The moderating role of decent work on the relationship between employee motivation and job peformance within the public sector
- Authors: Tungata, Nokwanda
- Date: 2022-04
- Subjects: Public service employment , Performance standards
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/58234 , vital:58772
- Description: Orientation: Organisational success is influenced by its ability to employ, develop, sustain and retain skilled employees. Retaining a strongly committed workforce has become a top priority for most organisations. Uncovering and addressing components which influence job insecurity helps retain employees. This is key to improving employee job performance. Research purpose: The purpose of the study was to investigate the moderating effects of decent work on the relationship between employee motivation and job performance using a sample of public service employees in the Eastern Cape Administration. The study aimed at determining the importance of individual-level performance when diagnosing performance issues in the public sector by focusing on the moderating role of decent work on the relationship between employee motivation and job performance. Motivation for the study: The South African public service is noted to undergoing challenges. Notably, affected are aspects related not only to employee motivation but also job performance. Needed are strategies that address these important organisational realities. Calls in the literature advocate the need to pay attention to the potential role of decent work. Research approach/design and method: A quantitative survey was employed using self-administered questionnaires. A total of 250 surveys were distributed. After data cleaning, a total of 188 surveys were deemed usable. Main findings: The overall findings highlighted in this study are that decent work and employee motivation have a positive relationship with job performance. They also have a significant positive influence on job performance. Additionally the research concludes that the three constructs of decent work that include free time and rest, access to health care and safe working conditions have a significant moderating effect on the relationship between employee motivation and job performance. Practical/managerial implications: This implies that there is need to find ways to keep employees motivated so that their job performance can also improve. Policy makers v should come up with effective work place policies which insure that conditions for employee motivation are ensured at work place as well as decent working conditions. This is important because it results in increased productivity and performance by public service employees. Contribution/value add: The findings provide preliminary insights that contribute to the body of knowledge concerned with decent work and employee job performance in the field of human resource in the South African context. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic science, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-04
- Authors: Tungata, Nokwanda
- Date: 2022-04
- Subjects: Public service employment , Performance standards
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/58234 , vital:58772
- Description: Orientation: Organisational success is influenced by its ability to employ, develop, sustain and retain skilled employees. Retaining a strongly committed workforce has become a top priority for most organisations. Uncovering and addressing components which influence job insecurity helps retain employees. This is key to improving employee job performance. Research purpose: The purpose of the study was to investigate the moderating effects of decent work on the relationship between employee motivation and job performance using a sample of public service employees in the Eastern Cape Administration. The study aimed at determining the importance of individual-level performance when diagnosing performance issues in the public sector by focusing on the moderating role of decent work on the relationship between employee motivation and job performance. Motivation for the study: The South African public service is noted to undergoing challenges. Notably, affected are aspects related not only to employee motivation but also job performance. Needed are strategies that address these important organisational realities. Calls in the literature advocate the need to pay attention to the potential role of decent work. Research approach/design and method: A quantitative survey was employed using self-administered questionnaires. A total of 250 surveys were distributed. After data cleaning, a total of 188 surveys were deemed usable. Main findings: The overall findings highlighted in this study are that decent work and employee motivation have a positive relationship with job performance. They also have a significant positive influence on job performance. Additionally the research concludes that the three constructs of decent work that include free time and rest, access to health care and safe working conditions have a significant moderating effect on the relationship between employee motivation and job performance. Practical/managerial implications: This implies that there is need to find ways to keep employees motivated so that their job performance can also improve. Policy makers v should come up with effective work place policies which insure that conditions for employee motivation are ensured at work place as well as decent working conditions. This is important because it results in increased productivity and performance by public service employees. Contribution/value add: The findings provide preliminary insights that contribute to the body of knowledge concerned with decent work and employee job performance in the field of human resource in the South African context. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic science, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-04
The Unintended Consequences of Using Direct Incentives to Drive the Complex Task of Research Dissemination
- Muthama, Evelyn, McKenna, Sioux
- Authors: Muthama, Evelyn , McKenna, Sioux
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/187116 , vital:44569 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.25159/1947-9417/6688"
- Description: Universities have used an array of incentives to increase academic publications, which are highly rewarded in the South African higher education funding formula. While all universities use indirect incentives, such as linking promotion and probation to publication, the mechanisms used in some institutions have taken a very direct form, whereby authors are paid to publish. This process has paralleled a large rise in publication outputs alongside increased concerns about quality. Significantly, there are ethical questions to be asked when knowledge dissemination is so explicitly linked to financial reward through the payment of commission to academics. Based on an analysis of institutional policies and data from an online survey and interviews with academics from seven South African universities, we argue that when money is the main means used to encourage academics to contribute to knowledge, numerous unintended consequences may emerge. These include a focus on quantity rather than the quality of research, a rise in predatory publishing, and resentment among academics. We argue that incentives, in particular direct payment for publications, undermine the academic project by positioning publications in terms of exchange-value rather than their use-value as a contribution to knowledge building.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
- Authors: Muthama, Evelyn , McKenna, Sioux
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/187116 , vital:44569 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.25159/1947-9417/6688"
- Description: Universities have used an array of incentives to increase academic publications, which are highly rewarded in the South African higher education funding formula. While all universities use indirect incentives, such as linking promotion and probation to publication, the mechanisms used in some institutions have taken a very direct form, whereby authors are paid to publish. This process has paralleled a large rise in publication outputs alongside increased concerns about quality. Significantly, there are ethical questions to be asked when knowledge dissemination is so explicitly linked to financial reward through the payment of commission to academics. Based on an analysis of institutional policies and data from an online survey and interviews with academics from seven South African universities, we argue that when money is the main means used to encourage academics to contribute to knowledge, numerous unintended consequences may emerge. These include a focus on quantity rather than the quality of research, a rise in predatory publishing, and resentment among academics. We argue that incentives, in particular direct payment for publications, undermine the academic project by positioning publications in terms of exchange-value rather than their use-value as a contribution to knowledge building.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
Integrating the development of academic literacy into mainstream teaching and learning
- Authors: Amos, Trevor L
- Date: 1999
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/270891 , vital:54489 , xlink:href="https://hdl.handle.net/10520/AJA10113487_947"
- Description: Higher education is challenged to develop effective and independent learners of students who experience learning difficulties. These students are however, (potentially) able to engage in and do not necessarily lack the the inherent bstract cognitive capability necessary for academic success. The aim of this article is to be done in practice to integrate the development of academic literacy into mainstream teaching and learning.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1999
- Authors: Amos, Trevor L
- Date: 1999
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/270891 , vital:54489 , xlink:href="https://hdl.handle.net/10520/AJA10113487_947"
- Description: Higher education is challenged to develop effective and independent learners of students who experience learning difficulties. These students are however, (potentially) able to engage in and do not necessarily lack the the inherent bstract cognitive capability necessary for academic success. The aim of this article is to be done in practice to integrate the development of academic literacy into mainstream teaching and learning.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1999
Schistosomiasis: knowledge, attitudes and practices among Grade 4-7 primary school children and a retrospective prevalence in KwaNobuhle, Eastern Cape
- Authors: Hambury, Sydlynn Dorné
- Date: 2021-04
- Subjects: School children -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Attitudes
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/51589 , vital:43320
