Life history parameters and diet of Risso's dolphins, Grampus griseus, from southeastern South Africa
- Plön, Stephanie, Heynes-Veale, Elodie R, Smale, Malcolm J, Froneman, P William
- Authors: Plön, Stephanie , Heynes-Veale, Elodie R , Smale, Malcolm J , Froneman, P William
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/467266 , vital:76846 , https://doi.org/10.1111/mms.12675
- Description: The life history of Risso's dolphins (Grampus griseus) remains poorly known and data from strandings can help provide important information. Data from 126 Risso's dolphins stranded or bycaught along the southeastern coastline of South Africa between 1958 and 2017 were analyzed in relation to their sex, age structure, and diet. Mean estimated length at birth was 146.9 cm, while maximum length was 325 cm for males and 313 cm for females; small sample sizes precluded detailed examination of sexual dimorphism. Age estimates for 33 individuals (14 males, 17 females, 2 unknown sex) indicated a maximum age of 13 years (males) and 17 years (females), respectively; the oldest animal was 19 years (unknown sex). Mean length and age at attainment of sexual maturity were estimated at 280 cm and 7.1 years in males and at 282 cm and 7.7 years in females. Stomach contents from 27 individuals showed that diets of immature and mature males and females overlapped and consisted predominantly of cephalopods. Reported strandings decreased between 2000 and 2017, possibly due to a lack of reporting associated with a ban on driving on beaches or related to the collapse of the local “chokka” squid (Loligo reynaudii) fishery in 2014–2015.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
- Authors: Plön, Stephanie , Heynes-Veale, Elodie R , Smale, Malcolm J , Froneman, P William
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/467266 , vital:76846 , https://doi.org/10.1111/mms.12675
- Description: The life history of Risso's dolphins (Grampus griseus) remains poorly known and data from strandings can help provide important information. Data from 126 Risso's dolphins stranded or bycaught along the southeastern coastline of South Africa between 1958 and 2017 were analyzed in relation to their sex, age structure, and diet. Mean estimated length at birth was 146.9 cm, while maximum length was 325 cm for males and 313 cm for females; small sample sizes precluded detailed examination of sexual dimorphism. Age estimates for 33 individuals (14 males, 17 females, 2 unknown sex) indicated a maximum age of 13 years (males) and 17 years (females), respectively; the oldest animal was 19 years (unknown sex). Mean length and age at attainment of sexual maturity were estimated at 280 cm and 7.1 years in males and at 282 cm and 7.7 years in females. Stomach contents from 27 individuals showed that diets of immature and mature males and females overlapped and consisted predominantly of cephalopods. Reported strandings decreased between 2000 and 2017, possibly due to a lack of reporting associated with a ban on driving on beaches or related to the collapse of the local “chokka” squid (Loligo reynaudii) fishery in 2014–2015.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
Linking onshore and offshore crustal features, integrating seismic and borehole data in the Gamtoos basin
- Authors: Makuzeni, Manyano
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Submarine geology , Geology Geophysics
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/49137 , vital:41604
- Description: The margin of the Southern Africa continent harbours the history about the fragmentation and separation of Gondwana in its basins. The integration of onshore and offshore geology is of primordial importance to understand the complete geological history and evolution of the southern African border. The study focuses on the Gamtoos Basin, where the sediment deposits on the onshore portion are generally unfossiliferous and therefore difficult to correlate with the offshore portion of the basin. In an attempt to do this, several datasets were integrated such as old 2-D seismic reflection data and borehole wells. This data, acquired by SOEKER in the 1970s was purchased from the Petroleum Agency of South Africa (PASA). Some data reprocessing involved digitization and conversion of the old seismic data from TIF format to SEG-Y format. Conventional seismic stratigraphic method (Mitchum, JR, et al., 1977) was used to identify seismic discontinuities and remarkable stratigraphic surfaces and units based on reflection configurations and facies characteristics, and ages of these surfaces were provided by well data. Seismic interpretation was first done on printed seismogram papers, and then integrated into the ‘Kingdom Suite’ software to ensure coherency at all crossing lines. Isochron and Isopach maps (using QGIS, Mirone and tools such as GMT) were created. The first results, allow us to estimate for the first time a precise age calibration of onshore deposit. Furthermore, the delimitation in 5 second-order seismic sequences along the Gamtoos Basin suggest a link between different basin filling dynamics and kinematic phases related to the opening of the Indian and Atlantic Oceans along the southern Africa margins. The study shows that the Gamtoos Basin is an essential area linking the geological histories of both East and Western parts of the Southern Africa continent.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
- Authors: Makuzeni, Manyano
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Submarine geology , Geology Geophysics
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/49137 , vital:41604
- Description: The margin of the Southern Africa continent harbours the history about the fragmentation and separation of Gondwana in its basins. The integration of onshore and offshore geology is of primordial importance to understand the complete geological history and evolution of the southern African border. The study focuses on the Gamtoos Basin, where the sediment deposits on the onshore portion are generally unfossiliferous and therefore difficult to correlate with the offshore portion of the basin. In an attempt to do this, several datasets were integrated such as old 2-D seismic reflection data and borehole wells. This data, acquired by SOEKER in the 1970s was purchased from the Petroleum Agency of South Africa (PASA). Some data reprocessing involved digitization and conversion of the old seismic data from TIF format to SEG-Y format. Conventional seismic stratigraphic method (Mitchum, JR, et al., 1977) was used to identify seismic discontinuities and remarkable stratigraphic surfaces and units based on reflection configurations and facies characteristics, and ages of these surfaces were provided by well data. Seismic interpretation was first done on printed seismogram papers, and then integrated into the ‘Kingdom Suite’ software to ensure coherency at all crossing lines. Isochron and Isopach maps (using QGIS, Mirone and tools such as GMT) were created. The first results, allow us to estimate for the first time a precise age calibration of onshore deposit. Furthermore, the delimitation in 5 second-order seismic sequences along the Gamtoos Basin suggest a link between different basin filling dynamics and kinematic phases related to the opening of the Indian and Atlantic Oceans along the southern Africa margins. The study shows that the Gamtoos Basin is an essential area linking the geological histories of both East and Western parts of the Southern Africa continent.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
Lions do not change rivers: complex African savannas preclude top-down forcing by large carnivores
- Comley, Jessica, Joubert, Christoffel J, Mgqatsa, Nokubonga, Parker, Daniel M
- Authors: Comley, Jessica , Joubert, Christoffel J , Mgqatsa, Nokubonga , Parker, Daniel M
- Date: 2020
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/149215 , vital:38816 , https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jnc.2020.125844
- Description: Trophic cascade theories such as the ‘behaviourally-mediated trophic cascade hypothesis’ (BMTCH), have mainstreamed as ecological tools for conserving biodiversity and restoring ecosystems. The BMTCH relies on indirect negative effects of large carnivores through suppression of mesocarnivore activity and habitat use. Importantly, effects of top carnivores on mesocarnivores varies over time and space, is dependent on the species involved, and local context. In South Africa, there are very few free-ranging carnivores, as populations are often restricted to enclosed reserves. While predator-proof fences reduce human-wildlife conflict, they also influence space use within communities. We used an enclosed reserve with a relatively full complement of carnivores to test the generality of the BMTCH in the African context. Using single-species, multi-season occupancy models we investigated the spatial dynamics of multiple carnivores. We also investigated spatial partitioning by vegetation type and temporal partitioning.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
- Authors: Comley, Jessica , Joubert, Christoffel J , Mgqatsa, Nokubonga , Parker, Daniel M
- Date: 2020
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/149215 , vital:38816 , https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jnc.2020.125844
- Description: Trophic cascade theories such as the ‘behaviourally-mediated trophic cascade hypothesis’ (BMTCH), have mainstreamed as ecological tools for conserving biodiversity and restoring ecosystems. The BMTCH relies on indirect negative effects of large carnivores through suppression of mesocarnivore activity and habitat use. Importantly, effects of top carnivores on mesocarnivores varies over time and space, is dependent on the species involved, and local context. In South Africa, there are very few free-ranging carnivores, as populations are often restricted to enclosed reserves. While predator-proof fences reduce human-wildlife conflict, they also influence space use within communities. We used an enclosed reserve with a relatively full complement of carnivores to test the generality of the BMTCH in the African context. Using single-species, multi-season occupancy models we investigated the spatial dynamics of multiple carnivores. We also investigated spatial partitioning by vegetation type and temporal partitioning.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
Lions do not change rivers: complex African savannas preclude top-down forcing by large carnivores
- Comley, Jessica, Joubert, Christoffel J, Mgqatsa, Nokubonga, Parker, Daniel M
- Authors: Comley, Jessica , Joubert, Christoffel J , Mgqatsa, Nokubonga , Parker, Daniel M
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/462634 , vital:76321 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jnc.2020.125844"
- Description: Trophic cascade theories such as the ‘behaviourally-mediated trophic cascade hypothesis’ (BMTCH), have mainstreamed as ecological tools for conserving biodiversity and restoring ecosystems. The BMTCH relies on indirect negative effects of large carnivores through suppression of mesocarnivore activity and habitat use. Importantly, effects of top carnivores on mesocarnivores varies over time and space, is dependent on the species involved, and local context. In South Africa, there are very few free-ranging carnivores, as populations are often restricted to enclosed reserves. While predator-proof fences reduce human-wildlife conflict, they also influence space use within communities. We used an enclosed reserve with a relatively full complement of carnivores to test the generality of the BMTCH in the African context. Using single-species, multi-season occupancy models we investigated the spatial dynamics of multiple carnivores. We also investigated spatial partitioning by vegetation type and temporal partitioning. Our results revealed both support for and against the BMTCH. Lions and spotted hyaenas negatively influenced the detection probability of black-backed jackals and African wildcats, while leopards had a positive effect on these two mesocarnivore species. Additionally, lions positively influenced the detection probability of side-striped jackals. Although space use of carnivores in relation to vegetation type showed minimal evidence of spatial partitioning, each carnivore had a unique combination of abiotic and biotic factors influencing their spatial dynamics, which could facilitate co-existence. Temporal partitioning may also be promoting co-existence as activity patterns of smaller carnivores overlapped the least with sympatric carnivores, particularly lions. Extensive activity overlap between large carnivores does not promote co-existence. We suggest that applying the BMTCH as a universal law across ecosystems is unsupported and may lead to inappropriate conservation and management actions, and prevent protection of ecosystems.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
