Water conservation and water demand management in Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality
- Authors: Mlomzale, Kwanele
- Date: 2021-04
- Subjects: Water conservation -- South Africa -- Buffalo City , Water demand management -- South Africa -- Buffalo City , Municipal services -- South Africa -- Buffalo City , Municipal services -- Law and legislation -- South Africa -- Buffalo City , Water-supply -- Management
- Language: English
- Type: thesis , text , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/177159 , vital:42795
- Description: Water is one of the scarce and constrained natural resource globally, and a necessity to every living creature, organism and the natural environment – it is the existence of life. Water, as an irreplaceable natural resource, plays a vital role in every country's development and prosperity, integrating socio-economic needs of both the present and future generation. Therefore, sustainable strategies and approaches or concepts are significant in ensuring that such a unique resource is preserved and conserved sustainably. Municipal environment or local government sphere creates a pivotal role in governing the use of water, through the provision of legislation, regulations and establishment of water conservation and water demand management strategies and plans. However, it has been established that there is a lack of integrated water resource management approach and planning in municipalities, creating concerns with regards to controlling the overutilisation of water and protection of water sources in general. The aim and goals of the study are to review Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality's (BCMM) water conservation and water demand management (BCMM WC/WDM) development and implementation by, assessing the existing strategy related to water conservation and water demand management; constraints and opportunity identification; and provision of recommendations in improving the practices in the municipality. The study presents core theories and empirical studies relevant to the water conservation and water demand management, and also deals with theoretical framework found under the Natural Resource-Based View and its application to water conservation and water demand management concepts. A qualitative research design approach was used for the research, which is underpinned by a post-positivism paradigm. In terms of data collection, two methods were used in the study: (i) document study and secondary analysis; and (ii) semi-structured interviews with BCMM relevant officials. The study identified gaps and inconsistencies in the development and implementation of BCMM WC/WDM strategy, although the municipality has taken some step towards its implementation. However, the strives taken by BCMM in implementing water conservation and water demand management initiatives are acknowledged. The study provides recommendations related to the findings identified upon the data collection and fieldwork. The recommendation proposed by the study includes proper communicating the BCMM WC/WDM strategy to all relevant stakeholders, focus on reducing the non-revenue water, implementation of various project related to pressure management, encourage culture of using water efficiently through educational and community awareness campaigns, capacitation of BCMM including seeking financial support, continuous review of the strategy and exploring other water supply sources to relax the already constrained existing water sources. The limitations of the study compared to the broader scope of water conservation and water demand management aspects are highlighted and acknowledged. Thus, in the conclusion of this study, further future studies are suggested to explore other related aspects of water conservation and water demand management in BCMM. , Thesis (MBA) -- Faculty of Commerce, Rhodes Business School, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-04
- Authors: Mlomzale, Kwanele
- Date: 2021-04
- Subjects: Water conservation -- South Africa -- Buffalo City , Water demand management -- South Africa -- Buffalo City , Municipal services -- South Africa -- Buffalo City , Municipal services -- Law and legislation -- South Africa -- Buffalo City , Water-supply -- Management
- Language: English
- Type: thesis , text , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/177159 , vital:42795
- Description: Water is one of the scarce and constrained natural resource globally, and a necessity to every living creature, organism and the natural environment – it is the existence of life. Water, as an irreplaceable natural resource, plays a vital role in every country's development and prosperity, integrating socio-economic needs of both the present and future generation. Therefore, sustainable strategies and approaches or concepts are significant in ensuring that such a unique resource is preserved and conserved sustainably. Municipal environment or local government sphere creates a pivotal role in governing the use of water, through the provision of legislation, regulations and establishment of water conservation and water demand management strategies and plans. However, it has been established that there is a lack of integrated water resource management approach and planning in municipalities, creating concerns with regards to controlling the overutilisation of water and protection of water sources in general. The aim and goals of the study are to review Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality's (BCMM) water conservation and water demand management (BCMM WC/WDM) development and implementation by, assessing the existing strategy related to water conservation and water demand management; constraints and opportunity identification; and provision of recommendations in improving the practices in the municipality. The study presents core theories and empirical studies relevant to the water conservation and water demand management, and also deals with theoretical framework found under the Natural Resource-Based View and its application to water conservation and water demand management concepts. A qualitative research design approach was used for the research, which is underpinned by a post-positivism paradigm. In terms of data collection, two methods were used in the study: (i) document study and secondary analysis; and (ii) semi-structured interviews with BCMM relevant officials. The study identified gaps and inconsistencies in the development and implementation of BCMM WC/WDM strategy, although the municipality has taken some step towards its implementation. However, the strives taken by BCMM in implementing water conservation and water demand management initiatives are acknowledged. The study provides recommendations related to the findings identified upon the data collection and fieldwork. The recommendation proposed by the study includes proper communicating the BCMM WC/WDM strategy to all relevant stakeholders, focus on reducing the non-revenue water, implementation of various project related to pressure management, encourage culture of using water efficiently through educational and community awareness campaigns, capacitation of BCMM including seeking financial support, continuous review of the strategy and exploring other water supply sources to relax the already constrained existing water sources. The limitations of the study compared to the broader scope of water conservation and water demand management aspects are highlighted and acknowledged. Thus, in the conclusion of this study, further future studies are suggested to explore other related aspects of water conservation and water demand management in BCMM. , Thesis (MBA) -- Faculty of Commerce, Rhodes Business School, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-04
Accelerated implementations of the RIME for DDE calibration and source modelling
- Authors: Van Staden, Joshua
- Date: 2021
- Subjects: Radio astronomy , Radio inferometers , Radio inferometers -- Calibration , Radio astronomy -- Data processing , Radio inferometers -- Data processing , Radio inferometers -- Calibration -- Data processing
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/172422 , vital:42199
- Description: Second- and third-generation calibration methods filter out subtle effects in interferometer data, and therefore yield significantly higher dynamic ranges. The basis of these calibration techniques relies on building a model of the sky and corrupting it with models of the effects acting on the sources. The sensitivities of modern instruments call for more elaborate models to capture the level of detail that is required to achieve accurate calibration. This thesis implements two types of models to be used in for second- and third-generation calibration. The first model implemented is shapelets, which can be used to model radio source morphologies directly in uv space. The second model implemented is Zernike polynomials, which can be used to represent the primary beam of the antenna. We implement these models in the CODEX-AFRICANUS package and provide a set of unit tests for each model. Additionally, we compare our implementations against other methods of representing these objects and instrumental effects, namely NIFTY-GRIDDER against shapelets and a FITS-interpolation method against the Zernike polynomials. We find that to achieve sufficient accuracy, our implementation of the shapelet model has a higher runtime to that of the NIFTY-GRIDDER. However, the NIFTY-GRIDDER cannot simulate a component-based sky model while the shapelet model can. Additionally, the shapelet model is fully parametric, which allows for integration into a parameterised solver. We find that, while having a smaller memory footprint, our Zernike model has a greater computational complexity than that of the FITS-interpolated method. However, we find that the Zernike implementation has floating-point accuracy in its modelling, while the FITS-interpolated model loses some accuracy through the discretisation of the beam.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021
- Authors: Van Staden, Joshua
- Date: 2021
- Subjects: Radio astronomy , Radio inferometers , Radio inferometers -- Calibration , Radio astronomy -- Data processing , Radio inferometers -- Data processing , Radio inferometers -- Calibration -- Data processing
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/172422 , vital:42199
- Description: Second- and third-generation calibration methods filter out subtle effects in interferometer data, and therefore yield significantly higher dynamic ranges. The basis of these calibration techniques relies on building a model of the sky and corrupting it with models of the effects acting on the sources. The sensitivities of modern instruments call for more elaborate models to capture the level of detail that is required to achieve accurate calibration. This thesis implements two types of models to be used in for second- and third-generation calibration. The first model implemented is shapelets, which can be used to model radio source morphologies directly in uv space. The second model implemented is Zernike polynomials, which can be used to represent the primary beam of the antenna. We implement these models in the CODEX-AFRICANUS package and provide a set of unit tests for each model. Additionally, we compare our implementations against other methods of representing these objects and instrumental effects, namely NIFTY-GRIDDER against shapelets and a FITS-interpolation method against the Zernike polynomials. We find that to achieve sufficient accuracy, our implementation of the shapelet model has a higher runtime to that of the NIFTY-GRIDDER. However, the NIFTY-GRIDDER cannot simulate a component-based sky model while the shapelet model can. Additionally, the shapelet model is fully parametric, which allows for integration into a parameterised solver. We find that, while having a smaller memory footprint, our Zernike model has a greater computational complexity than that of the FITS-interpolated method. However, we find that the Zernike implementation has floating-point accuracy in its modelling, while the FITS-interpolated model loses some accuracy through the discretisation of the beam.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021
An exploratory study of psychologists’ perceptions of the phenomenon currently understood as ‘borderline personality disorder’
- Authors: Daya, Lekha
- Date: 2021
- Subjects: Borderline personality disorder , Psychologists -- Attitudes -- South Africa , Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/171139 , vital:42023
- Description: The phenomenon currently understood as ‘borderline personality disorder’ (BPD) has been complex and multifaceted since its inception. Previous studies have focused on the validity of The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) conceptualisation of BPD, aetiologies of BPD, the psychologies of persons diagnosed with BPD, and the gendered nature of BPD. This study aimed to specifically explore South African practising psychologists’ perceptions of BPD. Through thematic analysis from a constructivist, post-modern paradigm, this study aimed to explore the perceptions and experiences of practising psychologists on BPD, as well as the usefulness of the DSM in working with BPD in a non-western society such as South Africa (SA). The study sampled two Counselling and two Clinical psychologists practising in the South African context, with exposure to and experience in working with BPD. Collectively, results in this study identified psychologists’ perceptions of shortcomings in the usefulness of the DSM’s approach to categorising phenomena associated with BPD, and brought attention to a need for further research and attention into the role of psychologists’ in the construction of BPD. This study seeks to represent psychologists’ practical experiences and perceptions, in an attempt to add contextually relevant findings on the DSM’s construction of BPD, and to contribute to challenging the stigma and misunderstanding associated with BPD. Specific practice implications and recommendations for future research are discussed within.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021
- Authors: Daya, Lekha
- Date: 2021
- Subjects: Borderline personality disorder , Psychologists -- Attitudes -- South Africa , Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/171139 , vital:42023