- Description: Background: Schistosomiasis also known as Bilharzia is one of the most common parasitic water-borne disease of global health importance. This study investigated the KAP of Grades 4 to 7 children from 4 selected primary schools in the study area on schistosomiasis. Furthermore, using the secondary data, the researcher determined the prevalence of schistosomiasis in KwaNobuhle over a five-year period from 2014 to 2018 retrospectively. Methods: The study employed a quantitative, descriptive, cross-sectional survey research design approach similar to a study done by Parisi et al. (2019, p.1–14) on intestinal schistosomiasis. A structured, closed-ended, self-administered, Likert-scale questionnaire was used to collect data from 458 learners in Grades 4 to 7 and aged from 9 to 16 years. Data on retrospective prevalence was obtained from the District Health Information System (DHIS) and the National Health Laboratory Service (NHLS) within the Nelson Mandela Bay. The data was analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Results: The leaners’ overall knowledge and attitudes towards schistosomiasis were poor based on the overall low-knowledge scores, which was 46% in the lowest category from 0-19 points. Urinary schistosomiasis infections within the study area showed an increase from the years 2014 to 2017; but declined in the year 2018. Additionally, the males 99 (24%) had a higher prevalence compared to the females 6 (1%) (p=<0.0005, V= 0.33 medium). The highest rate of disease infections was found in individuals between the ages of 10 and 19 years (p=<0.0005, V=0.43 medium). Conclusion: In conclusion, the researcher found that the overall knowledge and attitudes towards schistosomiasis among the learners were poor. The study further revealed that the rate of urinary schistosomiasis infections within the study area had increased from the years 2014 to 2017; but had declined in the year 2018. Recommendations were made to emphasise the need for education and awareness programmes on the disease-transmission pattern and control measures. , Thesis (MTech) -- Faculty of Health Sciences, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-04
- Authors: Hambury, Sydlynn Dorné
- Date: 2021-04
- Subjects: School children -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Attitudes
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/51589 , vital:43320
- Description: Background: Schistosomiasis also known as Bilharzia is one of the most common parasitic water-borne disease of global health importance. This study investigated the KAP of Grades 4 to 7 children from 4 selected primary schools in the study area on schistosomiasis. Furthermore, using the secondary data, the researcher determined the prevalence of schistosomiasis in KwaNobuhle over a five-year period from 2014 to 2018 retrospectively. Methods: The study employed a quantitative, descriptive, cross-sectional survey research design approach similar to a study done by Parisi et al. (2019, p.1–14) on intestinal schistosomiasis. A structured, closed-ended, self-administered, Likert-scale questionnaire was used to collect data from 458 learners in Grades 4 to 7 and aged from 9 to 16 years. Data on retrospective prevalence was obtained from the District Health Information System (DHIS) and the National Health Laboratory Service (NHLS) within the Nelson Mandela Bay. The data was analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Results: The leaners’ overall knowledge and attitudes towards schistosomiasis were poor based on the overall low-knowledge scores, which was 46% in the lowest category from 0-19 points. Urinary schistosomiasis infections within the study area showed an increase from the years 2014 to 2017; but declined in the year 2018. Additionally, the males 99 (24%) had a higher prevalence compared to the females 6 (1%) (p=<0.0005, V= 0.33 medium). The highest rate of disease infections was found in individuals between the ages of 10 and 19 years (p=<0.0005, V=0.43 medium). Conclusion: In conclusion, the researcher found that the overall knowledge and attitudes towards schistosomiasis among the learners were poor. The study further revealed that the rate of urinary schistosomiasis infections within the study area had increased from the years 2014 to 2017; but had declined in the year 2018. Recommendations were made to emphasise the need for education and awareness programmes on the disease-transmission pattern and control measures. , Thesis (MTech) -- Faculty of Health Sciences, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-04
Impact of sovereign credit ratings on emerging bond and stock market returns
- Authors: Mkhonto, Zoyisile
- Date: 2021-04
- Subjects: Rating agencies (Finance) , Credit ratings , Bond market
- Language: English
- Type: thesis , text , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/177170 , vital:42796
- Description: The primary role of credit rating agencies is to reduce asymmetric information between the parties in a lending relationship. The three major rating agencies have received extensive criticism over the years. These rating agencies have been accused of providing inaccurate ratings which ultimately led to various financial calamities. Late rating action has also been blamed for exacerbating financial and economic cycles. Moreover, there is an argument that emerging markets are unfairly rated in comparison to developed economies. Hence, the reliability and informational value of the assessments provided by credit rating agencies is met with scepticism. Despite these criticisms, rating agencies are characterised as gatekeepers to capital and credit ratings remain essential financial market indicators. Albeit, the literature regarding the impact of sovereign credit ratings on bond and stock markets is inconclusive. This study aims to add to the body of literature and provide insights into the informational value of sovereign credit ratings in emerging markets. More specifically to estimate the relationship between various sovereign credit rating announcements, and bond and stock market returns. Also, to examine whether sovereign credit ratings have a differential impact between bond and stock markets. As well as address the question does it matter who provides the rating? Using an event study, abnormal returns surrounding rating announcements from 2009 to 2019 for 24 emerging markets were analyzed. Firstly, this study concluded that sovereign credit ratings are informative. Secondly, the degree of informativeness differs between the bond and stock markets. Thirdly, an asymmetrical impact was observed between the types of rating announcements. Lastly, that it does matter which rating agency provides the rating because each agency has a unique reputation. The findings of this research have implications on how investors and portfolio managers decide on asset allocation. Furthermore, policymakers may find our investment grade analysis of value when evaluating regulatory reform. It’s recommended that future research refines the event methodology and examines country specific characteristics within each of the emerging markets. , Thesis (MCom) -- Faculty of Commerce, Economics and Economic History, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-04
- Authors: Mkhonto, Zoyisile
- Date: 2021-04
- Subjects: Rating agencies (Finance) , Credit ratings , Bond market
- Language: English
- Type: thesis , text , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/177170 , vital:42796
- Description: The primary role of credit rating agencies is to reduce asymmetric information between the parties in a lending relationship. The three major rating agencies have received extensive criticism over the years. These rating agencies have been accused of providing inaccurate ratings which ultimately led to various financial calamities. Late rating action has also been blamed for exacerbating financial and economic cycles. Moreover, there is an argument that emerging markets are unfairly rated in comparison to developed economies. Hence, the reliability and informational value of the assessments provided by credit rating agencies is met with scepticism. Despite these criticisms, rating agencies are characterised as gatekeepers to capital and credit ratings remain essential financial market indicators. Albeit, the literature regarding the impact of sovereign credit ratings on bond and stock markets is inconclusive. This study aims to add to the body of literature and provide insights into the informational value of sovereign credit ratings in emerging markets. More specifically to estimate the relationship between various sovereign credit rating announcements, and bond and stock market returns. Also, to examine whether sovereign credit ratings have a differential impact between bond and stock markets. As well as address the question does it matter who provides the rating? Using an event study, abnormal returns surrounding rating announcements from 2009 to 2019 for 24 emerging markets were analyzed. Firstly, this study concluded that sovereign credit ratings are informative. Secondly, the degree of informativeness differs between the bond and stock markets. Thirdly, an asymmetrical impact was observed between the types of rating announcements. Lastly, that it does matter which rating agency provides the rating because each agency has a unique reputation. The findings of this research have implications on how investors and portfolio managers decide on asset allocation. Furthermore, policymakers may find our investment grade analysis of value when evaluating regulatory reform. It’s recommended that future research refines the event methodology and examines country specific characteristics within each of the emerging markets. , Thesis (MCom) -- Faculty of Commerce, Economics and Economic History, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-04
Puma (Puma concolor) diet and habitat use in south-west New Mexico
- Authors: Bernard, Kelly Monica Tandi
- Date: 2022-10-14
- Subjects: Puma Food New Mexico , Puma Habitat New Mexico , Puma Nutrition New Mexico , Puma Conservation New Mexico , Carnivorous animals New Mexico , Red deer , Elk , Mule deer , Ungulates
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/362752 , vital:65359
- Description: The puma (Puma concolor) is a wide-ranging large felid species occupying an extensive geographic range throughout North and South America, and site-specific research on their diet is important for local management. Like other large felids, puma diet may differ between sexes due to size dimorphism, and between seasons due to changes in prey vulnerability and availability. This study assessed the influence of sex and season on puma diet in south-west New Mexico in terms of prey species and prey size categories. Pumas specialised on mule deer and elk throughout the year, and killed a range of other species of different sizes. The diet of the smaller female puma was nested within the diet of males, supporting the size-nested strategy. The effect of puma sex on prey species and size categories was independent of season, and vice versa, and the probability of a female making a medium-sized kill such as mule deer was higher than for males, while the probability of an extra-large kill such as elk was substantially greater for males. The probability of pumas killing either mule deer or elk in each season was similar, and greater than other species categories. Additionally, individual puma strongly influenced all prey species and size categories killed. The results from this study concur with previous findings on the importance of mule deer and elk in puma diet, and suggest that puma predation may also impact a number of other species, particularly smaller herbivores like collared peccary, and mesocarnivores such as skunks. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, Zoology and Entomology, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-10-14
