Challenges on learning and teaching of fraction operations in Grade 6 - a case study in a South African primary school
- Authors: Chetty, Ashnee
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Mathematics -- Study and teaching (Primary) Mathematics -- Study and teaching (Early childhood)
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/15869 , vital:40534
- Description: Literature review indicates that world over, fraction operations in primary school are challenging not only for learners but also for teachers and South Africa is not an exception. There have been studies on challenges of fraction operations, but could not locate any study at a Grade 6 level in East London education district. The purpose of this study was to assess the specific strengths and challenges in the learning and teaching of fraction operations in Grade 6 in one of the schools in this district. The research paradigm for this study was post-positivism which adopted a mixed methods approach, utilising both quantitative and qualitative methods. The population consisted of three teachers and 98 Grade 6 learners in one primary school in East London. The learners were under 18 years and in order to comply with South African ethical regulations involving humans, a letter was sent out to all 98 Grade 6 learners’ parents requesting their consent. Only 59 learners brought back the consent letters signed by a parent or legal guardian and hence, the sample consisted of 59 Grade 6 learners. There were two instruments: a survey questionnaire with 15 items for learners and two interview schedules, one for teachers and another for learners. The time to complete the questionnaire was 45 minutes and the time to complete the interviews was less than 20 minutes for learners and 40 minutes for teachers. As part of a pilot study, the questionnaire was given to six learners in 2017 cohort. Also, the questionnaire was given two colleagues teaching Grade 6 from two different schools. Furthermore, two learners from the 2017 cohort and two colleagues from two different schools were interviewed, respectively, to check the validity of the learners’ and teachers’ interview schedules. Based on the feedback, the instruments were modified for use in 2018. The learners were given the questionnaire to answer first before 10 were selected for interviews. Three teachers, one each from Grades 5, 6 and 7 were interviewed. The quantitative data were analysed to lead to a descriptive data presentation. The qualitative data were analysed thematically. It was revealed that there were similarities and differences in the manner in which teachers teach and the challenges they identified. There were similarities and differences among the responses from the learners. They found certain fraction operations challenging and their strengths were similar as well. The common outline of the learners’ strengths were being able to do like-fractions while, their challenges were on doing unlike-fractions. The teachers too concurred with the learners’ views. The learners got confused because they did not understand fractions as part of a whole. The teachers indicated knowledge of more than one teaching method. The teachers also pointed out how times tables is an essential part of being able to do operations of fractions. This study could be beneficial for teachers, learners, parents and curriculum developers. The curriculum developers need to revisit the time frame, the transition between the grades, and how often the concept of fractions appears throughout every term.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Chetty, Ashnee
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Mathematics -- Study and teaching (Primary) Mathematics -- Study and teaching (Early childhood)
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/15869 , vital:40534
- Description: Literature review indicates that world over, fraction operations in primary school are challenging not only for learners but also for teachers and South Africa is not an exception. There have been studies on challenges of fraction operations, but could not locate any study at a Grade 6 level in East London education district. The purpose of this study was to assess the specific strengths and challenges in the learning and teaching of fraction operations in Grade 6 in one of the schools in this district. The research paradigm for this study was post-positivism which adopted a mixed methods approach, utilising both quantitative and qualitative methods. The population consisted of three teachers and 98 Grade 6 learners in one primary school in East London. The learners were under 18 years and in order to comply with South African ethical regulations involving humans, a letter was sent out to all 98 Grade 6 learners’ parents requesting their consent. Only 59 learners brought back the consent letters signed by a parent or legal guardian and hence, the sample consisted of 59 Grade 6 learners. There were two instruments: a survey questionnaire with 15 items for learners and two interview schedules, one for teachers and another for learners. The time to complete the questionnaire was 45 minutes and the time to complete the interviews was less than 20 minutes for learners and 40 minutes for teachers. As part of a pilot study, the questionnaire was given to six learners in 2017 cohort. Also, the questionnaire was given two colleagues teaching Grade 6 from two different schools. Furthermore, two learners from the 2017 cohort and two colleagues from two different schools were interviewed, respectively, to check the validity of the learners’ and teachers’ interview schedules. Based on the feedback, the instruments were modified for use in 2018. The learners were given the questionnaire to answer first before 10 were selected for interviews. Three teachers, one each from Grades 5, 6 and 7 were interviewed. The quantitative data were analysed to lead to a descriptive data presentation. The qualitative data were analysed thematically. It was revealed that there were similarities and differences in the manner in which teachers teach and the challenges they identified. There were similarities and differences among the responses from the learners. They found certain fraction operations challenging and their strengths were similar as well. The common outline of the learners’ strengths were being able to do like-fractions while, their challenges were on doing unlike-fractions. The teachers too concurred with the learners’ views. The learners got confused because they did not understand fractions as part of a whole. The teachers indicated knowledge of more than one teaching method. The teachers also pointed out how times tables is an essential part of being able to do operations of fractions. This study could be beneficial for teachers, learners, parents and curriculum developers. The curriculum developers need to revisit the time frame, the transition between the grades, and how often the concept of fractions appears throughout every term.
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Characterization and antibiogram fingerprints of Enterobacteriaceae and Listeria monocytogenes in irrigation water and agricultural soil samples collected from Amathole and Chris Hani District Municipalities in the Eastern Cape Province, South Africa
- Authors: Iwu, Chidozie Declan
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Listeria monocytogenes Enterobacteriaceae
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/17187 , vital:40864
- Description: Characterization and antibiogram fingerprints of Enterobacteriaceae and Listeria monocytogenes in irrigation water and agricultural soil samples collected from Amathole and Chris Hani District Municipalities in the Eastern Cape Province, South Africa
- Full Text:
- Authors: Iwu, Chidozie Declan
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Listeria monocytogenes Enterobacteriaceae
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/17187 , vital:40864
- Description: Characterization and antibiogram fingerprints of Enterobacteriaceae and Listeria monocytogenes in irrigation water and agricultural soil samples collected from Amathole and Chris Hani District Municipalities in the Eastern Cape Province, South Africa
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Computational fluid dynamics design and performance testing of a cyclone heat exchanger used in a gasification plant
- Authors: George, Tomy
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Computational fluid dynamics Renewable energy sources Biomass gasification
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/19087 , vital:39877
- Description: Renewable energy resources are considered to be the most promising source of energy in the coming centuries owing to its potential to get replenished by the nature itself. However, there are a number of challenges that are to be addressed prior to considering a particular resource as a reliable and effective one according to the energy demand fluctuations. Energy extracted from the biomass available in the nature has a lot of potential especially in the case of producing energy from syngas produced by the controlled burning of wood. This research deals with the minimisation of energy wastage in a gasification plant where syngas is produced from wood and transferred to an internal combustion engine to further generate electrical energy. The syngas produced from the wood is to be fed through a cyclone for purification before it can be fed into the IC engine, where the dust, carbon and other impurities are separated from the syngas by making use of the centrifugal force developed inside the cyclone. This syngas is further cooled and fed into the IC engine in its purest form as specified by the requirements of the engine. It is envisaged that if it is possible to recover the heat energy otherwise wasted in the cyclone and through the cooling circuit, it can be used for preheating the wood or for other minor heating purposes, and thereby the heat wastage can be minimised. Therefore, in this research, a series of numerical investigation conducted which involved the modelling of heat exchanger around a cyclone in order to extract heat from the surface of the cyclone. Two basic design of the Heat exchanger were considered in the study, a rectangular and a conical design. With a water flow rate of 2 l/min in conical design, the heat absorbed by the water was found to be 5.555 kJ/s and in rectangular design, the heat absorbed by the water was 4.872 kJ/s. An experimental analysis conducted to validate the simulation by a rectangular Heat exchanger shows the amount of heat absorbed by the water is 4.87 kJ/s. In a study with variable water flow rate through the jacket, it is observed that heat absorbed by the water in conical heat exchanger is more than heat absorbed by the water in rectangular jacket within the flow rate of 4 l/min. and the heat absorbed by the water in rectangular heat exchanger is higher than conical heat exchanger with water flow rate above 4 l/min.
- Full Text:
- Authors: George, Tomy
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Computational fluid dynamics Renewable energy sources Biomass gasification
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/19087 , vital:39877
- Description: Renewable energy resources are considered to be the most promising source of energy in the coming centuries owing to its potential to get replenished by the nature itself. However, there are a number of challenges that are to be addressed prior to considering a particular resource as a reliable and effective one according to the energy demand fluctuations. Energy extracted from the biomass available in the nature has a lot of potential especially in the case of producing energy from syngas produced by the controlled burning of wood. This research deals with the minimisation of energy wastage in a gasification plant where syngas is produced from wood and transferred to an internal combustion engine to further generate electrical energy. The syngas produced from the wood is to be fed through a cyclone for purification before it can be fed into the IC engine, where the dust, carbon and other impurities are separated from the syngas by making use of the centrifugal force developed inside the cyclone. This syngas is further cooled and fed into the IC engine in its purest form as specified by the requirements of the engine. It is envisaged that if it is possible to recover the heat energy otherwise wasted in the cyclone and through the cooling circuit, it can be used for preheating the wood or for other minor heating purposes, and thereby the heat wastage can be minimised. Therefore, in this research, a series of numerical investigation conducted which involved the modelling of heat exchanger around a cyclone in order to extract heat from the surface of the cyclone. Two basic design of the Heat exchanger were considered in the study, a rectangular and a conical design. With a water flow rate of 2 l/min in conical design, the heat absorbed by the water was found to be 5.555 kJ/s and in rectangular design, the heat absorbed by the water was 4.872 kJ/s. An experimental analysis conducted to validate the simulation by a rectangular Heat exchanger shows the amount of heat absorbed by the water is 4.87 kJ/s. In a study with variable water flow rate through the jacket, it is observed that heat absorbed by the water in conical heat exchanger is more than heat absorbed by the water in rectangular jacket within the flow rate of 4 l/min. and the heat absorbed by the water in rectangular heat exchanger is higher than conical heat exchanger with water flow rate above 4 l/min.