- Description: The phenomenon currently understood as ‘borderline personality disorder’ (BPD) has been complex and multifaceted since its inception. Previous studies have focused on the validity of The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) conceptualisation of BPD, aetiologies of BPD, the psychologies of persons diagnosed with BPD, and the gendered nature of BPD. This study aimed to specifically explore South African practising psychologists’ perceptions of BPD. Through thematic analysis from a constructivist, post-modern paradigm, this study aimed to explore the perceptions and experiences of practising psychologists on BPD, as well as the usefulness of the DSM in working with BPD in a non-western society such as South Africa (SA). The study sampled two Counselling and two Clinical psychologists practising in the South African context, with exposure to and experience in working with BPD. Collectively, results in this study identified psychologists’ perceptions of shortcomings in the usefulness of the DSM’s approach to categorising phenomena associated with BPD, and brought attention to a need for further research and attention into the role of psychologists’ in the construction of BPD. This study seeks to represent psychologists’ practical experiences and perceptions, in an attempt to add contextually relevant findings on the DSM’s construction of BPD, and to contribute to challenging the stigma and misunderstanding associated with BPD. Specific practice implications and recommendations for future research are discussed within.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021
An online information security Aaareness model: the disclosure of personal data
- Authors: Parker, Heather Joubert
- Date: 2021
- Subjects: Social media -- Psychological aspects , Social media -- Psychological aspects -- South Africa , Human behavior , Disclosure of information -- Psychological aspects -- Case studies , Personal information management -- Psychological aspects -- Case studies , Data protection -- Psychologial aspects -- Case studies
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/172329 , vital:42189
- Description: Social media has revolutionized the way people send and receive information by creating a new level of interconnected communication. However, the use of the Internet and social media brings about various ways in which a user’s personal data can be put at risk. This study aims to investigate what drives the disclosure of personal information online and whether an increase in awareness of the value of personal information motivates users to safeguard their information. Fourteen university students participated in a mixed-methods experiment, where they completed a questionnaire before and after being shown the data stored about them by online platforms to determine if changes occur in their intention to disclose. Following completing the initial questionnaire, the participant viewed the personal data stored about them by Facebook, Google, and Instagram. Other online tools such as Social Profile Checker, Facebook View As, and HaveIBeenPawned were used to see the information publicly available about each participant. Together these findings were discussed in a semi-structured interview to determine the influence of attitudes, subjective norms, and awareness on the cost-benefit analysis users conduct when disclosing information online. Overall, the findings indicate that users are able to disregard their concerns due to a resigned and apathetic attitude towards privacy. Furthermore, subjective norms enhanced by FOMO further allow users to overlook potential risks to their information in order to avoid social isolation and sanction. Alternatively, an increased awareness of the personal value of information and having experienced a previous privacy violation encourage the protection of information and limited disclosure. Thus, this study provides insight into privacy and information disclosure on social media in South Africa. It reveals more insight into the cost-benefit analysis users conduct by combining the Theory of Planned Behaviour with the Privacy Calculus Model, as well as the antecedent factors of Trust in the Social Media Provider, FOMO, and Personal Valuation of Information.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021
- Authors: Parker, Heather Joubert
- Date: 2021
- Subjects: Social media -- Psychological aspects , Social media -- Psychological aspects -- South Africa , Human behavior , Disclosure of information -- Psychological aspects -- Case studies , Personal information management -- Psychological aspects -- Case studies , Data protection -- Psychologial aspects -- Case studies
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/172329 , vital:42189
- Description: Social media has revolutionized the way people send and receive information by creating a new level of interconnected communication. However, the use of the Internet and social media brings about various ways in which a user’s personal data can be put at risk. This study aims to investigate what drives the disclosure of personal information online and whether an increase in awareness of the value of personal information motivates users to safeguard their information. Fourteen university students participated in a mixed-methods experiment, where they completed a questionnaire before and after being shown the data stored about them by online platforms to determine if changes occur in their intention to disclose. Following completing the initial questionnaire, the participant viewed the personal data stored about them by Facebook, Google, and Instagram. Other online tools such as Social Profile Checker, Facebook View As, and HaveIBeenPawned were used to see the information publicly available about each participant. Together these findings were discussed in a semi-structured interview to determine the influence of attitudes, subjective norms, and awareness on the cost-benefit analysis users conduct when disclosing information online. Overall, the findings indicate that users are able to disregard their concerns due to a resigned and apathetic attitude towards privacy. Furthermore, subjective norms enhanced by FOMO further allow users to overlook potential risks to their information in order to avoid social isolation and sanction. Alternatively, an increased awareness of the personal value of information and having experienced a previous privacy violation encourage the protection of information and limited disclosure. Thus, this study provides insight into privacy and information disclosure on social media in South Africa. It reveals more insight into the cost-benefit analysis users conduct by combining the Theory of Planned Behaviour with the Privacy Calculus Model, as well as the antecedent factors of Trust in the Social Media Provider, FOMO, and Personal Valuation of Information.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021
Asymmetric price transmission: an empirical analysis of the relationship between UG-2 chrome ore, charge chrome, nickel and Chinese domestic 304 stainless steel cold rolled coil
- Authors: Le Roux, Simon Petrus
- Date: 2021
- Subjects: Pricing , Chromium ores -- Prices -- South Africa , Nickel -- Prices -- South Africa , Austenitic stainless steel-- Prices -- China , Steel -- Prices -- South Africa , Non-Linear Autoregressive Distributive Lag (NARDL)
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/171336 , vital:42049
- Description: The goal of this study was to determine whether asymmetric price transmission (APT) exists between the prices of South African UG-2 Chrome ore, Charge Chrome, Nickel and Chinese Domestic 304 Stainless steel Cold Rolled Coil prices. Monthly time series data for the period January 2009 to July 2019 was analysed. The Non-Linear Autoregressive Distributive Lag (NARDL) model was applied to test for the presence of price asymmetry between the four variables. Firstly, it was observed that the four variables are cointegrated in the long-run. Secondly, no evidence of price asymmetry was found to be present within the Stainless steel supply chain. The reason for this is most likely due to the extremely close-knit and highly concentrated nature of this industry at each level within the supply chain. The industry can be very opaque to external observers even though the distribution of pricing information is very efficient for participants within the industry.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021
- Authors: Le Roux, Simon Petrus
- Date: 2021
- Subjects: Pricing , Chromium ores -- Prices -- South Africa , Nickel -- Prices -- South Africa , Austenitic stainless steel-- Prices -- China , Steel -- Prices -- South Africa , Non-Linear Autoregressive Distributive Lag (NARDL)
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/171336 , vital:42049
- Description: The goal of this study was to determine whether asymmetric price transmission (APT) exists between the prices of South African UG-2 Chrome ore, Charge Chrome, Nickel and Chinese Domestic 304 Stainless steel Cold Rolled Coil prices. Monthly time series data for the period January 2009 to July 2019 was analysed. The Non-Linear Autoregressive Distributive Lag (NARDL) model was applied to test for the presence of price asymmetry between the four variables. Firstly, it was observed that the four variables are cointegrated in the long-run. Secondly, no evidence of price asymmetry was found to be present within the Stainless steel supply chain. The reason for this is most likely due to the extremely close-knit and highly concentrated nature of this industry at each level within the supply chain. The industry can be very opaque to external observers even though the distribution of pricing information is very efficient for participants within the industry.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021
Creative Cities and Regional Development: The Case of Makhanda and the Creative City Project
- Authors: Campbell, Guy John
- Date: 2021
- Subjects: To be assigned
- Language: English
- Type: thesis , text , Masters , MCOM
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/174448 , vital:42478
- Description: Thesis (MSc)--Rhodes University, Faculty of Commerce, Economics and Economic History, 2020
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021
- Authors: Campbell, Guy John
- Date: 2021
- Subjects: To be assigned
- Language: English
- Type: thesis , text , Masters , MCOM
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/174448 , vital:42478
- Description: Thesis (MSc)--Rhodes University, Faculty of Commerce, Economics and Economic History, 2020
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021
Development and calidation of the psychometric properties underpinning the Kwaito Music Attitude and Perception Scale (KMP)
- Authors: Williams, Akhona
- Date: 2021
- Subjects: Kwaito-music Attitude and Perception , Chronbach's alpha , Kwaito (Music) , Psychotherapy and music -- South Africa , Problem youth -- Rehabilitation -- South Africa , Attitude (Psychology) -- Testing -- South Africa , Perception -- Testing -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/172478 , vital:42208
- Description: Music holds a privileged position in enhancing therapeutic well-being, supporting life skills development in youth and adolescents, and shaping cultural identities. As such, music has been closely related to youth culture, especially as it pertains to youth rehabilitation and identity formation. Studies (e.g., Duffy and Fuller, 2000; Miranda et al, 2013; Strayhorn, 2011; Tomasello, 2016) highlight the value of utilising music in youth rehabilitation, and acknowledge the intrinsic value of music to facilitate psychological and social change for individuals who would not otherwise benefit from psycho-education, or other didactic modes of youth rehabilitation. That said, Tyson (2005) developed the RAP music scale to psychometrically validate the underlying constructs of youth’ attitudes and perception of rap music in the United States of America, in order to use the instrument for music-based youth rehabilitation programs. The development of the RAP music scale informed the creation and validation of the Kwaito-music Attitude and Perception (KMP) Scale, the subject of my Masters thesis. Following suggestions from Morrison (2014), my study sought to psychometrically validate the properties of the Kwaito-music Attitude and Perception (KMP) Scale. The KMP was found to be a reliable measure of kwaito music attitudes and perception amongst a sample of South African youth who listen to this genre of music. The internal consistency of the questionnaire revealed a Cronbach’s α (Alpha) value of 0.820. Limitations of the project including reduced factor extraction and sample size constrains are discussed. It is envisioned that results from this study will find resonance with youth-community programs, and rehabilitation projects utilising music as a medium of healing amongst South African youth.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021
- Authors: Williams, Akhona
- Date: 2021
- Subjects: Kwaito-music Attitude and Perception , Chronbach's alpha , Kwaito (Music) , Psychotherapy and music -- South Africa , Problem youth -- Rehabilitation -- South Africa , Attitude (Psychology) -- Testing -- South Africa , Perception -- Testing -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/172478 , vital:42208
- Description: Music holds a privileged position in enhancing therapeutic well-being, supporting life skills development in youth and adolescents, and shaping cultural identities. As such, music has been closely related to youth culture, especially as it pertains to youth rehabilitation and identity formation. Studies (e.g., Duffy and Fuller, 2000; Miranda et al, 2013; Strayhorn, 2011; Tomasello, 2016) highlight the value of utilising music in youth rehabilitation, and acknowledge the intrinsic value of music to facilitate psychological and social change for individuals who would not otherwise benefit from psycho-education, or other didactic modes of youth rehabilitation. That said, Tyson (2005) developed the RAP music scale to psychometrically validate the underlying constructs of youth’ attitudes and perception of rap music in the United States of America, in order to use the instrument for music-based youth rehabilitation programs. The development of the RAP music scale informed the creation and validation of the Kwaito-music Attitude and Perception (KMP) Scale, the subject of my Masters thesis. Following suggestions from Morrison (2014), my study sought to psychometrically validate the properties of the Kwaito-music Attitude and Perception (KMP) Scale. The KMP was found to be a reliable measure of kwaito music attitudes and perception amongst a sample of South African youth who listen to this genre of music. The internal consistency of the questionnaire revealed a Cronbach’s α (Alpha) value of 0.820. Limitations of the project including reduced factor extraction and sample size constrains are discussed. It is envisioned that results from this study will find resonance with youth-community programs, and rehabilitation projects utilising music as a medium of healing amongst South African youth.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021