- Authors: Bernard, Kelly Monica Tandi
- Date: 2022-10-14
- Subjects: Puma Food New Mexico , Puma Habitat New Mexico , Puma Nutrition New Mexico , Puma Conservation New Mexico , Carnivorous animals New Mexico , Red deer , Elk , Mule deer , Ungulates
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/362752 , vital:65359
- Description: The puma (Puma concolor) is a wide-ranging large felid species occupying an extensive geographic range throughout North and South America, and site-specific research on their diet is important for local management. Like other large felids, puma diet may differ between sexes due to size dimorphism, and between seasons due to changes in prey vulnerability and availability. This study assessed the influence of sex and season on puma diet in south-west New Mexico in terms of prey species and prey size categories. Pumas specialised on mule deer and elk throughout the year, and killed a range of other species of different sizes. The diet of the smaller female puma was nested within the diet of males, supporting the size-nested strategy. The effect of puma sex on prey species and size categories was independent of season, and vice versa, and the probability of a female making a medium-sized kill such as mule deer was higher than for males, while the probability of an extra-large kill such as elk was substantially greater for males. The probability of pumas killing either mule deer or elk in each season was similar, and greater than other species categories. Additionally, individual puma strongly influenced all prey species and size categories killed. The results from this study concur with previous findings on the importance of mule deer and elk in puma diet, and suggest that puma predation may also impact a number of other species, particularly smaller herbivores like collared peccary, and mesocarnivores such as skunks. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, Zoology and Entomology, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-10-14
Development of phthalocyanine functionalised TiO 2 and ZnO nanofibers for photodegradation of methyl orange
- Mapukata, Sivuyisiwe, Nyokong, Tebello
- Authors: Mapukata, Sivuyisiwe , Nyokong, Tebello
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/186323 , vital:44485 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1039/D0NJ03326J"
- Description: The photocatalytic activity of TiO2 and ZnO based catalysts, which is based on their ability to generate electron–hole pairs upon photoillumination is limited due to their wide band gaps and lack of efficient retrievability post-application. This work reports on the fabrication, characterisation and comparison of electrospun TiO2 and ZnO nanofibers when bare vs when functionalised with a phthalocyanine. The generated photocatalysts are attractive because they absorb visible light and are easily retrievable and hence reusable. With the Pc anchored onto their surfaces, the anatase TiO2 nanofibers and the wurzite ZnO nanofibers possessed singlet oxygen quantum yields of 0.22 and 0.16 in water, respectively. Evaluation of the photocatalytic efficiencies of the nanofibers was conducted by studying the photodegradation of methyl orange. The Pc decorated nanofibers were found to be more effective photocatalysts than the bare ones with the phthalocyanine TiO2 nanofibers being the best. The degradation kinetics were found to follow pseudo first order kinetics and obeyed the Langmuir Hinshelwood model. The nanocatalysts reported herein are therefore feasible candidates for real-life water purification applications.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
- Authors: Mapukata, Sivuyisiwe , Nyokong, Tebello
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/186323 , vital:44485 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1039/D0NJ03326J"
- Description: The photocatalytic activity of TiO2 and ZnO based catalysts, which is based on their ability to generate electron–hole pairs upon photoillumination is limited due to their wide band gaps and lack of efficient retrievability post-application. This work reports on the fabrication, characterisation and comparison of electrospun TiO2 and ZnO nanofibers when bare vs when functionalised with a phthalocyanine. The generated photocatalysts are attractive because they absorb visible light and are easily retrievable and hence reusable. With the Pc anchored onto their surfaces, the anatase TiO2 nanofibers and the wurzite ZnO nanofibers possessed singlet oxygen quantum yields of 0.22 and 0.16 in water, respectively. Evaluation of the photocatalytic efficiencies of the nanofibers was conducted by studying the photodegradation of methyl orange. The Pc decorated nanofibers were found to be more effective photocatalysts than the bare ones with the phthalocyanine TiO2 nanofibers being the best. The degradation kinetics were found to follow pseudo first order kinetics and obeyed the Langmuir Hinshelwood model. The nanocatalysts reported herein are therefore feasible candidates for real-life water purification applications.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
Characterization of glassy carbon electrodes modified with carbon nanotubes and iron phthalocyanine through grafting and click chemistry
- Coates, Megan, Nyokong, Tebello
- Authors: Coates, Megan , Nyokong, Tebello
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/193746 , vital:45392 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.electacta.2012.12.112"
- Description: A glassy carbon electrode was modified by adsorption of single-walled carbon nanotubes, followed by electrochemical grafting of 4-azidobenzenediazonium salt, which was in turn reacted with ethynylpyridine through the Sharpless “click chemistry” reaction. Thereafter, iron phthalocyanine was attached to the electrode through axial ligation to the pyridine group. The modified electrode was characterised using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and scanning electrochemical microscopy, and well as electrochemistry. The electrocatalytic ability of the modified electrode was tested using hydrazine as a sample analyte, and showed a significant 10-fold improvement in the detection of hydrazine compared to the surface without nanotubes, and comparable stability. The linear range for this surface was over 1.0 × 10−5 to 1.0 × 10−4 mol dm−3, with a limit of detection of 1.10 ± 0.06 μmol dm−3 and sensitivity of 15.61 μA mM−1.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
- Authors: Coates, Megan , Nyokong, Tebello
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/193746 , vital:45392 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.electacta.2012.12.112"
- Description: A glassy carbon electrode was modified by adsorption of single-walled carbon nanotubes, followed by electrochemical grafting of 4-azidobenzenediazonium salt, which was in turn reacted with ethynylpyridine through the Sharpless “click chemistry” reaction. Thereafter, iron phthalocyanine was attached to the electrode through axial ligation to the pyridine group. The modified electrode was characterised using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and scanning electrochemical microscopy, and well as electrochemistry. The electrocatalytic ability of the modified electrode was tested using hydrazine as a sample analyte, and showed a significant 10-fold improvement in the detection of hydrazine compared to the surface without nanotubes, and comparable stability. The linear range for this surface was over 1.0 × 10−5 to 1.0 × 10−4 mol dm−3, with a limit of detection of 1.10 ± 0.06 μmol dm−3 and sensitivity of 15.61 μA mM−1.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
Evaluation of the effectiveness of small aperture network telescopes as IBR data sources
- Authors: Chindipha, Stones Dalitso
- Date: 2023-03-31
- Subjects: Computer networks Monitoring , Computer networks Security measures , Computer bootstrapping , Time-series analysis , Regression analysis , Mathematical models
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/366264 , vital:65849 , DOI https://doi.org/10.21504/10962/366264
- Description: The use of network telescopes to collect unsolicited network traffic by monitoring unallocated address space has been in existence for over two decades. Past research has shown that there is a lot of activity happening in this unallocated space that needs monitoring as it carries threat intelligence data that has proven to be very useful in the security field. Prior to the emergence of the Internet of Things (IoT), commercialisation of IP addresses and widespread of mobile devices, there was a large pool of IPv4 addresses and thus reserving IPv4 addresses to be used for monitoring unsolicited activities going in the unallocated space was not a problem. Now, preservation of such IPv4 addresses just for monitoring is increasingly difficult as there is not enough free addresses in the IPv4 address space to be used for just monitoring. This is the case because such monitoring is seen as a ’non-productive’ use of the IP addresses. This research addresses the problem brought forth by this IPv4 address space exhaustion in relation to Internet Background Radiation (IBR) monitoring. In order to address the research questions, this research developed four mathematical models: Absolute Mean Accuracy Percentage Score (AMAPS), Symmetric Absolute Mean Accuracy Percentage Score (SAMAPS), Standardised Mean Absolute Error (SMAE), and Standardised Mean Absolute Scaled Error (SMASE). These models are used to evaluate the research objectives and quantify the variations that exist between different samples. The sample sizes represent different lens sizes of the telescopes. The study has brought to light a time series plot that shows the expected proportion of unique source IP addresses collected over time. The study also imputed data using the smaller /24 IPv4 net-block subnets to regenerate the missing data points using bootstrapping to create confidence intervals (CI). The findings from the simulated data supports the findings computed from the models. The CI offers a boost to decision making. Through a series of experiments with monthly and quarterly datasets, the study proposed a 95% - 99% confidence level to be used. It was known that large network telescopes collect more threat intelligence data than small-sized network telescopes, however, no study, to the best of our knowledge, has ever quantified such a knowledge gap. With the findings from the study, small-sized network telescope users can now use their network telescopes with full knowledge of gap that exists in the data collected between different network telescopes. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Science, Computer Science, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-03-31