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Coping as a moderator between work-family conflict and psychological well-being among academic employees at the University of Fort Hare, South Africa
- Authors: Samkange, Victoria
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Work and family -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Psychological aspect Job stress -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom (Industrial Psychology)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/12524 , vital:39271
- Description: The effects of changing academic environments at universities have attracted considerable research attraction on the psychological well-being of academics. The growing number of students entering tertiary education, the increase of emphasis on research, and higher quality learning this puts pressure on the academics leading to psychological distress. This study investigated the relationship that exists between work family conflict and psychological well-being among academic staff at the University of Fort Hare in the Eastern Cape in South Africa. The main aim of this study was to investigate the moderating role of the use of coping strategies as a moderator of the relationship between work-family conflict among the academic staff at the university of Fort Hare. A quantitative research design was adopted in conducting this study. Data was collected using a self-administered questionnaire to academics from all faculties within the university of Fort Hare. The respondents were selected using simple random sampling method, from 350 academic staff members a sample size of 184 respondents was used in this study. Five-point Likert scale was used to measure the responses. Data analysis methods used include descriptive statistics, one sample statistic test, Chi-square tests and independent t-test. The validity and reliability of the research instrument and the findings were assured through pilot study and Cronbach alpha reliability test. The results indicate that the use of coping strategies moderates the relationship between work family conflict and psychological well-being. Recommendations to reduce work family conflict and promoting psychological well-being among academic staff were also discussed in this study.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Samkange, Victoria
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Work and family -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Psychological aspect Job stress -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom (Industrial Psychology)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/12524 , vital:39271
- Description: The effects of changing academic environments at universities have attracted considerable research attraction on the psychological well-being of academics. The growing number of students entering tertiary education, the increase of emphasis on research, and higher quality learning this puts pressure on the academics leading to psychological distress. This study investigated the relationship that exists between work family conflict and psychological well-being among academic staff at the University of Fort Hare in the Eastern Cape in South Africa. The main aim of this study was to investigate the moderating role of the use of coping strategies as a moderator of the relationship between work-family conflict among the academic staff at the university of Fort Hare. A quantitative research design was adopted in conducting this study. Data was collected using a self-administered questionnaire to academics from all faculties within the university of Fort Hare. The respondents were selected using simple random sampling method, from 350 academic staff members a sample size of 184 respondents was used in this study. Five-point Likert scale was used to measure the responses. Data analysis methods used include descriptive statistics, one sample statistic test, Chi-square tests and independent t-test. The validity and reliability of the research instrument and the findings were assured through pilot study and Cronbach alpha reliability test. The results indicate that the use of coping strategies moderates the relationship between work family conflict and psychological well-being. Recommendations to reduce work family conflict and promoting psychological well-being among academic staff were also discussed in this study.
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Corporate Social Responsibility as a strategy for community development in the Eastern Cape Province: The Case of Volkswagen in Uitenhage
- Authors: Mutongoza, Bonginkosi Hardy
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Social responsibility of business Community development
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom (Development Studies)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/16963 , vital:40789
- Description: The turn of the new millennium has brought with it a heightened emphasis on Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), particularly more recently in the global South where underdevelopment is more prevalent. While corporates continue to be viewed as more better-placed than global South governments in the attempt to deal with underdevelopment, this contribution of corporates does not come naturally since their primary focus is making profit. In the case of South Africa, the CSR agenda is regulated primarily by two legal instruments: the B-BBEE Act and the Companies Act. This study set out to determine whether CSR is an effective strategy for community development (CD). The study relied on a qualitative research methodology, employing face-to-face interviews and focus group discussions as the primary sources of data. Data was gathered primarily from two sets of samples: a community sample which comprised of members from wards 47, 50 and 51 in Uitenhage; and a sample comprising of officials from the B-BBEE Commission, the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality Local Economic Development, and the Volkswagen Community Trust. Participants were purposively sampled in order to save time and resources. The study established that although CSR can be employed for the purposes of achieving community development, there is need for dedicated policies that deal specifically with CSR and set the parameters within which CSR can be carried out. The effectiveness of the CSR agenda in South Africa, thus, relies heavily on the institution of an effective regulatory framework.
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- Authors: Mutongoza, Bonginkosi Hardy
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Social responsibility of business Community development
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom (Development Studies)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/16963 , vital:40789
- Description: The turn of the new millennium has brought with it a heightened emphasis on Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), particularly more recently in the global South where underdevelopment is more prevalent. While corporates continue to be viewed as more better-placed than global South governments in the attempt to deal with underdevelopment, this contribution of corporates does not come naturally since their primary focus is making profit. In the case of South Africa, the CSR agenda is regulated primarily by two legal instruments: the B-BBEE Act and the Companies Act. This study set out to determine whether CSR is an effective strategy for community development (CD). The study relied on a qualitative research methodology, employing face-to-face interviews and focus group discussions as the primary sources of data. Data was gathered primarily from two sets of samples: a community sample which comprised of members from wards 47, 50 and 51 in Uitenhage; and a sample comprising of officials from the B-BBEE Commission, the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality Local Economic Development, and the Volkswagen Community Trust. Participants were purposively sampled in order to save time and resources. The study established that although CSR can be employed for the purposes of achieving community development, there is need for dedicated policies that deal specifically with CSR and set the parameters within which CSR can be carried out. The effectiveness of the CSR agenda in South Africa, thus, relies heavily on the institution of an effective regulatory framework.
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Critical Success Factors for Enhanced Information Systems Capabilities in Water Billing Processes: A Case Study of Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality
- Authors: Naki, Avuyile
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Information networks -- Security measures Computer security
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom (Information Systems)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/13793 , vital:39712
- Description: Water is a nation's most precious resource as humans depend upon it for their lives and livelihoods. Water resources, therefore, require efficient and strategic management by those entities tasked with such a responsibility. Municipalities manage the water distribution to local citizens, but experience challenges due to the numerous tasks involved in water management. A major challenge that municipalities face is inefficiencies in water management business processes due to immature information system capabilities. Many studies focus on the infrastructure-related challenges such as ageing pipes, but little emphasis is placed on the information system-based challenges in water management and their relationship to the local water consumer. Therefore, the focus of this research investigation was on the water billing process activities and the information systems involved in these activities. The study collected primary data by conducting a focus group comprising seven respondents working in water billing-related processes and then conducted semi-structured interviews with two managers at the Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality (BCMM). The Nvivo software tool was used to organise the collected data. Finally, the collected data was analysed using the principles of thematic analysis. Firstly, the primary evidence indicates that the water billing information systems that are used at BCMM are unintegrated. Secondly, that there are numerous manual processes in the water billing-related processes, which lead to mistakes in the capturing of consumer data. Thirdly, the analysis confirms that BCMM is faced with water management challenges. Fourthly, the analysis revealed that there is inadequate communication between various water billing information systems that are used, which results in delays in data capturing, errors and outdated information. The findings conclude that BCMM has immature water billing information system capabilities and that there are problems related to water processes. The research investigation derived several critical success factors (CSFs) for BCMM to action to ensure that their water billing information systems are enhanced. The CSFs were reviewed by the two managers used for the study in order to ascertain their relevance to the context and were considered relevant by the managers. Therefore, the recommendation is that BCMM, and other municipalities with similar contexts, should action the proposed CSFs to enhance their water billing-related information systems capabilities.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Naki, Avuyile
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Information networks -- Security measures Computer security
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom (Information Systems)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/13793 , vital:39712
- Description: Water is a nation's most precious resource as humans depend upon it for their lives and livelihoods. Water resources, therefore, require efficient and strategic management by those entities tasked with such a responsibility. Municipalities manage the water distribution to local citizens, but experience challenges due to the numerous tasks involved in water management. A major challenge that municipalities face is inefficiencies in water management business processes due to immature information system capabilities. Many studies focus on the infrastructure-related challenges such as ageing pipes, but little emphasis is placed on the information system-based challenges in water management and their relationship to the local water consumer. Therefore, the focus of this research investigation was on the water billing process activities and the information systems involved in these activities. The study collected primary data by conducting a focus group comprising seven respondents working in water billing-related processes and then conducted semi-structured interviews with two managers at the Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality (BCMM). The Nvivo software tool was used to organise the collected data. Finally, the collected data was analysed using the principles of thematic analysis. Firstly, the primary evidence indicates that the water billing information systems that are used at BCMM are unintegrated. Secondly, that there are numerous manual processes in the water billing-related processes, which lead to mistakes in the capturing of consumer data. Thirdly, the analysis confirms that BCMM is faced with water management challenges. Fourthly, the analysis revealed that there is inadequate communication between various water billing information systems that are used, which results in delays in data capturing, errors and outdated information. The findings conclude that BCMM has immature water billing information system capabilities and that there are problems related to water processes. The research investigation derived several critical success factors (CSFs) for BCMM to action to ensure that their water billing information systems are enhanced. The CSFs were reviewed by the two managers used for the study in order to ascertain their relevance to the context and were considered relevant by the managers. Therefore, the recommendation is that BCMM, and other municipalities with similar contexts, should action the proposed CSFs to enhance their water billing-related information systems capabilities.
