/0040517511431291"
Description: The latest technological advances in new materials and devices enabled wearable systems to be created by utilizing textile solutions. These solutions require electro-conductive yarns as a basic component. Although the production of electroconductive yarn is widely reported, research is still necessary to characterize them to advance their electro-conductive and mechanical properties. Hence, we served this need and characterized copper-coated para-aramid yarns produced by an in-house developed electroless deposition method. In this paper we present our investigation on the yarn’s copper layer characteristics after deposition. Furthermore, we looked, in depth, at the yarn’s electro-conductive properties before and after washing as well as their mechanical properties before and after copper deposition. We found a dependency of the copper layer morphology on its deposition time. This is directly correlated to the resulting layer thickness and hence to the yarn’s electro-conductive properties, demonstrating the autocatalytic nature of the coating process. Above that, the electro-conductive properties of the coated yarn linearly decrease with washing cycles. Furthermore, the copper coating impairs the yarn’s mechanical properties decreasing its specific stress at break by 30%.
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Date Issued: 2012

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A study on white leather tannage

- Williams-Wynn, D A

Authors: Williams-Wynn, D A
Date: 1950
Subjects: Uncatalogued
Language: English
Type: Diploma theses , text
Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/193713 , vital:45389
Description: As has been noted in the previous section little or no complex formation occurs with either formate or acetate except possibly above pH 9*0 or so. These anions do not stabilise the aluminium solutions to precipitation - they may* however, be of value in controlling pH, as solutions of these salts buffer strongly in the region pH 4 to 5. The other salts, lactate, tartrate and citrate all show tendencies to complex formation though the degree to which this occurs varies with the anion. The complexes formed by lactate at high pH must be very unstable because on the addition of acid the pH corresponds to the calculated blank. Below pH 9.0 however, the curves deviate quite considerably showing that more acid must be added to reach a certain pH value than is required by the blank. This means complex formation has occurred with loss of -COGH groups. In this system too, buffering is apparent. The same is true of tartrate but this salt is not as efficient a buffering agent. This is probably due to the fact that the excess tartrate is not available as a buffer as it is precipitated as the acid salt which is only sparingly soluble. Citrate on the other hand must form very stable complexes, the effect of which is apparent at even very high pH values. In other words, addition of strong acid liberates free -GOGH groups which are immediately incorporated in the complex. This evidently does not occur with lactate or tartrate until lower pH values are reached. The ratio of lactate and citrate to aluminium appears to have some influence on the degree of masking as greater complex formation is found to occur at the higher ratio levels. Tartrate on the other hand apparently has a fixed complex forming capacity between 1 and 4 mols/mol aluminium, since the same deviation from the blank was observed irrespective of which ratio of the masking agent to aluminium, was employed. However, at ratios of less than 1 mol tartrate/mol aluminium, deviations from the blank were reduced and less stabilisation occurs as evidenced by the formation of precipitates containing aluminium under these conditions. In view of these facts it may be suggested that 1 mol tartrate combines with 1 mol aluminium to form a complex containing equimolar proportions of aluminium and tartrate. The effect of boiling apart from one or two exceptions always has the same effect, i.e. a shift to the acid side of the curve. Free acid must have been liberated which is an indication that olation might have occurred. In the lactate and citrate series dilution appears to reduce the complex forming capacity of these ions but tartrate is unaffected. Thus it would appear that the tartrate complex is more stable than those formed by lactate. Citrate stabilises aluminium solutions with fewer equivalents than tartrate, but the complex does not contain a constant ratio of masking agent to aluminium further quantities of tartrate cannot enter the complex even in the presence of large excess of the anion probably due to the effect of steric hindrance. , Thesis (Dip) -- Leather Industries Research Institute, 1950
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Date Issued: 1950

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A survey of food safety practices and microbial risk related to ready-to-eat chicken food outlets from a university campus in South Africa

- Michau, Willem P

Authors: Michau, Willem P
Date: 2022-04
Subjects: Microbial exopolysaccharides -- South Africa , Food -- Safety measures
Language: English
Type: Master's theses , text
Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/58925 , vital:60248
Description: A survey of food safety practices and microbial risk related to ready-to-eat chicken in food outlets from a university campus in South Africa was investigated. The objective of the study was to determine the food safety practices and hygiene knowledge of food handlers in food outlets at a South African university campus. Six food outlets out of the thirteen university food outlets that were similar in type were selected for the study. These six food outlets were selected based on establish criteria but did not comply with HACCP principles. To assess the possible contamination risk related to hygiene practices and processing of ready-to-eat chicken, Total Viable Count, Escherichia coli, Salmonella and Staphylococcus aureus counts were determined using standard methods. A validated questionnaire was used to assess the educational levels of each of the 27 participating food handlers; as well as the determination of the food handlers’ personal and general hygiene. Microbial levels of each food handler hand, aprons, as well as the microbial contamination levels of direct food contact surfaces, and ready-to-eat chicken at each facility were evaluated using standard methods. Several risky non-conforming personal and general hygiene practices were detected during the study. Appropriate corrective actions such as an intensive food hygiene training programme accompanied by a food management system should be implemented in all food facilities. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Health Sciences, 2022
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Date Issued: 2022-04