- Authors: Comley, Jessica , Joubert, Christoffel J , Mgqatsa, Nokubonga , Parker, Daniel M
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/462634 , vital:76321 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jnc.2020.125844"
- Description: Trophic cascade theories such as the ‘behaviourally-mediated trophic cascade hypothesis’ (BMTCH), have mainstreamed as ecological tools for conserving biodiversity and restoring ecosystems. The BMTCH relies on indirect negative effects of large carnivores through suppression of mesocarnivore activity and habitat use. Importantly, effects of top carnivores on mesocarnivores varies over time and space, is dependent on the species involved, and local context. In South Africa, there are very few free-ranging carnivores, as populations are often restricted to enclosed reserves. While predator-proof fences reduce human-wildlife conflict, they also influence space use within communities. We used an enclosed reserve with a relatively full complement of carnivores to test the generality of the BMTCH in the African context. Using single-species, multi-season occupancy models we investigated the spatial dynamics of multiple carnivores. We also investigated spatial partitioning by vegetation type and temporal partitioning. Our results revealed both support for and against the BMTCH. Lions and spotted hyaenas negatively influenced the detection probability of black-backed jackals and African wildcats, while leopards had a positive effect on these two mesocarnivore species. Additionally, lions positively influenced the detection probability of side-striped jackals. Although space use of carnivores in relation to vegetation type showed minimal evidence of spatial partitioning, each carnivore had a unique combination of abiotic and biotic factors influencing their spatial dynamics, which could facilitate co-existence. Temporal partitioning may also be promoting co-existence as activity patterns of smaller carnivores overlapped the least with sympatric carnivores, particularly lions. Extensive activity overlap between large carnivores does not promote co-existence. We suggest that applying the BMTCH as a universal law across ecosystems is unsupported and may lead to inappropriate conservation and management actions, and prevent protection of ecosystems.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
Living phosphatic stromatolites in a low-phosphorus environment: Implications for the use of phosphorus as a proxy for phosphate levels in paleosystems
- Buttner, Steffen H, Isemonger, Eric W, Isaacs, Michelle, van Niekerk, Deon, Sipler, Rachel E, Dorrington, Rosemary A
- Authors: Buttner, Steffen H , Isemonger, Eric W , Isaacs, Michelle , van Niekerk, Deon , Sipler, Rachel E , Dorrington, Rosemary A
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/429450 , vital:72611 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1111/gbi.12415"
- Description: In the geological record, fossil phosphatic stromatolites date back to the Great Oxidation Event in the Paleoproterozoic, but living phosphatic stromatolites have not been described previously. Here, we report on cyanobacterial stromatolites in a supratidal freshwater environment at Cape Recife, South African southern coast, precipitating Ca carbonate alternating with episodes of Ca phosphate deposition. In their structure and composition, the living stromatolites from Cape Recife closely resemble their fossilized analogues, showing phosphatic zonation, microbial casts, tunnel structures and phosphatic crusts of biogenic origin. The microbial communities appear to be also similar to those proposed to have formed fossil phosphatic stromatolites. Phosphatic domains in the material from Cape Recife are spatially and texturally associated with carbonate precipitates, but form distinct entities separated by sharp boundaries. Electron Probe Micro-Analysis shows that Ca/P ratios and the overall chemical compositions of phosphatic precipitates are in the range of octacalcium phosphate, amorphous tricalcium phosphate and apatite. The coincidence in time of the emergence of phosphatic stromatolites in the fossil record with a major episode of atmospheric oxidation led to the assumption that at times of increased oxygen release the underlying increased biological production may have been linked to elevated phosphorus availability. The stromatolites at Cape Recife, however, form in an environment where ambient phosphorus concentrations do not exceed 0.28μM, one to two orders of magnitude below the previously predicted minimum thresh-old of >5 μM for biogenic phosphate precipitation in paleo-systems. Accordingly, we contest the previously proposed suitability of phosphatic stromatolites as a proxy for high ambient phosphate concentrations in supratidal to shallow ocean settings in earth history.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
- Authors: Buttner, Steffen H , Isemonger, Eric W , Isaacs, Michelle , van Niekerk, Deon , Sipler, Rachel E , Dorrington, Rosemary A
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/429450 , vital:72611 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1111/gbi.12415"
- Description: In the geological record, fossil phosphatic stromatolites date back to the Great Oxidation Event in the Paleoproterozoic, but living phosphatic stromatolites have not been described previously. Here, we report on cyanobacterial stromatolites in a supratidal freshwater environment at Cape Recife, South African southern coast, precipitating Ca carbonate alternating with episodes of Ca phosphate deposition. In their structure and composition, the living stromatolites from Cape Recife closely resemble their fossilized analogues, showing phosphatic zonation, microbial casts, tunnel structures and phosphatic crusts of biogenic origin. The microbial communities appear to be also similar to those proposed to have formed fossil phosphatic stromatolites. Phosphatic domains in the material from Cape Recife are spatially and texturally associated with carbonate precipitates, but form distinct entities separated by sharp boundaries. Electron Probe Micro-Analysis shows that Ca/P ratios and the overall chemical compositions of phosphatic precipitates are in the range of octacalcium phosphate, amorphous tricalcium phosphate and apatite. The coincidence in time of the emergence of phosphatic stromatolites in the fossil record with a major episode of atmospheric oxidation led to the assumption that at times of increased oxygen release the underlying increased biological production may have been linked to elevated phosphorus availability. The stromatolites at Cape Recife, however, form in an environment where ambient phosphorus concentrations do not exceed 0.28μM, one to two orders of magnitude below the previously predicted minimum thresh-old of >5 μM for biogenic phosphate precipitation in paleo-systems. Accordingly, we contest the previously proposed suitability of phosphatic stromatolites as a proxy for high ambient phosphate concentrations in supratidal to shallow ocean settings in earth history.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
Localising the global: the use of a postmodernist aesthetic in the fiction of Alain Mabanckou
- Authors: Ngulube, Innocent Akilimale
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Mabanckou, Alain, 1966- , Mabanckou, Alain, 1966- -- Blue, white, red , Mabanckou, Alain, 1966- -- African psycho , Mabanckou, Alain, 1966- -- Broken glass , Mabanckou, Alain, 1966- -- Memoirs of a porcupine , Mabanckou, Alain, 1966- -- The Lights of Pointe-Noire , Mabanckou, Alain, 1966- -- Tomorrow I'll be twenty , Mabanckou, Alain, 1966- Black bazaar , Postcolonialism in literature , African fiction (French) -- History and criticism , Postmodernism (Literature)
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/167153 , vital:41442
- Description: This thesis explores the use of a postmodernist aesth etic in Alain Mabanckou’s oeuvre, namely Blue White Red, African Psycho, Broken Glass, Memoirs of a Porcupine, Black Bazaar, Tomorrow I’ll Be Twenty, The Lights of Pointe-Noire, and Black Moses. In particular, I show how and why this Afrodiasporic author localises strategies associated with Western postmodernist writing in an African postcolonial context. My central argument is that if postmodernism is a critique of modernity in the West, then it must also be a respon se to enforced modernity in the African postcolonial context. In mounting this argument, I conduct a close reading of Mabanckou’s novels from within the theoretical frameworks of postmodernism and postcolonialism. I demonstrate that Mabanckou’s writing adu mbrates the possibility of a postcolonial postmodernism. Since he is a French-Congolese citizen, his writing evinces aesthetic glocalisation. That is, as a postcolonial writer, he conceives of, and inflects, postmodernism differently from a Western writer, for his experiences of and responses to modernity differ from the latter’s. Far from replicating a politics of disillusionment and despair that informs, even characterises, Western postmodernist fiction, Mabanckou invests hi s African postcolonial writing with a politics of decolonis ation which problematises the effects of enforced modernity. Postmodernism, in other words, accords Mabanckou an ambivalent position from which he interrogates both Western modernity and its African version. Significantly, in this regard, Mabanckou’s writing presents both an extension of and a departure from the pioneering influence of the first generation of African writers such as Chinua Achebe, Ngugi wa Thiong’o, and Wole Soyinka.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
- Authors: Ngulube, Innocent Akilimale
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Mabanckou, Alain, 1966- , Mabanckou, Alain, 1966- -- Blue, white, red , Mabanckou, Alain, 1966- -- African psycho , Mabanckou, Alain, 1966- -- Broken glass , Mabanckou, Alain, 1966- -- Memoirs of a porcupine , Mabanckou, Alain, 1966- -- The Lights of Pointe-Noire , Mabanckou, Alain, 1966- -- Tomorrow I'll be twenty , Mabanckou, Alain, 1966- Black bazaar , Postcolonialism in literature , African fiction (French) -- History and criticism , Postmodernism (Literature)
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/167153 , vital:41442
- Description: This thesis explores the use of a postmodernist aesth etic in Alain Mabanckou’s oeuvre, namely Blue White Red, African Psycho, Broken Glass, Memoirs of a Porcupine, Black Bazaar, Tomorrow I’ll Be Twenty, The Lights of Pointe-Noire, and Black Moses. In particular, I show how and why this Afrodiasporic author localises strategies associated with Western postmodernist writing in an African postcolonial context. My central argument is that if postmodernism is a critique of modernity in the West, then it must also be a respon se to enforced modernity in the African postcolonial context. In mounting this argument, I conduct a close reading of Mabanckou’s novels from within the theoretical frameworks of postmodernism and postcolonialism. I demonstrate that Mabanckou’s writing adu mbrates the possibility of a postcolonial postmodernism. Since he is a French-Congolese citizen, his writing evinces aesthetic glocalisation. That is, as a postcolonial writer, he conceives of, and inflects, postmodernism differently from a Western writer, for his experiences of and responses to modernity differ from the latter’s. Far from replicating a politics of disillusionment and despair that informs, even characterises, Western postmodernist fiction, Mabanckou invests hi s African postcolonial writing with a politics of decolonis ation which problematises the effects of enforced modernity. Postmodernism, in other words, accords Mabanckou an ambivalent position from which he interrogates both Western modernity and its African version. Significantly, in this regard, Mabanckou’s writing presents both an extension of and a departure from the pioneering influence of the first generation of African writers such as Chinua Achebe, Ngugi wa Thiong’o, and Wole Soyinka.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