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Design and Characterization of a 5 kw Xe-Lamp Solar Simulator
- Authors: Nwodo, Julian Chizoba
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Solar energy
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/14671 , vital:40042
- Description: The design and characterisation of a 5kW Xenon lamp solar simulator is presented. This was accomplished through considering the design features of an ellipsoidal reflector, Xe lamp characteristics and casing, and power supply; assembly of an ellipsoidal, Xe-lamp simulator; design and building of an automated control system capable of remotely controlling the operating mode of the simulator; establishing the 3 scenarios that must be met to conform to a AAA class simulator; characterization of the simulator in terms of temporal stability, irradiance uniformity and spectral match; and application of the simulator and comparing it with STC rated values. The considerations for the type of material used for housing the components of the solar simulator were made. A 5kW DC power supply and igniter for the Xe-lamp was carefully selected since they provide necessary power for running the simulator. The simulator has the ability to be used in either horizontal or vertical position by adjusting the reflector. An automated control system capable of remotely controlling the operating mode of the simulator was built for this study, this system enables the simulator to be operated in either auto or manual modes. It also incorporates an irradiance, temperature, current and voltage feedback. The characterisation of the solar simulator was over a 2.1 m X 1.6 m test plane. The area under which the characterisation was carried out within the test plane is 110 cm x 129.5 cm. At the end of the steady state large area solar simulator characterisation, a class A spectral match, class A spatial uniformity, and a class B temporal instability was obtained
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- Authors: Nwodo, Julian Chizoba
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Solar energy
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/14671 , vital:40042
- Description: The design and characterisation of a 5kW Xenon lamp solar simulator is presented. This was accomplished through considering the design features of an ellipsoidal reflector, Xe lamp characteristics and casing, and power supply; assembly of an ellipsoidal, Xe-lamp simulator; design and building of an automated control system capable of remotely controlling the operating mode of the simulator; establishing the 3 scenarios that must be met to conform to a AAA class simulator; characterization of the simulator in terms of temporal stability, irradiance uniformity and spectral match; and application of the simulator and comparing it with STC rated values. The considerations for the type of material used for housing the components of the solar simulator were made. A 5kW DC power supply and igniter for the Xe-lamp was carefully selected since they provide necessary power for running the simulator. The simulator has the ability to be used in either horizontal or vertical position by adjusting the reflector. An automated control system capable of remotely controlling the operating mode of the simulator was built for this study, this system enables the simulator to be operated in either auto or manual modes. It also incorporates an irradiance, temperature, current and voltage feedback. The characterisation of the solar simulator was over a 2.1 m X 1.6 m test plane. The area under which the characterisation was carried out within the test plane is 110 cm x 129.5 cm. At the end of the steady state large area solar simulator characterisation, a class A spectral match, class A spatial uniformity, and a class B temporal instability was obtained
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Determinants of consumerisation of information technology and its effect on employee performance
- Authors: Khayundi, Hilda
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Information technology -- Economic aspect Organizational effectiveness
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom (Business Management)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/16906 , vital:40784
- Description: The ubiquitous nature of personally technological advanced devices and applications has engendered various predictions for the current employee at the workplace. With the introduction and adoption of mobile phones, tablets, laptops and even software, organisations are gradually allowing employees to utilise their personal mobile devices at the office to accomplish their tasks. This has led to the term Consumerisation of Information Technology (CIT) or IT consumerisation. The purpose of this study was to investigate the determinants of consumerisation of IT and its effect on job performance of staff at an institution of higher learning. This study used a theoretical framework - The Unified Theory of Acceptance and Usage of Technology – to find out if indeed consumerisation of IT has an effect on job performance. An online questionnaire was sent to the university’s staff email and a total of 230 responses were recorded. The study used a quantitative research approach. The Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) software was used for data analysis to test the hypotheses. Tests such as the multiple linear regression, factor analysis, correlations, ANOVA and t-tests were used to test the hypotheses. The findings of the study showed that there is a relationship between the determinants of consumerisation of IT and their effect on job performance at the workplace. These determinants are performance expectancy, social influence and facilitating conditions. Effort expectancy was the only factor that did not have an effect on consumerisation of IT. As such the study suggested that institutions and organisations to take note of the technological development of devices that can help employees improve their productivity. However, this should be treated with caution as there are also negative effects such as technostress and cyberloafing which may be associated with the advent of consumerisation of IT, therefore it should be a gradual process in order to see the benefits.
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- Authors: Khayundi, Hilda
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Information technology -- Economic aspect Organizational effectiveness
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom (Business Management)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/16906 , vital:40784
- Description: The ubiquitous nature of personally technological advanced devices and applications has engendered various predictions for the current employee at the workplace. With the introduction and adoption of mobile phones, tablets, laptops and even software, organisations are gradually allowing employees to utilise their personal mobile devices at the office to accomplish their tasks. This has led to the term Consumerisation of Information Technology (CIT) or IT consumerisation. The purpose of this study was to investigate the determinants of consumerisation of IT and its effect on job performance of staff at an institution of higher learning. This study used a theoretical framework - The Unified Theory of Acceptance and Usage of Technology – to find out if indeed consumerisation of IT has an effect on job performance. An online questionnaire was sent to the university’s staff email and a total of 230 responses were recorded. The study used a quantitative research approach. The Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) software was used for data analysis to test the hypotheses. Tests such as the multiple linear regression, factor analysis, correlations, ANOVA and t-tests were used to test the hypotheses. The findings of the study showed that there is a relationship between the determinants of consumerisation of IT and their effect on job performance at the workplace. These determinants are performance expectancy, social influence and facilitating conditions. Effort expectancy was the only factor that did not have an effect on consumerisation of IT. As such the study suggested that institutions and organisations to take note of the technological development of devices that can help employees improve their productivity. However, this should be treated with caution as there are also negative effects such as technostress and cyberloafing which may be associated with the advent of consumerisation of IT, therefore it should be a gradual process in order to see the benefits.
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Development of an Extensible Framework for Easy Implementation of Image Processing Applications on Android Operating System
- Authors: Gunu, Bulelani
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Operating systems (Computers)
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc (Computer Science )
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/17201 , vital:40865
- Description: Image processing is a field that has been in existence for many years and it continues to grow with many other research areas adopting its use. One such research area is the area of mobile devices. Mobile devices have been equipped with image processing software and hardware so as to apply image processing features. While there are many applications of image processing and new applications have been developed, there are still many functionalities that these image processing software perform the same. The development of these software from scratch requires a lot of effort and can be time consuming. This becomes even worse for mobile device application developers, specifically Android developers, who have no knowledge of implementing image processing functionalities. This project offers a software framework which allows Android application developers to focus on their unique requirements while incorporating image processing features into their applications. The framework provides the common image processing functionalities and Android developers do not need to know the internal working of the framework in order to use it. This helps reduce application development time and effort. The framework also offers an extensibility feature which takes into consideration the future growth. This means that third party developers can keep the framework up to date with the technological advancements. The presented framework is shown to be requiring less technical expertise. Also, the way in which the system is design makes it easy to understand. This design can be adopted for other related projects that require extensible frameworks for the Android operating system.
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- Authors: Gunu, Bulelani
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Operating systems (Computers)
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc (Computer Science )
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/17201 , vital:40865
- Description: Image processing is a field that has been in existence for many years and it continues to grow with many other research areas adopting its use. One such research area is the area of mobile devices. Mobile devices have been equipped with image processing software and hardware so as to apply image processing features. While there are many applications of image processing and new applications have been developed, there are still many functionalities that these image processing software perform the same. The development of these software from scratch requires a lot of effort and can be time consuming. This becomes even worse for mobile device application developers, specifically Android developers, who have no knowledge of implementing image processing functionalities. This project offers a software framework which allows Android application developers to focus on their unique requirements while incorporating image processing features into their applications. The framework provides the common image processing functionalities and Android developers do not need to know the internal working of the framework in order to use it. This helps reduce application development time and effort. The framework also offers an extensibility feature which takes into consideration the future growth. This means that third party developers can keep the framework up to date with the technological advancements. The presented framework is shown to be requiring less technical expertise. Also, the way in which the system is design makes it easy to understand. This design can be adopted for other related projects that require extensible frameworks for the Android operating system.
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Distribution of virulence determinants in some members of the ESKAPE pathogens isolated from selected hospital wastewater effluents in the Eastern Cape, South Africa
- Authors: Mapipa, Qaqamba
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Effluent quality Water -- Purification
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc (Microbiology)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/14704 , vital:40061
- Description: Members of ESKAPE pathogens are grouped under the acronymn made up of Enterococcus faecium, Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Acinetobacter baumannii, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Enterobacter species. ESKAPE pathogens, isolated from hospitals and communities, have just been characterized for new pathogenesis and transmission patterns and overcoming the usefulness of available drugs, this leads to infections that tend to increase the rate of disease in a population and death rate and cost our society massively. The distribution of virulence determinants and the antibiotic susceptibility patterns in some members of the ESKAPE pathogens isolated from hospital wastewater facilities that were selected within the Eastern Cape Province, South Africa was evaluated. Water samples from the hospital wastewater facilities were collected fortnightly over a period of three (3) months (February to April). Spread plate technique was employed for the enumeration and isolation of the members of ESKAPE pathogens. A total of 725 presumptive ESKAPE isolates were collected, screened and Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) amplification of target determinants was performed. Results showed that Klebsiella pneumoniae tested positive for ninety two (92=35.9%) samples, Enterobacter cloacae fifty seven (57=22.2%) samples tested positive, Pseudomonas aeruginosa fifty four (54=21.09%) isolates tested positive and fifty three (53=20.7%) isolates tested positive for Acinetobacter baumannii making a total of 256 isolates which tested positive for some members of ESKAPE pathogens. The detection of some members of the ESKAPE pathogens in these Hospitals is a cause of concern to public health. A total of 256 ESKAPE isolates that were obtained from the hospital wastewater facilities; were subjected to antibiotic susceptibility test in order to determine their antibiotic-resistant profiles. ESKAPE isolates recovered from the three hospital effluents showing resistance to antimicrobial agents in this study were further evaluated for resistance determinants namely, sulfonamides resistance determinants (sulI and sulII), β-lactams (ampC, blaTEM and blaZ), tetracyclines (tetA, tetB, tetC and tetM), 10 chloramphenicol’s (catI and catII) and aminoglycoside resistance determinants (aacC2, apHAI and apHAII). The resistant determinants targeted have been evaluated through their prevalence and the following distributions were obtained: [β-Lactams; ampC (80%), blaTEM (77%)]; [Tetracyclines; tetA (87%)]; [Sulfonamides; sulI (79%)]; [Aminoglycosides; aacC2 (12%), aphA2 (52%) and aadA (18%)]. With the worldwide increase in these resistant occurrences, the execution of strict infection control policies and treatment with different antimicrobials needs hasty detection. Comprehensive data are therefore needed so that the history of infection, identification of genes present in organisms and monitoring of changes in infection patterns can be traced correctly.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Mapipa, Qaqamba
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Effluent quality Water -- Purification
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc (Microbiology)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/14704 , vital:40061
- Description: Members of ESKAPE pathogens are grouped under the acronymn made up of Enterococcus faecium, Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Acinetobacter baumannii, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Enterobacter species. ESKAPE pathogens, isolated from hospitals and communities, have just been characterized for new pathogenesis and transmission patterns and overcoming the usefulness of available drugs, this leads to infections that tend to increase the rate of disease in a population and death rate and cost our society massively. The distribution of virulence determinants and the antibiotic susceptibility patterns in some members of the ESKAPE pathogens isolated from hospital wastewater facilities that were selected within the Eastern Cape Province, South Africa was evaluated. Water samples from the hospital wastewater facilities were collected fortnightly over a period of three (3) months (February to April). Spread plate technique was employed for the enumeration and isolation of the members of ESKAPE pathogens. A total of 725 presumptive ESKAPE isolates were collected, screened and Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) amplification of target determinants was performed. Results showed that Klebsiella pneumoniae tested positive for ninety two (92=35.9%) samples, Enterobacter cloacae fifty seven (57=22.2%) samples tested positive, Pseudomonas aeruginosa fifty four (54=21.09%) isolates tested positive and fifty three (53=20.7%) isolates tested positive for Acinetobacter baumannii making a total of 256 isolates which tested positive for some members of ESKAPE pathogens. The detection of some members of the ESKAPE pathogens in these Hospitals is a cause of concern to public health. A total of 256 ESKAPE isolates that were obtained from the hospital wastewater facilities; were subjected to antibiotic susceptibility test in order to determine their antibiotic-resistant profiles. ESKAPE isolates recovered from the three hospital effluents showing resistance to antimicrobial agents in this study were further evaluated for resistance determinants namely, sulfonamides resistance determinants (sulI and sulII), β-lactams (ampC, blaTEM and blaZ), tetracyclines (tetA, tetB, tetC and tetM), 10 chloramphenicol’s (catI and catII) and aminoglycoside resistance determinants (aacC2, apHAI and apHAII). The resistant determinants targeted have been evaluated through their prevalence and the following distributions were obtained: [β-Lactams; ampC (80%), blaTEM (77%)]; [Tetracyclines; tetA (87%)]; [Sulfonamides; sulI (79%)]; [Aminoglycosides; aacC2 (12%), aphA2 (52%) and aadA (18%)]. With the worldwide increase in these resistant occurrences, the execution of strict infection control policies and treatment with different antimicrobials needs hasty detection. Comprehensive data are therefore needed so that the history of infection, identification of genes present in organisms and monitoring of changes in infection patterns can be traced correctly.