- Authors: Chindipha, Stones Dalitso
- Date: 2023-03-31
- Subjects: Computer networks Monitoring , Computer networks Security measures , Computer bootstrapping , Time-series analysis , Regression analysis , Mathematical models
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/366264 , vital:65849 , DOI https://doi.org/10.21504/10962/366264
- Description: The use of network telescopes to collect unsolicited network traffic by monitoring unallocated address space has been in existence for over two decades. Past research has shown that there is a lot of activity happening in this unallocated space that needs monitoring as it carries threat intelligence data that has proven to be very useful in the security field. Prior to the emergence of the Internet of Things (IoT), commercialisation of IP addresses and widespread of mobile devices, there was a large pool of IPv4 addresses and thus reserving IPv4 addresses to be used for monitoring unsolicited activities going in the unallocated space was not a problem. Now, preservation of such IPv4 addresses just for monitoring is increasingly difficult as there is not enough free addresses in the IPv4 address space to be used for just monitoring. This is the case because such monitoring is seen as a ’non-productive’ use of the IP addresses. This research addresses the problem brought forth by this IPv4 address space exhaustion in relation to Internet Background Radiation (IBR) monitoring. In order to address the research questions, this research developed four mathematical models: Absolute Mean Accuracy Percentage Score (AMAPS), Symmetric Absolute Mean Accuracy Percentage Score (SAMAPS), Standardised Mean Absolute Error (SMAE), and Standardised Mean Absolute Scaled Error (SMASE). These models are used to evaluate the research objectives and quantify the variations that exist between different samples. The sample sizes represent different lens sizes of the telescopes. The study has brought to light a time series plot that shows the expected proportion of unique source IP addresses collected over time. The study also imputed data using the smaller /24 IPv4 net-block subnets to regenerate the missing data points using bootstrapping to create confidence intervals (CI). The findings from the simulated data supports the findings computed from the models. The CI offers a boost to decision making. Through a series of experiments with monthly and quarterly datasets, the study proposed a 95% - 99% confidence level to be used. It was known that large network telescopes collect more threat intelligence data than small-sized network telescopes, however, no study, to the best of our knowledge, has ever quantified such a knowledge gap. With the findings from the study, small-sized network telescope users can now use their network telescopes with full knowledge of gap that exists in the data collected between different network telescopes. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Science, Computer Science, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-03-31
Characterisation of the ultramafic and carbonatite components of the Schiel Alkaline Complex in the Limpopo Province of South Africa
- Authors: Mahomed, Uzayr
- Date: 2021-10-29
- Subjects: Ultrabasic rocks South Africa Limpopo , Carbonatites South Africa Limpopo , Geology South Africa Limpopo , Mica South Africa Limpopo , Biotite South Africa Limpopo , Magmatism , Schiel Alkaline Complex , Phoscorite , Glimmerite
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/294768 , vital:57253
- Description: Owing to the poor documentation of the phoscorite-carbonatite association present in the Schiel Complex and the associated economic potential of other known phoscorite-bearing complexes, the Schiel Complex is widely thought to have similar economic potential. This complex is often compared to the lucrative Phalaborwa Complex, as it is thought to have crystallised from a common parental melt, with a similar age of emplacement. This study aims to provide clarity on the physical and chemical characterisation of the various rock types present in the Schiel Complex, with this study being the first petrological investigation based on fresh in-situ samples gathered from 3 borehole cores which were drilled by FOSKOR in the 1960s. The sampled sections of the ultramafics from the Schiel Complex are comprised of end-member rock compositions of either magmatic phoscorites or pyroxenites or metasomatic glimmerites, where gradational contacts between these various end-members produce rock varieties that contain characteristics of one or more end-member types. Carbonatite rocks are present as medium-grained, coarse-grained and banded calcio-carbonatite varieties where the carbonatite rocks are proposed as being the metasomatic medium for glimmerite production. Contrary to previous research, the structure of the ultramafic and carbonatite bodies are present as vein and veinlet structures which seem to originate from a single pipe-like body, from which these rock types intruded into the surrounding syenitic country-rock. Metasomatic alteration of the ultramafic sections of the Schiel Complex also show that the carbonatite rocks must have intruded after some ultramafic magmatism. The presence of the same minerals, with similar chemistries, in both the ultramafic and carbonatite rocks as well as similar REE chondrite-normalised plots show that the various rock types may have originated from a common parental magma, where the accumulation and crystallisation of minerals is the most likely factor in producing the various Schiel Complex rock varieties, causing silicate minerals to be present in the carbonate fraction of the magma, and carbonate minerals in the silicate fraction of the magma. Apatite is the expected rare earth element (REE) mineralising mineral in phoscorites, but is shown to be depleted in REE content in the Schiel Complex due to metasomatic fluid infiltration causing the scavenging and dissipation of REEs. These rocks have also crystallised containing no significant copper-bearing mineralisation, contrary to that which is seen in the Phalaborwa Complex. A comparison of mica minerals between the Schiel Complex rocks and the Phalaborwa Complex rocks show that the two complexes have undergone unique emplacement processes and should not be considered as sister complexes. Efforts to date the glimmerite and carbonatite rocks based on zircon grain U/Pb geochronology proved unsuccessful in constraining the current ages of emplacement provided by previous researchers, but rock relationships show that the current accepted sequence of events cannot be correct, providing scope for further research. This study provides an update on the chemical and physical characteristics, based on the only available sample suite of the ultramafic and carbonatite components, of the Schiel Complex, increasing the depth of documentation of these rare rock types and aiding in refuting some conclusions on the genesis, emplacement and evolution of the Schiel Complex proposed by previous research. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, Geology, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-10-29
- Authors: Mahomed, Uzayr
- Date: 2021-10-29
- Subjects: Ultrabasic rocks South Africa Limpopo , Carbonatites South Africa Limpopo , Geology South Africa Limpopo , Mica South Africa Limpopo , Biotite South Africa Limpopo , Magmatism , Schiel Alkaline Complex , Phoscorite , Glimmerite
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/294768 , vital:57253
- Description: Owing to the poor documentation of the phoscorite-carbonatite association present in the Schiel Complex and the associated economic potential of other known phoscorite-bearing complexes, the Schiel Complex is widely thought to have similar economic potential. This complex is often compared to the lucrative Phalaborwa Complex, as it is thought to have crystallised from a common parental melt, with a similar age of emplacement. This study aims to provide clarity on the physical and chemical characterisation of the various rock types present in the Schiel Complex, with this study being the first petrological investigation based on fresh in-situ samples gathered from 3 borehole cores which were drilled by FOSKOR in the 1960s. The sampled sections of the ultramafics from the Schiel Complex are comprised of end-member rock compositions of either magmatic phoscorites or pyroxenites or metasomatic glimmerites, where gradational contacts between these various end-members produce rock varieties that contain characteristics of one or more end-member types. Carbonatite rocks are present as medium-grained, coarse-grained and banded calcio-carbonatite varieties where the carbonatite rocks are proposed as being the metasomatic medium for glimmerite production. Contrary to previous research, the structure of the ultramafic and carbonatite bodies are present as vein and veinlet structures which seem to originate from a single pipe-like body, from which these rock types intruded into the surrounding syenitic country-rock. Metasomatic alteration of the ultramafic sections of the Schiel Complex also show that the carbonatite rocks must have intruded after some ultramafic magmatism. The presence of the same minerals, with similar chemistries, in both the ultramafic and carbonatite rocks as well as similar REE chondrite-normalised plots show that the various rock types may have originated from a common parental magma, where the accumulation and crystallisation of minerals is the most likely factor in producing the various Schiel Complex rock varieties, causing silicate minerals to be present in the carbonate fraction of the magma, and carbonate minerals in the silicate fraction of the magma. Apatite is the expected rare earth element (REE) mineralising mineral in phoscorites, but is shown to be depleted in REE content in the Schiel Complex due to metasomatic fluid infiltration causing the scavenging and dissipation of REEs. These rocks have also crystallised containing no significant copper-bearing mineralisation, contrary to that which is seen in the Phalaborwa Complex. A comparison of mica minerals between the Schiel Complex rocks and the Phalaborwa Complex rocks show that the two complexes have undergone unique emplacement processes and should not be considered as sister complexes. Efforts to date the glimmerite and carbonatite rocks based on zircon grain U/Pb geochronology proved unsuccessful in constraining the current ages of emplacement provided by previous researchers, but rock relationships show that the current accepted sequence of events cannot be correct, providing scope for further research. This study provides an update on the chemical and physical characteristics, based on the only available sample suite of the ultramafic and carbonatite components, of the Schiel Complex, increasing the depth of documentation of these rare rock types and aiding in refuting some conclusions on the genesis, emplacement and evolution of the Schiel Complex proposed by previous research. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, Geology, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-10-29
