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Structure-based analysis of single nucleotide variants in the renin-angiotensinogen complex:

  • Authors: Brown, David K , Sheik Amamuddy, Olivier , Tastan Bishop, Özlem
  • Date: 2017
  • Language: English
  • Type: text , article
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/147994 , vital:38700 , https://doi.org/10.1016/j.gheart.2017.01.006
  • Description: The renin-angiotensin system (RAS) plays an important role in regulating blood pressure and controlling sodium levels in the blood. Hyperactivity of this system has been linked to numerous conditions including hypertension, kidney disease, and congestive heart failure. Three classes of drugs have been developed to inhibit RAS. In this study, we provide a structure-based analysis of the effect of single nucleotide variants (SNVs) on the interaction between renin and angiotensinogen with the aim of revealing important residues and potentially damaging variants for further inhibitor design purposes.
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  • Date Issued: 2017

Student discourses: influences on identity and agency

  • Authors: Ackerdien, Raeesah
  • Date: 2017
  • Subjects: English language -- Rhetoric -- Study and teaching (Higher) -- Psychological aspects , Psychoanalysis and education Identity (Psychology) in youth Educational sociology
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/13625 , vital:27258
  • Description: South Africa‟s racialised history dates back to a colonial period where South Africans were separated by race, language and laws which prevented people of colour from mixing with those who were termed White. 22 years after the end of apartheid, race and language remain a painful part of history and a topic which is always visible in our private and public discourses. Students, as of recent, have pointed to the challenges and legacies of apartheid they face in higher education and broader society. The lack of broader transformation and racial prejudice leave a great divide amongst different groups of students. Given this background, this study sought to examine how students were making sense of themselves and others. The participants of this study included 50 second year students from the Department of Language Studies at the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University in Port Elizabeth. This research study focused on the identity development of students and how these factors impacted their identities taking into account aspects of race, language, sense of agency and those impacting their sense of agency and sense of self. This study used a qualitative research method which involves an interpretive approach to research as this method was best suited for this study‟s analysis of student narratives. This study is a case study of the single case of second year students. The research, furthermore, used a Poststructuralist approach as theoretical underpinning and Critical Discourse Analysis for analysis of the data. Relevant literature were read and reviewed to determine what studies were saying about factors impacting on youth identity. Student narratives were analysed in order to determine which factors impacted on their identity formation, as well as the perceptions of their own identities and those of others. The results of the findings showed that students‟ identity development was affected by factors such as cultural background, parents, death of loved ones, aesthetic interest, race and language. Socio-economic inequalities in South Africa, race and language strongly defined student identities. Identities were found to be multiple and dynamic. The impact on student agency was as a result of the influences of their parents but also because of the inequalities in society. The only commonality students identified as having with other students was study. Students revealed that they did not cross racial or language boundaries to socialise with other students. There were students who indicated that they resisted racial categorisations and spoke of the celebration of diversity in South Africa but these were in the minority. Unlike previous studies that showed students wanting to move on to a new unified South Africa while simultaneously using old apartheid discourses, this study showed that students remained rooted in these discourses but reverted to these discourses because of societal inequalities. They did not foresee any moves to a new unified South Africa if inequalities not addressed. They were more radical about what a new future looks like with the battle against privilege won. Language was identified as a barrier and the fallacies of English being linked to superior intelligence was pointed out. The divides between White and Black students were apparent in the data. The study therefore recommended that curriculation of modules be undertaken with teaching of fluidity of identities and providing of critical tools for students to deconstruct race and language. The South African context should be foregrounded in all faculty study areas so that students work to a public good that seeks to eradicate inequalities. Safe spaces need to be provided for debating of these issues as well as social spaces for interaction across racial divides.
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  • Date Issued: 2017

Student-generated content: an approach to harnessing the power of diversity in higher education

  • Authors: Snowball, Jeanette D , McKenna, Sioux
  • Date: 2017
  • Language: English
  • Type: text , article
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/66763 , vital:28991 , ISSN 1470-1294 , https://doi.org/10.1080/13562517.2016.1273205
  • Description: Publisher version , Internationally, classes in higher education institutions are becoming larger and more diverse. Support for ‘non-traditional’ students has often taken the form of additional remedial classes offered outside the main curriculum, which has met with limited success. Sociocultural theories of learning argue that the potential clash between the sociocultural context of disciplinary knowledge and the very different home contexts of many non-traditional students needs to be acknowledged. One way to achieve this is to use student-generated content, which allows teachers to bring student experiences and voices into the community of practice and acknowledges the importance of their prior experiences in knowledge production. Building on such sociocultural approaches to teaching and learning, this paper focuses on the use of student-generated podcasts as a means to harness the diversity of student experiences in a large (nearly 600 students) first-year Economics class at a South African University.
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  • Date Issued: 2017