- Full Text:
E-books preference compared to print books based on student perceptions: a case of University of Fort Hare students
- Authors: Makwanya, Comfort
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Electronic books College students
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom (Business Management)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/13653 , vital:39688
- Description: Technology has been shifting students’ perceptions and preferences on how they learn. The way in which students perceive print books and e-books greatly affects which format they prefer to use for academic purposes. In recent years, e-book accessibility on a variety of mobile gadgets has become a substitute to print based resources which are costly in terms of production, sharing and heavy in terms of their physical nature. Institutions of higher learning have decided that e-books and related resources are the most preferred options among students. This, however, is in contrary to the research findings which propound that students do not actually favour e-books. The intention of this study was to determine students’ perceptions with regards to using e-books and print books in meeting information needs. In addition, the study aimed to determine students’ awareness, usage, preference and students’ plan to adopt e-books as their only source of information in the future. Contrasting views exist on which format (print or e-book) students prefer for academic purposes to enhance their learning experience with most studies being done in developed countries. Hence, the investigation that uncovers students’ perceptions and preferences towards the two formats in South Africa can provide a better comprehension and conclusion on an African student. This will consequently lead to improved student engagement and improved learning outcomes. A cross-sectional research design was used and a questionnaire administered to a sample of 307 students at the University of Fort Hare’s East London Campus through convenience sampling. Findings from this study showed that students at the University of Fort Hare’s Faculty of Management and Commerce preferred using both (e-books and print books) for their information needs. They also perceived e-books as good as print books, easier and friendly to use and capable of providing adequate information to meet study needs. The findings will assist practitioners to understand readers’ needs, improve awareness, and develop e-book collections and designs that improve the learning process.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Makwanya, Comfort
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Electronic books College students
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom (Business Management)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/13653 , vital:39688
- Description: Technology has been shifting students’ perceptions and preferences on how they learn. The way in which students perceive print books and e-books greatly affects which format they prefer to use for academic purposes. In recent years, e-book accessibility on a variety of mobile gadgets has become a substitute to print based resources which are costly in terms of production, sharing and heavy in terms of their physical nature. Institutions of higher learning have decided that e-books and related resources are the most preferred options among students. This, however, is in contrary to the research findings which propound that students do not actually favour e-books. The intention of this study was to determine students’ perceptions with regards to using e-books and print books in meeting information needs. In addition, the study aimed to determine students’ awareness, usage, preference and students’ plan to adopt e-books as their only source of information in the future. Contrasting views exist on which format (print or e-book) students prefer for academic purposes to enhance their learning experience with most studies being done in developed countries. Hence, the investigation that uncovers students’ perceptions and preferences towards the two formats in South Africa can provide a better comprehension and conclusion on an African student. This will consequently lead to improved student engagement and improved learning outcomes. A cross-sectional research design was used and a questionnaire administered to a sample of 307 students at the University of Fort Hare’s East London Campus through convenience sampling. Findings from this study showed that students at the University of Fort Hare’s Faculty of Management and Commerce preferred using both (e-books and print books) for their information needs. They also perceived e-books as good as print books, easier and friendly to use and capable of providing adequate information to meet study needs. The findings will assist practitioners to understand readers’ needs, improve awareness, and develop e-book collections and designs that improve the learning process.
- Full Text:
Educators’ management of the learning environment for enhanced teaching and learning in selected primary schools in the East London Education District
- Olabode, Sadiat Adewumi, Adu, E O
- Authors: Olabode, Sadiat Adewumi , Adu, E O
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Classroom management -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/16231 , vital:40701
- Description: Classroom environment has been conceptually and practically conceived as a place where learning takes place. However, despite the importance of classrooms in enhancing learning, most classrooms, especially in the sub-Saharan African countries are poorly arranged and situated in noisy and crowded environments. In addition to this, most teachers lack basic skills to manage classrooms. In the light of the above-mentioned issues, the main purpose of this study was to investigate educators’ management of the learning environments for enhanced teaching and learning in selected primary schools in the East London Education District, Eastern Cape Province, South Africa. In achieving this aim, the researcher adopted mixed method research approach. The population for this study was selected from intermediate phase educators in the East London Education District. The sample size was 76 intermediate phase educators, which was conveniently selected. Questionnaire (quantitative), interview and observation (qualitative) research instruments were used to collect the data. A structured questionnaire was administered to 76 respondents; while five Head of Departments (HOD) from study population were interviewed and observed. The SPSS was used to conduct both descriptive and inferential analysis. Quantitative data analysis was used to measure perceived stress level situations among intermediate phase educators, while content analysis was used to analyse narratives of the participants. The study found that giving motivational talks, asking about learners parents/guardians, asking about their experiences at home, knowing their needs, and having discussion with their parents/guardians, telling them interesting stories, learning how to call their names properly, giving them responsibilities in the classroom and motivating them to participate in learning activities are important techniques and approaches for dealing with the emotional problems of the learners in the classroom. This implies that teachers should be more compassionate about their learners, because learners with serious emotional problems cannot learn and be productive in the classroom. The study concludes that involving the learners in the decision-making on the procedures, approaches and strategies to classroom management are fundamental for ensuring efficient and productive classroom. Moreover, the educators should adopt varied approaches in the management of the classroom. This is because an approach that works for one teacher/learner may not work for other teacher/learner. Based on this conclusion, the study recommends that the teachers should set classroom rules and ensure that the learners follow these rules strictly in order to avoid rowdiness in the classroom. Failure to set rules and ensure that the learners follow classroom rules might be counter-productive to learning process.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Olabode, Sadiat Adewumi , Adu, E O
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Classroom management -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/16231 , vital:40701
- Description: Classroom environment has been conceptually and practically conceived as a place where learning takes place. However, despite the importance of classrooms in enhancing learning, most classrooms, especially in the sub-Saharan African countries are poorly arranged and situated in noisy and crowded environments. In addition to this, most teachers lack basic skills to manage classrooms. In the light of the above-mentioned issues, the main purpose of this study was to investigate educators’ management of the learning environments for enhanced teaching and learning in selected primary schools in the East London Education District, Eastern Cape Province, South Africa. In achieving this aim, the researcher adopted mixed method research approach. The population for this study was selected from intermediate phase educators in the East London Education District. The sample size was 76 intermediate phase educators, which was conveniently selected. Questionnaire (quantitative), interview and observation (qualitative) research instruments were used to collect the data. A structured questionnaire was administered to 76 respondents; while five Head of Departments (HOD) from study population were interviewed and observed. The SPSS was used to conduct both descriptive and inferential analysis. Quantitative data analysis was used to measure perceived stress level situations among intermediate phase educators, while content analysis was used to analyse narratives of the participants. The study found that giving motivational talks, asking about learners parents/guardians, asking about their experiences at home, knowing their needs, and having discussion with their parents/guardians, telling them interesting stories, learning how to call their names properly, giving them responsibilities in the classroom and motivating them to participate in learning activities are important techniques and approaches for dealing with the emotional problems of the learners in the classroom. This implies that teachers should be more compassionate about their learners, because learners with serious emotional problems cannot learn and be productive in the classroom. The study concludes that involving the learners in the decision-making on the procedures, approaches and strategies to classroom management are fundamental for ensuring efficient and productive classroom. Moreover, the educators should adopt varied approaches in the management of the classroom. This is because an approach that works for one teacher/learner may not work for other teacher/learner. Based on this conclusion, the study recommends that the teachers should set classroom rules and ensure that the learners follow these rules strictly in order to avoid rowdiness in the classroom. Failure to set rules and ensure that the learners follow classroom rules might be counter-productive to learning process.