Love at first bite? Pre-release surveys reveal a novel association between a native weevil and the invasive Nymphaea mexicana Zuccarini (Nymphaeaceae) in South Africa
- Reid, Megan, Hill, Martin P, Coetzee, Julie A
- Authors: Reid, Megan , Hill, Martin P , Coetzee, Julie A
- Date: 2023
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/416866 , vital:71392 , xlink:href="https://hdl.handle.net/10520/ejc-ento_v31_n1_a19"
- Description: Classical biological control aims to suppress alien invasive plant populations by introducing host-specific natural enemies from the native range. This relies on the assumption that invasive plant populations in the invaded range benefit from the release of natural enemies. Pre-release surveys in the invaded range are a useful way to determine if enemy release applies to a particular invasive alien plant, and to determine what other factors may contribute to the invasion. Similarly, pre-release surveys gather information that can be used to compare invaded sites before and after the release of biological control agents and may also identify whether natural enemies have been accidentally introduced into the country. Pre-release surveys were conducted in South Africa on the invasive Nymphaea mexicana Zuccarini (Nymphaeaceae) to gather such information about this species, for which a biological control programme is being developed. There was lower diversity and abundance of herbivores in the native range compared to South Africa, suggesting that N. mexicana does experience enemy release at most sites in South Africa. This support for the enemy release hypothesis justifies the investment in biological control for its management. However, a native weevil, Bagous longulus Gyllenhal (Coleoptera: Curculionidae), was found feeding and reproducing on N. mexicana at three sites, resulting in damage to the leaves and suggesting that a novel association has formed between these species. Bagous longulus may have potential to be distributed to sites of N. mexicana where it is not present, though further investigation is necessary to confirm if its host range is suitable for this to be a safe endeavour. With the exception of sites where B. longulus was present, leaf sizes were large and damage was low, and there is no evidence that any natural enemies have been accidentally introduced from the native range. Findings such as these emphasise the importance of conducting thorough surveys during the development of biological control programmes.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023
- Authors: Reid, Megan , Hill, Martin P , Coetzee, Julie A
- Date: 2023
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/416866 , vital:71392 , xlink:href="https://hdl.handle.net/10520/ejc-ento_v31_n1_a19"
- Description: Classical biological control aims to suppress alien invasive plant populations by introducing host-specific natural enemies from the native range. This relies on the assumption that invasive plant populations in the invaded range benefit from the release of natural enemies. Pre-release surveys in the invaded range are a useful way to determine if enemy release applies to a particular invasive alien plant, and to determine what other factors may contribute to the invasion. Similarly, pre-release surveys gather information that can be used to compare invaded sites before and after the release of biological control agents and may also identify whether natural enemies have been accidentally introduced into the country. Pre-release surveys were conducted in South Africa on the invasive Nymphaea mexicana Zuccarini (Nymphaeaceae) to gather such information about this species, for which a biological control programme is being developed. There was lower diversity and abundance of herbivores in the native range compared to South Africa, suggesting that N. mexicana does experience enemy release at most sites in South Africa. This support for the enemy release hypothesis justifies the investment in biological control for its management. However, a native weevil, Bagous longulus Gyllenhal (Coleoptera: Curculionidae), was found feeding and reproducing on N. mexicana at three sites, resulting in damage to the leaves and suggesting that a novel association has formed between these species. Bagous longulus may have potential to be distributed to sites of N. mexicana where it is not present, though further investigation is necessary to confirm if its host range is suitable for this to be a safe endeavour. With the exception of sites where B. longulus was present, leaf sizes were large and damage was low, and there is no evidence that any natural enemies have been accidentally introduced from the native range. Findings such as these emphasise the importance of conducting thorough surveys during the development of biological control programmes.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023
Potential latitudinal variation in orodigestive tract cancers in Africa
- Adeola, H A, Adefuye, A O, Jimoh, S A
- Authors: Adeola, H A , Adefuye, A O , Jimoh, S A
- Date: 2018
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/11260/5280 , vital:44428 , http://www.samj.org.za/index.php/samj/article/view/12259
- Description: Background. Previous studies have alluded to a causal relationship between pathological entities and geographical variations, but there is a paucity of studies from Africa discussing the effect of latitudinal variation on orodigestive cancers in this region. It seems plausible that the burden of orodigestive cancer would differ as a result of variations in diet, cultural habits, climate and environmental conditions down the length of Africa. Objectives. To analyse regional variations in prevalence, incidence and mortality data in the global cancer statistics database (GLOBOCAN 2012) curated by the World Health Organization and the International Agency for Research on Cancer. Basic descriptive statistical tools were used to depict regional variations in cancer morbidity and mortality. Methods. Data on 13 African countries between longitude 20⁰ and 30⁰ east and latitude 35⁰ north and 35⁰ south were examined for variation in age-standardised orodigestive cancer prevalence, incidence and mortality. Possible regional causes for orodigestive tract cancer development were investigated. Data on lip and oral cavity, oesophageal, gastric, colorectal, liver, gallbladder and pancreatic cancers in the 13 countries were compared. Results. Our empirical findings from this preliminary study support the notion that the incidence and prevalence of orodigestive cancers vary within Africa. This effect may be due to environmental, economic, political and possibly genetic factors. Conclusions. Considering the heterogeneity of the above factors across Africa, disbursement of funding for cancer research and therapy in Africa should be focused in terms of regional variations to make best use of the fiscal allocation by African governments, non-governmental organisations and international agencies.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Adeola, H A , Adefuye, A O , Jimoh, S A
- Date: 2018
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/11260/5280 , vital:44428 , http://www.samj.org.za/index.php/samj/article/view/12259
- Description: Background. Previous studies have alluded to a causal relationship between pathological entities and geographical variations, but there is a paucity of studies from Africa discussing the effect of latitudinal variation on orodigestive cancers in this region. It seems plausible that the burden of orodigestive cancer would differ as a result of variations in diet, cultural habits, climate and environmental conditions down the length of Africa. Objectives. To analyse regional variations in prevalence, incidence and mortality data in the global cancer statistics database (GLOBOCAN 2012) curated by the World Health Organization and the International Agency for Research on Cancer. Basic descriptive statistical tools were used to depict regional variations in cancer morbidity and mortality. Methods. Data on 13 African countries between longitude 20⁰ and 30⁰ east and latitude 35⁰ north and 35⁰ south were examined for variation in age-standardised orodigestive cancer prevalence, incidence and mortality. Possible regional causes for orodigestive tract cancer development were investigated. Data on lip and oral cavity, oesophageal, gastric, colorectal, liver, gallbladder and pancreatic cancers in the 13 countries were compared. Results. Our empirical findings from this preliminary study support the notion that the incidence and prevalence of orodigestive cancers vary within Africa. This effect may be due to environmental, economic, political and possibly genetic factors. Conclusions. Considering the heterogeneity of the above factors across Africa, disbursement of funding for cancer research and therapy in Africa should be focused in terms of regional variations to make best use of the fiscal allocation by African governments, non-governmental organisations and international agencies.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
Kinetics of the reaction of cyanide with ruthenium phthalocyanine complexes
- Nyokong, Tebello, Guthrie-Strachan, Jeffry
- Authors: Nyokong, Tebello , Guthrie-Strachan, Jeffry
- Date: 1993
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/295509 , vital:57348 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1016/S0020-1693(00)85128-2"
- Description: Kinetic studies of the reaction of cyanide with (CO)(DMF)RuPc and (DMSO)2RuPc in DMF are reported. In the presence of a large excess of cyanide, the (CN)2RuPc complex is formed by pseudo first order kinetics. The reaction is first order in both cyanide and phthalocyanine, with specific rate constants of 5.2×10−2 and 7.2×10−2 M−1 s−1 for reactions of cyanide with (CO)(DMF)RuPc and (DMSO)2RuPc, respectively. The rate constants correspond to the coordination of the second cyanide ligand to the ruthenium phthalocyanine species.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1993
- Authors: Nyokong, Tebello , Guthrie-Strachan, Jeffry
- Date: 1993
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/295509 , vital:57348 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1016/S0020-1693(00)85128-2"
- Description: Kinetic studies of the reaction of cyanide with (CO)(DMF)RuPc and (DMSO)2RuPc in DMF are reported. In the presence of a large excess of cyanide, the (CN)2RuPc complex is formed by pseudo first order kinetics. The reaction is first order in both cyanide and phthalocyanine, with specific rate constants of 5.2×10−2 and 7.2×10−2 M−1 s−1 for reactions of cyanide with (CO)(DMF)RuPc and (DMSO)2RuPc, respectively. The rate constants correspond to the coordination of the second cyanide ligand to the ruthenium phthalocyanine species.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1993