Low-frequency observations of the giant radio galaxy NGC 6251:
- Cantwell, T M, Bray, J D, Croston, J H, Scaife, A M M, Mulcahy, D D, Best, P N, Brüggen, M, Brunetti, G, Callingham, J R, Clarke, A O, Hardcastle, M J, Harwood, J J, Heald, G, Heesen, V, Iacobelli, M, Jamrozy, M, Morganti, R, Orru, E, O’Sullivan, S P, Riseley, C J, Röttgering, H J A, Shulevski, A, Sridhar, S S, Tasse, C, Van Eck, C L
- Authors: Cantwell, T M , Bray, J D , Croston, J H , Scaife, A M M , Mulcahy, D D , Best, P N , Brüggen, M , Brunetti, G , Callingham, J R , Clarke, A O , Hardcastle, M J , Harwood, J J , Heald, G , Heesen, V , Iacobelli, M , Jamrozy, M , Morganti, R , Orru, E , O’Sullivan, S P , Riseley, C J , Röttgering, H J A , Shulevski, A , Sridhar, S S , Tasse, C , Van Eck, C L
- Date: 2020
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/149931 , vital:38913 , https://0-doi.org.wam.seals.ac.za/10.1093/mnras/staa1160
- Description: We present LOFAR observations at 150 MHz of the borderline FRI/FRII giant radio galaxy NGC 6251. This paper presents the most sensitive and highest resolution images of NGC 6251 at these frequencies to date, revealing for the first time a low-surface-brightness extension to the northern lobe, and a possible backflow associated with the southern lobe. The integrated spectra of components of NGC 6251 are consistent with previous measurements at higher frequencies, similar to results from other LOFAR studies of nearby radio galaxies.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
- Authors: Cantwell, T M , Bray, J D , Croston, J H , Scaife, A M M , Mulcahy, D D , Best, P N , Brüggen, M , Brunetti, G , Callingham, J R , Clarke, A O , Hardcastle, M J , Harwood, J J , Heald, G , Heesen, V , Iacobelli, M , Jamrozy, M , Morganti, R , Orru, E , O’Sullivan, S P , Riseley, C J , Röttgering, H J A , Shulevski, A , Sridhar, S S , Tasse, C , Van Eck, C L
- Date: 2020
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/149931 , vital:38913 , https://0-doi.org.wam.seals.ac.za/10.1093/mnras/staa1160
- Description: We present LOFAR observations at 150 MHz of the borderline FRI/FRII giant radio galaxy NGC 6251. This paper presents the most sensitive and highest resolution images of NGC 6251 at these frequencies to date, revealing for the first time a low-surface-brightness extension to the northern lobe, and a possible backflow associated with the southern lobe. The integrated spectra of components of NGC 6251 are consistent with previous measurements at higher frequencies, similar to results from other LOFAR studies of nearby radio galaxies.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
Lower extremity strength training effects on balance and postural control in female elderly
- Authors: Rosenblatt, Desmarie
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Muscle strength
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/46359 , vital:39595
- Description: Background: The global, exponential growth in the elderly population and increased longevity has been well documented. South Africa has the highest proportion of older population in sub-Saharan Africa. Empirical research is lacking on the efficacy of exercise interventions for the elderly to prevent fall risk and increase independent living associated with quality of life. Maintenance of muscular strength of the lower body is important to compensate for various physiological deficits due to the ageing process. Aim: The aim of the study was to determine the effects of an eight-week lower extremity strength training intervention on balance and postural control in female elderly, aged 65 years and older, living in a high socio-economic, urban, residential area in Nelson Mandela Bay in the Eastern Cape region of South Africa. Design and Methods: A true-experimental, pre-test, post-test study design, was used with a comparative experimental and control group. A total number of 21 participants met the inclusion criteria and were randomly assigned to an experimental or control group. The experimental group participated in an eight-week strength training intervention, attending exercise sessions, twice a week. Peak isometric strength of the knee flexors/extensors, adductors/abductors of the hip, and plantar / dorsi-flexors of the ankle were assessed post-intervention, using the FET2 handheld dynamometer. Balance was assessed by means the displacement of centre of pressure during the limits of stability and the ellipse area for postural sway assessment on a Kistler force plate, post-intervention. Medial/lateral displacement of centre of pressure and the mean velocity while descending a self-designed, two-step stair case, were determined after the intervention by measures obtained from a Kistler force plate. Descriptive statistics were calculated for measures of central tendency including means standard deviations. T-scores were used to standardise results obtained. Non-parametric, inferential statistics were used to determine the statistical significance of the results. The Wilcoxon matched pairs test and the Mann-Whitney U tests determined the significance of within group comparisons. Statistical significance was set at p<0.05. Spearman rank order correlations were used to measure the strength of associations Results: Lower extremity isometric strength in musculature around the hip, knee and ankle joints, as well as postural sway in a stationary position with eyes opened, have improved significantly after an eight-week resistance training Programme. Improvements in balance has been indicated by limits of stability in the postural sway stance with eyes closed, and dynamic balance during stair descending, were both not significant. Conclusion: The importance of physical interventions to enable the elderly in living a healthy and independent lifestyle should be promoted in all settings. Muscle strength gains and postural sway improvements could have been attributed to neural adaptation and calls for further investigation into the efficacy of strength training over longer durations. The relevance of incorporating stair negotiation as a functional activity of daily living should potentially be included in exercise Programmeprescription by biokineticists, as insufficient control of dynamic balance has been reported to increase fall risk.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
- Authors: Rosenblatt, Desmarie
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Muscle strength
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/46359 , vital:39595
- Description: Background: The global, exponential growth in the elderly population and increased longevity has been well documented. South Africa has the highest proportion of older population in sub-Saharan Africa. Empirical research is lacking on the efficacy of exercise interventions for the elderly to prevent fall risk and increase independent living associated with quality of life. Maintenance of muscular strength of the lower body is important to compensate for various physiological deficits due to the ageing process. Aim: The aim of the study was to determine the effects of an eight-week lower extremity strength training intervention on balance and postural control in female elderly, aged 65 years and older, living in a high socio-economic, urban, residential area in Nelson Mandela Bay in the Eastern Cape region of South Africa. Design and Methods: A true-experimental, pre-test, post-test study design, was used with a comparative experimental and control group. A total number of 21 participants met the inclusion criteria and were randomly assigned to an experimental or control group. The experimental group participated in an eight-week strength training intervention, attending exercise sessions, twice a week. Peak isometric strength of the knee flexors/extensors, adductors/abductors of the hip, and plantar / dorsi-flexors of the ankle were assessed post-intervention, using the FET2 handheld dynamometer. Balance was assessed by means the displacement of centre of pressure during the limits of stability and the ellipse area for postural sway assessment on a Kistler force plate, post-intervention. Medial/lateral displacement of centre of pressure and the mean velocity while descending a self-designed, two-step stair case, were determined after the intervention by measures obtained from a Kistler force plate. Descriptive statistics were calculated for measures of central tendency including means standard deviations. T-scores were used to standardise results obtained. Non-parametric, inferential statistics were used to determine the statistical significance of the results. The Wilcoxon matched pairs test and the Mann-Whitney U tests determined the significance of within group comparisons. Statistical significance was set at p<0.05. Spearman rank order correlations were used to measure the strength of associations Results: Lower extremity isometric strength in musculature around the hip, knee and ankle joints, as well as postural sway in a stationary position with eyes opened, have improved significantly after an eight-week resistance training Programme. Improvements in balance has been indicated by limits of stability in the postural sway stance with eyes closed, and dynamic balance during stair descending, were both not significant. Conclusion: The importance of physical interventions to enable the elderly in living a healthy and independent lifestyle should be promoted in all settings. Muscle strength gains and postural sway improvements could have been attributed to neural adaptation and calls for further investigation into the efficacy of strength training over longer durations. The relevance of incorporating stair negotiation as a functional activity of daily living should potentially be included in exercise Programmeprescription by biokineticists, as insufficient control of dynamic balance has been reported to increase fall risk.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
Machinability of rapidly solidified aluminium alloy for optical applications
- Authors: Abbas, Abdalla Abbas Said
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Aluminum alloys , Mechatronics
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEng
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/45975 , vital:39402
- Description: The production of metal mirrors and critical components for optical devices and aerospace application requires extreme high accuracy and outstanding surface quality. Thus, to achieve such high dimensional accuracies, they are being mainly produced through ultra-high precision machining. Aluminium alloys have been used in the production of components for optics application as well as spaceborne for so many years but with the advancement in technology and demands for a superior material, a new modified grade of aluminium was developed by a rapid solidification process. These grades exhibit a much better mechanical and physical properties while having a finer microstructure. The only downside is the limited research in the correlation of surface roughness and reflectance when single point diamond turned. In this study, rapidly solidified aluminium RSA 905 were used to investigate the effect of varying the cutting parameters on the machined surface finish and its corresponding surface reflectance. The cutting parameters were cutting speed, feed rate and depth of cut. The surface roughness was measured using Taylor Hopson PGI Profilometer while the reflectance factor was measured by using VERTEX 80v Spectrometer. The results were used to develop two predictive models namely; response surface and artificial neural network which have indicated a very high accuracy to the experimental measurements. Finally, the results were very promising for the diamond turning of RSA 905 where it has achieved a very low values of surface roughness and high reflectance in the visual range without the need of any additional production/fabrication steps and to ensure that bi-metallic binding does not take place in extreme low temperatures. Therefore, RSA 905 is a very promising material for optical applications in the visual spectrum.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