- Full Text:
Effect of dietary Mucuna pruriens seed meal on the serum lipid profile and bone quality traits of broiler chickens
- Authors: Hempe, Chumani
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Legumes Lipoproteins
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/17213 , vital:40866
- Description: This study aimed at evaluating the effects of heated Mucuna pruriens seed meal on the blood serum lipid profile and bone quality parameters of broiler chickens. A total of 120 day-old unsexed Cobb 500 broiler chicks were randomly allocated for the 4 treatment diets (T1, T2, T3 and T4) containing 0, 10, 15, and 20% heated Mucuna pruriens seed meal. The birds were reared on wood shaving floor pens for 35 days. Birds were humanely slaughtered by severing the jugular vein using a sharp knife. Blood was collected into a tube, centrifuge and analyzed for a lipid profile analysis (total cholesterol (TC), high density lipoproteins (HDL), low density lipoproteins (LDL), triglycerides (TCD) as well as aspartate transaminase (AST) and alanine transaminase (ALT)) by enzymatic diagnostic kits (Diasys diagnostic kits). Both drumsticks severed using a sharp knife. After boiling in the water at 100°C for 10 mins the tibia bones were taken, air-dried for 96 hrs at room temperature and measured for weights. Bone length, strength, moisture and ash content as well as morphology were measured. The blood lipid profile of birds fed T1 was high (P < 0.05) for all the parameters measured, while T3 had the lowest (P < 0.05) profile. T2 and T4 had the same profile. ALT was found to be highest (P < 0.05) for T4 (5.27 ± 0.207/L) and lowest (P < 0.05) for T2 (4.67 ± 0.333/L) while AST was highest (P < 0.05) for T2 (320.13 ± 28.851/L) and lowest (P < 0.05) for T3 (208.47 ± 10.059/L). Treatment diet 3 (T3) was observed decreased bone quality among all diets; with the lowest (P < 0.05) bone strength (188.55 ± 12.039N), bone length (8.59 ± 0.131cm) and morphology (1.69 ± 0.058). Mucuna pruriens seed meal inclusion in broiler diets reduces blood serum lipids and 20% inclusion levels have no adverse effects on the bone quality attributes
- Full Text:
- Authors: Hempe, Chumani
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Legumes Lipoproteins
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/17213 , vital:40866
- Description: This study aimed at evaluating the effects of heated Mucuna pruriens seed meal on the blood serum lipid profile and bone quality parameters of broiler chickens. A total of 120 day-old unsexed Cobb 500 broiler chicks were randomly allocated for the 4 treatment diets (T1, T2, T3 and T4) containing 0, 10, 15, and 20% heated Mucuna pruriens seed meal. The birds were reared on wood shaving floor pens for 35 days. Birds were humanely slaughtered by severing the jugular vein using a sharp knife. Blood was collected into a tube, centrifuge and analyzed for a lipid profile analysis (total cholesterol (TC), high density lipoproteins (HDL), low density lipoproteins (LDL), triglycerides (TCD) as well as aspartate transaminase (AST) and alanine transaminase (ALT)) by enzymatic diagnostic kits (Diasys diagnostic kits). Both drumsticks severed using a sharp knife. After boiling in the water at 100°C for 10 mins the tibia bones were taken, air-dried for 96 hrs at room temperature and measured for weights. Bone length, strength, moisture and ash content as well as morphology were measured. The blood lipid profile of birds fed T1 was high (P < 0.05) for all the parameters measured, while T3 had the lowest (P < 0.05) profile. T2 and T4 had the same profile. ALT was found to be highest (P < 0.05) for T4 (5.27 ± 0.207/L) and lowest (P < 0.05) for T2 (4.67 ± 0.333/L) while AST was highest (P < 0.05) for T2 (320.13 ± 28.851/L) and lowest (P < 0.05) for T3 (208.47 ± 10.059/L). Treatment diet 3 (T3) was observed decreased bone quality among all diets; with the lowest (P < 0.05) bone strength (188.55 ± 12.039N), bone length (8.59 ± 0.131cm) and morphology (1.69 ± 0.058). Mucuna pruriens seed meal inclusion in broiler diets reduces blood serum lipids and 20% inclusion levels have no adverse effects on the bone quality attributes
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Effect of grazing systems on growth performance, carcass characteristic, meat quality of beef cattle and economic performance of the enterprise
- Authors: Dayimani, Siyavuya
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Grazing -- Environmental aspects Meat -- Quality
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/17294 , vital:40873
- Description: Under conditions of adaptive Holistic Management™, we tested whether rotational grazing approaches such as holistic planned grazing (HPG) and four-camp grazing (FCG) influence growth, carcass and meat quality attributes of beef steers compared to continuous, seasonlong (SLG) grazing. Thirty steers (250 ±19.56 kg, 16-17-month-old) were randomly assigned to SLG, HPG and FCG systems (10 steers/ treatment) at a private farm in Cedarville, Eastern Cape Province, South Africa where grazing was managed using an adaptive approach involving inter alia planned grazing charts, seasonal movement of cattle, and supplemental feeding. The steers were slaughtered at 40-41 months for carcass measurements and longissimus et lumborum was sampled for meat quality analyses. All the grazing systems had comparable live weights and average daily gain. All the investigated carcass attributes were also similar across grazing treatments (P > 0.05). Meat from steers on the SLG system had higher (P<0.05) drip loss, protein and fat contents and lower (P <0.05) shear force, moisture and ash contents than the two rotational grazing approaches (HPG and FCG). The HPG had higher (P < 0.05) total running and capital costs compared to SLG and FCG grazing systems. The SLG system had greater (P ≤ 0.05) gross and net income compared to FCG and HPG systems, respectively. Overall, all the grazing systems had comparable growth performance, carcass characteristics and meat quality but rotational grazing systems had lower gross income relative to the SLG grazing system.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Dayimani, Siyavuya
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Grazing -- Environmental aspects Meat -- Quality
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/17294 , vital:40873
- Description: Under conditions of adaptive Holistic Management™, we tested whether rotational grazing approaches such as holistic planned grazing (HPG) and four-camp grazing (FCG) influence growth, carcass and meat quality attributes of beef steers compared to continuous, seasonlong (SLG) grazing. Thirty steers (250 ±19.56 kg, 16-17-month-old) were randomly assigned to SLG, HPG and FCG systems (10 steers/ treatment) at a private farm in Cedarville, Eastern Cape Province, South Africa where grazing was managed using an adaptive approach involving inter alia planned grazing charts, seasonal movement of cattle, and supplemental feeding. The steers were slaughtered at 40-41 months for carcass measurements and longissimus et lumborum was sampled for meat quality analyses. All the grazing systems had comparable live weights and average daily gain. All the investigated carcass attributes were also similar across grazing treatments (P > 0.05). Meat from steers on the SLG system had higher (P<0.05) drip loss, protein and fat contents and lower (P <0.05) shear force, moisture and ash contents than the two rotational grazing approaches (HPG and FCG). The HPG had higher (P < 0.05) total running and capital costs compared to SLG and FCG grazing systems. The SLG system had greater (P ≤ 0.05) gross and net income compared to FCG and HPG systems, respectively. Overall, all the grazing systems had comparable growth performance, carcass characteristics and meat quality but rotational grazing systems had lower gross income relative to the SLG grazing system.
- Full Text:
Effects of herbicide application and phosphorous fertilization on forage production and plant density of abandoned lands planted with pasture legumes
- Authors: Mashece , Wandile
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Forage plants Grazing
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc (Pasture Science)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/11950 , vital:39121
- Description: The study was conducted in two communal abandoned grazing lands, namely; Sinqumeni and Kubedlana (referred hereafter as sites) located in the Eastern Cape Province (ECP) where legume pastures have been successfully established for the last ten years. The objectives of the study were to investigate the effects of five different herbicide treatments and four different phosphorus fertilizer application rates on forage production and plant density of abandoned lands. At each site, an area previously planted with legume species and well established with an even stand of legumes were selected. For both experimental sites, experimental design consisted of plot size of 50 m × 50 m for herbicide plot and 25 m ×25 m for phosphorus plot with 5 m×10 m of sub-plot planted with an even stand of pasture legumes arranged in a randomised complete block design (RCBD) in two blocks. The legumes that were planted in these sites were: Lotus corniculatus, White clover, Arrow leaf clover, Yellow serradella, Pitman serradella, Biserrula and Lespedeza cuneata. Prior to planting, the legume seeds were mixed with the appropriate inoculant by hand. Planting was done by over sowing legumes into the natural pastures (grasses) using an Aitchison Mini seeder. In each small plot, data was collected on forage biomass and plant density (species count). Data was analysed using the SAS programme and the significance of differences between means were tested with Fisher’s test for the LSD. On herbicide study, results showed that there were no significant (p > 0.05) difference in forage dry matter (DM) among the herbicide treatments in both years at Kubedlana. Results further showed that all five herbicides did not significantly (p > 0.05) increase the DM yield over control treatment. At Sinqumeni, results displayed no significant (p > 0.05) difference in forage DM among treatments during year 1, whereas in year 2, but all herbicide treatments except Haloxyfop-R methyl & Bendioxide (HBE) yielded greater (p < 0.05) DM yield than the control treatment. Comparing years, forage DM yield only under Bendioxide (BEN) and Paraquat (PAR) treatments had greater DM yield in year 2 than years 1. In Kubedlana, Bendioxide (BEN) and Haloxyfop-R methyl (HAL) treatments showed an IV increase in total density (TD), whereas Glyphosate (GLY) produced the lowest total density (TD) and Paraquat (PAR) and Haloxyfop-R methyl (HAL) resulted in an increased in density of total legumes (TL) relative to control treatment. There was a decline (p < 0.05) in the densities of total plants and forbs from year 1 to year 2. In Sinqumeni, herbicide applications resulted in higher density of total legumes than the control treatment, but results varied among herbicide treatments, greatest density being obtained at Haloxyfop-R methyl & Bendioxide (HBE) and Haloxyfop-R methyl (HAL) treatments. On phosphorus study, result showed a significant (p < 0.05) differences in dry matter (DM) yield among Phosphorus (P) treatments during year 2 of the study at Kubedlana site. All P treatments showed significantly greater dry matter (DM) yield in forage harvested in year 2 compared to year 1. At Sinqumeni, results showed Phosphorus (P) application did not have significance (p > 0.05) effect on forage dry matter (DM) yield on both years. In Kubedlana, there were indications of increased densities of total grasses, legumes and total plants in response to some levels of phosphorus (P) treatments. Treatment Phosphorus at 20 kg ha-1 (P20) yielded the highest total density (TD) and total legumes (TL) numbers and P10 had the lowest total density (TD). Both treatment and year interacted significantly (p < 0.05) to influence the mean density of some plant variables. At Sinqumeni, there were no significant differences due to phosphorus (P) treatments in the densities of total plants, grasses and forbs. Both years interacted significantly (p < 0.05) with treatments to influence the plant density mean, with Lespedeza cuneate (LESP) producing the highest plant density during year 1 and year 2, whereas BSERRL produced the lowest plant density during year 1 and year 2 periods. Therefore, findings of this study suggest that application of both Bendioxide (BEN) & Haloxyfop-R methyl & Bendioxide (HBE) treatments result in a decrease in dry matter (DM) yield, whereas Glyphosate (GLY) herbicide resulted in a decrease in both total density (TD) and total legumes (TL) and Haloxyfop-R methyl (HAL) herbicide application resulted in an increase of total density (TD) and total legumes (TL) V relative to control plot. On phosphorus study, results suggest that at Phosphorus at 40 kg ha-1 (P40) fertilization dry matter (DM) yield will be increased and at both Phosphorus at 20 kg ha1 (P20) and Phosphorus at 40 kg ha-1 (P40) high total density (TD) will be recorded where’s Phosphorus at 20 kg ha-1 (P20) fertilization result in high total legumes (TL).