Evaluating the cyber security skills gap relating to penetration testing
- Authors: Beukes, Dirk Johannes
- Date: 2021
- Subjects: Computer networks -- Security measures , Computer networks -- Monitoring , Computer networks -- Management , Data protection , Information technology -- Security measures , Professionals -- Supply and demand , Electronic data personnel -- Supply and demand
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/171120 , vital:42021
- Description: Information Technology (IT) is growing rapidly and has become an integral part of daily life. It provides a boundless list of services and opportunities, generating boundless sources of information, which could be abused or exploited. Due to this growth, there are thousands of new users added to the grid using computer systems in a static and mobile environment; this fact alone creates endless volumes of data to be exploited and hardware devices to be abused by the wrong people. The growth in the IT environment adds challenges that may affect users in their personal, professional, and business lives. There are constant threats on corporate and private computer networks and computer systems. In the corporate environment companies try to eliminate the threat by testing networks making use of penetration tests and by implementing cyber awareness programs to make employees more aware of the cyber threat. Penetration tests and vulnerability assessments are undervalued; are seen as a formality and are not used to increase system security. If used regularly the computer system will be more secure and attacks minimized. With the growth in technology, industries all over the globe become fully dependent on information systems in doing their day-to-day business. As technology evolves and new technology becomes available, the bigger the risk becomes to protect against the dangers which come with this new technology. For industry to protect itself against this growth in technology, personnel with a certain skill set is needed. This is where cyber security plays a very important role in the protection of information systems to ensure the confidentiality, integrity and availability of the information system itself and the data on the system. Due to this drive to secure information systems, the need for cyber security by professionals is on the rise as well. It is estimated that there is a shortage of one million cyber security professionals globally. What is the reason for this skills shortage? Will it be possible to close this skills shortage gap? This study is about identifying the skills gap and identifying possible ways to close this skills gap. In this study, research was conducted on the cyber security international standards, cyber security training at universities and international certification focusing specifically on penetration testing, the evaluation of the need of industry while recruiting new penetration testers, finishing with suggestions on how to fill possible gaps in the skills market with a conclusion.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021
- Authors: Beukes, Dirk Johannes
- Date: 2021
- Subjects: Computer networks -- Security measures , Computer networks -- Monitoring , Computer networks -- Management , Data protection , Information technology -- Security measures , Professionals -- Supply and demand , Electronic data personnel -- Supply and demand
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/171120 , vital:42021
- Description: Information Technology (IT) is growing rapidly and has become an integral part of daily life. It provides a boundless list of services and opportunities, generating boundless sources of information, which could be abused or exploited. Due to this growth, there are thousands of new users added to the grid using computer systems in a static and mobile environment; this fact alone creates endless volumes of data to be exploited and hardware devices to be abused by the wrong people. The growth in the IT environment adds challenges that may affect users in their personal, professional, and business lives. There are constant threats on corporate and private computer networks and computer systems. In the corporate environment companies try to eliminate the threat by testing networks making use of penetration tests and by implementing cyber awareness programs to make employees more aware of the cyber threat. Penetration tests and vulnerability assessments are undervalued; are seen as a formality and are not used to increase system security. If used regularly the computer system will be more secure and attacks minimized. With the growth in technology, industries all over the globe become fully dependent on information systems in doing their day-to-day business. As technology evolves and new technology becomes available, the bigger the risk becomes to protect against the dangers which come with this new technology. For industry to protect itself against this growth in technology, personnel with a certain skill set is needed. This is where cyber security plays a very important role in the protection of information systems to ensure the confidentiality, integrity and availability of the information system itself and the data on the system. Due to this drive to secure information systems, the need for cyber security by professionals is on the rise as well. It is estimated that there is a shortage of one million cyber security professionals globally. What is the reason for this skills shortage? Will it be possible to close this skills shortage gap? This study is about identifying the skills gap and identifying possible ways to close this skills gap. In this study, research was conducted on the cyber security international standards, cyber security training at universities and international certification focusing specifically on penetration testing, the evaluation of the need of industry while recruiting new penetration testers, finishing with suggestions on how to fill possible gaps in the skills market with a conclusion.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021
Exploring domestic workers’ subjectivities through stories of their personal childcare arrangements
- Authors: Michaeu, Nisha
- Date: 2021
- Subjects: Women household employees, Black -- Social conditions -- South Africa , Women household employees, Black -- Social conditions -- South Africa -- Case studies , Women household employees, Black -- Psychology -- South Africa , Day care aides -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/172029 , vital:42150
- Description: Domestic service has long been a major sector of the South African labour market, for black women particularly, who must support their family and children. Existing research has stressed the way in which race, class and gender has shaped the oppressive character of domestic service in South Africa. In this narrative study a new slant is provided on this existing theoretical discussion of domestic labour, one that is focused on exploring the agentic human being beyond ‘the servant question’. This study uses narrative interviews with domestic workers in Makhanda/Grahamstown in the Eastern Cape province of South Africa to show how we can expand on potentially limited or constricted passive ‘domestic worker identities’ and ideas/beliefs about women who do domestic work. A performative and positioning narrative analysis is used to explore the subject positions of domestic workers in their stories about their childcare arrangements. This analysis examines multiple shifting identities and positions that are used by domestic workers in relation to their maternal subjectivity and their audience (here, a white trainee-psychologist esearcher), while highlighting the significance of narrative methodology in making these positions visible. The areas of focus were their history, experience of domestic work, life outside of domestic work, family network/dynamics and personal childcare arrangements. Under these areas of focus the following was analysed: the ways in which the storyteller positioned herself in her narrative, how she compared/contrasted or located herself in relation to the other, claims of identity that were made, what she incorporated or purposefully left out, words and phrases that were chosen, which sections of talk were embellished or elaborated on and appeals that were made to the interviewer (Riessman, 2002). Through exploring the micro-practices of domestic workers’ lives the study found that there were various subject positions constructed and used by this group of women. Findings showed that domestic workers positioned themselves actively as breadwinners, good mothers who give their children opportunities that they were not given, nurturers and crafty mothers who secure good care for their children. In contrast to these active subject positions, positions of sacrifice were performed when domestic workers spoke about leaving their young children in the care of another while they worked. The study also found that participants managed complex positions of disappointment and unmet expectations for a better life in the new South Africa by using narratives of resistance and agency. In certain instances, identity appeals were made to the interviewer that they, and other women who do domestic work, are entrepreneurial and creative with their income and possess skills outside of their day-to-day household cleaning jobs. This was interpreted as an attempt to extend the domestic worker identity positioning beyond the traditionally accepted notions of unskilled/uneducated women who do domestic work. In the study this allowed for more subject positions to be taken up in terms of identities and selves, beyond just being a “domestic worker”.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021
- Authors: Michaeu, Nisha
- Date: 2021
- Subjects: Women household employees, Black -- Social conditions -- South Africa , Women household employees, Black -- Social conditions -- South Africa -- Case studies , Women household employees, Black -- Psychology -- South Africa , Day care aides -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/172029 , vital:42150
- Description: Domestic service has long been a major sector of the South African labour market, for black women particularly, who must support their family and children. Existing research has stressed the way in which race, class and gender has shaped the oppressive character of domestic service in South Africa. In this narrative study a new slant is provided on this existing theoretical discussion of domestic labour, one that is focused on exploring the agentic human being beyond ‘the servant question’. This study uses narrative interviews with domestic workers in Makhanda/Grahamstown in the Eastern Cape province of South Africa to show how we can expand on potentially limited or constricted passive ‘domestic worker identities’ and ideas/beliefs about women who do domestic work. A performative and positioning narrative analysis is used to explore the subject positions of domestic workers in their stories about their childcare arrangements. This analysis examines multiple shifting identities and positions that are used by domestic workers in relation to their maternal subjectivity and their audience (here, a white trainee-psychologist esearcher), while highlighting the significance of narrative methodology in making these positions visible. The areas of focus were their history, experience of domestic work, life outside of domestic work, family network/dynamics and personal childcare arrangements. Under these areas of focus the following was analysed: the ways in which the storyteller positioned herself in her narrative, how she compared/contrasted or located herself in relation to the other, claims of identity that were made, what she incorporated or purposefully left out, words and phrases that were chosen, which sections of talk were embellished or elaborated on and appeals that were made to the interviewer (Riessman, 2002). Through exploring the micro-practices of domestic workers’ lives the study found that there were various subject positions constructed and used by this group of women. Findings showed that domestic workers positioned themselves actively as breadwinners, good mothers who give their children opportunities that they were not given, nurturers and crafty mothers who secure good care for their children. In contrast to these active subject positions, positions of sacrifice were performed when domestic workers spoke about leaving their young children in the care of another while they worked. The study also found that participants managed complex positions of disappointment and unmet expectations for a better life in the new South Africa by using narratives of resistance and agency. In certain instances, identity appeals were made to the interviewer that they, and other women who do domestic work, are entrepreneurial and creative with their income and possess skills outside of their day-to-day household cleaning jobs. This was interpreted as an attempt to extend the domestic worker identity positioning beyond the traditionally accepted notions of unskilled/uneducated women who do domestic work. In the study this allowed for more subject positions to be taken up in terms of identities and selves, beyond just being a “domestic worker”.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021
Infant health: a community-based assessment and educational intervention in two rural communities in the Eastern Cape.