Students’ perspectives of the relationship between the university and a community partner in the context of a service learning psycho-education programme

  • Authors: Sibiya, Gillian
  • Date: 2017
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/6968 , vital:21205
  • Description: This qualitative case study aims to understand students’ perspectives of the relationship between the university and a community partner in the context of a service-learning programme. The study explores the experiences of three postgraduate psychology students that were involved in a service-learning programme at an under resourced school in the Eastern Cape. The data gathered was analysed thematically and major analytic themes were identified. The findings highlight the usefulness of service-learning for the student participants. However, student participants also argued that structural difficulties can make it harder for the community partner to enjoy the same benefits. The analysis brings forth the students’ concerns about managing stakeholder perceptions and the importance of broad-based participation and constant communication to ensure a good working relationship between partners. The findings highlight the students’ awareness of some of the difficulties of working in resource-constrained settings.
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  • Date Issued: 2017

Studies in the thiophenol mediated substitution and reductive dehalogenation of 3 bromoacetylcoumarins

  • Authors: Magwenzi, Faith N
  • Date: 2017
  • Subjects: 3-bromoacetylcoumarins , Coumarins , Halogens -- Decontamination , Thiols , Plasmodium falciparum , Malaria -- Chemotherapy
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MPharm
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/45769 , vital:25546
  • Description: A previous study conducted by our group identified indolyl-3-ethanone-a-thioethers (2.1a and 2.1b) as non-toxic, nanomolar, in vitro inhibitors of Plasmodium falciparum. Since the coumarin scaffold is associated with numerous biologically active compounds including antiprotozoal, anti-viral, anti-bacterial, and anti-inflammatory agents we were prompted to investigate coumaryl-3-ethanone-a-thioethers (2.1c) inspired by the activity of 2.1a and 2.1b against P. falciparum. We proposed a three-step synthesis of our target compounds 2.1c. The first step involved the Knoevenagel synthesis of 3-acetyl coumarins (2.3.1a - e) followed by a selective a-bromination to yield 3-bromoacetyl coumarin (2.2a). The final proposed step involved the nucleophilic displacement of the bromine by appropriately substituted thiophenols in either the presence or absence of base (K2CO3). Our initial findings revealed an unexpected major reductive dehalogenation of 2.2a into 2.3.1a. Further investigation revealed a close relationship between the electron withdrawing or donating nature of the thiophenol substituents and the relative formation of nucleophilic substitution or reductive dehalogenation products. Desired thioether products were obtained in higher yields when thiophenol was substituted with electron donating groups i.e. more nucleophilic thiophenols, while conversely, electron withdrawing substituents (i.e. lowered nucleophilicity) resulted in an increase of reductive dehalogenation. Furthermore, these results were consistent when experiments were conducted using either 2 or 1.2 equivalents of thiophenols which was an important observation in the context of two previous studies, by Oki et. al. and Israel et. al. Oki proposed that dehalogenation of a-chloro carbonyls occurs via sequential nucleophilic displacement of a-thioethers, while the study of Israel concluded that the dehalogenation of a-iodo carbonyls occurred in a single discreet step. Finally, in an effort to enhance nucleophilic substitution through the addition of K2CO3, we observed a Robinson annulation resulting in previously undescribed C-8 thiophenol functionalised dibenzo[b,d]pyran-6-ones (3.4a - e). In the introduction to this thesis, we briefly summarise the utility of coumarins in medicinal chemistry and related fields. Chapter two describes the rationalisation of our original research question and a retrosynthetic analysis of our desired compounds, followed by an initial description of the unexpected reductive dehalogenation. Chapter 3, begins with a brief review of reductive dehalogenation of a-halocarbonyls, and is followed by an analysis and discussion of our results in the context of the studies by Israel et. al. and Oki et. al.
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  • Date Issued: 2017