- Full Text:
- Authors: Mashece , Wandile
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Forage plants Grazing
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc (Pasture Science)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/11950 , vital:39121
- Description: The study was conducted in two communal abandoned grazing lands, namely; Sinqumeni and Kubedlana (referred hereafter as sites) located in the Eastern Cape Province (ECP) where legume pastures have been successfully established for the last ten years. The objectives of the study were to investigate the effects of five different herbicide treatments and four different phosphorus fertilizer application rates on forage production and plant density of abandoned lands. At each site, an area previously planted with legume species and well established with an even stand of legumes were selected. For both experimental sites, experimental design consisted of plot size of 50 m × 50 m for herbicide plot and 25 m ×25 m for phosphorus plot with 5 m×10 m of sub-plot planted with an even stand of pasture legumes arranged in a randomised complete block design (RCBD) in two blocks. The legumes that were planted in these sites were: Lotus corniculatus, White clover, Arrow leaf clover, Yellow serradella, Pitman serradella, Biserrula and Lespedeza cuneata. Prior to planting, the legume seeds were mixed with the appropriate inoculant by hand. Planting was done by over sowing legumes into the natural pastures (grasses) using an Aitchison Mini seeder. In each small plot, data was collected on forage biomass and plant density (species count). Data was analysed using the SAS programme and the significance of differences between means were tested with Fisher’s test for the LSD. On herbicide study, results showed that there were no significant (p > 0.05) difference in forage dry matter (DM) among the herbicide treatments in both years at Kubedlana. Results further showed that all five herbicides did not significantly (p > 0.05) increase the DM yield over control treatment. At Sinqumeni, results displayed no significant (p > 0.05) difference in forage DM among treatments during year 1, whereas in year 2, but all herbicide treatments except Haloxyfop-R methyl & Bendioxide (HBE) yielded greater (p < 0.05) DM yield than the control treatment. Comparing years, forage DM yield only under Bendioxide (BEN) and Paraquat (PAR) treatments had greater DM yield in year 2 than years 1. In Kubedlana, Bendioxide (BEN) and Haloxyfop-R methyl (HAL) treatments showed an IV increase in total density (TD), whereas Glyphosate (GLY) produced the lowest total density (TD) and Paraquat (PAR) and Haloxyfop-R methyl (HAL) resulted in an increased in density of total legumes (TL) relative to control treatment. There was a decline (p < 0.05) in the densities of total plants and forbs from year 1 to year 2. In Sinqumeni, herbicide applications resulted in higher density of total legumes than the control treatment, but results varied among herbicide treatments, greatest density being obtained at Haloxyfop-R methyl & Bendioxide (HBE) and Haloxyfop-R methyl (HAL) treatments. On phosphorus study, result showed a significant (p < 0.05) differences in dry matter (DM) yield among Phosphorus (P) treatments during year 2 of the study at Kubedlana site. All P treatments showed significantly greater dry matter (DM) yield in forage harvested in year 2 compared to year 1. At Sinqumeni, results showed Phosphorus (P) application did not have significance (p > 0.05) effect on forage dry matter (DM) yield on both years. In Kubedlana, there were indications of increased densities of total grasses, legumes and total plants in response to some levels of phosphorus (P) treatments. Treatment Phosphorus at 20 kg ha-1 (P20) yielded the highest total density (TD) and total legumes (TL) numbers and P10 had the lowest total density (TD). Both treatment and year interacted significantly (p < 0.05) to influence the mean density of some plant variables. At Sinqumeni, there were no significant differences due to phosphorus (P) treatments in the densities of total plants, grasses and forbs. Both years interacted significantly (p < 0.05) with treatments to influence the plant density mean, with Lespedeza cuneate (LESP) producing the highest plant density during year 1 and year 2, whereas BSERRL produced the lowest plant density during year 1 and year 2 periods. Therefore, findings of this study suggest that application of both Bendioxide (BEN) & Haloxyfop-R methyl & Bendioxide (HBE) treatments result in a decrease in dry matter (DM) yield, whereas Glyphosate (GLY) herbicide resulted in a decrease in both total density (TD) and total legumes (TL) and Haloxyfop-R methyl (HAL) herbicide application resulted in an increase of total density (TD) and total legumes (TL) V relative to control plot. On phosphorus study, results suggest that at Phosphorus at 40 kg ha-1 (P40) fertilization dry matter (DM) yield will be increased and at both Phosphorus at 20 kg ha1 (P20) and Phosphorus at 40 kg ha-1 (P40) high total density (TD) will be recorded where’s Phosphorus at 20 kg ha-1 (P20) fertilization result in high total legumes (TL).
- Full Text:
Effects of nitrogen and phosphorus rates, leaf age and drying technique on growth and nutritional contents of Moringa oleifera
- Authors: Sokombela, Asanda
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Moringa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/12117 , vital:39153
- Description: In general, smallholder farmers tend to use large quantities of soil nutrients without replenishment with manure, compost and fertiliser in order to replace the soil nutrients that are lost. Considering the low soil fertility status of soils in South Africa, this study was conducted with an aim of developing agronomic protocols for the production of moringa in order to fight malnutrition and produce supplement feed for animals. Moringa contains various nutrients and chemicals, such as, protein, which are sensitive to heat, and there is therefore a need to establish the best drying method which does not affect the nutrient content and quality of moringa. Physiological age is probably the most important factor influencing the mineral composition of plants. The relationship between nutrient concentration and leaf age is not fundamentally altered by crop load, soil type, climate or cultural practices, such that nutrients may be displaced vertically by the level of supply. Leaf age is one of the factors that affect the distribution of nutrients in the leaves of plants. Therefore, studies were conducted to evaluate the response of Moringa oleifera leaf yield and nutritional content to nitrogen and phosphorus rates, leaf age/position, and drying techniques. The experiments were conducted at the University of Fort Hare Alice Campus research farm. The experiment that investigated the effect of N and P rates was carried out in potted plants filled fine silica sand. The seeds were sown on black polythene bags, filled with a mixture of soil, pine bark and goat manure (at 1:2:1 ratio, respectively) at a depth of 2 cm. At 30 cm height, the seedlings were transplanted into 5-liter pots, which were filled with building sand as growing media. The experiment was a 4 x 3 factorial, with four levels of nitrogen (100, 200, 300 and 400 kg/ha) and three levels of phosphorus (40, 80 and 120 kg/ha). The experiment was laid-out as randomised complete block design (RCBD), with 12 treatment combinations replicated four times. All experimental units received the same amount of potassium (731kg/ha) in the form of KCl. Nitrogen treatments which were applied were split in two equal applications, at transplanting stage and 4 weeks later. The phosphorus rates were applied as superphosphate once mixed to the potting media before transplanting. Growth parameters such as plant height, root collar diameters, number of leaves, dry and fresh leaf masses were measured. Powdered dry leaves were also analysed to determine iv metabolite such as crude protein, ash, moisture, fat and fibre constituents (ADF and NDF). Micro and macro mineral nutrients were also determined using atomic absorption spectroscopy technique (AAS). The results showed that growth of moringa significantly increased through the application of fertilizer. The results from the (ANOVA) table showed no interaction between phosphorus and nitrogen on growth parameters such as number of leaves, stem width and plant height of moringa in this study. Nitrogen levels, as treatments, have significantly affected the growth of the plant. However, phosphorus, as a treatment, showed no significant difference on growth parameteres of Moringa. It was evident that trees that received the highest nitrogen rate (400 kg/ha) resulted in thickest stem girth, tallest trees and the highest number of leaves. The overall results revealed that moringa leaf powder contained appreciable amount nutrients. Crude protein was notably high (38.23%) in the trees that received the highest phosphorus and nitrogen combination treatment (400 kg/ha N x 120 kg/ha P treatment combination. The highest ash content of (14.17%) and (14.21%) were recorded from the trees that received treatment combination of 200 kg/ha N x 80 kg/ha P and 100 kg/ha N x 120 kg/ha P, and significantly differed from the rest of the other treatment combinations. The fat content steadily increased with an increase in nitrogen rate. Increase in P level resulted in a decrease in fat content. The overall findings confirm that combinations of the higher levels of N and P result in a decrease in fat content. The variation in the metabolite nutrients and mineral nutrient values may be due to differences in age of the leaves or positions and possibly due to different stages of maturity of leaves. The second experiment was conducted in the field at the research farm. The aim was to evaluate the effect of leaf age/position on nutrient distribution of moringa. The seeds were sown in black polythene bags at a depth of 2 cm. The bags were filled with a mixture of 1 part of soil, 2 parts of pine bark: and 1 part of manure. The seedlings were transplanted into the field when they reached the height of 30cm. Plants were laid-out as a CRD design with 5 replications. Three leaf positions, upper, middle and basal leaves, were used as treatments to determine the nutrient variation within a parent plant. Leaves of each position were harvested separately, washed with tap water and air-dried in shade condition. The dried leaves were analysed for metabolite and mineral content. The Association of official agricultural chemists (AOAC) methods were used to determine protein, fat, fibre, and ash. Atomic absorption spectrometry (AAS) technique was used to analyse minerals v such as iron, zinc, copper, manganese and macro-minerals such as calcium, magnesium, potassium, sodium and phosphorus. The study showed that ash, fat, NDF and ADF contents were significantly higher in the basal leaves as compared to that in the middle and upper leaves. However, moisture and crude protein contents were significantly higher in the upper leaves compared to both in the middle and basal leaves. The basal leaves accumulated significantly higher Ca, Mg, K, Na and Mn contents. The concentrations of P, Zn, Cu and Fe were, on the other hand, significantly higher in the younger leaves compared to that in the middle and basal leaves. It can be concluded that the upper (younger) leaves contain enough nutrition to satisfy the dietary requirements. In addition, these leaves have low levels of oxalate, cyanide and nitrate, which can cause health problems. To determine the effect of drying method on nutrition content of moringa leaves, three drying methods (shade-, sun- and oven-drying methods) were applied as treatments. Moringa plants were grown at the Research Farm of the University of Fort Hare, Alice campus. The leaves were harvested, thoroughly mixed, washed with tap water and put into 15 brown paper bags. The 15 samples (paper bags) were distributed to the three drying treatments (each treatment replicated 5 times). The dried samples were analysed for metabolites and mineral content as per AOAC and AAS methods, respectively. The study showed that shade-drying method retained higher metabolites. Thus, this study recommends the shade-drying method in preserving moringa leaves.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Sokombela, Asanda
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Moringa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/12117 , vital:39153