- Authors: Kuzeeko, Faith
- Date: 2021
- Subjects: Angus Gillis Foundation (South Africa) , Infants -- Mortality -- South Africa , Infants -- Health and hygiene -- South Africa , Breastfeeding -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Infants -- Care -- Equipment and supplies , Infants -- Care -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Case studies , Children -- Mortality -- South Africa , High throughput screening (Drug development)
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MPharm
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/170837 , vital:41964
- Description: South Africa is on track to attaining the 2030 Agenda on reducing under-five deaths to 25 deaths per 1000 live births at its current momentum, however an unacceptable amount of infants are still at risk from preventable illnesses. Malnutrition is the major underlined cause of infant mortality rates in South Africa. Exclusive breastfeeding rates are low nationwide due to low exposure to breastfeeding information, some mothers having other commitments and others having breastfeeding difficulties. Implementation and expansion of simple, cost-effective interventions, such as exclusive breastfeeding for six months to reduce and/or prevent infant mortality rates, remains low in South Africa. The aim of the study was to determine one infant health issue of major concern to participants in two rural villages in the Eastern Cape, namely Glenmore and Ndwayana. The identified infant health issue was used to design an educational intervention in the villages. This was the second phase of this study. A community-based participatory approach was utilized in which the Angus Gillis Foundation, a non-profit organization that works in these communities, was one of the stakeholders. Stock status of WHO priority medicines for infants, semi-structured interviews and focus group discussions were carried out during the baseline study. The intervention phase contained pre-2 intervention semi-structured interviews with ten pregnant women followed by an educational intervention with nine out of the ten; and finally, a post-intervention with seven out of the ten women. A questionnaire was completed by members of the Angus Gillis Foundation to provide feedback on the sustainability of the intervention. Semi-structured interviews revealed that medicines stocked at the clinic parallel those indicated in the WHO priority medicines list for infants. The results from the focus group discussions indicated that mothers do not exclusively breastfeed their infants during the first six months. Pre- and post-intervention results on exclusive breastfeeding illustrated a positive change in participants’ knowledge and intent to breastfeed exclusively for six months. They showed a better understanding of the importance of exclusive breastfeeding and indicated a more focussed intention and confidence to carry out optimal breastfeeding practices. In the questionnaire the members of the Angus Gillis Foundation stated that the intervention is sustainable as it was linked with the existing networks. These include educational programs carried out in the villages by the foundation together with positive health champions, community health workers and women self-help groups; which will be able to build on the present knowledge base. Finally, the study also included the design of a booklet on the identified infant health issue. In conclusion, participants highlighted lack of understanding regarding breastfeeding as an issue of concern during the baseline phase of the study. This community-based educational intervention improved the understanding of breastfeeding among the participants, resulting in a positive change in perception with regards to exclusive breastfeeding practices.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021
- Authors: Kuzeeko, Faith
- Date: 2021
- Subjects: Angus Gillis Foundation (South Africa) , Infants -- Mortality -- South Africa , Infants -- Health and hygiene -- South Africa , Breastfeeding -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Infants -- Care -- Equipment and supplies , Infants -- Care -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Case studies , Children -- Mortality -- South Africa , High throughput screening (Drug development)
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MPharm
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/170837 , vital:41964
- Description: South Africa is on track to attaining the 2030 Agenda on reducing under-five deaths to 25 deaths per 1000 live births at its current momentum, however an unacceptable amount of infants are still at risk from preventable illnesses. Malnutrition is the major underlined cause of infant mortality rates in South Africa. Exclusive breastfeeding rates are low nationwide due to low exposure to breastfeeding information, some mothers having other commitments and others having breastfeeding difficulties. Implementation and expansion of simple, cost-effective interventions, such as exclusive breastfeeding for six months to reduce and/or prevent infant mortality rates, remains low in South Africa. The aim of the study was to determine one infant health issue of major concern to participants in two rural villages in the Eastern Cape, namely Glenmore and Ndwayana. The identified infant health issue was used to design an educational intervention in the villages. This was the second phase of this study. A community-based participatory approach was utilized in which the Angus Gillis Foundation, a non-profit organization that works in these communities, was one of the stakeholders. Stock status of WHO priority medicines for infants, semi-structured interviews and focus group discussions were carried out during the baseline study. The intervention phase contained pre-2 intervention semi-structured interviews with ten pregnant women followed by an educational intervention with nine out of the ten; and finally, a post-intervention with seven out of the ten women. A questionnaire was completed by members of the Angus Gillis Foundation to provide feedback on the sustainability of the intervention. Semi-structured interviews revealed that medicines stocked at the clinic parallel those indicated in the WHO priority medicines list for infants. The results from the focus group discussions indicated that mothers do not exclusively breastfeed their infants during the first six months. Pre- and post-intervention results on exclusive breastfeeding illustrated a positive change in participants’ knowledge and intent to breastfeed exclusively for six months. They showed a better understanding of the importance of exclusive breastfeeding and indicated a more focussed intention and confidence to carry out optimal breastfeeding practices. In the questionnaire the members of the Angus Gillis Foundation stated that the intervention is sustainable as it was linked with the existing networks. These include educational programs carried out in the villages by the foundation together with positive health champions, community health workers and women self-help groups; which will be able to build on the present knowledge base. Finally, the study also included the design of a booklet on the identified infant health issue. In conclusion, participants highlighted lack of understanding regarding breastfeeding as an issue of concern during the baseline phase of the study. This community-based educational intervention improved the understanding of breastfeeding among the participants, resulting in a positive change in perception with regards to exclusive breastfeeding practices.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021
Parametrised gains for direction-dependent calibration
- Authors: Russeeaeon, Cyndie
- Date: 2021
- Subjects: Radio astronomy , Radio inferometers , Radio inferometers -- Calibration
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/172400 , vital:42196
- Description: Calibration in radio interferometry describes the process of estimating and correcting for instrumental errors from data. Direction-Dependent (DD) calibration entails correcting for corruptions which vary across the sky. For small field of view observations, DD corruptions can be ignored but for wide fild observations, it is crucial to account for them. Traditional maximum likelihood calibration is not necessarily efficient in low signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) scenarios and this can lead to ovefitting. This can bias continuum subtraction and hence, restrict the spectral line studies. Since DD effects are expected to vary smoothly across the sky, the gains can be parametrised as a smooth function of the sky coordinates. Hence, we implement a solver where the atmosphere is modelled using a time-variant 2-dimensional phase screen with an arbitrary known frequency dependence. We assume arbitrary linear basis functions for the gains over the phase screen. The implemented solver is ptimised using the diagonal approximation of the Hessian as shown in previous studies. We present a few simulations to illustrate the performance of the solver.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021
- Authors: Russeeaeon, Cyndie
- Date: 2021
- Subjects: Radio astronomy , Radio inferometers , Radio inferometers -- Calibration
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/172400 , vital:42196
- Description: Calibration in radio interferometry describes the process of estimating and correcting for instrumental errors from data. Direction-Dependent (DD) calibration entails correcting for corruptions which vary across the sky. For small field of view observations, DD corruptions can be ignored but for wide fild observations, it is crucial to account for them. Traditional maximum likelihood calibration is not necessarily efficient in low signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) scenarios and this can lead to ovefitting. This can bias continuum subtraction and hence, restrict the spectral line studies. Since DD effects are expected to vary smoothly across the sky, the gains can be parametrised as a smooth function of the sky coordinates. Hence, we implement a solver where the atmosphere is modelled using a time-variant 2-dimensional phase screen with an arbitrary known frequency dependence. We assume arbitrary linear basis functions for the gains over the phase screen. The implemented solver is ptimised using the diagonal approximation of the Hessian as shown in previous studies. We present a few simulations to illustrate the performance of the solver.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021
Synthesis, spectroscopic and nonlinear optical properties of asymmetric A3B type phthalocyanine complexes
- Authors: Mugeza, Rhulani Donney
- Date: 2021
- Subjects: Spectrum analysis , Mass spectrometry , Phthalocyanines
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/171667 , vital:42108
- Description: This work reports on the synthesis of symmetrical and asymmetrical A 3 B type metal free, cobalt and zinc Phthalocyanines (Pc) .A wide range of spectroscopic techniques such as Uv - visible absorption (UV), magnetic circular dichroism (MCD), mass spectrometry, elemental analysis, IR spectroscopy and time correlated single photo n counting spectroscopy (TCSPC) have been used to study the spectroscopic properties of the phthalocyanine complexes. The Z - scan technique was used to comparatively investigate the nonlinear absorption coefficient ( 휷 ) and the nonlinear refraction index ( 풏 ퟐ ) of the synthesized complexes. The following trend was obtained for the synthesized Pc’s in terms of the 휷 values 7.25 × 10 − 10 ( 4b ) > 3.76 × 10 − 10 ( 4a ) > 3.52 × 10 − 10 ( 4c ) > 2.29 × 10 − 10 ( 3c ) > 1.68 × 10 − 10 ( 3a ) > 1.65 × 10 − 10 ( 3b ) mW - 1 . The 휷 values trend of synthesized Pc complexes show that the asymmetrical A 3 B type metal free, cobalt and zinc Pc complexes ( 4a , 4b and 4c ) have larger 휷 values as compared to the octa - substituted symmetrical metal free, cobalt and zinc Pc complexes ( 3a , 3b and 3c ) which is attributed to the low symmetry of the Pc complexes. The five - level model rate equations were used to determine the two photon absorption, excited state absorption and ground state absorption cross sections of the synthesized complexes. The z inc A 3 B type asymmetrical Pc complexes gave the largest two photon absorption and 휎 푒 / 휎 푔 ratio values. This Pc complex could be used in future work to enhance the nonlinear response further by introducing nanomaterials and converting the Pc complex to a binuclear Pc. This work also reports on the density functional theory (DFT) calculations o f dipolar/octupolar contributions in order to study the first order hyperpolarizability of the synthesized Pc complexes.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021
- Authors: Mugeza, Rhulani Donney
- Date: 2021
- Subjects: Spectrum analysis , Mass spectrometry , Phthalocyanines
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/171667 , vital:42108
- Description: This work reports on the synthesis of symmetrical and asymmetrical A 3 B type metal free, cobalt and zinc Phthalocyanines (Pc) .A wide range of spectroscopic techniques such as Uv - visible absorption (UV), magnetic circular dichroism (MCD), mass spectrometry, elemental analysis, IR spectroscopy and time correlated single photo n counting spectroscopy (TCSPC) have been used to study the spectroscopic properties of the phthalocyanine complexes. The Z - scan technique was used to comparatively investigate the nonlinear absorption coefficient ( 휷 ) and the nonlinear refraction index ( 풏 ퟐ ) of the synthesized complexes. The following trend was obtained for the synthesized Pc’s in terms of the 휷 values 7.25 × 10 − 10 ( 4b ) > 3.76 × 10 − 10 ( 4a ) > 3.52 × 10 − 10 ( 4c ) > 2.29 × 10 − 10 ( 3c ) > 1.68 × 10 − 10 ( 3a ) > 1.65 × 10 − 10 ( 3b ) mW - 1 . The 휷 values trend of synthesized Pc complexes show that the asymmetrical A 3 B type metal free, cobalt and zinc Pc complexes ( 4a , 4b and 4c ) have larger 휷 values as compared to the octa - substituted symmetrical metal free, cobalt and zinc Pc complexes ( 3a , 3b and 3c ) which is attributed to the low symmetry of the Pc complexes. The five - level model rate equations were used to determine the two photon absorption, excited state absorption and ground state absorption cross sections of the synthesized complexes. The z inc A 3 B type asymmetrical Pc complexes gave the largest two photon absorption and 휎 푒 / 휎 푔 ratio values. This Pc complex could be used in future work to enhance the nonlinear response further by introducing nanomaterials and converting the Pc complex to a binuclear Pc. This work also reports on the density functional theory (DFT) calculations o f dipolar/octupolar contributions in order to study the first order hyperpolarizability of the synthesized Pc complexes.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021