Studies on acoustic properties of non-woven fabrics

  • Authors: Mvubu, Mlando Basel
  • Date: 2017
  • Subjects: Needlepunch (Nonwoven fabric) Nonwoven fabrics , Textile fabrics
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DPhil
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/19387 , vital:28866
  • Description: This study is divided in to two main parts. The first part deals with the optimization of process parameters of needle-punched non-woven fabrics for achieving maximum sound absorption by employing a Box-Behnken factorial design. The influence of fibre type, depth of needle penetration and stroke frequency on sound absorption properties were studied. These parameters were varied at three levels during experimental trials. From multiple regression analysis, it was observed that the depth of needle penetration alone was the most dominant factor among the selected parameters, which was followed by the interaction between depth of needle penetration and stroke frequency. Fibre type was the least dominant parameter affecting sound absorption. A maximum sound absorption coefficient of 47% (0.47) was obtained from the selected parameters. The results showed that for a process such as needle-punching, which is influenced by multiple variables, it is important to also study the interactive effects of process parameters for achieving optimum sound absorption. The second part of the study deals with the effect of type of natural fibre (fineness), and the blending ratio (with PET fibres) on the air permeability of the needle-punched non-woven fabrics and then it proceeds to study the effect of the air-gap, type of natural fibre (fineness) and blending ratio (with PET fibres) on sound absorption of needle-punched non-woven fabrics. These parameters are tested individually and their two way interaction (synergy) effect using ANOVA. The air-gap was varied from 0mm to 25mm with 5mm increments, three natural fibre types were used and all were blended with polyester fibres at three blending ratios for each natural fibre type. The Univariate Tests of Significance shows that all three parameters have a significant effect on sound absorption together with two two-way interactions, with the exception of the Blend Ratio × Air Gap two-way interaction which was not significant. It was found that the sound absorption improves with the increase in the air-gap size up to 15mm after which sound absorption decreased slightly with the further increase in the air-gap up to 25mm.
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  • Date Issued: 2017

Studio photography as a contemporary genre: resisting historical and discursive legacy, forging new tropes

  • Authors: Mukendi, J S T
  • Date: 2017
  • Language: English
  • Type: text , article
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/146533 , vital:38534 , https://www.ug.edu.gh/events/arts-council-african-studies-association-acasa-17th-triennial-symposium-august-8-%E2%80%93-13-2017
  • Description: ACASA facilitates communication among scholars, teachers, students, artists, museum specialists, collectors, and all others interested in the arts of Africa and the African Diaspora. Its goals are to promote greater understanding of African material and expressive culture in all its forms, and to encourage contact and collaboration with African and Diaspora artists and scholars.
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  • Date Issued: 2017