- Description: In general, smallholder farmers tend to use large quantities of soil nutrients without replenishment with manure, compost and fertiliser in order to replace the soil nutrients that are lost. Considering the low soil fertility status of soils in South Africa, this study was conducted with an aim of developing agronomic protocols for the production of moringa in order to fight malnutrition and produce supplement feed for animals. Moringa contains various nutrients and chemicals, such as, protein, which are sensitive to heat, and there is therefore a need to establish the best drying method which does not affect the nutrient content and quality of moringa. Physiological age is probably the most important factor influencing the mineral composition of plants. The relationship between nutrient concentration and leaf age is not fundamentally altered by crop load, soil type, climate or cultural practices, such that nutrients may be displaced vertically by the level of supply. Leaf age is one of the factors that affect the distribution of nutrients in the leaves of plants. Therefore, studies were conducted to evaluate the response of Moringa oleifera leaf yield and nutritional content to nitrogen and phosphorus rates, leaf age/position, and drying techniques. The experiments were conducted at the University of Fort Hare Alice Campus research farm. The experiment that investigated the effect of N and P rates was carried out in potted plants filled fine silica sand. The seeds were sown on black polythene bags, filled with a mixture of soil, pine bark and goat manure (at 1:2:1 ratio, respectively) at a depth of 2 cm. At 30 cm height, the seedlings were transplanted into 5-liter pots, which were filled with building sand as growing media. The experiment was a 4 x 3 factorial, with four levels of nitrogen (100, 200, 300 and 400 kg/ha) and three levels of phosphorus (40, 80 and 120 kg/ha). The experiment was laid-out as randomised complete block design (RCBD), with 12 treatment combinations replicated four times. All experimental units received the same amount of potassium (731kg/ha) in the form of KCl. Nitrogen treatments which were applied were split in two equal applications, at transplanting stage and 4 weeks later. The phosphorus rates were applied as superphosphate once mixed to the potting media before transplanting. Growth parameters such as plant height, root collar diameters, number of leaves, dry and fresh leaf masses were measured. Powdered dry leaves were also analysed to determine iv metabolite such as crude protein, ash, moisture, fat and fibre constituents (ADF and NDF). Micro and macro mineral nutrients were also determined using atomic absorption spectroscopy technique (AAS). The results showed that growth of moringa significantly increased through the application of fertilizer. The results from the (ANOVA) table showed no interaction between phosphorus and nitrogen on growth parameters such as number of leaves, stem width and plant height of moringa in this study. Nitrogen levels, as treatments, have significantly affected the growth of the plant. However, phosphorus, as a treatment, showed no significant difference on growth parameteres of Moringa. It was evident that trees that received the highest nitrogen rate (400 kg/ha) resulted in thickest stem girth, tallest trees and the highest number of leaves. The overall results revealed that moringa leaf powder contained appreciable amount nutrients. Crude protein was notably high (38.23%) in the trees that received the highest phosphorus and nitrogen combination treatment (400 kg/ha N x 120 kg/ha P treatment combination. The highest ash content of (14.17%) and (14.21%) were recorded from the trees that received treatment combination of 200 kg/ha N x 80 kg/ha P and 100 kg/ha N x 120 kg/ha P, and significantly differed from the rest of the other treatment combinations. The fat content steadily increased with an increase in nitrogen rate. Increase in P level resulted in a decrease in fat content. The overall findings confirm that combinations of the higher levels of N and P result in a decrease in fat content. The variation in the metabolite nutrients and mineral nutrient values may be due to differences in age of the leaves or positions and possibly due to different stages of maturity of leaves. The second experiment was conducted in the field at the research farm. The aim was to evaluate the effect of leaf age/position on nutrient distribution of moringa. The seeds were sown in black polythene bags at a depth of 2 cm. The bags were filled with a mixture of 1 part of soil, 2 parts of pine bark: and 1 part of manure. The seedlings were transplanted into the field when they reached the height of 30cm. Plants were laid-out as a CRD design with 5 replications. Three leaf positions, upper, middle and basal leaves, were used as treatments to determine the nutrient variation within a parent plant. Leaves of each position were harvested separately, washed with tap water and air-dried in shade condition. The dried leaves were analysed for metabolite and mineral content. The Association of official agricultural chemists (AOAC) methods were used to determine protein, fat, fibre, and ash. Atomic absorption spectrometry (AAS) technique was used to analyse minerals v such as iron, zinc, copper, manganese and macro-minerals such as calcium, magnesium, potassium, sodium and phosphorus. The study showed that ash, fat, NDF and ADF contents were significantly higher in the basal leaves as compared to that in the middle and upper leaves. However, moisture and crude protein contents were significantly higher in the upper leaves compared to both in the middle and basal leaves. The basal leaves accumulated significantly higher Ca, Mg, K, Na and Mn contents. The concentrations of P, Zn, Cu and Fe were, on the other hand, significantly higher in the younger leaves compared to that in the middle and basal leaves. It can be concluded that the upper (younger) leaves contain enough nutrition to satisfy the dietary requirements. In addition, these leaves have low levels of oxalate, cyanide and nitrate, which can cause health problems. To determine the effect of drying method on nutrition content of moringa leaves, three drying methods (shade-, sun- and oven-drying methods) were applied as treatments. Moringa plants were grown at the Research Farm of the University of Fort Hare, Alice campus. The leaves were harvested, thoroughly mixed, washed with tap water and put into 15 brown paper bags. The 15 samples (paper bags) were distributed to the three drying treatments (each treatment replicated 5 times). The dried samples were analysed for metabolites and mineral content as per AOAC and AAS methods, respectively. The study showed that shade-drying method retained higher metabolites. Thus, this study recommends the shade-drying method in preserving moringa leaves.
- Full Text:
Elections as Drivers of Political Instability in Africa: A Case Study of Lesotho
- Authors: Moorosi, Mantsoaki
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Elections Political parties -- Lesotho
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSoc (Political Science)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/16462 , vital:40722
- Description: The study sets out to investigate elections as drivers to political instability in Africa, using Lesotho as a case study from 2012 to 2017. It employs primary and secondary sources of data. The period is of interest for two reasons. Firstly, the continuing instability post three successive free and fair elections, and secondly, the advent of Coalition Governments. The structure adheres to two theoretical frameworks namely, a) Huntington’s two turn-over test and, b) Karl’s Fallacy of Electoralism. In order to investigate how elections could or could not be drivers to political instability, the researcher looked at the different forms of political instability in Lesotho. These include attempted coup d’état, assassinations and violation of territorial sovereignty. The later form being peculiar to the period under study as the other forms had occurred at some stage through the political history of this country. It further asserts uncertainty of hung Parliament and politicised institutions as attributes to the recurrence of political instability. It concludes that Lesotho is a deviant case from the two turn over test. The scope of the study supports the fallacy of electoralism. Several recommendations have been presented. These include that Government of Lesotho should amend the Constitution on the functions and powers of the King, Politicians should implement the promises they made to the electorates during campaigns, and regulate or abolish floor crossing in Parliament amongst others.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Moorosi, Mantsoaki
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Elections Political parties -- Lesotho
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSoc (Political Science)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/16462 , vital:40722
- Description: The study sets out to investigate elections as drivers to political instability in Africa, using Lesotho as a case study from 2012 to 2017. It employs primary and secondary sources of data. The period is of interest for two reasons. Firstly, the continuing instability post three successive free and fair elections, and secondly, the advent of Coalition Governments. The structure adheres to two theoretical frameworks namely, a) Huntington’s two turn-over test and, b) Karl’s Fallacy of Electoralism. In order to investigate how elections could or could not be drivers to political instability, the researcher looked at the different forms of political instability in Lesotho. These include attempted coup d’état, assassinations and violation of territorial sovereignty. The later form being peculiar to the period under study as the other forms had occurred at some stage through the political history of this country. It further asserts uncertainty of hung Parliament and politicised institutions as attributes to the recurrence of political instability. It concludes that Lesotho is a deviant case from the two turn over test. The scope of the study supports the fallacy of electoralism. Several recommendations have been presented. These include that Government of Lesotho should amend the Constitution on the functions and powers of the King, Politicians should implement the promises they made to the electorates during campaigns, and regulate or abolish floor crossing in Parliament amongst others.
- Full Text:
Evaluation of Crime Prevention through Environmental Design Principles at the University of Fort Hare, Alice Campus
- Authors: Mditshwa, Abongile Sisanda
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Crime prevention
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSoc.Sci (Criminology)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/17695 , vital:41137
- Description: The University of Fort Hare Alice campus experiences high crime rates. To address this problem, and add to the literature, this study applied the Crime Prevention through Environmental design (CPTED) model to measure the effectiveness of the crime prevention strategies at the University of Fort Hare (Alice campus). The aim of this study was to evaluate the sufficiency of surveillance and visibility, target hardening, maintenance and management at the University of Fort Hare, which contribute to the reduction of criminal activities around campus. The study further sought to evaluate the perceptions of students regarding their safety on campus by way of soliciting their experiences and observations. This study used the quantitative method, and questionnaires were distributed to the students in the Alice campus to collect data. The study found that whilst a marginal majority of students felt safe, a large proportion of students felt unsafe on campus. The study also found that students were dissatisfied with the service and found the security officers to be incompetent and un-trained. The study evaluated the sufficiency of crime prevention measures implemented within the university. One crucial aspect that emerged from the study is that CPTED principles were not sufficiently implemented to their fullest and the perception of the majority of students was that security personnel were not functioning in the way that they should, and measures such as adequate lighting were lacking. As a result, students felt unsafe on campus, especially during the night .The study concluded that there are clear increased feelings of vulnerability among students at the University of Fort Hare. The measures that are currently in place are not sufficient; therefore there is need for implementation of CPTED principles. It was recommended that the University increases number of CCTV surveillance cameras on campus, Social gathering places be surrounded by security guards for patrols, lighting recommendations that are modern and in proper design, keep up with repairs, make necessary replacements, paint, trim, current campus buildings e updated to meet recent CPTED practises etc.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Mditshwa, Abongile Sisanda
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Crime prevention
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSoc.Sci (Criminology)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/17695 , vital:41137
- Description: The University of Fort Hare Alice campus experiences high crime rates. To address this problem, and add to the literature, this study applied the Crime Prevention through Environmental design (CPTED) model to measure the effectiveness of the crime prevention strategies at the University of Fort Hare (Alice campus). The aim of this study was to evaluate the sufficiency of surveillance and visibility, target hardening, maintenance and management at the University of Fort Hare, which contribute to the reduction of criminal activities around campus. The study further sought to evaluate the perceptions of students regarding their safety on campus by way of soliciting their experiences and observations. This study used the quantitative method, and questionnaires were distributed to the students in the Alice campus to collect data. The study found that whilst a marginal majority of students felt safe, a large proportion of students felt unsafe on campus. The study also found that students were dissatisfied with the service and found the security officers to be incompetent and un-trained. The study evaluated the sufficiency of crime prevention measures implemented within the university. One crucial aspect that emerged from the study is that CPTED principles were not sufficiently implemented to their fullest and the perception of the majority of students was that security personnel were not functioning in the way that they should, and measures such as adequate lighting were lacking. As a result, students felt unsafe on campus, especially during the night .The study concluded that there are clear increased feelings of vulnerability among students at the University of Fort Hare. The measures that are currently in place are not sufficient; therefore there is need for implementation of CPTED principles. It was recommended that the University increases number of CCTV surveillance cameras on campus, Social gathering places be surrounded by security guards for patrols, lighting recommendations that are modern and in proper design, keep up with repairs, make necessary replacements, paint, trim, current campus buildings e updated to meet recent CPTED practises etc.