- Authors: Abbas, Abdalla Abbas Said
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Aluminum alloys , Mechatronics
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEng
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/45975 , vital:39402
- Description: The production of metal mirrors and critical components for optical devices and aerospace application requires extreme high accuracy and outstanding surface quality. Thus, to achieve such high dimensional accuracies, they are being mainly produced through ultra-high precision machining. Aluminium alloys have been used in the production of components for optics application as well as spaceborne for so many years but with the advancement in technology and demands for a superior material, a new modified grade of aluminium was developed by a rapid solidification process. These grades exhibit a much better mechanical and physical properties while having a finer microstructure. The only downside is the limited research in the correlation of surface roughness and reflectance when single point diamond turned. In this study, rapidly solidified aluminium RSA 905 were used to investigate the effect of varying the cutting parameters on the machined surface finish and its corresponding surface reflectance. The cutting parameters were cutting speed, feed rate and depth of cut. The surface roughness was measured using Taylor Hopson PGI Profilometer while the reflectance factor was measured by using VERTEX 80v Spectrometer. The results were used to develop two predictive models namely; response surface and artificial neural network which have indicated a very high accuracy to the experimental measurements. Finally, the results were very promising for the diamond turning of RSA 905 where it has achieved a very low values of surface roughness and high reflectance in the visual range without the need of any additional production/fabrication steps and to ensure that bi-metallic binding does not take place in extreme low temperatures. Therefore, RSA 905 is a very promising material for optical applications in the visual spectrum.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
Macro-locational determinants and motive of Chinese foreign direct investment in Cameroon
- Authors: Andangnui, Quintabella
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Investments, Foreign -- Cameroon , Investments, Chinese -- Cameroon , Corporations, Foreign -- Cameroon , Industrial location -- Cameroon
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/163157 , vital:41014
- Description: This research falls under the general themes of macro-locational determinants and motives of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) and the challenges faced by FDIs. Specifically, the research focuses on macro-locational determinants of FDI and the motives of Chinese FDI in Cameroon, and the challenges faced by Chinese FDI in Cameroon. This research is motivated by China’s interest in African countries as well as the reciprocal interest in Chinese FDI by African countries, especially Cameroon. While various FDI theories and previous empirical studies indicate that macro-locational determinants of FDI constitute a country’s principal comparative advantage to attract FDI, there is still no universally acceptable set of macro-locational determinants of FDI. Furthermore, some empirical studies assert that Chinese FDI does not follow conventional FDI theories or western approaches to FDI, especially when investing in African countries. It is suggested that some widely accepted macro-locational determinants of FDI are frequently ignored by Chinese FDI. While FDI theories identify four motives for FDI (resource-, market-, efficiency-, and strategic asset-seeking) as the main motives for investing in a foreign country, the motives for Chinese FDI, especially in Africa, have been questioned by some scholars, the media and politicians, due to the significant but seemingly counterintuitive investments made by Chinese state-owned FDI in politically unstable resource-rich African countries. Furthermore, differences in the motives of Chinese privately owned and state-owned firms identified in previous empirical studies have raised concerns, particularly regarding the motives of state-owned Chinese firms in Africa which suggest a stance of neo-colonialism by Chinese state-owned FDI. The research aims to identify the significant macro-locational determinants of Chinese FDI in Cameroon, to provide clarity on the motives of Chinese FDI and to identify the challenges faced by Chinese FDI in Cameroon. To achieve the aim of this research, hypothetical relationships based on FDI theory and previous empirical research were formulated between Chinese FDI and the proposed macro-locational determinants of FDI and the four identified motives of FDI. In this research, a positivist research paradigm using quantitative methods was followed. Accordingly, the research design and methodology was underpinned by the positivist paradigm. A descriptive and analytical survey methodology was utilised, using both primary and secondary data sources. Secondary data was collected from reliable and credible databases for the period 2004 to 2018 to generate a time series to test the hypothetical relationships pertaining to the macro-locational determinants of Chinese FDI in Cameroon. To test the hypothetical relationships pertaining to the motives of Chinese FDI and to identify the challenges of Chinese FDI in Cameroon, primary data was collected by means of a questionnaire using convenience and snowball sampling techniques. The validity of the findings on the macro-locational determinants of FDI was confirmed through unit root and cointegration tests. Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) and Cronbach’s alpha coefficients were used to ensure the validity and reliability of the findings on the motives of FDI. To assess the hypothetical relationships on the motives for Chinese FDI, the hypothetical relationship on the macro-locational determinants of FDI was determined using Ordinary Least Square (OLS) regression, t-tests, one-way ANOVA, descriptive statistics and logistic regression. In addition, descriptive statistics were used to analyse the data on the challenges of Chinese FDI. The findings indicated that the main macro-locational determinants of Chinese FDI in Cameroon included market size, political risk, limited trade openness, real effective exchange rate, interest rate and human capital. The findings also indicated that market-seeking constitutes the main motive of privately owned Chinese FDI in Cameroon. The findings also indicated that the top four challenges faced by Chinese FDI in Cameroon include corruption, the ambiguity of the legal system of Cameroon, the difficulty to negotiate with government and privatisation officials and high levels of taxes. The findings of this research serve as a test of theory, given that they determine whether the macro-locational determinants identified from FDI theories are also significant macro-locational determinants of Chinese FDI. Furthermore, the findings have the potential to assist in policy formulation aimed at encouraging Chinese FDI into Cameroon. The findings could also assist the Cameroonian government to allocate national resources efficiently by prioritising identified macro-locational determinants. The findings provide clarity on the motives of Chinese FDI in Cameroon and could assist the government to negotiate better deals that may enable Cameroon to benefit optimally from Chinese FDI.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
- Authors: Andangnui, Quintabella
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Investments, Foreign -- Cameroon , Investments, Chinese -- Cameroon , Corporations, Foreign -- Cameroon , Industrial location -- Cameroon
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/163157 , vital:41014
- Description: This research falls under the general themes of macro-locational determinants and motives of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) and the challenges faced by FDIs. Specifically, the research focuses on macro-locational determinants of FDI and the motives of Chinese FDI in Cameroon, and the challenges faced by Chinese FDI in Cameroon. This research is motivated by China’s interest in African countries as well as the reciprocal interest in Chinese FDI by African countries, especially Cameroon. While various FDI theories and previous empirical studies indicate that macro-locational determinants of FDI constitute a country’s principal comparative advantage to attract FDI, there is still no universally acceptable set of macro-locational determinants of FDI. Furthermore, some empirical studies assert that Chinese FDI does not follow conventional FDI theories or western approaches to FDI, especially when investing in African countries. It is suggested that some widely accepted macro-locational determinants of FDI are frequently ignored by Chinese FDI. While FDI theories identify four motives for FDI (resource-, market-, efficiency-, and strategic asset-seeking) as the main motives for investing in a foreign country, the motives for Chinese FDI, especially in Africa, have been questioned by some scholars, the media and politicians, due to the significant but seemingly counterintuitive investments made by Chinese state-owned FDI in politically unstable resource-rich African countries. Furthermore, differences in the motives of Chinese privately owned and state-owned firms identified in previous empirical studies have raised concerns, particularly regarding the motives of state-owned Chinese firms in Africa which suggest a stance of neo-colonialism by Chinese state-owned FDI. The research aims to identify the significant macro-locational determinants of Chinese FDI in Cameroon, to provide clarity on the motives of Chinese FDI and to identify the challenges faced by Chinese FDI in Cameroon. To achieve the aim of this research, hypothetical relationships based on FDI theory and previous empirical research were formulated between Chinese FDI and the proposed macro-locational determinants of FDI and the four identified motives of FDI. In this research, a positivist research paradigm using quantitative methods was followed. Accordingly, the research design and methodology was underpinned by the positivist paradigm. A descriptive and analytical survey methodology was utilised, using both primary and secondary data sources. Secondary data was collected from reliable and credible databases for the period 2004 to 2018 to generate a time series to test the hypothetical relationships pertaining to the macro-locational determinants of Chinese FDI in Cameroon. To test the hypothetical relationships pertaining to the motives of Chinese FDI and to identify the challenges of Chinese FDI in Cameroon, primary data was collected by means of a questionnaire using convenience and snowball sampling techniques. The validity of the findings on the macro-locational determinants of FDI was confirmed through unit root and cointegration tests. Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) and Cronbach’s alpha coefficients were used to ensure the validity and reliability of the findings on the motives of FDI. To assess the hypothetical relationships on the motives for Chinese FDI, the hypothetical relationship on the macro-locational determinants of FDI was determined using Ordinary Least Square (OLS) regression, t-tests, one-way ANOVA, descriptive statistics and logistic regression. In addition, descriptive statistics were used to analyse the data on the challenges of Chinese FDI. The findings indicated that the main macro-locational determinants of Chinese FDI in Cameroon included market size, political risk, limited trade openness, real effective exchange rate, interest rate and human capital. The findings also indicated that market-seeking constitutes the main motive of privately owned Chinese FDI in Cameroon. The findings also indicated that the top four challenges faced by Chinese FDI in Cameroon include corruption, the ambiguity of the legal system of Cameroon, the difficulty to negotiate with government and privatisation officials and high levels of taxes. The findings of this research serve as a test of theory, given that they determine whether the macro-locational determinants identified from FDI theories are also significant macro-locational determinants of Chinese FDI. Furthermore, the findings have the potential to assist in policy formulation aimed at encouraging Chinese FDI into Cameroon. The findings could also assist the Cameroonian government to allocate national resources efficiently by prioritising identified macro-locational determinants. The findings provide clarity on the motives of Chinese FDI in Cameroon and could assist the government to negotiate better deals that may enable Cameroon to benefit optimally from Chinese FDI.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