Study South Africa

  • Authors: International Education Association of South Africa (IEASA) , Quinlan, Orla
  • Date: 2017
  • Subjects: Education, Higher -- South Africa , Education and globalization -- South Africa Student mobility -- Africa International education -- South Africa Education, Higher -- International cooperation , Universities and colleges -- South Africa , Technical Institutes -- South Africa , Vocational guidance -- South Africa
  • Language: English
  • Type: text , book
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/64853 , vital:28620 , ISBN 9780620769662
  • Description: [Editor's Letter]: Welcome to the seventeenth Study SA, compiled as IEASA celebrates its twentieth anniversary. Study SA is the South African publication that provides an overview of South African Higher Education issues and developments. This edition has a special Commemorative section, celebrating 20 years of IEASA, as well as the standard sections found in every issue of Study SA, consisting of Higher Education in Context, Features and Medical Aid and the updated profiles of the 26 public Higher Education Institutions. Universities South Africa, USAF, kindly provided partial funding for this edition of Study SA and we are delighted to include a message from the current CEO Dr Ahmed Bawa, a consistent supporter of internationalisation in Higher Education. We also have a message from the former Minister of Higher Education, Dr Blade Nzimande (2009-2017). A voluntary organisation supported by a small secretariat, IEASA is testament to a group of people who saw the need for an organisation to support the South African Higher Education’s re-entry and engagement with the rest of the world, once it became a democracy in 1994. This edition includes articles by two of the founding members: lEASA’s first President, Dr Roshun Kishun and its first Treasurer, Dr Derek Swemmer. Our sincere thanks to all the committed individuals in South African Higher education, who have kept IEASA going from strength to strength. Thilor Manikam, lEASA’s longest serving staffing member and the Office Manager has provided continuity and institutional memory over the best part of the twenty years. Guided by lEASA’s Constitution, Thilor has ensured that regardless of the change in the Management Council over the years, IEASA operations are impeccably managed and that IEASA has received an unqualified audit every year since its inception. In its history, IEASA has had seven Presidents: Dr Roshun Kishan, Ms Fazela Hanif, Mr David Ferrai, Ms Merle Hodges, Mr Lavern Samuels, Dr Nico Jooste and the current President Leolyn Jackson, whose term will run until the end of 2018, when the current President Elect, Ms Orla Quinlan will serve a two-year term from 2019-2020. IEASA has facilitated the development of a close knit community of practice in South Africa with members drawing on each other’s strengths and skills; inviting each other to our respective institutions to share knowledge, skills and ideas on appropriate internationalisation, within the South African context. More than that, we have become friends and have developed a collective responsibility to present and represent South African Higher Education to the rest of the world. Sadly, we lost three of our very dear colleagues and friends in recent years: Mr Len Mkhize, Mr Jimmy Ellis and Professor Stan Ridge. We pay tribute to the energy and joy they brought to IEASA in all their endeavours. They are missed. Others who have supported IEASA over the years include PWC, who have provided free audit services up to 2017, as a contribution to South Africa’s Higher Education; ABSA and the Medical Aid companies, who have provided sponsorship to IEASA. Finally, its volunteer Management Council, members of which serve two-year terms, with the possibility of being re-elected, and each one of our members who participate in and support IEASA activities and events. IEASA continued its work with the Department of Home Affairs (DHA) to clarify the visa application procedures, communicate the processes and to request interventions when visa processing is unduly delayed or if there are extenuating circumstances, which require intervention. IEASA and DHA have held one joint workshop with universities in 2016; a second was held following the IEASA 20th conference in August 2017 and an initial meeting called by USAF was held with DHA, HR Directors from universities and IEASA in late 2017. Visa Facilitation Services (VFS) have introduced a new mobile biometric service for campuses who do not have a VFS office in their locality. IEASA will continue to work on behalf of the international students and the rest of the international Higher Education community to improve the clarity of immigration requirements and to help overcome any difficulties faced. An article providing an update on progress is included in this edition. The international landscape has shifted enormously in recent years, where previously unquestioned democratic principles are being contested in some of the world’s most established democracies. lEASA’s 20th Anniversary Conference theme was “Advancing internationalisation: overcoming hostilities and building communities”. While in reflective and celebratory mode about the achievements of the last twenty years during the the Colloquium, the conference attendees switched mode and engaged in robust debates, about the current challenges in Higher Education including economic and financial challenges, xenophobia, the lack of equity in existing partnerships, institutional strategies, opportunities for engaging with partners interested in South African Higher Education. IEASA is cognisant of its responsibility to build capacity for the upcoming professionals in the sector and workshops on themes pertinent to the professionals in International Offices included immigration, partnerships and developing internationalisation strategy. , 17th Edition
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  • Date Issued: 2017

Subjectivity and social resistance: a theoretical analysis of the Matrix Trilogy

  • Authors: Jamal, Ahmad
  • Date: 2017
  • Subjects: Matrix (Motion picture) , Matrix reloaded (Motion picture) , Matrix revolution (Motion picture) Baudrillard, Jean, 1929-2007. Simulacres et Simulation , Science fiction -- Philosophy , Mass media -- Social aspects , Culture in motion pictures , Dystopian films
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/7011 , vital:21209
  • Description: The Matrix (1999) is a science-fiction film that successfully bridges modern cinematic action sequences with philosophical parables. It recalls the tradition of philosophical elaboration through science-fiction narratives; a tradition that has existed since the time of Plato. This study aims to bridge the divide between philosophy and psychology by using a theoretical analysis to discuss and explore the ideas of social thinkers (featured in the Matrix Trilogy) and critically analyse them alongside established psychological theories. More specifically, this study provides an in-depth and critical exploration of the ways in which the philosophical works of Jean Baudrillard and Karl Marx, and the widely used and recognised psychological perspectives on human development, cognition and learning offered by both Urie Broffenbrenner and Jean Piaget to simultaneously elucidate a model of human subjectivity and development in today's techno- consumerist society with specific attention to critical resistance. This study suggests that with the rise of the internet and modern communication media; sociocultural and political issues that Broffenbrenner conceptualised as existing in the macrosystem, now have a presence in the microsystem, and correspond to Broffenbrenner's requirements as to what constitutes a proximal process. These processes, according to Broffenbrenner, have the most longstanding effects on our development and contribute the most to our personality. This study also argues that the pre-operational stage and the process of symbolisation both of which Piaget identified are important phases in the child's life that see the accrual and development of signs and discourses. These signs and discourses then contribute to the development of our mind's cognitive structures which Piaget called schema. These structures are developed as we grow and help us make sense of the world by processing information and organising our experiences. This would mean that we perceive and interpret our world through ideologically shaped mental structures. These findings stress the importance of ideological influences and their impact on development and hearken more closely towards ideas about the presence and the effects of ideology by thinkers like Plato and Marx, as well as the dystopian futures explored in science-fiction media like the Matrix Trilogy, George Orwell's 1984 (1948) and Aldous Huxley's A Brave New World (1932), and also the options for critical social resistance explored in the narratives and heroic deeds of these books and their characters.
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  • Date Issued: 2017