The posttraumatic growth of Natalie Du Toit: A psychobiography
- Authors: Madotyeni-Ngcongca, Thozama
- Date: 2023-04
- Subjects: Posttraumatic growth , Psychobiography , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/61522 , vital:70969
- Description: This study sought to gain insight into the phenomenon of posttraumatic growth by performing a psychobiography of Natalie du Toit, who underwent a traumatic experience and acquired a disability. This study employed a psychobiographical methodology in order to interpret the life of Paralympic gold medallist, Natalie du Toit, from a psychosocial development perspective. The study used a qualitative research paradigm and a purposive sampling technique was employed to select Natalie du Toit. This was done to determine the extent to which Natalie du Toit underwent developmental growth as a result of posttraumatic growth after recuperating from her trauma. Tedeschi and Calhoun’s Posttraumatic Growth Model was used to inform the research. This model was used to describe the life experiences and events that characterised the posttraumatic adjustment of Natalie du Toit and interpret these through Tedeschi and Calhoun’s Posttraumatic Growth Model. The findings revealed a significant extend the existence of all five variables of Tedeschi and Calhoun’s Posttraumatic Growth Model, in the life of Natalie du Toit. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-04
- Authors: Madotyeni-Ngcongca, Thozama
- Date: 2023-04
- Subjects: Posttraumatic growth , Psychobiography , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/61522 , vital:70969
- Description: This study sought to gain insight into the phenomenon of posttraumatic growth by performing a psychobiography of Natalie du Toit, who underwent a traumatic experience and acquired a disability. This study employed a psychobiographical methodology in order to interpret the life of Paralympic gold medallist, Natalie du Toit, from a psychosocial development perspective. The study used a qualitative research paradigm and a purposive sampling technique was employed to select Natalie du Toit. This was done to determine the extent to which Natalie du Toit underwent developmental growth as a result of posttraumatic growth after recuperating from her trauma. Tedeschi and Calhoun’s Posttraumatic Growth Model was used to inform the research. This model was used to describe the life experiences and events that characterised the posttraumatic adjustment of Natalie du Toit and interpret these through Tedeschi and Calhoun’s Posttraumatic Growth Model. The findings revealed a significant extend the existence of all five variables of Tedeschi and Calhoun’s Posttraumatic Growth Model, in the life of Natalie du Toit. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-04
A model for integrating user experience into Agile software development
- Authors: Manakaza, Mpile
- Date: 2023-04
- Subjects: Customer satisfaction , Agile development (Computer science) , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , Thesis
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/60949 , vital:69295
- Description: The Agile software development methodology has progressed over time and has become the most popularly used methodology for many projects owing to its adaptable and advanced nature. Agile is an iterative and incremental method that supports project teams to maintain the growing demands of present-day organisations. In software development, it is imperative to build software that ensures a holistic user experience and meets requirements. Software Developers and User Experience Designers focus on users’ preferences and requirements while navigating an application through an approach called user-centred design (UCD). The purpose of Agile user-experience (UX) methods is to build user-centric software solutions using the Agile methodology. Literature indicates a scarcity of Agile-UX models to integrate user experience design processes effectively within Agile software development. Hence, the motivation for this study was to create a practical model for integrating user experience design processes into Agile software development for implementation by software development teams. Initially, the study defines the problem that formed the basis for the initiation of this research, followed by the research questions and objectives that are the fundamental portion of the development of this study. This study highlights the benefits and challenges of Agile-UX methods through a case study of Agile software development teams in South Africa. Furthermore, additional best practices are recommended. A survey questionnaire was distributed to software development teams to identify the various factors that lead to implementing Agile-UX methods. The distribution of the survey questionnaire supported the theoretical perspective of this study. Furthermore, Agile development (AD) and UCD are not easy to combine as UCD aims to understand users before software product development, and no activities are performed before development starts in AD. Lastly, a significant benefit is that user-centred software systems create and promote team collaboration and communication and, ultimately, successful software projects. , Thesis (MIT) -- Faculty of Engineering, the Built Environment and Technology, School of Information and Communication Technology, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-04
- Authors: Manakaza, Mpile
- Date: 2023-04
- Subjects: Customer satisfaction , Agile development (Computer science) , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , Thesis
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/60949 , vital:69295
- Description: The Agile software development methodology has progressed over time and has become the most popularly used methodology for many projects owing to its adaptable and advanced nature. Agile is an iterative and incremental method that supports project teams to maintain the growing demands of present-day organisations. In software development, it is imperative to build software that ensures a holistic user experience and meets requirements. Software Developers and User Experience Designers focus on users’ preferences and requirements while navigating an application through an approach called user-centred design (UCD). The purpose of Agile user-experience (UX) methods is to build user-centric software solutions using the Agile methodology. Literature indicates a scarcity of Agile-UX models to integrate user experience design processes effectively within Agile software development. Hence, the motivation for this study was to create a practical model for integrating user experience design processes into Agile software development for implementation by software development teams. Initially, the study defines the problem that formed the basis for the initiation of this research, followed by the research questions and objectives that are the fundamental portion of the development of this study. This study highlights the benefits and challenges of Agile-UX methods through a case study of Agile software development teams in South Africa. Furthermore, additional best practices are recommended. A survey questionnaire was distributed to software development teams to identify the various factors that lead to implementing Agile-UX methods. The distribution of the survey questionnaire supported the theoretical perspective of this study. Furthermore, Agile development (AD) and UCD are not easy to combine as UCD aims to understand users before software product development, and no activities are performed before development starts in AD. Lastly, a significant benefit is that user-centred software systems create and promote team collaboration and communication and, ultimately, successful software projects. , Thesis (MIT) -- Faculty of Engineering, the Built Environment and Technology, School of Information and Communication Technology, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-04
Post-apartheid geographies of studentification at Nelson Mandela University, Port Elizabeth, South Africa
- Authors: Mzileni, Pedro Mihlali
- Date: 2021-12
- Subjects: Port Elizabeth (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/53758 , vital:45759
- Description: This study takes the concept of studentification from its British conception to the post-apartheid African city, Port Elizabeth (Gqeberha), where the Nelson Mandela University is situated. Studentification refers to the mass arrival of students in university cities and towns and the economic, infrastructural, geographic and sociopolitical changes that the settlements of these students make overtime to such cities and towns. For the case of Nelson Mandela University in Port Elizabeth, this study identified four major areas that are engulfed by studentification and sought to understand how this phenomenon takes shape in them. The study extends the existing terms and languages used to comprehend studentification by introducing a viewpoint of how it emerges in an African post-apartheid city. This is a city that has deindustrialised and has also experienced a capital flight out of its city centre since the 1970s. These declining economic indicators over decades have left the city to decay and experience high rates of unemployment, poverty and housing displacements. But, the post-1994 massification of the South African higher education system introduced new micro-economies for the city mainly through the emergence of student accommodation as a thriving business opportunity in the city in light of increased university enrolments. However, the economic injection brought by student accommodation in this city that has been deindustrialising remains minimal in having the necessary power to turnaround the city’s fortunes and transform the urban space towards a developmental path. This socioeconomic problem is also compounded by the presence of a weak arm of the state (particularly local government) that is unable to play an active role in driving capital flows to deliver tangible urban development. As a result, the university emerges as one of the active public actors in the renewal efforts of the city even though this is not its primary mandate. Thus, the process of studentification in this case takes place in a context defined by a declining higher education political economy and a weak city planning regime. As a result, these factors leave studentification to be vulnerable to being impacted by old colonial-apartheid structures of the city and the economic shortfalls of post-apartheid urban South Africa that have produced a precarious urban space where the private property market and the illicit economy have a stronger hand in determining the power relations that emerge in the city space. Studentification in this African city is expressed in four major geographies: (1) the Summerstrand suburb that is nearest to the University’s main urban campuses, (2) the Central CBD that has experienced capital flight and currently has tall buildings that