The changing nature of work: understanding precarity and the gendered individualisation of risk in post-apartheid South Africa
- Authors: Mhlana, Siviwe
- Date: 2021
- Subjects: Precarious employment , Labor supply -- South Africa , Labor supply -- Statistics -- South Africa , Precarious employment -- South Africa , Informal sector (Economics) -- Employees -- South Africa , Women employees -- South Africa , Women temporary employees -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/172146 , vital:42170
- Description: Against the backdrop of workplace restructuring globally, post-Apartheid South Africa is experiencing consistently high levels of unemployment, the deterioration of employment security, and limited improvements in earnings. This trend in the proliferation of low-paid, unstable and otherwise insecure employment has given rise to a segment of the literature that is centred on the growing precariousness of work in a number of different contexts. This thesis reviews empirical work on the changing nature of labour-intensive production in the past two decades, with particular focus on the trends in non-standard, informal and precarious employment. Further, the thesis examines the shift in the gender structure of South Africa’s manufacturing sector and how it affects the share in the benefits of employment, particularly with regard to social reproduction. In so doing, the thesis expands the critical theoretical narrative about the challenges of labour under neoliberalism by providing an intersectional perspective of precarious work in post- Apartheid South Africa.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021
- Authors: Mhlana, Siviwe
- Date: 2021
- Subjects: Precarious employment , Labor supply -- South Africa , Labor supply -- Statistics -- South Africa , Precarious employment -- South Africa , Informal sector (Economics) -- Employees -- South Africa , Women employees -- South Africa , Women temporary employees -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/172146 , vital:42170
- Description: Against the backdrop of workplace restructuring globally, post-Apartheid South Africa is experiencing consistently high levels of unemployment, the deterioration of employment security, and limited improvements in earnings. This trend in the proliferation of low-paid, unstable and otherwise insecure employment has given rise to a segment of the literature that is centred on the growing precariousness of work in a number of different contexts. This thesis reviews empirical work on the changing nature of labour-intensive production in the past two decades, with particular focus on the trends in non-standard, informal and precarious employment. Further, the thesis examines the shift in the gender structure of South Africa’s manufacturing sector and how it affects the share in the benefits of employment, particularly with regard to social reproduction. In so doing, the thesis expands the critical theoretical narrative about the challenges of labour under neoliberalism by providing an intersectional perspective of precarious work in post- Apartheid South Africa.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021
The effect of habitat and spatial management on reef fish in an established marine protected area
- Authors: Dames, Vivienne Abigail
- Date: 2021
- Subjects: iSimangaliso Wetland Park (South Africa) -- Management , Reef fishes -- South Africa -- KwaZulu-Natal , Baited remote underwater stereo-video systems (stereo-BRUVs) , Marine parks and reserves -- Monitoring -- South Africa -- KwaZulu-Natal , Fish populations -- Measurement
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/171150 , vital:42024
- Description: The persistence of harvested fish populations in the Anthropocene will be determined, above all, by how they respond to the interacting effects of climate change and fisheries exploitation. Predicting how populations will respond to both these threats is essential for any adaptive and sustainable management strategy. The response of fish populations to climate change is underpinned by physiological rates and tolerances, and emerging evidence suggests there may be physiological-based selection in capture fisheries. By quantifying important physiological rates of a model species, the endemic seabream, Chrysoblephus laticeps, across ecologically relevant thermal gradients and from populations subjected to varying intensities of commercial exploitation, this thesis aimed to 1) provide the first physiologically grounded climate resilience assessment for a South African linefish species, and 2) elucidate whether exploitation can drive populations to less physiologically resilient states in response to climate change. To identify physiologically limiting sea temperatures and to determine if exploitation alters physiological trait distributions, an intermittent flow respirometry experiment was used to test the metabolic response of spatially protected and exploited populations of C. laticeps to acute thermal variability. Exploited populations showed reduced metabolic phenotype diversity, fewer high-performance aerobic scope phenotypes, and a significantly lower aerobic scope curve across all test temperatures. Although both populations maintained a relatively high aerobic scope across a wide thermal range, their metabolic rates were compromised when extreme cold events were simulated (8 °C), suggesting that predicted future increases in upwelling frequency and intensity may be the primary limiting factor in a more thermally variable future ocean. The increment widths of annuli in the otoliths of C. laticeps from contemporary and historic collections were measured, as a proxy for the annual growth rate of exploited and protected populations. Hierarchical mixed models were used to partition growth variation within and among individuals and ascribe growth to intrinsic and extrinsic effects. The best model for the protected population indicated that the growth response of C. laticeps was poorer during years characterised by a high cumulative upwelling intensity, and better during years characterised by higher mean autumn sea surface temperatures. The exploited population growth chronology was too short to identify an extrinsic growth driver. The growth results again highlight the role of thermal variability in modulating the response of C. laticeps to its ambient environment and indicate that the predicted increases in upwelling frequency and intensity may constrain future growth rates of this species. A metabolic index (ϕ), representing the ratio of O2 supply to demand at various temperatures and oxygen concentrations, was estimated for exploited and protected populations of C. laticeps and used to predict future distribution responses. There was no difference in the laboratory calibrations of ϕ between populations, and all data was subsequently combined into a single piecewise (12 °C) calibrated ϕ model. To predict the distribution of C. laticeps, ϕ was projected across a high-resolution ocean model of the South African coastal zone, and a species distribution model implemented using the random forest algorithm and C. laticeps occurrence points. The future distribution of C. laticeps was estimated by predicting trained models across ocean model projections up to 2100. The best predictor of C. laticeps’ current distribution was minimum monthly ϕ and future predictions indicated only a slight range contraction on either edge of C. laticeps’ distribution by 2100. In order to provide policy makers, currently developing climate change management frameworks for South Africa’s ocean, with a usable output, the results of all research chapters were combined into a marine spatial model. The spatial model identified areas where C. laticeps is predicted to be resilient to climate change in terms of physiology, growth and distribution responses, which can then be prioritised for adaptation measures, such as spatial protection from exploitation. While these results are specific to C. laticeps, the methodology developed to identify areas of climate resilience has broad applications across taxa. From a global perspective, perhaps the most salient points to consider from this case study are the evidence of selective exploitation on physiological traits and the importance of environmental variability, rather than long-term mean climate changes, in affecting organism performance. These ideas are congruent with the current paradigm shift in how we think of the ocean, selective fisheries, and how they relate to organism climate resilience.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021
- Authors: Dames, Vivienne Abigail
- Date: 2021
- Subjects: iSimangaliso Wetland Park (South Africa) -- Management , Reef fishes -- South Africa -- KwaZulu-Natal , Baited remote underwater stereo-video systems (stereo-BRUVs) , Marine parks and reserves -- Monitoring -- South Africa -- KwaZulu-Natal , Fish populations -- Measurement
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/171150 , vital:42024
- Description: The persistence of harvested fish populations in the Anthropocene will be determined, above all, by how they respond to the interacting effects of climate change and fisheries exploitation. Predicting how populations will respond to both these threats is essential for any adaptive and sustainable management strategy. The response of fish populations to climate change is underpinned by physiological rates and tolerances, and emerging evidence suggests there may be physiological-based selection in capture fisheries. By quantifying important physiological rates of a model species, the endemic seabream, Chrysoblephus laticeps, across ecologically relevant thermal gradients and from populations subjected to varying intensities of commercial exploitation, this thesis aimed to 1) provide the first physiologically grounded climate resilience assessment for a South African linefish species, and 2) elucidate whether exploitation can drive populations to less physiologically resilient states in response to climate change. To identify physiologically limiting sea temperatures and to determine if exploitation alters physiological trait distributions, an intermittent flow respirometry experiment was used to test the metabolic response of spatially protected and exploited populations of C. laticeps to acute thermal variability. Exploited populations showed reduced metabolic phenotype diversity, fewer high-performance aerobic scope phenotypes, and a significantly lower aerobic scope curve across all test temperatures. Although both populations maintained a relatively high aerobic scope across a wide thermal range, their metabolic rates were compromised when extreme cold events were simulated (8 °C), suggesting that predicted future increases in upwelling frequency and intensity may be the primary limiting factor in a more thermally variable future ocean. The increment widths of annuli in the otoliths of C. laticeps from contemporary and historic collections were measured, as a proxy for the annual growth rate of exploited and protected populations. Hierarchical mixed models were used to partition growth variation within and among individuals and ascribe growth to intrinsic and extrinsic effects. The best model for the protected population indicated that the growth response of C. laticeps was poorer during years characterised by a high cumulative upwelling intensity, and better during years characterised by higher mean autumn sea surface temperatures. The exploited population growth chronology was too short to identify an extrinsic growth driver. The growth results again highlight the role of thermal variability in modulating the response of C. laticeps to its ambient environment and indicate that the predicted increases in upwelling frequency and intensity may constrain future growth rates of this species. A metabolic index (ϕ), representing the ratio of O2 supply to demand at various temperatures and oxygen concentrations, was estimated for exploited and protected populations of C. laticeps and used to predict future distribution responses. There was no difference in the laboratory calibrations of ϕ between populations, and all data was subsequently combined into a single piecewise (12 °C) calibrated ϕ model. To predict the distribution of C. laticeps, ϕ was projected across a high-resolution ocean model of the South African coastal zone, and a species distribution model implemented using the random forest algorithm and C. laticeps occurrence points. The future distribution of C. laticeps was estimated by predicting trained models across ocean model projections up to 2100. The best predictor of C. laticeps’ current distribution was minimum monthly ϕ and future predictions indicated only a slight range contraction on either edge of C. laticeps’ distribution by 2100. In order to provide policy makers, currently developing climate change management frameworks for South Africa’s ocean, with a usable output, the results of all research chapters were combined into a marine spatial model. The spatial model identified areas where C. laticeps is predicted to be resilient to climate change in terms of physiology, growth and distribution responses, which can then be prioritised for adaptation measures, such as spatial protection from exploitation. While these results are specific to C. laticeps, the methodology developed to identify areas of climate resilience has broad applications across taxa. From a global perspective, perhaps the most salient points to consider from this case study are the evidence of selective exploitation on physiological traits and the importance of environmental variability, rather than long-term mean climate changes, in affecting organism performance. These ideas are congruent with the current paradigm shift in how we think of the ocean, selective fisheries, and how they relate to organism climate resilience.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021