Substantive equality and the challenge to affimative action as justification for unfair discrimination

  • Authors: Delport, Petrus Jacobus
  • Date: 2017
  • Subjects: Discrimination in employment , Affirmative action programs , Equality
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , LLM
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/15467 , vital:28256
  • Description: South Africa’s history as a nation is replete with examples of inequality and unfair discrimination. The working arena was no exception to the rule. In fact, it was one of the areas where inequality was most prevalent. Discriminatory legislation was promulgated under the Apartheid regime. These laws enforced differential treatment of employees along racial lines. After 1994, the newly democratic South Africa, through the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa Act 108 of 1996 (hereinafter referred to as the “Constitution”), regarded all people as equal before the law and entitled to equal benefit and protection under the law. National legislation was subsequently promulgated to give effect to this constitutional objective. The Employment Equity Act 55 of 1998 (hereinafter referred to as the “EEA”), specifically, gave effect to all employees’ constitutional right to equality in the workplace. Under the EEA, unfair discrimination was forbidden. The EEA also required employers to implement measures to eradicate the injustices of the past. Subsequent to the enactment of the EEA, the Courts reiterated two tests to determine whether unfair discrimination had taken place in the workplace. It also tested whether an affirmative action measure could justify such unfair discrimination. These two tests, referred to in Harksen v Lane NO and others (CCT9/97) [1997] ZACC 12 (11) BCLR 1489 (CC) (Hereinafter referred to as the “Harksen test”) and Minister of Finance v Van Heerden 2004 (11) BCLR 1125 (CC) (Hereinafter referred to as the “Van Heerden test”), were unfortunately applied by the Courts in an inconsistent manner. This created confusion about which test found application in specific circumstances. The Constitutional Court then clarified the confusion through the South African Police Service v Solidarity obo Barnard (2014) ZACC 23 (CC) (Hereinafter referred to as the “Barnard” decision”). It is important to note that this study does not seek to evaluate the correctness of the Barnard decision, nor does it consider the cases prior to the Barnard decision. Rather, this study considers the extent to which the Barnard decision informed later cases dealing with unfair discrimination and affirmative action. In the remaining chapters of this treatise the writer will attempt to answer this question as follows: In chapter two, the legislative framework applicable to issues of unfair discrimination and the application of affirmative action is discussed. Chapter three comprises of a detailed analysis of the Barnard decision. In chapters four and five the writer investigates how the Barnard decision informed four recent cases concerning affirmative action and unfair discrimination in the workplace. These discussions enabled the writer to, in the final chapter; conclude that all four cases were indeed informed by the Barnard decision. The Department of Correctional Services case, however, reiterated the Barnard decision to its fullest extent.
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  • Date Issued: 2017

Successful delivery of an online higher education course: a quantitative management framework

  • Authors: Burger, Dimitri
  • Date: 2017
  • Subjects: Decision making -- Mathematical models Management -- Mathematical models , Management science Distance education -- South Africa -- Computer-assisted instruction Education, Higher
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/14785 , vital:27850
  • Description: South Africa has been experiencing several challenges regarding access to higher education, quality of higher education, effectiveness of higher education course delivery, and funding for higher education. In the higher education sector, the bulk of the burden is placed on traditional higher education institutions, most notably universities, in providing higher education to a growing youth base in dire need of education that supports their individual learning needs. With these challenges facing traditional universities, online higher education provided by both public sector higher education institutions and private sector education providers can act as a valuable alternative and solution to access for some of the population. Online education and face-to-face education differ considerably in how they deliver courses to students. Many have argued that these differences are in some cases attributable to strengths in face-to-face education and drawbacks or limitations in online education, large enough that they should serve as the criteria for selecting the former over the latter as the better mode of delivery. While there have been examples of online programmes that have failed to deliver courses successfully by underutilising or misusing the tools and techniques available, there are positive examples where these programmes perform equally as well as face-to-face courses. The defining difference is ultimately and often the management of these courses’ resources, activities, people, processes, and practices. Considering the above, and with examination of the available literature, a conceptual and theoretical framework was constructed and a quantitative research study was undertaken to prove the significant correlational relationships between elements of course delivery and a management framework to govern those elements. The sample consisted of 115 students from a postgraduate degree programme presented in two formats, online and on-campus. The findings provide evidence of significant relationships between the core functions of management as well as between aspects of course delivery, such as opportunities for interaction, opportunities for feedback, and course content in achieving learning outcomes for students and contributing to engagement. The findings also indicate positive perceptions from students in relation to the delivery of the courses.
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  • Date Issued: 2017