Maintenance of public and private urban green infrastructure provides significant employment in Eastern Cape towns, South Africa:
- King, Andrew, Shackleton, Charlie M
- Authors: King, Andrew , Shackleton, Charlie M
- Date: 2020
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/176074 , vital:42657 , https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ufug.2020.126740
- Description: Urban green infrastructure (UGI) provides numerous environmental, social and economic benefits through direct and indirect use of ecosystem services. The maintenance of UGI also provides work opportunities for skilled and unskilled workers in the public and private sectors, so-called green collar jobs. However, the extent and benefit of such employment has rarely been examined, especially in a developing country context where unemployment is often high. We quantified the number of green collar jobs and wage levels across all green collar categories in 12 towns of the Eastern Cape via means of questionnaires and interviews. Overall, we enumerated 17 429 jobs, receiving approximately ZAR503 million (US$37 million) per year. The number of jobs was strongly linked to town size, but the number of jobs per unit area was inversely related to the level of underdevelopment or deprivation per town.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
- Authors: King, Andrew , Shackleton, Charlie M
- Date: 2020
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/176074 , vital:42657 , https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ufug.2020.126740
- Description: Urban green infrastructure (UGI) provides numerous environmental, social and economic benefits through direct and indirect use of ecosystem services. The maintenance of UGI also provides work opportunities for skilled and unskilled workers in the public and private sectors, so-called green collar jobs. However, the extent and benefit of such employment has rarely been examined, especially in a developing country context where unemployment is often high. We quantified the number of green collar jobs and wage levels across all green collar categories in 12 towns of the Eastern Cape via means of questionnaires and interviews. Overall, we enumerated 17 429 jobs, receiving approximately ZAR503 million (US$37 million) per year. The number of jobs was strongly linked to town size, but the number of jobs per unit area was inversely related to the level of underdevelopment or deprivation per town.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
Making sense of a scam: MMM Mutual Fund participants in Kagiso negotiate dissenting mainstream new coverage on social media
- Authors: Boqo, Bella Makhulu
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Ponzi schemes -- South Africa , Fraud -- South Africa , Social media -- Influence -- South Africa , Mavrodi Mondial Moneybox -- In mass media
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/145771 , vital:38465
- Description: Pyramid, Ponzi and various fraudulent investment schemes are common feature in post-apartheid South Africa. The record levels of participation have generated much discussion in public discourse. Newspapers often abound with reports of participants who’ve lost large sums of money – in many instances their life savings. While on social media, thousands debate the merits and threats of new ventures as they emerge, in some instances using these platforms as the newest recruitment platforms. The sheer size and frequency of their appearance especially in post-revolutionary societies – those which experienced dramatic structural transformation following the end of the Cold War and growth of a neoliberal market economy – has drawn substantive scholarly attention. Much like media reports, however, this research often points to the morality of such practices, asking questions like what factors lead people to make the apparently irrational decision to participate in a scam? This study, however, contributes to a different body of emerging literature concerned with the larger structural contexts in which such forms of economic practice and organisation exist, and the meanings participants make of their involvement. Looking at the recently high profile of case of Mavrodi Mondial Moneybox (MMM), it employs a qualitative research methodology rooted in cultural studies to examine how participants based in the Johannesburg township of Kagiso used social media, specifically WhatsApp, to make sense of and contest the dissenting mainstream news coverage about MMM. Ultimately, it is a question of how their participation in particularly illegal pyramid or Ponzi type schemes and opposition to traditional news reports are rooted in their lived experiences, and what opportunities social media offer as alternate platforms for meaning-making, deliberation and public contestation.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
- Authors: Boqo, Bella Makhulu
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Ponzi schemes -- South Africa , Fraud -- South Africa , Social media -- Influence -- South Africa , Mavrodi Mondial Moneybox -- In mass media
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/145771 , vital:38465
- Description: Pyramid, Ponzi and various fraudulent investment schemes are common feature in post-apartheid South Africa. The record levels of participation have generated much discussion in public discourse. Newspapers often abound with reports of participants who’ve lost large sums of money – in many instances their life savings. While on social media, thousands debate the merits and threats of new ventures as they emerge, in some instances using these platforms as the newest recruitment platforms. The sheer size and frequency of their appearance especially in post-revolutionary societies – those which experienced dramatic structural transformation following the end of the Cold War and growth of a neoliberal market economy – has drawn substantive scholarly attention. Much like media reports, however, this research often points to the morality of such practices, asking questions like what factors lead people to make the apparently irrational decision to participate in a scam? This study, however, contributes to a different body of emerging literature concerned with the larger structural contexts in which such forms of economic practice and organisation exist, and the meanings participants make of their involvement. Looking at the recently high profile of case of Mavrodi Mondial Moneybox (MMM), it employs a qualitative research methodology rooted in cultural studies to examine how participants based in the Johannesburg township of Kagiso used social media, specifically WhatsApp, to make sense of and contest the dissenting mainstream news coverage about MMM. Ultimately, it is a question of how their participation in particularly illegal pyramid or Ponzi type schemes and opposition to traditional news reports are rooted in their lived experiences, and what opportunities social media offer as alternate platforms for meaning-making, deliberation and public contestation.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
Making South African tertiary education multilingual: the implementation, monitoring and evaluation of SANTED Multilingualism Projects 2007 – 2010
- Authors: Nosilela, Bulelwa
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: South Africa-Norway Tertiary Education Development Programme , Language policy -- South Africa , Multilingual education -- South Africa , Language and education -- South Africa , Education, Higher -- Social aspects -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Doctoral , PHD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/140513 , vital:37895
- Description: This thesis focuses on multilingualism as it applies to education, particularly higher education in South Africa. The thesis suggests that language must be seen as critical in education (Obanya, 2004; Wolff, 2006). This thesis also suggests that there is a link between a person’s general competence in an educational environment, and that person’s language competence. In support of other scholars, this thesis also finds that learners from low social classes in society have a restricted linguistic code and therefore the learners from these social classes lack the ability to express themselves in an elaborative manner in a cognitive situation while learners from upper social class have an elaborate linguistic repertoire in the language of instruction, namely English. Even though general policy in South Africa and Africa as a whole recognises this relationship between language and education, this thesis finds that very little is being done to implement these well-meaning policies. The SANTED (South Africa-Norway-Tertiary-Education) programme, which forms the focus of this thesis, is seen as an exception. While there is an increase in the number of learners and students accessing centres of learning, especially those from historically-disadvantaged backgrounds (CHE Higher Education Monitor, 2008), there is at the same time rigorous debate in South Africa at the moment as to whether these learners and students benefit optimally from knowledge offered in centres of learning, and are therefore, not accomplishing success expected from them (Boughey, 2008). This thesis suggests that at the centre of this debate is the understanding that, while there are a variety of factors that might affect their success, for example social and economic status, schooling background in case of students in higher education, language plays a pivotal role. This thesis analyses the challenges and successes which faced the SANTED programme at a number of South African institutions where language issues were brought to the centre of the learning process. The thesis also assesses best practices in various African countries and makes recommendations regarding language-use in Higher Education, as part of a transformationprocess. The collaboration between the South African and Norwegian governments provided impetus to policy implementation. It also had other focus areas such as capacity building, access, success and retention and collaboration with Southern African Developing Countries (SADC). This thesis shows, through a critical analysis of SANTED, that it represented an important intervention regarding the promotion of multilingualism.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
- Authors: Nosilela, Bulelwa
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: South Africa-Norway Tertiary Education Development Programme , Language policy -- South Africa , Multilingual education -- South Africa , Language and education -- South Africa , Education, Higher -- Social aspects -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Doctoral , PHD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/140513 , vital:37895