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A sustainability practices educational intervention in response to environmental matters of concern amongst Makhanda youth

- Musiyiwa, Fungayi Lona

Authors: Musiyiwa, Fungayi Lona
Date: 2021-10-29
Subjects: Sustainable living South Africa Makhanda , Social learning South Africa Makhanda , Eco clubs South Africa Makhanda , Environmental education Activity programs South Africa Makhanda , Youth in development South Africa Makhanda , Youth Social conditions
Language: English
Type: Master's theses , text
Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/188364 , vital:44747
Description: This study responded to urbanisation as one of the challenges affecting youths’ lifestyles in this century. Children and youth around the world are living in overpopulated, polluted and unsafe environments which fail to produce opportunities for learning, play and recreation (World Health Organisation [WHO], 2017). This study explored these issues in the context of Makhanda with an intervention to engage youth in sustainability practices, to help them to strengthen sustainable lifestyles. The participants in this research were members of two eco-clubs from two schools in Makhanda ranging in age from 12-14 years (primary school) and 15-17 years (high school). The study explored how learning processes within a club intervention contributed to the well- being of participating youth and their capacity to live sustainable and fulfilling lives. The research explored (with participants) eight themes as matters of concern namely, ‘education’, ‘home-life’, ‘energy use’, ‘mobility’, ‘leisure and communication’, ‘waste’, ‘water’ and ‘food’. Detailed case narratives exploring Wals’ social learning stages were used to explore the themes. These themes were explored through photo narratives of the youths’ lives and matters of concern in sustainability issues, risks and practices emanating from the Makhanda context. The pedagogical framework for the intervention was guided by Wals’ social learning framework for mobilizing sustainability practices. Social learning interaction took place through all the stages of the framework and the challenges and potentials of the educational intervention were explored in relation to each stage. From the six themes suggested above the youth chose food and water as themes to take forward as a response project. The project pursued was a vegetable garden in which the youth were actively engaged in order to seek and try out sustainable ways of living. An interpretive approach was used within the interpretive paradigm. Qualitative data were generated through focus group discussions, observations, individual interviews and document analysis. Practice architectures theory was used analytically to explore the dynamics of the emergent sustainability practices initiated by the eco-club youth. I used it as a change method and a tool for initiating social learning actions for ‘sustainability practices’ projects. The study indicated that the youth’s key challenges affecting sustainability of their lifestyles are: lack of access to basic infrastructure, recreational facilities, electricity supply, transport, security and water. In this study, it was clear that much of the youth’s involvement in these matters of concern and sustainability issues was at the level of participating in the six themes through Wals’ social learning processes. This allowed youths to develop their knowledge and skills on how to participate in the gardening project rather than simply focusing on the environmental matters of concern in question. The Handprint Resource Books have been designed for educators who are looking for practical ideas to work with in the learning areas of the National Curriculum. The focus is on sustainability practices that can be taken up within the perspective that each learning area brings to environment and sustainability concerns. The use of the Handprint Resource Books promoted active youth participation and interaction encouraging youth to be reflective thinkers, which led to understanding of the issues and the sustainability practices that emerged during the discussions. The Handprint Resource Books focused on sustainability practices within the learning area of environment and sustainability concerns. Due to her facilitation skills, an environmental expert’s presentation on a sustainability topic enabled youths to select the intended project. The involvement of youth in the implementation of the vegetable garden as a sustainability practice empowered youth to be more confident in engaging in a collective action for change as they developed the capability to share and start their own vegetable gardens at their homes. , Thesis (MEd) -- Faculty of Education, Environmental Learning Research Centre, 2021
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Date Issued: 2021-10-29

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A Sustainable development lens to understanding community participation in rural development: a case of Malamule Village, Mpumalanga Province