Supplier development for competitive advantage in manufacturing small medium enterprises

  • Authors: Makumbila, Louis Boy
  • Date: 2017
  • Subjects: Competition -- South Africa Small business -- South Africa -- Management , Business planning -- South Africa Industrial management -- South Africa
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/18102 , vital:28576
  • Description: Competitive advantage is crucial for a business to be sustainable, yet many small- and medium-sized enterprises are not engaging in supplier development in order to achieve a competitive advantage. This empirical study was conducted on a sample of 64 small- and medium-sized enterprises in the manufacturing industry in Kempton Park, Gauteng. The factors that influence engagement in supplier development were analysed to assess whether supplier development can lead to competitive advantage and other benefits. The findings indicate that supplier development can create and improve competitive advantage, as well as lead to other benefits. Four factors were found to have a relationship with supplier development, and therefore could influence the decision to take part in supplier development. Small- and medium-sized enterprises can use tools such as supplier development in order to be competitive and have an advantage over their competitors. The awareness of operational performance measures, competitive advantage, judgment of the absence or existence of trust, and a buyer’s relative power can all influence participation in supplier development.
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  • Date Issued: 2017

Supportive supervision: the experiences of social workers in the field of child protection

  • Authors: Vetfuti, Nkosinathi Oscar
  • Date: 2017
  • Subjects: Social workers -- Supervision of -- South Africa -- Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality Child welfare -- South Africa -- Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/14433 , vital:27595
  • Description: Supervision in social work is composed of educational, administrative and supportive functions. Supportive supervision is particularly important for child protection social workers, given their work with vulnerable children. Supportive supervision facilitates the child protection social worker’s reflection on practice issues with a designated supervisor who, through this process, addresses their personal and professional development as well as their emotional needs; this, in turn, contributes to sound ethical practice. The sparse literature available on the topic and practice observations pointing to the lack of supportive function in the area of Child Protection Services gave rise to this study. The purpose of this qualitative, exploratory, descriptive and contextual study was thus toenhance an understanding of the experiences of social workers in Child Protection Services in respect of supportive function of supervision within the public sector in the Nelson Mandela Bay region. A non-probability purposive sampling strategy was used to identify social workers working in the field of child protection for an uninterrupted minimum period of three years. The final sample consisted of ten child protection social workers. Data was collected through semi-structured, in-depth, individual, face-to-face interviews, which were guided by an interview schedule. The data was analysed using Tesch’s (1990) model as outlined in Creswell (2014:198). The trustworthiness of the research process and the findings was enhanced by using a range of data verification techniques. The main themes that emerged from the process of data analysis are: 1) Social workers’ experiences of working in Child Protection Services; 2) Social workers’ perceptions and experiences of social work supervision in general and supportive supervision in particular; and 3) Social workers’ recommendations on how supportive supervision needs can be addressed. The findings of this study yielded valuable scholarly knowledge in respect of the supportive supervision function in Child Protection Services.
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  • Date Issued: 2017

Surgical counting practices of registered nurses in private operating rooms in the Eastern Cape region

  • Authors: Lines, Ina-Mari Adele'
  • Date: 2017
  • Subjects: Surgical instruments and apparatus -- Safety measures Operating room nursing
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MCur
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/45377 , vital:38603
  • Description: The study aim was to explore and describe surgical counting practices of registered nurses in private operating rooms in the Eastern Cape region. A quantitative, explorative, descriptive, and contextual research design was implemented to reach the objective of the study. The research population consisted of 84 registered nurses working in six different private Hospitals. All-inclusive sampling was used. A structured questionnaire was used to collect data. Face and content validity of the questionnaire were ensured by making use of a statistician and an expert in the field. The collected data was analysed by making use of a statistician and Statistical version 12. The research results indicated that registered nurses who work in private hospitals in the Eastern Cape region generally abide by the recommended practice guidelines of WHO. The results were documented and presented by means of graphs and tables. Recommendations were made at the end of the study.
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  • Date Issued: 2017