The impact of labour legislation on selected small firms in Mbombela (Nelspruit)
- Authors: Dlamini, Sikhulile Blessing
- Date: 2021
- Subjects: Labor laws and legislation -- South Africa , Small business -- Law and legislation-- South Afric , Small business -- South Africa -- Mbombela -- Case studies
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MSocSci
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/170781 , vital:41959
- Description: This study uses the theoretical framework of industrial relations pluralism, to study and analyse the impacts of labour legislation on six small firms (employing less than 50 workers) based in Mbombela (formerly Nelspruit), Mpumalanga province, South Africa. The analysis is based on the viewpoints of six managers and how they see the impacts of labour legislation on their respective firms. The analysis is aided by utilising theory and literature to make sense of the manager perspectives on the topic. Also, utilising a qualitative research design to collect and analyse the data, the study presents diverse findings in terms of how the participants perceived and experienced certain types of legislation. Some managers believed that the benefits of labour legislation outweighed the costs. While others believed the exact opposite. At an overall level, the study revealed that most of the participants were not as severely affected by labour legislation as might be expected; given the scarcity of resources in most small firms. This was partly because of various coping strategies and practices (mostly involving the use of informal procedures) that were adopted by the firms. Also, some small firms who aimed at expanding their businesses strategised to adopt some formal procedures and practices in order to easily absorb labour legislation and subsequently mordenise their businesses in the process. While a few firms persisted with more informal customs as they appeared cost-effective and necessary in their particular market positioning.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021
- Authors: Dlamini, Sikhulile Blessing
- Date: 2021
- Subjects: Labor laws and legislation -- South Africa , Small business -- Law and legislation-- South Afric , Small business -- South Africa -- Mbombela -- Case studies
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MSocSci
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/170781 , vital:41959
- Description: This study uses the theoretical framework of industrial relations pluralism, to study and analyse the impacts of labour legislation on six small firms (employing less than 50 workers) based in Mbombela (formerly Nelspruit), Mpumalanga province, South Africa. The analysis is based on the viewpoints of six managers and how they see the impacts of labour legislation on their respective firms. The analysis is aided by utilising theory and literature to make sense of the manager perspectives on the topic. Also, utilising a qualitative research design to collect and analyse the data, the study presents diverse findings in terms of how the participants perceived and experienced certain types of legislation. Some managers believed that the benefits of labour legislation outweighed the costs. While others believed the exact opposite. At an overall level, the study revealed that most of the participants were not as severely affected by labour legislation as might be expected; given the scarcity of resources in most small firms. This was partly because of various coping strategies and practices (mostly involving the use of informal procedures) that were adopted by the firms. Also, some small firms who aimed at expanding their businesses strategised to adopt some formal procedures and practices in order to easily absorb labour legislation and subsequently mordenise their businesses in the process. While a few firms persisted with more informal customs as they appeared cost-effective and necessary in their particular market positioning.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021
The invasion ecology of Pontederia cordata L. (Pontederiaceae) in South Africa
- Authors: Wansell, Sage Nora-Lee
- Date: 2021
- Subjects: Plant invsions -- South AFrica , Invasive plants -- Ecology -- South Africa , Pontederiaceae -- South AFrica
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/172433 , vital:42200
- Description: Pontederia cordata L. (Pontederiaceae) is a tristylous invasive macrophyte – originating from North and South America – that has caused detrimental environmental, agricultural and socio-economic impacts in South Africa (SA). This novel study investigates the invasive ecology of P. cordata in SA by determining population genetics, pollination ecology and floral traits. Preliminary field surveys suggest that only one of three tristylous forms of P. cordata is invading SA and no seeds have been observed in any invasive populations. This study therefore determined the population genetics, mode of spread of P. cordata in SA and possible reasons for the lack of seed production, as well as providing suggestions for future control and management strategies. Inter Simple Sequence Repeats of leaf samples from invasive populations in SA and the native range of the United States of America (USA) were performed to determine the population genetics of P. cordata. The clarification of population structure of an alien invasive plant can provide insight into founder effects, introduction events and modes of spread and is important for the development of management plans such as biological control. Results from the genetic analyses indicated that P. cordata populations have low genetic diversity within and amongst invasive populations in comparison to native populations. This suggests that high gene flow and sexual reproduction is not present in invasive populations, and that only a single or very few introductory events have occurred in SA. Furthermore, invasive P. cordata populations shared the highest genetic similarity with native samples from Belle Haven, Virginia, USA, and thus further sampling and future genetic surveys should be conducted in this area to identify source populations to survey for potential biological control agents. Following these findings, I investigated whether sexual reproduction and seed production is absent from invasive P. cordata populations in SA as speculated. Floral traits from populations throughout all the invaded provinces were measured and, along with pollen grain measurements, it was determined that only short-morphed plants are present in SA. It was speculated that the absence of native pollinators in the invasive range may be responsible for the absence of sexual reproduction. However, a pollination study confirmed the presence of generalist insect pollinators. Thereafter, artificial pollination experiments on 8 865 flowers were conducted to determine whether an incompatibility system was present which prevented seed production. No seeds were produced and it was concluded that illegitimate pollination of the short-morphed plants prevented seed production and rhizomes are responsible for the invasion of P. cordata throughout SA. The implications of these findings and possible management strategies such as biological control is discussed in Chapter 4. These findings suggest that control programmes should target the plants rhizomes to prevent and reduce spread. Preventing the introduction of medium- and long-morphed plants into SA is crucial to prevent P. cordata from producing seeds and intensifying invasion further through both asexual and sexual spread.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021
- Authors: Wansell, Sage Nora-Lee
- Date: 2021
- Subjects: Plant invsions -- South AFrica , Invasive plants -- Ecology -- South Africa , Pontederiaceae -- South AFrica
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/172433 , vital:42200
- Description: Pontederia cordata L. (Pontederiaceae) is a tristylous invasive macrophyte – originating from North and South America – that has caused detrimental environmental, agricultural and socio-economic impacts in South Africa (SA). This novel study investigates the invasive ecology of P. cordata in SA by determining population genetics, pollination ecology and floral traits. Preliminary field surveys suggest that only one of three tristylous forms of P. cordata is invading SA and no seeds have been observed in any invasive populations. This study therefore determined the population genetics, mode of spread of P. cordata in SA and possible reasons for the lack of seed production, as well as providing suggestions for future control and management strategies. Inter Simple Sequence Repeats of leaf samples from invasive populations in SA and the native range of the United States of America (USA) were performed to determine the population genetics of P. cordata. The clarification of population structure of an alien invasive plant can provide insight into founder effects, introduction events and modes of spread and is important for the development of management plans such as biological control. Results from the genetic analyses indicated that P. cordata populations have low genetic diversity within and amongst invasive populations in comparison to native populations. This suggests that high gene flow and sexual reproduction is not present in invasive populations, and that only a single or very few introductory events have occurred in SA. Furthermore, invasive P. cordata populations shared the highest genetic similarity with native samples from Belle Haven, Virginia, USA, and thus further sampling and future genetic surveys should be conducted in this area to identify source populations to survey for potential biological control agents. Following these findings, I investigated whether sexual reproduction and seed production is absent from invasive P. cordata populations in SA as speculated. Floral traits from populations throughout all the invaded provinces were measured and, along with pollen grain measurements, it was determined that only short-morphed plants are present in SA. It was speculated that the absence of native pollinators in the invasive range may be responsible for the absence of sexual reproduction. However, a pollination study confirmed the presence of generalist insect pollinators. Thereafter, artificial pollination experiments on 8 865 flowers were conducted to determine whether an incompatibility system was present which prevented seed production. No seeds were produced and it was concluded that illegitimate pollination of the short-morphed plants prevented seed production and rhizomes are responsible for the invasion of P. cordata throughout SA. The implications of these findings and possible management strategies such as biological control is discussed in Chapter 4. These findings suggest that control programmes should target the plants rhizomes to prevent and reduce spread. Preventing the introduction of medium- and long-morphed plants into SA is crucial to prevent P. cordata from producing seeds and intensifying invasion further through both asexual and sexual spread.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021
The potential conflict of interest associated with the management of Rosa rubiginos L. (Rosehip) in South Africa
- Authors: Westwood, Timothy
- Date: 2021
- Subjects: Invasive plants -- South Africa , Biological invasions -- Economic aspects , Rose hips -- Economic aspects -- South Africa , Roses -- South Africa , Rose culture -- Economic aspects -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/172458 , vital:42204
- Description: Rosa rubiginosa L. is a category 1b invasive plant species in South Africa and must be controlled according to NEM:BA. However, R. rubiginosa has the potential to provide economic benefit in South Africa due to the expanding market for the shrubs fruit, rosehips. The shrub is not permitted to be cultivated in South Africa due to legislation, limiting the economic potential as the rosehips are only able to be collected from wild R. rubiginosa shrubs. In order to expand the rosehip market in South Africa a downgrade or removal of R. rubiginosa from the invasive species list would be required, as wild harvest is limited. This study aims to assess the benefits and cost associated with R. rubiginosa in order to determine whether the legislation should be altered allowing for the cultivation of the shrub in South Africa. Due to the limited literature surrounding R. rubiginosa three different questionnaires and a case study were used in order to assess the benefits and negatives associated with the shrub. Experts in the field of invasion biology were surveyed to bridge the gap in the R. rubiginosa literature. Landowners, where the shrub is abundant, were surveyed to determine the negative impacts of R. rubiginosa. Rosehip companies were surveyed in order to determine the current size and potential of the R. rubiginosa (rosehip) market. The case study looked at how a rosehip company would benefit if R. rubiginosa was allowed to be cultivated in South Africa. The study found R. rubiginosa to have great economic potential and market growth, with very little negative economic impact. The case study showed that one rosehip company would grow from 1500 tons of raw rosehip to 20 000 tons if cultivation was allowed, resulting in a growth in turnover from R57 million to R760 million ($1=R14.8). The findings in the study show that R. rubiginosa does not significantly affect landowners where it is abundant. Therefore, it is suggested that a change to the legislation should be considered allowing for the cultivation of R. rubiginosa should be implemented.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021