- Description: This thesis focuses on multilingualism as it applies to education, particularly higher education in South Africa. The thesis suggests that language must be seen as critical in education (Obanya, 2004; Wolff, 2006). This thesis also suggests that there is a link between a person’s general competence in an educational environment, and that person’s language competence. In support of other scholars, this thesis also finds that learners from low social classes in society have a restricted linguistic code and therefore the learners from these social classes lack the ability to express themselves in an elaborative manner in a cognitive situation while learners from upper social class have an elaborate linguistic repertoire in the language of instruction, namely English. Even though general policy in South Africa and Africa as a whole recognises this relationship between language and education, this thesis finds that very little is being done to implement these well-meaning policies. The SANTED (South Africa-Norway-Tertiary-Education) programme, which forms the focus of this thesis, is seen as an exception. While there is an increase in the number of learners and students accessing centres of learning, especially those from historically-disadvantaged backgrounds (CHE Higher Education Monitor, 2008), there is at the same time rigorous debate in South Africa at the moment as to whether these learners and students benefit optimally from knowledge offered in centres of learning, and are therefore, not accomplishing success expected from them (Boughey, 2008). This thesis suggests that at the centre of this debate is the understanding that, while there are a variety of factors that might affect their success, for example social and economic status, schooling background in case of students in higher education, language plays a pivotal role. This thesis analyses the challenges and successes which faced the SANTED programme at a number of South African institutions where language issues were brought to the centre of the learning process. The thesis also assesses best practices in various African countries and makes recommendations regarding language-use in Higher Education, as part of a transformationprocess. The collaboration between the South African and Norwegian governments provided impetus to policy implementation. It also had other focus areas such as capacity building, access, success and retention and collaboration with Southern African Developing Countries (SADC). This thesis shows, through a critical analysis of SANTED, that it represented an important intervention regarding the promotion of multilingualism.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
Making visible the affective dimensions of scholarship in postgraduate writing development work
- Authors: Clarence, Sherran
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/439495 , vital:73601 , https://doi.org/10.47989/kpdc63
- Description: Many university writing and student academic development centres serve both under-and postgraduate student-writers. However, it is not always clear that the training and development of those who work with writers accounts fully for the affective dimensions of postgraduate writing, specifically. Especially at the doctoral level, where an original contribution to knowledge is required, writers need to take on a confident authorial voice in their work, both written and in conversation with others. Research, however, shows that many doctoral students struggle with this. This paper argues that, to be truly successful and fit for purpose, peer writing development work needs to understand the nature of postgraduate learning and writing from more than just the technical perspective of writing a successful thesis. Writer-focused work at this level needs to account for the affective dimensions of writing and research as well, to engage students in more holistic, critical, and forward-looking conversations about their writing, and their own developing scholarly identity. The paper offers insights into the different affective dimensions of postgraduate writing, especially those under-considered in much practical work with postgraduate writers, and offers suggestions for a whole-student tutoring approach at this level.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
- Authors: Clarence, Sherran
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/439495 , vital:73601 , https://doi.org/10.47989/kpdc63
- Description: Many university writing and student academic development centres serve both under-and postgraduate student-writers. However, it is not always clear that the training and development of those who work with writers accounts fully for the affective dimensions of postgraduate writing, specifically. Especially at the doctoral level, where an original contribution to knowledge is required, writers need to take on a confident authorial voice in their work, both written and in conversation with others. Research, however, shows that many doctoral students struggle with this. This paper argues that, to be truly successful and fit for purpose, peer writing development work needs to understand the nature of postgraduate learning and writing from more than just the technical perspective of writing a successful thesis. Writer-focused work at this level needs to account for the affective dimensions of writing and research as well, to engage students in more holistic, critical, and forward-looking conversations about their writing, and their own developing scholarly identity. The paper offers insights into the different affective dimensions of postgraduate writing, especially those under-considered in much practical work with postgraduate writers, and offers suggestions for a whole-student tutoring approach at this level.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
Management competencies of clinical and hospital managers in the eastern cape department of health: implications for further management training
- Authors: Chetty, Urvani
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Medical personnel
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/47509 , vital:40130
- Description: Healthcare has been identified as a basic need and one of the key economic drivers in South Africa (Pravin Gordhan, 2017). With the majority of South Africans reliant on the public health sector for the management, the prevention and cure of all their healthcare issues and needs come the dire requirement of exceptional skills from healthcare professionals. Hospital and clinical managers play the dual role of clinician and manager, often without proper management training. With the impending introduction of the National Health Insurance (NHI) and ever-challenging constraints of medico-legal litigation on healthcare, it is imperative that healthcare professionals are adequately equipped with the core management competencies. The aim of the study is to identify management competencies of Clinical and Hospital managers and establish an implication/indication for further management training. This study used competencies identified in healthcare management courses currently offered in South Africa in conjunction with literature reviewed. A sample population of Clinical and Hospital managers in the public sector of the Eastern Cape was used using a non-random purposive/judgement probability sampling technique–the “snowball” sampling technique. The questionnaire link (Questionpro) was distributed to all respondents via email and WhatsApp distribution followed from the Eastern Cape Department of Health Head Office to the Chief Executive Officers of hospitals in the Eastern Cape and the Human Resources Director of the Eastern Cape Department of Health. The online link was made available for completion; thereafter data was collated and analysed using the STATISTICA programme. Based on a literature review, the theoretical model proposed six core competencies-leadership, risk management, financial management, corporate governance and ethics, people/human resources management and quality and evidence-based management. Of the six competencies, Clinical and Hospital Managers exhibited Leadership, Corporate Governance and Ethics and Quality and Evidence-based Management in high levels. The qualitative analysis demonstrated respondents’ intentions to study further, often in management fields and shared a unanimous need for management training for better job efficacy and performance. The researcher has made recommendations to aid in improving management skills as well as areas for further research such as short courses and mentorship programmes and further comparative studies between the private and public sector. The study concluded that management competencies are significant for Clinical and Hospital Managers and should be addressed in the future to aid in better clinical outcomes.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
- Authors: Chetty, Urvani
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Medical personnel
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/47509 , vital:40130
- Description: Healthcare has been identified as a basic need and one of the key economic drivers in South Africa (Pravin Gordhan, 2017). With the majority of South Africans reliant on the public health sector for the management, the prevention and cure of all their healthcare issues and needs come the dire requirement of exceptional skills from healthcare professionals. Hospital and clinical managers play the dual role of clinician and manager, often without proper management training. With the impending introduction of the National Health Insurance (NHI) and ever-challenging constraints of medico-legal litigation on healthcare, it is imperative that healthcare professionals are adequately equipped with the core management competencies. The aim of the study is to identify management competencies of Clinical and Hospital managers and establish an implication/indication for further management training. This study used competencies identified in healthcare management courses currently offered in South Africa in conjunction with literature reviewed. A sample population of Clinical and Hospital managers in the public sector of the Eastern Cape was used using a non-random purposive/judgement probability sampling technique–the “snowball” sampling technique. The questionnaire link (Questionpro) was distributed to all respondents via email and WhatsApp distribution followed from the Eastern Cape Department of Health Head Office to the Chief Executive Officers of hospitals in the Eastern Cape and the Human Resources Director of the Eastern Cape Department of Health. The online link was made available for completion; thereafter data was collated and analysed using the STATISTICA programme. Based on a literature review, the theoretical model proposed six core competencies-leadership, risk management, financial management, corporate governance and ethics, people/human resources management and quality and evidence-based management. Of the six competencies, Clinical and Hospital Managers exhibited Leadership, Corporate Governance and Ethics and Quality and Evidence-based Management in high levels. The qualitative analysis demonstrated respondents’ intentions to study further, often in management fields and shared a unanimous need for management training for better job efficacy and performance. The researcher has made recommendations to aid in improving management skills as well as areas for further research such as short courses and mentorship programmes and further comparative studies between the private and public sector. The study concluded that management competencies are significant for Clinical and Hospital Managers and should be addressed in the future to aid in better clinical outcomes.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
Managing staff wellness of educators in Nelson Mandela Bay related to their knowledge, perceptions and practices of a healthy lifestyle
- Authors: Coetzee, Jeslyn
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Educators -- -- South Africa -- Nelson Mandela Bay
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/46335 , vital:39568