are former offices of apartheid commerce which have been converted to student accommodation, (3) the deindustrialised and abandoned manufacturing sites at the North End margins of the city which have also been converted to student accommodation, and (4) the Zwide township, an underprivileged black community that is close to the former black Missionvale campus of the University – this is the furthest student accommodation area in the city. The study examines these student communities that emerge out of these four identified areas of the urban space and it also underscores the genre of the political, social, and economic relations of each of these four geographies and their interconnectedness. The study found that the South African post-apartheid city is characterised by an urban model and a university campus design that is a structural outcome of colonisation, apartheid spatial planning, and racial capitalism that still has continuing legacies today. As a result, these four geographies of studentification in the city are historical, racial and economic outcomes of urban power relations that originate from colonialism. Key defining features of studentification in each of these four areas were identified and analysed to illustrate that the South African account of studentification resembles the city’s apartheid legacy and these untransformed urban structures get further compounded by the country’s underfunded higher education massification strategy, its declining economic indicators and a weak state that has ‘soft’ planning and governance systems that are unable to decisively impact the trajectory of socioeconomic development in this university city. These intersecting forces translate into precarious day-to-day student life experiences and structural complications for the governance of the University and the city. These socioeconomic misfortunes also handicap the potential of the city to renew through a studentification economy. Henri Lefebvre’s Production of Space Theory was utilised to frame the study. Methodologically, the study utilised qualitative narrative interviews and document interpretation. This is the first doctoral thesis written about the concept of studentification in South Africa. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Humanities, The Department of Sociology and Anthropology, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-12
- Authors: Mzileni, Pedro Mihlali
- Date: 2021-12
- Subjects: Port Elizabeth (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/53758 , vital:45759
- Description: This study takes the concept of studentification from its British conception to the post-apartheid African city, Port Elizabeth (Gqeberha), where the Nelson Mandela University is situated. Studentification refers to the mass arrival of students in university cities and towns and the economic, infrastructural, geographic and sociopolitical changes that the settlements of these students make overtime to such cities and towns. For the case of Nelson Mandela University in Port Elizabeth, this study identified four major areas that are engulfed by studentification and sought to understand how this phenomenon takes shape in them. The study extends the existing terms and languages used to comprehend studentification by introducing a viewpoint of how it emerges in an African post-apartheid city. This is a city that has deindustrialised and has also experienced a capital flight out of its city centre since the 1970s. These declining economic indicators over decades have left the city to decay and experience high rates of unemployment, poverty and housing displacements. But, the post-1994 massification of the South African higher education system introduced new micro-economies for the city mainly through the emergence of student accommodation as a thriving business opportunity in the city in light of increased university enrolments. However, the economic injection brought by student accommodation in this city that has been deindustrialising remains minimal in having the necessary power to turnaround the city’s fortunes and transform the urban space towards a developmental path. This socioeconomic problem is also compounded by the presence of a weak arm of the state (particularly local government) that is unable to play an active role in driving capital flows to deliver tangible urban development. As a result, the university emerges as one of the active public actors in the renewal efforts of the city even though this is not its primary mandate. Thus, the process of studentification in this case takes place in a context defined by a declining higher education political economy and a weak city planning regime. As a result, these factors leave studentification to be vulnerable to being impacted by old colonial-apartheid structures of the city and the economic shortfalls of post-apartheid urban South Africa that have produced a precarious urban space where the private property market and the illicit economy have a stronger hand in determining the power relations that emerge in the city space. Studentification in this African city is expressed in four major geographies: (1) the Summerstrand suburb that is nearest to the University’s main urban campuses, (2) the Central CBD that has experienced capital flight and currently has tall buildings that are former offices of apartheid commerce which have been converted to student accommodation, (3) the deindustrialised and abandoned manufacturing sites at the North End margins of the city which have also been converted to student accommodation, and (4) the Zwide township, an underprivileged black community that is close to the former black Missionvale campus of the University – this is the furthest student accommodation area in the city. The study examines these student communities that emerge out of these four identified areas of the urban space and it also underscores the genre of the political, social, and economic relations of each of these four geographies and their interconnectedness. The study found that the South African post-apartheid city is characterised by an urban model and a university campus design that is a structural outcome of colonisation, apartheid spatial planning, and racial capitalism that still has continuing legacies today. As a result, these four geographies of studentification in the city are historical, racial and economic outcomes of urban power relations that originate from colonialism. Key defining features of studentification in each of these four areas were identified and analysed to illustrate that the South African account of studentification resembles the city’s apartheid legacy and these untransformed urban structures get further compounded by the country’s underfunded higher education massification strategy, its declining economic indicators and a weak state that has ‘soft’ planning and governance systems that are unable to decisively impact the trajectory of socioeconomic development in this university city. These intersecting forces translate into precarious day-to-day student life experiences and structural complications for the governance of the University and the city. These socioeconomic misfortunes also handicap the potential of the city to renew through a studentification economy. Henri Lefebvre’s Production of Space Theory was utilised to frame the study. Methodologically, the study utilised qualitative narrative interviews and document interpretation. This is the first doctoral thesis written about the concept of studentification in South Africa. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Humanities, The Department of Sociology and Anthropology, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-12
A narrative study of students’ and staff’s experiences of living with HIV and AIDS at Rhodes University
- Authors: Tsope, Lindiwe
- Date: 2021-04
- Subjects: AIDS (Disease) South Africa Makhanda , HIV infections South Africa Makhanda , College students Health and hygiene South Africa Makhanda , Universities and colleges South Africa Makhanda Employees Health and hygiene , Stigma (Social psychology) , AIDS (Disease) Social aspects South Africa Makhanda , HIV infections Social aspects South Africa Makhanda , AIDS (Disease) Psychological aspects , HIV infections Psychological aspects , Health counseling South Africa Makhanda , Discourse analysis, Narrative
- Language: English
- Type: thesis , text , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/176894 , vital:42769 , 10.21504/10962/176894
- Description: A narrative study of students’ and staff’s experiences of living with HIV and AIDS at Rhodes University Research on HIV and AIDS in university settings, especially research exploring the experience of living with the disease, has been minimal. As a response to the knowledge and research gaps, this thesis is a qualitative study involving students and staff living with HIV (LWH) and accessing treatment (ART) at the Rhodes University Health Care Centre. This study explored the personal and social symbolisms as well as meanings attached to living with HIV, through in-depth interviews with ten students and staff living with HIV, all purposively sampled and recruited through the Rhodes University Health Care Centre. Using social constructionism, symbolic interactionism and the theory of biographical disruption, the narratives revealed a positive and inspirational side of living with HIV and AIDS – especially emphasizing that PLWHA do not have to surrender to the deadly narrative of the disease. It became evident that stigma, both internal and external, largely influences illness narratives. Furthermore, the study revealed the social reconstruction of life narratives both in order to understand the illness in terms of past social experiences and to reaffirm the impression that life has a course and the self has a purpose. All participants found that accessing treatment from the Rhodes University Health Care Centre positively influenced their experiences of adherence and reconstruction of narratives. The study indicates that HIV-related interventions in place at the university need to pay more attention to the psychosocial needs of PLWH, involvement of PWLH, as well as keeping up with the continuously changing global HIV narrative. The study argues for more attention to in-depth experiences and personal narratives in HIV and AIDS, and PLWHA education at Rhodes University. , Thesis (PhD) -- Humanities, Department of Sociology, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-04
- Authors: Tsope, Lindiwe
- Date: 2021-04
- Subjects: AIDS (Disease) South Africa Makhanda , HIV infections South Africa Makhanda , College students Health and hygiene South Africa Makhanda , Universities and colleges South Africa Makhanda Employees Health and hygiene , Stigma (Social psychology) , AIDS (Disease) Social aspects South Africa Makhanda , HIV infections Social aspects South Africa Makhanda , AIDS (Disease) Psychological aspects , HIV infections Psychological aspects , Health counseling South Africa Makhanda , Discourse analysis, Narrative
- Language: English