- Mathabela, Queen

Authors: Mathabela, Queen
Date: 2022-04
Subjects: Rural development -- South Africa , Sustainable development -- South Africa
Language: English
Type: Master's theses , text
Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/57874 , vital:58300
Description: The study sought to explore the nature and extent to which community participation takes place for sustainable rural development at Malamule village, to better understand how to accelerate participation at both a regional and local level leading to sustainable development. The study further investigated how community members participate and involve themselves in sustainable rural development processes and at the same time, it identified approaches used to encourage community participation and sustainability of rural development. A qualitative research methodology was adopted where semi-structured telephone interviews were conducted with community members and project managers from two NGOs in Malamule village. A thematic analysis was adopted in this study as it drew on a few thoughts introduced from the hypothetical framework supporting this investigation. There were four main findings of the study: 1) that community members of Malamule consider participation as a tool of emancipation and that they are not just development beneficiaries but influencers; 2) that the existence of NGOs brings about significant relief to the community of Malamule, while too much dependency on them could cause long term problems if the community does not learn to be self-sufficient; 3) that only a small amount of resources, or support, is needed to set up something sustainable; and 4) that the community of Malamule is undergoing many challenges, which results in class disputes that eventually translate into lack of unity. The following is recommended: that NGOs prioritise full involvement of the target communities to promote participation; that NGOs must continue to create awareness in Malamule through consistently training and equipping community members; and that there is a need for the community members and NGOs to continue working together so that sustainable development can be achieved. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, 2022
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Date Issued: 2022-04

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A systematic analysis of doctoral publication trends in South Africa

- van Schalkwyk, Susan, Mouton, Johann, Redlinghuys, Herman, McKenna, Sioux

Authors: van Schalkwyk, Susan , Mouton, Johann , Redlinghuys, Herman , McKenna, Sioux
Date: 2020
Subjects: To be catalogued
Language: English
Type: text , article
Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/185826 , vital:44438 , xlink:href="http://dx.doi.org/10.17159/sajs.2020/7926"
Description: It is incumbent upon doctoral students that their work makes a substantive contribution to the field within which it is conducted. Dissemination of this work beyond the dissertation, whether whilst studying or after graduation, is necessary to ensure that the contribution does not remain largely dormant. While dissemination can take many forms, peer-reviewed journal articles are the key medium by which knowledge is shared. We aimed to establish the proportion of doctoral theses that results in journal publications by linking South African doctoral thesis metadata to journal articles authored by doctoral candidates. To effect this matching, a customised data set was created that comprised two large databases: the South African Theses Database (SATD), which documented all doctoral degrees awarded in South Africa (2005-2014), and the South African Knowledgebase (SAK), which listed all publications submitted for subsidy to the South African Department of Higher Education and Training (2005-2017). The process followed several iterations of matching and verification, including manual inspection of the data, in order to isolate only those records for which the link was established beyond doubt. Over the period under review, 47.6% of graduates, representing 22 of the 26 higher education institutions, published at least one journal article. Results further indicate increasingly higher publication rates over time. To explore whether the journal article identified was a direct product of the study, a similarity index was developed. Over 75% of records demonstrated high similarity. While the trend towards increasing publications by graduates is promising, work in this area should be ongoing. In spite of increasing trends in publications by graduates, many are not disseminating their work, suggesting that significant bodies of research are potentially not being shared with the academic community and are therefore not contributing to the relevant discipline or field. •This study provides baseline data from which a number of further investigations can be launched, such as exploring the extent to which doctoral candidates who are also academics are publishing their work; the factors that enable or constrain publication; the other avenues of dissemination used; and whether publishing or not publishing can serve as a proxy for the quality of the doctoral work.
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Date Issued: 2020

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A systematic methodology to evaluating optimised machine learning based network intrusion detection systems

- Chindove, Hatitye Ethridge

Authors: Chindove, Hatitye Ethridge
Date: 2022-10-14
Subjects: Intrusion detection systems (Computer security) , Machine learning , Computer networks Security measures , Principal components analysis
Language: English
Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/362774 , vital:65361
Description: A network intrusion detection system (NIDS) is essential for mitigating computer network attacks in various scenarios. However, the increasing complexity of computer networks and attacks makes classifying unseen or novel network traffic challenging. Supervised machine learning techniques (ML) used in a NIDS can be affected by different scenarios. Thus, dataset recency, size, and applicability are essential factors when selecting and tuning a machine learning classifier. This thesis explores developing and optimising several supervised ML algorithms with relatively new datasets constructed to depict real-world scenarios. The methodology includes empirical analyses of systematic ML-based NIDS for a near real-world network system to improve intrusion detection. The thesis is experimental heavy for model assessment. Data preparation methods are explored, followed by feature engineering techniques. The model evaluation process involves three experiments testing against a validation, un-trained, and retrained set. They compare several traditional machine learning and deep learning classifiers to identify the best NIDS model. Results show that the focus on feature scaling, feature selection methods and ML algo- rithm hyper-parameter tuning per model is an essential optimisation component. Distance based ML algorithm performed much better with quantile transformation whilst the tree based algorithms performed better without scaling. Permutation importance performs as a feature selection method compared to feature extraction using Principal Component Analysis (PCA) when applied against all ML algorithms explored. Random forests, Sup- port Vector Machines and recurrent neural networks consistently achieved the best results with high macro f1-score results of 90% 81% and 73% for the CICIDS 2017 dataset; and 72% 68% and 73% against the CICIDS 2018 dataset. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, Computer Science, 2022
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Date Issued: 2022-10-14

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