- Description: Non-communicable diseases have become a major cause of mortality, resulting in 55% of deaths in South Africa in 2015. Educators seem to be a high-risk population with high rates of obesity and hypertension. This study, a quantitative descriptive study, was completed with primary school educators in Nelson Mandela Bayas the study population, with the aim of better understanding their knowledge, perceptions and practices with regard to a healthy lifestyle in order to manage and improve their staff wellness, and investigates these areas separately as objectives. A focus was placed on salt and sugar intake in light of recent legislation and taxation on these items in South Africa. The study has three components, namely; anthropometry, a dietary intake assessment via 24-hour dietary recalls and a behavioural questionnaire. Ethics was considered by ensuring the anonymity of participants, using participant numbers and ensuring the written consent of all participants before the commencement of the study. Data collection took place over a period of three days. Educators showed high levels of obesity, with 45,7%(n=21)being categorised as obese class three. Twenty-five percent of the participants reported to have been diagnosed with hypertension. Participants fared well with questions that referred to more general knowledge of nutrition and aspects of staff wellness that was looked at showed that 47,7 % described their job performance as ‘good’, while also noting that 20,5þlt that everything was an effort most of the time. Recommendations include the benefit of an Employee Wellness Programme in order to educate and encourage teachers around different aspects of their health and wellness. Intrinsic motivation is necessary and drastic changes need to be made in order to improve the dire situation in this population of the country.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
- Authors: Coetzee, Jeslyn
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Educators -- -- South Africa -- Nelson Mandela Bay
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/46335 , vital:39568
- Description: Non-communicable diseases have become a major cause of mortality, resulting in 55% of deaths in South Africa in 2015. Educators seem to be a high-risk population with high rates of obesity and hypertension. This study, a quantitative descriptive study, was completed with primary school educators in Nelson Mandela Bayas the study population, with the aim of better understanding their knowledge, perceptions and practices with regard to a healthy lifestyle in order to manage and improve their staff wellness, and investigates these areas separately as objectives. A focus was placed on salt and sugar intake in light of recent legislation and taxation on these items in South Africa. The study has three components, namely; anthropometry, a dietary intake assessment via 24-hour dietary recalls and a behavioural questionnaire. Ethics was considered by ensuring the anonymity of participants, using participant numbers and ensuring the written consent of all participants before the commencement of the study. Data collection took place over a period of three days. Educators showed high levels of obesity, with 45,7%(n=21)being categorised as obese class three. Twenty-five percent of the participants reported to have been diagnosed with hypertension. Participants fared well with questions that referred to more general knowledge of nutrition and aspects of staff wellness that was looked at showed that 47,7 % described their job performance as ‘good’, while also noting that 20,5þlt that everything was an effort most of the time. Recommendations include the benefit of an Employee Wellness Programme in order to educate and encourage teachers around different aspects of their health and wellness. Intrinsic motivation is necessary and drastic changes need to be made in order to improve the dire situation in this population of the country.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
Managing the corporate reputation of a transforming organisation: a study of multimedia University of Kenya
- Authors: Mtange, Margaret Mulekani
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Organizational change -- Management , Universities and colleges -- Kenya -- Sociological aspects -- Case studies , Universities and colleges -- Research -- Economic aspects -- Kenya -- Case studies
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DPhil
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/50837 , vital:42873
- Description: Universities, like other organisations, are challenged to manage corporate identity and reputation to maintain a competitive edge. Few studies in Africa focus on the impact of internal communication on corporate identity and reputation management during organisational transformation. Thus, this study interrogated how a transforming and complex university in Kenya managed the corporate identity, image and reputation for competitive advantage. The purpose of the study was to establish how Multimedia University of Kenya (MMU) management communicated with its employees to nurture the corporate identity, image and reputation during a ten-year period of transformation. The study draws insights from in-depth interviews with 23 university management members, 178 self-administered questionnaires through random stratification of MMU employees, and content review of two MMU strategic plans ranging from 2011 to 2021. The findings suggest that MMU management used formal and interactive channels to create awareness of organisational transformation. These channels included face-to-face engagements, formal meetings and mediated communication through telephone conversations and intranet that facilitated record keeping. The management engaged in top-down and bottom-up communication to build employee trust, while employees expressed reservations of bottom-up information accuracy, suggesting information exclusion. On the contrary, the employees preferred digital and interpersonal channels for internal communication, which included telephone conversations, social media, personal visits by MMU management, and university events. Publicity activities were to disseminate information to prospective students and sponsors through selected private television, vernacular radio, and MMU radio stations, traditional print media, and the MMU website to communicate the MMU brand and image. Employees acknowledged that MMU brands itself as a leader in telecommunication, technology, mechanical, manufacturing, and media training through state-of-the-art equipment, robust faculty, and problem-solving ventures through research. The current study proposes stronger employee involvement, executive packaging and positioning, coaching successful faculty members as brand ambassadors, retraining employees, and employee participation in policy formulation to enhance new culture. In addition, these opositions will enhance the corporate identity, brand, as well as university performance, product quality, policy and processes to enrich the corporate reputation during transformation. The findings challenge university management to actively engage the corporate communication function, emphasise employee participation, and focus on the continual improvement of corporate identity and reputation management practices for competitive advantage. The current study proposes a participative, multi-layered and multi-dimensional communication model for efficient and excellent internal communication. The current study recommends that corporate communication practitioner be strategically positioned to coordinate employee engagement, utilise appropriate communication channels and counsel university management on corporate identity, image and reputation management during organisational transformation.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
- Authors: Mtange, Margaret Mulekani
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Organizational change -- Management , Universities and colleges -- Kenya -- Sociological aspects -- Case studies , Universities and colleges -- Research -- Economic aspects -- Kenya -- Case studies
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DPhil
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/50837 , vital:42873
- Description: Universities, like other organisations, are challenged to manage corporate identity and reputation to maintain a competitive edge. Few studies in Africa focus on the impact of internal communication on corporate identity and reputation management during organisational transformation. Thus, this study interrogated how a transforming and complex university in Kenya managed the corporate identity, image and reputation for competitive advantage. The purpose of the study was to establish how Multimedia University of Kenya (MMU) management communicated with its employees to nurture the corporate identity, image and reputation during a ten-year period of transformation. The study draws insights from in-depth interviews with 23 university management members, 178 self-administered questionnaires through random stratification of MMU employees, and content review of two MMU strategic plans ranging from 2011 to 2021. The findings suggest that MMU management used formal and interactive channels to create awareness of organisational transformation. These channels included face-to-face engagements, formal meetings and mediated communication through telephone conversations and intranet that facilitated record keeping. The management engaged in top-down and bottom-up communication to build employee trust, while employees expressed reservations of bottom-up information accuracy, suggesting information exclusion. On the contrary, the employees preferred digital and interpersonal channels for internal communication, which included telephone conversations, social media, personal visits by MMU management, and university events. Publicity activities were to disseminate information to prospective students and sponsors through selected private television, vernacular radio, and MMU radio stations, traditional print media, and the MMU website to communicate the MMU brand and image. Employees acknowledged that MMU brands itself as a leader in telecommunication, technology, mechanical, manufacturing, and media training through state-of-the-art equipment, robust faculty, and problem-solving ventures through research. The current study proposes stronger employee involvement, executive packaging and positioning, coaching successful faculty members as brand ambassadors, retraining employees, and employee participation in policy formulation to enhance new culture. In addition, these opositions will enhance the corporate identity, brand, as well as university performance, product quality, policy and processes to enrich the corporate reputation during transformation. The findings challenge university management to actively engage the corporate communication function, emphasise employee participation, and focus on the continual improvement of corporate identity and reputation management practices for competitive advantage. The current study proposes a participative, multi-layered and multi-dimensional communication model for efficient and excellent internal communication. The current study recommends that corporate communication practitioner be strategically positioned to coordinate employee engagement, utilise appropriate communication channels and counsel university management on corporate identity, image and reputation management during organisational transformation.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
Managing the invasive aquatic plant Sagittaria platyphylla (Engelm.) J.G. Sm(Alismataceae): problems and prospects
- Ndlovu, Mpilonhle Sinothando
- Authors: Ndlovu, Mpilonhle Sinothando
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Aquatic weeds -- Biological control -- South Africa , Sagittaria latifolia -- Biological control -- South Africa , Noxious weeds -- Biological control -- South Africa , Invasive plants -- Biological control -- South Africa , Listronotus , Insects as biological pest control agents
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/167121 , vital:41439