Suspense, the serious and the superman:

  • Authors: Western, Rat
  • Date: 2017
  • Language: English
  • Type: text , article
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/147726 , vital:38664 , https://doi.org/10.1080/00043389.2012.11877164
  • Description: When considering what to do with one’s Friday night, probably very few people would consider a two-hour formal lecture a top priority. But this is a Friday night in Grahamstown, where novelty in leisure and entertainment choices, outside of festival time, is a rarity. It is therefore unsurprising that, on the evening of 11 November 2011, the Rhodes Box Theatre is packed by 7 pm with a variety of students, academics, members of the local alternative scene and the general public.
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  • Date Issued: 2017

Sustainable livelihoods, employment and poverty alleviation: the case of the Good News Ark Project

  • Authors: Nkwakwa, Bandlakazi Beira
  • Date: 2017
  • Subjects: Sustainable development -- South Africa Rural development -- South Africa
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/19784 , vital:28965
  • Description: Income generating projects play a significant role in the lives of rural people and make a significant contribution to rural development in South Africa. Although, income generating projects play a major contribution to rural development, problems of funding for such projects and the high levels of unskilled personnel to run those projects is still a challenge in most, if not all rural areas of South Africa. Therefore this study has undertaken with the objectives of assessing income generating projects in relation to its contribution to rural development in the study area. The sustainable livelihoods and basic needs approaches were used to assess the contribution of income generating projects in poverty alleviation in rural areas. Such approaches to rural development can help in reducing the poverty gap that exists in society and at the same time help achieve sustainable rural development. Findings show that there are a number of challenges and constraints that are experienced by the Thaba Nchu community, like poverty and unemployment. However, the main findings of the research study suggested that the contribution made by the Good News Ark Project toward poverty alleviation and community development is to empower the project members and casual workers. To have a successful rural development, there is need for the government to support these projects in the form of skills training programmes and finance. The study recommends that intervention should occur and the coordination between the relevant stakeholders should be strengthened as the development of the rural poor depends on both social development and food production.
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  • Date Issued: 2017

Sustainable tourism opportunities for Mauritius

  • Authors: Ternel, Maeva
  • Date: 2017
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/6118 , vital:21046
  • Description: Sustainable Tourism (ST) integrates governance, economic, socio-cultural and environmental dimensions of tourism in tourism development and management. Growing Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) concerns suggest that traditionally, tourism tends to corrupt the very resources it needs to thrive, and thus its sustainability over the long haul has become of general concern. However, despite the vast and extensive literature dedicated to ST, including preeminent journals providing both a theoretical base and reliable empirical evidence to the subject, the concept of sustainability in tourism remains somehow at its embryonic stage, especially in the case of a small island developing state (SIDS). The research occurred within the context of the destination (Mauritius), with however, a focus on five sizeable Mauritian hotel groups. With tourism being one of the pillars of the Mauritian economy, this research intended to explore the different repercussions of such an industry. The aim of the research was to determine to what extent tourism’s operations and development, was appropriately managed in Mauritius by assessing the country’s current tourism situation relating to sustainability and identifying priority areas for intervention. This, was done using different tools, including the United Nations World Tourism Organisation's framework, the Global Sustainable Tourism Council's guidelines and the Sustainable Tourism Attitude Scale. The contribution this research intended to make was to suggest sustainable tourism opportunities and make recommendations for the tourism sector and its stakeholders for the island of Mauritius. Overall, the research concluded that despite the increased importance of ST, the need for Managed Tourism (MT) and the formulation of general principles and guidelines, tourism governance; poverty reduction; and the sustainability of the natural and cultural environment were identified as areas of particular need and should be considered with high priority for intervention/action.
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  • Date Issued: 2017

Synergistic interactions of selected medicinal plants traditionally used to treat meningitis