- Authors: Westwood, Timothy
- Date: 2021
- Subjects: Invasive plants -- South Africa , Biological invasions -- Economic aspects , Rose hips -- Economic aspects -- South Africa , Roses -- South Africa , Rose culture -- Economic aspects -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/172458 , vital:42204
- Description: Rosa rubiginosa L. is a category 1b invasive plant species in South Africa and must be controlled according to NEM:BA. However, R. rubiginosa has the potential to provide economic benefit in South Africa due to the expanding market for the shrubs fruit, rosehips. The shrub is not permitted to be cultivated in South Africa due to legislation, limiting the economic potential as the rosehips are only able to be collected from wild R. rubiginosa shrubs. In order to expand the rosehip market in South Africa a downgrade or removal of R. rubiginosa from the invasive species list would be required, as wild harvest is limited. This study aims to assess the benefits and cost associated with R. rubiginosa in order to determine whether the legislation should be altered allowing for the cultivation of the shrub in South Africa. Due to the limited literature surrounding R. rubiginosa three different questionnaires and a case study were used in order to assess the benefits and negatives associated with the shrub. Experts in the field of invasion biology were surveyed to bridge the gap in the R. rubiginosa literature. Landowners, where the shrub is abundant, were surveyed to determine the negative impacts of R. rubiginosa. Rosehip companies were surveyed in order to determine the current size and potential of the R. rubiginosa (rosehip) market. The case study looked at how a rosehip company would benefit if R. rubiginosa was allowed to be cultivated in South Africa. The study found R. rubiginosa to have great economic potential and market growth, with very little negative economic impact. The case study showed that one rosehip company would grow from 1500 tons of raw rosehip to 20 000 tons if cultivation was allowed, resulting in a growth in turnover from R57 million to R760 million ($1=R14.8). The findings in the study show that R. rubiginosa does not significantly affect landowners where it is abundant. Therefore, it is suggested that a change to the legislation should be considered allowing for the cultivation of R. rubiginosa should be implemented.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021
Towards the development of a pro-environmental strategy for improving catch-and-release behaviour in recreational fisheries – a case study on a competitive South African angling body
- Authors: Mannheim, Samantha L
- Date: 2021
- Subjects: Fishing -- Environmental aspects -- South Africa , Fishing -- South Africa , Fishers -- Attitudes -- South Africa , Fishers -- Attitudes -- South Africa -- Cast studies , Fishes -- Conservation -- South Africa , Rock and Surf Super Pro League , Southern African Fisheries Ecology Research Lab
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/171862 , vital:42133
- Description: Catch-and-release (C&R) is becoming increasingly popular in recreational fisheries with the potential to contribute towards conserving the oceans limited fish stocks. Several studies have highlighted high rates of mortality and many sub-lethal effects which ultimately have a negative impact on fish population viability. With poorly developed handling practices, the fish that are released suffer the consequences of physical and physiological stress and do not always survive, thus making the ethics of C&R fishing questionable. Many studies have contributed to our understanding of the factors that influence the fate of fish released by anglers. Despite this, few interventions have been able to improve angler C&R behaviour. Pro-environmental behavioural strategies however hold some potential for improving angler C&R behaviour. To test their potential, we partnered with the South African Rock and Surf Super Pro League (RASSPL Africa), the biggest exclusively C&R competitive shore-based angling league in South Africa. The first two years (2013 and 2014) of the partnership were purely focused on building trust and relationships and making observations on angler behaviour. In 2015, we collected baseline data on angler behaviour and fish health during the RASSPL national fishing competition. This was followed by comparable data collection at the following two national competitions in 2016 and 2017 after the introduction of a combination of pro- environmental behaviour interventions, including rule changes, improving angler knowledge, behavioural modelling, rewards, penalties and feedback to improve C&R behaviour. There were significant improvements in angler behaviour, including a decline in total air exposure from 101.93s ± 64.34 in 2015 to 77.37s ± 60.52 in 2017 (F(2,618) = 9.27, P < 0.01), and the time taken for an angler to place their fish into a bucket declined from 105.86s ± 69.47 in 2015 to 23.05s ± 24.13 in 2017 (F(2,556) = 158.71, P < 0.01). There were also improvements in the health of the fish, with a decline in the blood lactate concentration and mean reflex action mortality predictor (RAMP’s) scores for the dominant species, Diplodus capensis (lactate – 9.46 ± 3.80 mmol.l-1 in 2015 and 6.69 ± 2.99 mmol.l-1 in 2017, RAMP – 0.28 ± 0.22 in 2015 and 0.19 ± 0.17 in 2017), and Haploblapharus fuscus (lactate – 4.25 ± 1.89 mmol.l-1 in 2015 and 1.76 ± 0.78 mmol.l-1in 2017, RAMP – 0.15 ± 0.18 in 2015 and 0 ± 0 in 2017). In 2018, surveys were conducted to gain insight into angler demographics and external (social, economic, cultural and institutional) and internal factors (knowledge and awareness, motivations, attitudes and perceptions) associated with the RASSPL anglers. Surveys were also designed to assist in identifying what components were key drivers behind the angler’s behavioural changes. The demographic characteristics of RASSPL anglers were not dissimilar from the general recreational angling public in South Africa, suggesting that this kind of intervention may have potential at a broader scale. In terms of the drivers of behavioural change, the surveys revealed that 68% of respondents strongly agreed that the structural rule changes contributed to their improved behaviour. This was followed by the educational presentations (66% of the respondents) and modelling / demonstrative videos (59% of the respondents). The conservation prizes were considered less effective, with only 27% of anglers strongly agreeing that this intervention improved their C&R behaviour. Overall this study has demonstrated that it is possible to improve the C&R behaviour of anglers in a competitive setting, with the most effective component of the intervention being the use of rule changes (structural approach). These findings suggest that proenvironmental strategies hold potential for improving the C&R behaviour of anglers and the health of released fishes. It is suggested that interventions to improve C&R behaviour should aim to develop long-term relationships, and implement a broad range of well communicated strategies based on reliable data and sound rationality. Key words: marine shore-based fisheries; community engagement; pro- environmental behaviour; behavioural intervention.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021
- Authors: Mannheim, Samantha L
- Date: 2021
- Subjects: Fishing -- Environmental aspects -- South Africa , Fishing -- South Africa , Fishers -- Attitudes -- South Africa , Fishers -- Attitudes -- South Africa -- Cast studies , Fishes -- Conservation -- South Africa , Rock and Surf Super Pro League , Southern African Fisheries Ecology Research Lab
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/171862 , vital:42133
- Description: Catch-and-release (C&R) is becoming increasingly popular in recreational fisheries with the potential to contribute towards conserving the oceans limited fish stocks. Several studies have highlighted high rates of mortality and many sub-lethal effects which ultimately have a negative impact on fish population viability. With poorly developed handling practices, the fish that are released suffer the consequences of physical and physiological stress and do not always survive, thus making the ethics of C&R fishing questionable. Many studies have contributed to our understanding of the factors that influence the fate of fish released by anglers. Despite this, few interventions have been able to improve angler C&R behaviour. Pro-environmental behavioural strategies however hold some potential for improving angler C&R behaviour. To test their potential, we partnered with the South African Rock and Surf Super Pro League (RASSPL Africa), the biggest exclusively C&R competitive shore-based angling league in South Africa. The first two years (2013 and 2014) of the partnership were purely focused on building trust and relationships and making observations on angler behaviour. In 2015, we collected baseline data on angler behaviour and fish health during the RASSPL national fishing competition. This was followed by comparable data collection at the following two national competitions in 2016 and 2017 after the introduction of a combination of pro- environmental behaviour interventions, including rule changes, improving angler knowledge, behavioural modelling, rewards, penalties and feedback to improve C&R behaviour. There were significant improvements in angler behaviour, including a decline in total air exposure from 101.93s ± 64.34 in 2015 to 77.37s ± 60.52 in 2017 (F(2,618) = 9.27, P < 0.01), and the time taken for an angler to place their fish into a bucket declined from 105.86s ± 69.47 in 2015 to 23.05s ± 24.13 in 2017 (F(2,556) = 158.71, P < 0.01). There were also improvements in the health of the fish, with a decline in the blood lactate concentration and mean reflex action mortality predictor (RAMP’s) scores for the dominant species, Diplodus capensis (lactate – 9.46 ± 3.80 mmol.l-1 in 2015 and 6.69 ± 2.99 mmol.l-1 in 2017, RAMP – 0.28 ± 0.22 in 2015 and 0.19 ± 0.17 in 2017), and Haploblapharus fuscus (lactate – 4.25 ± 1.89 mmol.l-1 in 2015 and 1.76 ± 0.78 mmol.l-1in 2017, RAMP – 0.15 ± 0.18 in 2015 and 0 ± 0 in 2017). In 2018, surveys were conducted to gain insight into angler demographics and external (social, economic, cultural and institutional) and internal factors (knowledge and awareness, motivations, attitudes and perceptions) associated with the RASSPL anglers. Surveys were also designed to assist in identifying what components were key drivers behind the angler’s behavioural changes. The demographic characteristics of RASSPL anglers were not dissimilar from the general recreational angling public in South Africa, suggesting that this kind of intervention may have potential at a broader scale. In terms of the drivers of behavioural change, the surveys revealed that 68% of respondents strongly agreed that the structural rule changes contributed to their improved behaviour. This was followed by the educational presentations (66% of the respondents) and modelling / demonstrative videos (59% of the respondents). The conservation prizes were considered less effective, with only 27% of anglers strongly agreeing that this intervention improved their C&R behaviour. Overall this study has demonstrated that it is possible to improve the C&R behaviour of anglers in a competitive setting, with the most effective component of the intervention being the use of rule changes (structural approach). These findings suggest that proenvironmental strategies hold potential for improving the C&R behaviour of anglers and the health of released fishes. It is suggested that interventions to improve C&R behaviour should aim to develop long-term relationships, and implement a broad range of well communicated strategies based on reliable data and sound rationality. Key words: marine shore-based fisheries; community engagement; pro- environmental behaviour; behavioural intervention.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021
A drug utilisation review of lithium at a public sector psychiatric hospital
- Authors: Mapfumo, Charlotte
- Date: 2020-04
- Subjects: Lithium -- Therapeutic use , Psychiatric hospitals -- South Africa -- Grahamstown , Drug utilization , Psychiatric hospital care , Manic-depressive illness , Lithium -- Toxicology , Drug monitoring
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , M.Pharm
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/150541 , vital:38983
- Description: Bipolar disorder (BD) is a common mental condition that affects about 60 million people globally. Lithium is among the drugs of choice used to treat BD and other affective disorders such as schizoaffective disorder (SD). Lithium is a mood stabiliser with antimanic, antidepressant and anti-suicidal properties. Lithium has complex mechanisms of action and a narrow therapeutic index (NTI). Therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) is a vital component of lithium therapy due to its NTI. Lithium toxicity can occur at therapeutic levels and is characterised by symptoms such as blurred vision and convulsions. Lithium interacts with a number of drugs resulting in lithium toxicity or diminished effects of lithium. Symptoms of lithium toxicity range from abdominal pain, convulsions and death. Lithium use is associated with serious adverse effects on renal and thyroid function. Other adverse effects include tremor and weight gain. Monitoring of lithium serum levels, renal and thyroid function are therefore recommended for patients on lithium therapy. Monitoring of these parameters assists in the early detection of any problems associated with lithium use. The metabolic monitoring of lithium is vital due to the adverse effect profile of lithium and the current South African Standard Treatment Guidelines Hospital level: Adults, do not have any recommendations for the monitoring of metabolic parameters. The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) may be used and adapted for the South African setting. Aim and Objectives: The general aim of the study was to conduct a drug utilisation review (DUR) on lithium through investigating its prescribing and monitoring patterns in both inpatients and outpatients at Fort England Hospital. Methodology: The study was in the form of a retrospective DUR. Data was collected from 40 files (n=40) of patients who were on treatment with lithium between 1 January 2017-31 December 2017 at Fort England Hospital. The data was collected retrospectively for both in- and outpatients. Compliance of the monitoring requirements with both South African and international guidelines was analysed. Results and Discussion: In 87.50% (n=37) of the cases, patients had been on lithium therapy before 2017 with most patients (n=13; 37.50%) being maintained on 500 mg of lithium. Non-compliance with the South African and NICE guidelines for renal baseline monitoring was 65.00% (n=26) in both guidelines. Non-compliance for baseline thyroid monitoring was 70.00% (n=28) for both guidelines. There was non-compliance in 45.00% (n=18) of the cases for lithium serum level monitoring for both guidelines. Non-compliance with follow-up renal monitoring was 47.50% (n=19) for both guidelines. Compliance with the NICE guidelines for follow-up metabolic monitoring was 67.50% (n=27). Conclusion: There was non-compliance in most cases leaving room for clinical improvement in the monitoring of lithium. Healthcare professionals should be educated on the recommended monitoring guidelines to promote the rational use of lithium in South Africa. Pharmacists should be more involved in the TDM of lithium to promote its safe and effective use.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020-04