- Description: Sagittaria platyphylla (Engelm.) J.G.Sm. (Alismataceae), commonly known as Delta arrowhead, is an invasive aquatic macrophyte native to southern United States of America (USA) that has become a serious weed in freshwater systems in South Africa, New Zealand, Australia, and recently China. In South Africa, the plant was first detected in Krantzkloof Nature Reserve, KwaZulu-Natal Province in 2008, and due to its known impact in other countries, it was listed as a Category 1a invader species under the National Environmental Management: Biodiversity Act 2004 (NEM: BA). This listing required mechanical and chemical control methods to be implemented by the South African National Biodiversity Institute’s (SANBI), Invasive Species Programme (ISP), with the aim of eradicating the weed. Despite the eradication efforts, by 2016, the weed was recognized as one of the country’s top 10 worst and fastest spreading invasive alien plants. Since its introduction in 2008, the plant has spread both within and between sites in South Africa, increasing from one site in 2008 to 72 sites by 2019. Once introduced into lotic systems, the plant spread rapidly downstream, in some cases up to 120km within six years, with an average of 10 km per year. Extirpation over the last ten years was only possible at a limited number of sites. Under the current management approach, the invasion is foreseen to spread to new sites within a 5 km radius of the current populations. Due to the failure of conventional control mechanisms, biological control is currently being considered as a potential control option. Four potential biological control agents are under investigation, but none have been released. Amongst them is the fruit and flower feeding weevil Listronotus appendiculatus Bohm. (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) which showed most potential as a suitable biological control agent. This study demonstrated that L. appendiculatus herbivory negatively influenced the overall fitness of S. platyphylla by reducing the plant’s growth rate and above ground biomass. Listronotus appendiculatus herbivory also reduced the plant’s size and the potential to kill adult plants. Most importantly, L. appendiculatus larval feeding damage significantly reduce viable-germinating seeds, the weed’s primary dispersal mechanism. Therefore, a biological control programme is advised to be integrated within the current management plan.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
- Authors: Ndlovu, Mpilonhle Sinothando
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Aquatic weeds -- Biological control -- South Africa , Sagittaria latifolia -- Biological control -- South Africa , Noxious weeds -- Biological control -- South Africa , Invasive plants -- Biological control -- South Africa , Listronotus , Insects as biological pest control agents
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/167121 , vital:41439
- Description: Sagittaria platyphylla (Engelm.) J.G.Sm. (Alismataceae), commonly known as Delta arrowhead, is an invasive aquatic macrophyte native to southern United States of America (USA) that has become a serious weed in freshwater systems in South Africa, New Zealand, Australia, and recently China. In South Africa, the plant was first detected in Krantzkloof Nature Reserve, KwaZulu-Natal Province in 2008, and due to its known impact in other countries, it was listed as a Category 1a invader species under the National Environmental Management: Biodiversity Act 2004 (NEM: BA). This listing required mechanical and chemical control methods to be implemented by the South African National Biodiversity Institute’s (SANBI), Invasive Species Programme (ISP), with the aim of eradicating the weed. Despite the eradication efforts, by 2016, the weed was recognized as one of the country’s top 10 worst and fastest spreading invasive alien plants. Since its introduction in 2008, the plant has spread both within and between sites in South Africa, increasing from one site in 2008 to 72 sites by 2019. Once introduced into lotic systems, the plant spread rapidly downstream, in some cases up to 120km within six years, with an average of 10 km per year. Extirpation over the last ten years was only possible at a limited number of sites. Under the current management approach, the invasion is foreseen to spread to new sites within a 5 km radius of the current populations. Due to the failure of conventional control mechanisms, biological control is currently being considered as a potential control option. Four potential biological control agents are under investigation, but none have been released. Amongst them is the fruit and flower feeding weevil Listronotus appendiculatus Bohm. (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) which showed most potential as a suitable biological control agent. This study demonstrated that L. appendiculatus herbivory negatively influenced the overall fitness of S. platyphylla by reducing the plant’s growth rate and above ground biomass. Listronotus appendiculatus herbivory also reduced the plant’s size and the potential to kill adult plants. Most importantly, L. appendiculatus larval feeding damage significantly reduce viable-germinating seeds, the weed’s primary dispersal mechanism. Therefore, a biological control programme is advised to be integrated within the current management plan.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
Mapping subtidal estuarine habitats with a remotely operated underwater vehicle (ROV):
- Wasserman, J, Claassens, Louw, Adams, Janine B
- Authors: Wasserman, J , Claassens, Louw , Adams, Janine B
- Date: 2020
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/150163 , vital:38945 , DOI: 10.2989/1814232X.2020.1731598
- Description: Subtidal habitats have not yet been accounted for in habitat maps of South African estuaries. In this study, a novel method for mapping subtidal estuarine habitats, using a remotely operated underwater vehicle (ROV) piloted from a boat, was developed and tested in the Knysna Estuary. Video footage was recorded along 48 transects across the width of the estuary, and then reviewed to identify, classify and map habitats. Using the method developed in this study, 21 hours of footage was recorded over 15 days of sampling, and about 30 hours of post-processing was carried out to map an area exceeding 850 ha. This study has produced the first baseline dataset of subtidal habitats for a South African estuary. Additionally, the study revealed the previously unknown distribution of the invasive red seaweed Asparagopsis taxiformis, and the underestimation in previous studies of the estuary of area cover of eelgrass Zostera capensis by 130 ha.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
- Authors: Wasserman, J , Claassens, Louw , Adams, Janine B
- Date: 2020
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/150163 , vital:38945 , DOI: 10.2989/1814232X.2020.1731598
- Description: Subtidal habitats have not yet been accounted for in habitat maps of South African estuaries. In this study, a novel method for mapping subtidal estuarine habitats, using a remotely operated underwater vehicle (ROV) piloted from a boat, was developed and tested in the Knysna Estuary. Video footage was recorded along 48 transects across the width of the estuary, and then reviewed to identify, classify and map habitats. Using the method developed in this study, 21 hours of footage was recorded over 15 days of sampling, and about 30 hours of post-processing was carried out to map an area exceeding 850 ha. This study has produced the first baseline dataset of subtidal habitats for a South African estuary. Additionally, the study revealed the previously unknown distribution of the invasive red seaweed Asparagopsis taxiformis, and the underestimation in previous studies of the estuary of area cover of eelgrass Zostera capensis by 130 ha.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
Market timing and portfolio returns: an empirical analysis of the potential profitability of buy-sell strategies, based on South African equities 2009-2018
- Authors: Mulweli, Ramulongo
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Johannesburg Stock Exchange , Stocks -- Charts, diagrams, etc. , Investment analysis -- South Africa , Stocks -- South Africa , Stocks -- South Africa -- Cast studies
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/144487 , vital:38350
- Description: South Africa’s financial markets have become larger and more complex over recent decades. The number of market participants who are using technical analysis techniques to predict the market’s movement has been growing rapidly. This research aims to investigate if historical share prices can be used when forecasting the market’s direction and to examine the profitability of the Japanese candlestick patterns. The study is based on ten companies selected from the JSE top 40 2019 composition. These are Aspen Pharmacy Holding, Capitec Bank Holding LTD, Discovery LTD, Kumba Iron Ore LTD, Mondi PLC, Mr. Price Group LTD, MTN Group LTD, Naspers LTD, SASOL LTD, and Shoprite Holdings LTD. These were selected from the JSE top 40 based on market capitalization and sector. This research analyzes eight candlestick reversal patterns; four are bullish patterns namely: doji star, hammer, bullish engulfing and the piercing lines and the other four are bearish patterns namely: shooting star, hanging man, bearish engulfing and the dark cloud cover. The ARCH and GARCH models are used to test for correlation between past share prices and future share prices and the binomial test and the mean return calculations were used to test the profitability of candlestick patterns. The sample is from Thomson DataStream 2019 and IRESS SA 2019 and covers ten years with 2496 observations starting from 02 January 2009 to 31 December 2018. The findings from the ARCH and GARCH tests revealed that there is a serial correlation between the returns from the previous day and the returns for the current day. The results from the mean returns and the binomial tests show strong evidence that the shooting star, hanging man, bearish engulfing and the bulling engulfing are statistically significant in predicting the share price movements. On the other hand, there was no evidence that the dark cloud cover, piercing lines, and the bullish doji can predict share price movements. Additionally, further studies on this topic could be improved by adding different candlestick patterns and the total number of companies analyzed. The results could also be improved by analyzing the candlestick reversal patterns when they are used with other trading rules such as support resistance levels and oscillators.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
- Authors: Mulweli, Ramulongo
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Johannesburg Stock Exchange , Stocks -- Charts, diagrams, etc. , Investment analysis -- South Africa , Stocks -- South Africa , Stocks -- South Africa -- Cast studies
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/144487 , vital:38350
- Description: South Africa’s financial markets have become larger and more complex over recent decades. The number of market participants who are using technical analysis techniques to predict the market’s movement has been growing rapidly. This research aims to investigate if historical share prices can be used when forecasting the market’s direction and to examine the profitability of the Japanese candlestick patterns. The study is based on ten companies selected from the JSE top 40 2019 composition. These are Aspen Pharmacy Holding, Capitec Bank Holding LTD, Discovery LTD, Kumba Iron Ore LTD, Mondi PLC, Mr. Price Group LTD, MTN Group LTD, Naspers LTD, SASOL LTD, and Shoprite Holdings LTD. These were selected from the JSE top 40 based on market capitalization and sector. This research analyzes eight candlestick reversal patterns; four are bullish patterns namely: doji star, hammer, bullish engulfing and the piercing lines and the other four are bearish patterns namely: shooting star, hanging man, bearish engulfing and the dark cloud cover. The ARCH and GARCH models are used to test for correlation between past share prices and future share prices and the binomial test and the mean return calculations were used to test the profitability of candlestick patterns. The sample is from Thomson DataStream 2019 and IRESS SA 2019 and covers ten years with 2496 observations starting from 02 January 2009 to 31 December 2018. The findings from the ARCH and GARCH tests revealed that there is a serial correlation between the returns from the previous day and the returns for the current day. The results from the mean returns and the binomial tests show strong evidence that the shooting star, hanging man, bearish engulfing and the bulling engulfing are statistically significant in predicting the share price movements. On the other hand, there was no evidence that the dark cloud cover, piercing lines, and the bullish doji can predict share price movements. Additionally, further studies on this topic could be improved by adding different candlestick patterns and the total number of companies analyzed. The results could also be improved by analyzing the candlestick reversal patterns when they are used with other trading rules such as support resistance levels and oscillators.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020