  • Authors: Kamwamba, Thokozani Edson , Zondie, Leyli
  • Date: 2017
  • Subjects: Medicinal plants -- Biotechnology Meningitis -- Treatment
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/18816 , vital:28729
  • Description: The antibacterial and antifungal activities of aqueous, methanol and acetone extracts of the leaves of Geranium incanum, Mangifera indica, Bidens pilosa, Ricinus communis, Carica papaya and fruit pulp of Adansonia digitata as well as activity of their combined preparation were evaluated against selected meningitis causing pathogens. The microorganisms under study were methicillin and oxacillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC 43300), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (ATCC 27853), Salmonella typhimurium (ATCC 49416), Escherichia coli (ATCC 35218), Candida albicans (ATCC 10231) and Cryptococcus neoformans (clinical strain). The screening of antimicrobial activities were assessed using an agar well diffusion technique for the different plant extractions. The individual and combined plant extracts that demonstrated antimicrobial effects were further studied using the INT microtitre plate technique to determine the minimum inhibitory concentration. The sum of fractional inhibitory concentration indices were calculated and used to assess the type of antimicrobial interaction. The medicinal plants exerted antimicrobial effects independently and in combination on the bacterial and fungal organisms under study. The antimicrobial activities depended on the test organism and extracting solvents used. In the combination studies, the medicinal plants under study were combined in the ratio of 1:1. Antimicrobial interactions ranging from synergistic to antagonistic effects were noted. Methanol extracts of combinations B. pilosa: M. indica, R. communins: M. indica and C. papaya: M. indica had synergistic effects against P. aeruginosa. On the other hand, aqueous extracts of a mixture of C. papaya: B. pilosa exerted synergistic effects on E. coli and S. typhimurium. Acetone extracts of a mixture of A. digitata: G. incanum, G. incanum: M. indica as well as methanol extract of the combination of C. papaya: G. incanum exhibited synergistic effects against C. albicans. The aqueous extract combination of G. incanum: M. indica displayed the most noteworthy synergistic activity against C. neoformans. In addition, aqueous extracts of the combinations of A. digitata: B. pilosa and R. communis: G. incanum exhibited synergistic effects against C. neoformans. The results validate the traditional healing practices which utilise combinations of different species of plants for treatment of predisposing factors of meningitis.
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  • Date Issued: 2017

Synthesis and anti-parasitic activity of C-benzylated (N-arylcarbamoyl) alkylphosphonate esters

  • Authors: Adeyemi, Christiana Modupe , Isaacs, Michelle , Mnkandhla, Dumisani , Krause, Rui W M , Klein, Rosalyn , Hoppe, Heinrich C , Lobb, Kevin A , Kaye, Perry T
  • Date: 2017
  • Language: English
  • Type: text , article
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/125641 , vital:35803 , https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tet.2017.01.045
  • Description: Unexpected substituent-dependent regioselectivty challenges in the synthesis of C-benzylated (N-arylcarbamoyl)phosphonate esters have been resolved. The C-benzylated N-furfurylcarbamoyl derivative showed low micromolar PfLDH inhibition, while one of the C-benzylated N-arylcarbamoyl analogues was active against Nagana Trypanosoma brucei parasites which are responsible for African trypanosomiasis in cattle.
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  • Date Issued: 2017

Synthesis and bioassay of rationally designed DXR inhibitors as potential antimalarial lead compounds

  • Authors: Nokalipa, Iviwe Cwaita
  • Date: 2017
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/4888 , vital:20740
  • Description: Globally, the eradication of malaria has been challenging due to the problem of resistance that past and currently available drugs exhibit. This is exacerbated by the inherent need for anti-malarial drugs to be affordable to the poverty-stricken majority that is primarily affected by this burden. This research has focused on the development of potential inhibitors of 1-deoxy-D- xylulose-5 phosphate reductoisomerase (DXR), an essential enzyme in the mevalonate- independent pathway for the biosynthesis of isoprenoids in Plasmodium falciparum. DXR mediates the isomerisation and reduction of 1-deoxy-D-xylulose-5-phosphate into 2-C- methyl-D-erithrytol 4-phosphate. This enzyme has been determined to be a target for the development of novel antimalarial agents and extensive molecular modelling has been undertaken to develop inhibitors that fit into the DXR active site. The in silico docking data have been used to inform the design and synthesis of various N-benzyl-substituted phosphoramidate ligands that were determined to have potential as novel substrate mimics of fosmidomycin, a known DXR inhibitor. Synthesis of the N-benzyl-substituted phosphoramidate ligands involved a nine-step sequence commencing from diethyl phosphoramidate. In all, some 40 compounds have been prepared, some of them new, and were fully characterized using NMR. Attention has also been given to the mass spectrometric fragmentation patterns exhibited by selected intermediates. Four of the final products were evaluated for in vitro antimalarial activity using a PLDH assay and exhibited IC50 values < 100 µM.
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  • Date Issued: 2017
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