- Authors: Mapfumo, Charlotte
- Date: 2020-04
- Subjects: Lithium -- Therapeutic use , Psychiatric hospitals -- South Africa -- Grahamstown , Drug utilization , Psychiatric hospital care , Manic-depressive illness , Lithium -- Toxicology , Drug monitoring
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , M.Pharm
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/150541 , vital:38983
- Description: Bipolar disorder (BD) is a common mental condition that affects about 60 million people globally. Lithium is among the drugs of choice used to treat BD and other affective disorders such as schizoaffective disorder (SD). Lithium is a mood stabiliser with antimanic, antidepressant and anti-suicidal properties. Lithium has complex mechanisms of action and a narrow therapeutic index (NTI). Therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) is a vital component of lithium therapy due to its NTI. Lithium toxicity can occur at therapeutic levels and is characterised by symptoms such as blurred vision and convulsions. Lithium interacts with a number of drugs resulting in lithium toxicity or diminished effects of lithium. Symptoms of lithium toxicity range from abdominal pain, convulsions and death. Lithium use is associated with serious adverse effects on renal and thyroid function. Other adverse effects include tremor and weight gain. Monitoring of lithium serum levels, renal and thyroid function are therefore recommended for patients on lithium therapy. Monitoring of these parameters assists in the early detection of any problems associated with lithium use. The metabolic monitoring of lithium is vital due to the adverse effect profile of lithium and the current South African Standard Treatment Guidelines Hospital level: Adults, do not have any recommendations for the monitoring of metabolic parameters. The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) may be used and adapted for the South African setting. Aim and Objectives: The general aim of the study was to conduct a drug utilisation review (DUR) on lithium through investigating its prescribing and monitoring patterns in both inpatients and outpatients at Fort England Hospital. Methodology: The study was in the form of a retrospective DUR. Data was collected from 40 files (n=40) of patients who were on treatment with lithium between 1 January 2017-31 December 2017 at Fort England Hospital. The data was collected retrospectively for both in- and outpatients. Compliance of the monitoring requirements with both South African and international guidelines was analysed. Results and Discussion: In 87.50% (n=37) of the cases, patients had been on lithium therapy before 2017 with most patients (n=13; 37.50%) being maintained on 500 mg of lithium. Non-compliance with the South African and NICE guidelines for renal baseline monitoring was 65.00% (n=26) in both guidelines. Non-compliance for baseline thyroid monitoring was 70.00% (n=28) for both guidelines. There was non-compliance in 45.00% (n=18) of the cases for lithium serum level monitoring for both guidelines. Non-compliance with follow-up renal monitoring was 47.50% (n=19) for both guidelines. Compliance with the NICE guidelines for follow-up metabolic monitoring was 67.50% (n=27). Conclusion: There was non-compliance in most cases leaving room for clinical improvement in the monitoring of lithium. Healthcare professionals should be educated on the recommended monitoring guidelines to promote the rational use of lithium in South Africa. Pharmacists should be more involved in the TDM of lithium to promote its safe and effective use.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020-04
Application of quality by design to the manufacture of a multiparticulate prednisone dosage form
- Authors: Manda, Arthur
- Date: 2020-04
- Subjects: Drugs -- Quality control , Drugs -- Design -- Quality control , Drugs -- Dosage forms , Drug development -- Quality control , Pharmaceutical industry -- Quality control , Prednisone , High throughput screening (Drug development)
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MSc (Pharmacy)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/117986 , vital:34583
- Description: For many years, quality by testing was the only approach to guarantee quality of drug products before the Food and Drug Administration launched the concept of current Good Manufacturing Practice. In order to gain more knowledge of the manufacturing process, a new system known as Quality by Design was introduced into the pharmaceutical industry. Quality by Design is based on thorough understanding of how materials, process parameters and interaction thereof impact final product quality. Quality by Design is a systematic approach to product development which ensures that quality is built into a product during product development and not just tested into it. The aim of Quality by Design is to achieve optimum product quality with consistent dosage form performance and minimal risk of failure in patients. The objective of these studies was to implement a Quality by Design approach to establish a design space for the development and manufacture of a safe, effective and stable multi-partite solid oral dosage form for prednisone as an alternative to currently marketed prednisone formulations. Multi-particulate dosage forms offer significant advantages over conventional technologies. In addition to lowering the incidence of gastrointestinal irritation they exhibit a reduced risk of dose dumping and a large surface area which favours dissolution. Furthermore, their free flowing nature facilitates reproducible capsule filling and consequently uniformity of dosing. Different multi-particulate dosage forms exist however a multiple-unit pellet system was investigated during these studies. Quality by Design principles were used to develop and establish a reversed-phase high performance liquid chromatographic method for quantifying prednisone from solid oral dosage forms. A Central Composite Design was used to generate multivariate experiments and to investigate the impact of input variables on the quality and performance of the analytical method. The optimized method was validated according to International Council for Harmonization guidelines and was found to be linear, precise, accurate and specific for the quantitation of prednisone. Pre-formulation studies were conducted and included the assessment of particle size, particle shape, powder flow properties and compatibility studies. Carr’s index, Hausner ratio and the Angle of Repose were used to evaluate powder flow properties and results generated from all studies suggest the need for adding a glidant and lubricant to improve pellet flow. The images generated from Scanning Electron Microscopy were used to analyze particle shape and size. Differential Scanning Calorimetry and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy were used to evaluate API-excipient compatibility. All excipients investigated were found to be compatible with prednisone and suitable for formulation development studies. Extrusion-spheronization was used to manufacture prednisone pellets. Extrusion-spheronization is a multi-step process involving many factors. Quality risk management tools particularly an Ishikawa Fishbone (cause and effect) diagram and failure mode and effects analysis were used to narrow down potentially significant factors to a reasonable number that could be investigated experimentally. Risk priority numbers were used to quantify risk and factors above a set threshold value were considered to be of high risk. A total of eleven risk factors were identified as high. A Plackett-Burman study was conducted to narrow down the eleven high risk factors to identify the most impactful factors viz., microcrystalline cellulose content, sodium starch glycolate content, extrusion speed and spheronization time. Evaluation of four factors was carried over to optimization studies using a Box-Behnken Design and following identifaction of the optimum process settings and excipient content a design space for the manufacture of a multi-partite dosage form containing prednisone was established.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020-04
- Authors: Manda, Arthur
- Date: 2020-04
- Subjects: Drugs -- Quality control , Drugs -- Design -- Quality control , Drugs -- Dosage forms , Drug development -- Quality control , Pharmaceutical industry -- Quality control , Prednisone , High throughput screening (Drug development)
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MSc (Pharmacy)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/117986 , vital:34583
- Description: For many years, quality by testing was the only approach to guarantee quality of drug products before the Food and Drug Administration launched the concept of current Good Manufacturing Practice. In order to gain more knowledge of the manufacturing process, a new system known as Quality by Design was introduced into the pharmaceutical industry. Quality by Design is based on thorough understanding of how materials, process parameters and interaction thereof impact final product quality. Quality by Design is a systematic approach to product development which ensures that quality is built into a product during product development and not just tested into it. The aim of Quality by Design is to achieve optimum product quality with consistent dosage form performance and minimal risk of failure in patients. The objective of these studies was to implement a Quality by Design approach to establish a design space for the development and manufacture of a safe, effective and stable multi-partite solid oral dosage form for prednisone as an alternative to currently marketed prednisone formulations. Multi-particulate dosage forms offer significant advantages over conventional technologies. In addition to lowering the incidence of gastrointestinal irritation they exhibit a reduced risk of dose dumping and a large surface area which favours dissolution. Furthermore, their free flowing nature facilitates reproducible capsule filling and consequently uniformity of dosing. Different multi-particulate dosage forms exist however a multiple-unit pellet system was investigated during these studies. Quality by Design principles were used to develop and establish a reversed-phase high performance liquid chromatographic method for quantifying prednisone from solid oral dosage forms. A Central Composite Design was used to generate multivariate experiments and to investigate the impact of input variables on the quality and performance of the analytical method. The optimized method was validated according to International Council for Harmonization guidelines and was found to be linear, precise, accurate and specific for the quantitation of prednisone. Pre-formulation studies were conducted and included the assessment of particle size, particle shape, powder flow properties and compatibility studies. Carr’s index, Hausner ratio and the Angle of Repose were used to evaluate powder flow properties and results generated from all studies suggest the need for adding a glidant and lubricant to improve pellet flow. The images generated from Scanning Electron Microscopy were used to analyze particle shape and size. Differential Scanning Calorimetry and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy were used to evaluate API-excipient compatibility. All excipients investigated were found to be compatible with prednisone and suitable for formulation development studies. Extrusion-spheronization was used to manufacture prednisone pellets. Extrusion-spheronization is a multi-step process involving many factors. Quality risk management tools particularly an Ishikawa Fishbone (cause and effect) diagram and failure mode and effects analysis were used to narrow down potentially significant factors to a reasonable number that could be investigated experimentally. Risk priority numbers were used to quantify risk and factors above a set threshold value were considered to be of high risk. A total of eleven risk factors were identified as high. A Plackett-Burman study was conducted to narrow down the eleven high risk factors to identify the most impactful factors viz., microcrystalline cellulose content, sodium starch glycolate content, extrusion speed and spheronization time. Evaluation of four factors was carried over to optimization studies using a Box-Behnken Design and following identifaction of the optimum process settings and excipient content a design space for the manufacture of a multi-partite dosage form containing prednisone was established.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020-04