- Type: thesis , text , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/176894 , vital:42769 , 10.21504/10962/176894
- Description: A narrative study of students’ and staff’s experiences of living with HIV and AIDS at Rhodes University Research on HIV and AIDS in university settings, especially research exploring the experience of living with the disease, has been minimal. As a response to the knowledge and research gaps, this thesis is a qualitative study involving students and staff living with HIV (LWH) and accessing treatment (ART) at the Rhodes University Health Care Centre. This study explored the personal and social symbolisms as well as meanings attached to living with HIV, through in-depth interviews with ten students and staff living with HIV, all purposively sampled and recruited through the Rhodes University Health Care Centre. Using social constructionism, symbolic interactionism and the theory of biographical disruption, the narratives revealed a positive and inspirational side of living with HIV and AIDS – especially emphasizing that PLWHA do not have to surrender to the deadly narrative of the disease. It became evident that stigma, both internal and external, largely influences illness narratives. Furthermore, the study revealed the social reconstruction of life narratives both in order to understand the illness in terms of past social experiences and to reaffirm the impression that life has a course and the self has a purpose. All participants found that accessing treatment from the Rhodes University Health Care Centre positively influenced their experiences of adherence and reconstruction of narratives. The study indicates that HIV-related interventions in place at the university need to pay more attention to the psychosocial needs of PLWH, involvement of PWLH, as well as keeping up with the continuously changing global HIV narrative. The study argues for more attention to in-depth experiences and personal narratives in HIV and AIDS, and PLWHA education at Rhodes University. , Thesis (PhD) -- Humanities, Department of Sociology, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-04
Book Review: Democratic South Africa's foreign policy
- Authors: Magadla, Siphokazi
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/298617 , vital:57721 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1080/10220461.2017.1361863"
- Description: Suzanne Graham's book reviews South Africa's voting behaviour in the United Nations (UN) over a 20-year period (1994–2014), focusing specifically on four themes that featured predominantly in both the policy and rhetoric of South African policymakers during this period: the promotion of human rights and democracy; disarmament and related non-proliferation issues; advancing African interests; and voting on reform of the UN.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
- Authors: Magadla, Siphokazi
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/298617 , vital:57721 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1080/10220461.2017.1361863"
- Description: Suzanne Graham's book reviews South Africa's voting behaviour in the United Nations (UN) over a 20-year period (1994–2014), focusing specifically on four themes that featured predominantly in both the policy and rhetoric of South African policymakers during this period: the promotion of human rights and democracy; disarmament and related non-proliferation issues; advancing African interests; and voting on reform of the UN.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
Characterization and Electrocatalytic Activity of Nanocomposites Consisting of Nanosized Cobalt Tetraaminophenoxy Phthalocyanine, Multi‐walled Carbon Nanotubes and Gold Nanoparticles
- Shumba, Munyaradzi, Nyokong, Tebello
- Authors: Shumba, Munyaradzi , Nyokong, Tebello
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/188659 , vital:44773 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1002/elan.201501058"
- Description: Glassy carbon electrodes were modified with composites containing cobalt tetraaminophenoxy phthalocyanine nanoparticles (CoTAPhPcNP), multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) and gold nanorods (AuNRs). The modified electrodes were studied for their electrocatalytic behavior towards the reduction of hydrogen peroxide. Phthalocyanine nanoparticles significantly improved electron transfer kinetics as compared to phthalocyanines which are not in the nanoparticle form when alone or in the presence of multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs). CoTAPhPcNP-MWCNT-GCE proved to be suitable for hydrogen peroxide detection with a catalytic rate constant of 3.45×103 M−1 s−1 and a detection limit of 1.61×10−7 M. Adsorption Gibbs free energy ΔGo was found to be −19.22 kJ mol−1 for CoTAPhPcNP-MWCNT-GCE.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
- Authors: Shumba, Munyaradzi , Nyokong, Tebello
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/188659 , vital:44773 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1002/elan.201501058"
- Description: Glassy carbon electrodes were modified with composites containing cobalt tetraaminophenoxy phthalocyanine nanoparticles (CoTAPhPcNP), multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) and gold nanorods (AuNRs). The modified electrodes were studied for their electrocatalytic behavior towards the reduction of hydrogen peroxide. Phthalocyanine nanoparticles significantly improved electron transfer kinetics as compared to phthalocyanines which are not in the nanoparticle form when alone or in the presence of multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs). CoTAPhPcNP-MWCNT-GCE proved to be suitable for hydrogen peroxide detection with a catalytic rate constant of 3.45×103 M−1 s−1 and a detection limit of 1.61×10−7 M. Adsorption Gibbs free energy ΔGo was found to be −19.22 kJ mol−1 for CoTAPhPcNP-MWCNT-GCE.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
The role of the national development plan in reducing unemployment
- Authors: Mase, Akhona
- 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/10948/54755 , vital:47657
- Description: South Africa has one of the most disturbing joblessness rates in the world, especially among young people and black women. In 2018 the country’s narrow unemployment rate was at 26.7%, while by broader definition was anticipated to be at 35.1% (www.statssa.gov.za, 2018). Therefore, the purpose of this study was to assess the role of the National Development Plan (NDP) in reducing unemployment in South Africa. The NDP was selected because it is the latest employment growth strategy the country has adopted. The National Development Plan targets economic growth, as the main factor for generating employment. To achieve the goal of this study, the researcher adopted the qualitative research methodology. Secondary data was gathered, analysed and interpreted to establish facts about the issue of high unemployment in South Africa and to determine if the National Development Plan is achieving its goal of reducing unemployment. This research established that the high unemployment rate in South Africa continues to be a major challenge, despite the introduction of the National Development Plan. The Plan projected that the rate of unemployment in South Africa will decline from 25% in 2013 to 14% by 2020. However, the unemployment rate in the country has increased from 25% in 2013 to 27% in 2018. In addition, this study established that unemployment in South Africa is structural, and it is caused by these four factors: Firstly, poor education, secondly, skills mismatch, the third factor which contributed immensely to unemployment in the country was the forceful removal of black people from places close to economic activities. This happened during the apartheid era. The fourth and last factor that led to increase in unemployment in South Africa was the 2008/2009 global recession. Structural unemployment is the type of unemployment that persists even when the economy is on the rise, as it is not caused by slow growth in the economy but by factors such as skill mismatch or complete unavailability of skills required in the economy. Therefore, targeting economic growth as a key mechanism for job creation will not yield any positive outcomes for South Africa. The study made a number of recommendations that the government can employ to adequately tackle unemployment in South Africa. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Humanities, School of Governmental and Social Sciences, 2020
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020-04
- Authors: Mase, Akhona
- 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/10948/54755 , vital:47657
- Description: South Africa has one of the most disturbing joblessness rates in the world, especially among young people and black women. In 2018 the country’s narrow unemployment rate was at 26.7%, while by broader definition was anticipated to be at 35.1% (www.statssa.gov.za, 2018). Therefore, the purpose of this study was to assess the role of the National Development Plan (NDP) in reducing unemployment in South Africa. The NDP was selected because it is the latest employment growth strategy the country has adopted. The National Development Plan targets economic growth, as the main factor for generating employment. To achieve the goal of this study, the researcher adopted the qualitative research methodology. Secondary data was gathered, analysed and interpreted to establish facts about the issue of high unemployment in South Africa and to determine if the National Development Plan is achieving its goal of reducing unemployment. This research established that the high unemployment rate in South Africa continues to be a major challenge, despite the introduction of the National Development Plan. The Plan projected that the rate of unemployment in South Africa will decline from 25% in 2013 to 14% by 2020. However, the unemployment rate in the country has increased from 25% in 2013 to 27% in 2018. In addition, this study established that unemployment in South Africa is structural, and it is caused by these four factors: Firstly, poor education, secondly, skills mismatch, the third factor which contributed immensely to unemployment in the country was the forceful removal of black people from places close to economic activities. This happened during the apartheid era. The fourth and last factor that led to increase in unemployment in South Africa was the 2008/2009 global recession. Structural unemployment is the type of unemployment that persists even when the economy is on the rise, as it is not caused by slow growth in the economy but by factors such as skill mismatch or complete unavailability of skills required in the economy. Therefore, targeting economic growth as a key mechanism for job creation will not yield any positive outcomes for South Africa. The study made a number of recommendations that the government can employ to adequately tackle unemployment in South Africa. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Humanities, School of Governmental and Social Sciences, 2020
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020-04