- Full Text:
Evaluation of some Eastern beach bacteria for high activity laccase production
- Authors: Ntlatywa, Nonkolisi
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Laccase
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/${Handle} , vital:40025
- Description: Laccases are multi-copper oxidases endowed with huge applicability and versatility. They are found in nature, fungi, insects, archaea and bacteria; however, there is a dearth of information regarding bacterial laccases. Thus, the search for novel bacterial laccases becomes crucial. Therefore, the broad aim of the study was the assessment of some bacteria on marine water isolated from Eastern beach for the production of high activity laccases. In this study, marine water samples obtained from the Eastern beach in East London were investigated for bacterial laccase-producing isolates. The samples were analysed using different microbiological media and varied substrates via qualitative methods. The isolates were tested for laccase activity using ABTS (2, 2’- azinobis 3-ethyl-benzothiazoline-6-sulphonate), as a substrate. The present study also dealt with the optimization of culture conditions for laccase production and characterization of laccase. A total of forty-eight (48) bacterial isolates were obtained, which were identified based on their morphological and cultural characteristics. Many of the isolates (42) were categorized as Gram positive and a few (6) as Gram negative upon subjecting to microscopic examination. Result showed that on average, laccase activity ranged from 5.33 – 6.5 U/L as demonstrated by three bacterial isolates (Bacillus sp. NFN1, Bacillus sp. NLN and Escherichia coli LO). Laccase production was highly enhanced by the supplementation with vanillic acid by Bacillus sp. strain NLN with yield of 15.83 ± 0.7 U/L, Bacillus sp. strain NFN1, 12.72 ± 0.21 U/L. However, Escherichia coli LO demonstrated enhanced laccase production with guaiacol (12.84 ± 1.12 U/L) followed by ferrulic acid (12.8 ± 0.36 U/L). While optimization results revealed that the laccase yield was enhanced under the following conditions: 72 h of incubation, pH 5, 0.5mg/L lactose as a carbon source, 1. 5 mg/L yeast extract as a nitrogen source as well as in the presence of corn stover and mandarin peels as lignocellulosic substrates depending on the bacteria.The time course and stability of laccase against temperature, pH, metal ions and organic solvents were investigated using previously described methods. In the findings obtained for the time course, the laccase activity ranged from 22.2- 23.98 U/L. In general, the optimum parameters for the optimum laccase activities depended on the bacterial isolates and the time of incubation and included 80 °C and 70 °C, pH 3 and 9 while, the thermal stability was over 100%. Overall, NaCl, ZnSO4, NiCl and 20% acetone demonstrated positive effect on the residual activity of the laccases of all the bacterial isolates (Bacillus sp. NFN1, Bacillus v sp. NLN and Escherichia coli LO). In conclusion the findings of the study, suggest that marine water of the Eastern beach is a rich source for laccase producing bacteria with potential of high activity.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Ntlatywa, Nonkolisi
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Laccase
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/${Handle} , vital:40025
- Description: Laccases are multi-copper oxidases endowed with huge applicability and versatility. They are found in nature, fungi, insects, archaea and bacteria; however, there is a dearth of information regarding bacterial laccases. Thus, the search for novel bacterial laccases becomes crucial. Therefore, the broad aim of the study was the assessment of some bacteria on marine water isolated from Eastern beach for the production of high activity laccases. In this study, marine water samples obtained from the Eastern beach in East London were investigated for bacterial laccase-producing isolates. The samples were analysed using different microbiological media and varied substrates via qualitative methods. The isolates were tested for laccase activity using ABTS (2, 2’- azinobis 3-ethyl-benzothiazoline-6-sulphonate), as a substrate. The present study also dealt with the optimization of culture conditions for laccase production and characterization of laccase. A total of forty-eight (48) bacterial isolates were obtained, which were identified based on their morphological and cultural characteristics. Many of the isolates (42) were categorized as Gram positive and a few (6) as Gram negative upon subjecting to microscopic examination. Result showed that on average, laccase activity ranged from 5.33 – 6.5 U/L as demonstrated by three bacterial isolates (Bacillus sp. NFN1, Bacillus sp. NLN and Escherichia coli LO). Laccase production was highly enhanced by the supplementation with vanillic acid by Bacillus sp. strain NLN with yield of 15.83 ± 0.7 U/L, Bacillus sp. strain NFN1, 12.72 ± 0.21 U/L. However, Escherichia coli LO demonstrated enhanced laccase production with guaiacol (12.84 ± 1.12 U/L) followed by ferrulic acid (12.8 ± 0.36 U/L). While optimization results revealed that the laccase yield was enhanced under the following conditions: 72 h of incubation, pH 5, 0.5mg/L lactose as a carbon source, 1. 5 mg/L yeast extract as a nitrogen source as well as in the presence of corn stover and mandarin peels as lignocellulosic substrates depending on the bacteria.The time course and stability of laccase against temperature, pH, metal ions and organic solvents were investigated using previously described methods. In the findings obtained for the time course, the laccase activity ranged from 22.2- 23.98 U/L. In general, the optimum parameters for the optimum laccase activities depended on the bacterial isolates and the time of incubation and included 80 °C and 70 °C, pH 3 and 9 while, the thermal stability was over 100%. Overall, NaCl, ZnSO4, NiCl and 20% acetone demonstrated positive effect on the residual activity of the laccases of all the bacterial isolates (Bacillus sp. NFN1, Bacillus v sp. NLN and Escherichia coli LO). In conclusion the findings of the study, suggest that marine water of the Eastern beach is a rich source for laccase producing bacteria with potential of high activity.
- Full Text:
Examining the cognitive learning effect on grade 10 students’ performance in physical science in selected schools in Umgungudlovu Education District
- Authors: Olorunda, David Oluyemi
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Cognitive learning Learning, Psychology of
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/16577 , vital:40733
- Description: The study employed a quantitative as well as a qualitative approach. Four public schools in the uMgungundlovu District participated in this study. The identities of all respondents were protected. The sample included 154 participants, four Physical science educators and four Heads of department selected purposefully across four secondary schools. The study found that themajority of the learners reported that they have interest and positive attitude for Physical science but most of learners indicated they understanding when English is used as a medium of instruction in teaching Physical science but someprefer other languages to be used for their understanding. It was obvious that most parents lacked knowledge about Physical Sciences and could not assist their children. It was also indicated that their teachers are approachable especially for personal explanation giving them attention whenever they ask for assistance, creating an atmosphere that makes it easy for the learner to learn. The study reveals that learners had a high rate of their teachers motivating them enough to like physical science, by using different method for them to understand the subject and majority follow their teacher’s method but only few learners use their own method.The educators and the heads of departments confirmed that they do give the learners different method. Many learners understands what they are taught using diagrams and illustrations in order to make them understand in all subject study showed that the head of departments indicatedthat they do check the way the teachers teach for effectiveness on the part of the teachers in ,line with the curriculum assessment policy statement from the department of education .The educators said they receive their educational in- service training and done yearly at the department of education workshop and moderations. Findings from this research reveals that learners learns one way or the other through all the strategies of learning but most learners affirms that they learn more rehearsal where they have to repeat things more and that the physical sciences teacher should have more time and explain thoroughly particular term, using diagrams and illustrations in order to make them understand in all subject. The study concluded by giving general recommendations for improving learners’ participation and attitudes towards learning physical Science. Recommendations for improvement in the areas identified were III provided and topics for future research on the curriculum of Grade 10 Physical Sciences were suggested in order to improve on physical science.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Olorunda, David Oluyemi
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Cognitive learning Learning, Psychology of
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/16577 , vital:40733
- Description: The study employed a quantitative as well as a qualitative approach. Four public schools in the uMgungundlovu District participated in this study. The identities of all respondents were protected. The sample included 154 participants, four Physical science educators and four Heads of department selected purposefully across four secondary schools. The study found that themajority of the learners reported that they have interest and positive attitude for Physical science but most of learners indicated they understanding when English is used as a medium of instruction in teaching Physical science but someprefer other languages to be used for their understanding. It was obvious that most parents lacked knowledge about Physical Sciences and could not assist their children. It was also indicated that their teachers are approachable especially for personal explanation giving them attention whenever they ask for assistance, creating an atmosphere that makes it easy for the learner to learn. The study reveals that learners had a high rate of their teachers motivating them enough to like physical science, by using different method for them to understand the subject and majority follow their teacher’s method but only few learners use their own method.The educators and the heads of departments confirmed that they do give the learners different method. Many learners understands what they are taught using diagrams and illustrations in order to make them understand in all subject study showed that the head of departments indicatedthat they do check the way the teachers teach for effectiveness on the part of the teachers in ,line with the curriculum assessment policy statement from the department of education .The educators said they receive their educational in- service training and done yearly at the department of education workshop and moderations. Findings from this research reveals that learners learns one way or the other through all the strategies of learning but most learners affirms that they learn more rehearsal where they have to repeat things more and that the physical sciences teacher should have more time and explain thoroughly particular term, using diagrams and illustrations in order to make them understand in all subject. The study concluded by giving general recommendations for improving learners’ participation and attitudes towards learning physical Science. Recommendations for improvement in the areas identified were III provided and topics for future research on the curriculum of Grade 10 Physical Sciences were suggested in order to improve on physical science.
- Full Text: