List of Titles

Assessment of taste masking of captopril by ion-exchange resins using electronic gustatory system

- Chikukwa, Mellisa T R, Wesoly, Malgorzata, Korzeniowska, Aleksandra B, Ciosek-Skibinska, Patrycja, Walker, Roderick B, Khamanga, Sandile M M

Authors: Chikukwa, Mellisa T R , Wesoly, Malgorzata , Korzeniowska, Aleksandra B , Ciosek-Skibinska, Patrycja , Walker, Roderick B , Khamanga, Sandile M M
Date: 2020
Subjects: To be catalogued
Language: English
Type: text , article
Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/184710 , vital:44265 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1080/10837450.2019.1687520"
Description: The objective of the study was to mask the unpleasant taste of captopril (CPT). Taste masking was achieved by complexation of CPT with a basic ion exchange resin, Dowex® 66, using the batch method. Dowex® 66 was used for the adsorption of CPT, and physical and chemical parameters of the CPT resinates complex were evaluated. A central composite design was used to generate the experiments for the manufacture of resinates using different process and formulation variables. In vitro dissolution studies were performed for 2 h in 0.01N HCl (pH 1.6) using USP Apparatus I. The compatibility of CPT and the resin was evaluated by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD). The resinates were evaluated for micromeritic properties and further characterised using FTIR, DSC, and PXRD. Response surface methodology was used to determine the significance of input variables on the CPT content and release. The CPT resin ratio was found to have a significant impact on content of the resinates and on CPT release. The formulations were also studied for taste masking ability by means of an electronic gustatory system – electronic tongue.
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Date Issued: 2020

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Assessment of the implementation of the citizen centric strategies for social grant service delivery :Chris Hani District

- Danster, Siyabulela

Authors: Danster, Siyabulela
Date: 2020
Subjects: South African Social Security Agency -- South Africa -- Chris Hani District
Language: English
Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/46692 , vital:39609
Description: This study aimed to assess the implementation of citizen centric strategies for social grant service delivery in the Chris Hani District and if SASSA is still living up to its promise. SASSA claims it will always pay the right social grant, to the right person, at the right time and place. This study aimed to understand and assess the different strategies of SASSA towards enhancing citizen experience in delivering social grants. The study’s objective was to assess citizen experience regarding the SASSA social grant payment systems, the social grant application processes, and SASSA communication and advocacy programmes. To conduct this study, a qualitative research methodology was employed. The population sample comprised of SASSA officials in the Chris Hani District. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with SASSA officials. The findings of this study reveal that SASSA did well to improve application turnaround time from 90 days to one day. Even so, payment methods must be improved. The recommendations suggest that SASSA should consider insourcing the function of paying social grants and consider opening the closed pay-points, as beneficiaries are struggling to travel to the remaining opened pay-points. The findings also proposed aligning the SocPen and MIS.
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Date Issued: 2020

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Associations between family history of diseases of lifestyle, lifestyle behaviour and anthropometric nutritional status of pre-school children in ECD centres in the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality

- Wilson, Teresa Margaret

Authors: Wilson, Teresa Margaret
Date: 2020
Subjects: Nutrition--Evaluation
Language: English
Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/46344 , vital:39602
Description: Introduction: Childhood overweight and obesity is an escalating global health issue. In Africa, overweight and obesity prevalence in children has nearly doubled since 2000(World Health Organisation, 2018).TheSANHANES-1 study (2013) identified that overweight and obesity in were most prevalent in urban informal areas of South Africa, with approximately a quarter of the children classified as overweight or obese (Shisana et al., 2013).In the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality(NMBM), a double burden of disease was identified in the lower socio-economic population (Phekana et al., 2016). This study and others recommended further study into the contributing factors and behaviours which play a role in the development of overweight and obesity in children. These include household dietary intake, family history of lifestyle diseases, as well as the children’s and parental physical activity and sedentary time (Zhang et al.,2016).Aim: The aim of the study was to determine the associations between family history of diseases of lifestyle, lifestyle behaviour and anthropometric nutritional status of pre-school children in NMBM to describe underlying causes of childhood overweight and obesity.Methods: A cross-sectional design, using a quantitative approach, was used for this study(Ethics approval: H18-HEA-DIET-004). The study population included adult parents and/or caregivers of children from urban areas of Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality attending crèches and schools in these areas, in the age group from birth to 96 months (8 years). Randomised cluster sampling of crèches and schools from an existing database of anthropometrical data of children attending these crèches and schools in the area was done and a final sample of n=155obtained. With the assistance of a trained fieldworker, respondents completed a questionnaire detailing the family history of lifestyle diseases, physical activity levels and sedentary screen time behaviours, and a graphical adjusted version of a household dietary diversity questionnaire. Data about children’s activity levels in the preschool/creche environment was collected by the fieldworker by assessing the ECD centres’daily activity schedules. The anthropometric data of the children of the respondents was accessed from an existing database of these measurements. The data was described using means and standard deviations. Inferential statistics determined any existing associations between these underlying influences of childhood obesity.Results: Only 2% (n=3) of the children were underweight and 12% (n=9) were at risk of becoming underweight as classified by WAZ. HAZ scores identified26% (n=40) of the children at risk of becoming stunted, and 6% (n=9) of the children were already stunted. WHZ classified5% (n=8)of the children as overweight and 5% (n=8)as obese. A further 22% (n=34) of the children were at risk of becoming overweight.BMI/age classificationidentified25% (n=38) of the children as overweight and a further 12% (n=19) as obese. Out of the sample, 12%(n=17) of mothers and 8% (n=7) of fathers were categorised as overweight-to-obese according to the SA specific waist circumference(WC)cut-offs. Out of the children, 15% (n=22) have at least one parent who was overweight-to-obese. Traditional WC categories were classified48% (n=67) of the mothers as overweight-to-obese and at high risk for metabolic syndrome. Of all the lifestyle diseases, hypertension was the most prevalent with 29% (n=41) of households having at least one parent with hypertension. Parental physical activity was grossly overestimated, and the results found to be invalid. The Diet Variety and Frequency score resulted in a mean of 65.00 (n=154, SD=27.37) out of a possible 100 for the households in this sample, and junk food was consumed on three to four occasions per day in 32% (n=49) of households. There were no significant associations found between the parents’ variables and underweight children. Statistically small to medium effect associations were found between parental weight (both SA specific and traditional categories) and overweight children (classified by WHZ and BMI/age). Conclusions and recommendations: The prevalence of overweight and obesity among children in the NMBM was high. The only possible underlying cause of childhood overweight and obesity in pre-school children in the NMBM that could be determined by this study was parents’ weight classified by WC. However, it must be reiterated that due to the cross-sectional nature of the study, an association does not immediately mean causation, and the results are not adequate to rule out other underlying factors influencing childhood obesity. It is recommended that the results of the study are used to incentivise the final implementation of all the intervention targets laid out in the Strategic Plan for the Prevention and Control of Obesity in South Africa 2015-2020 in NMB, and for the development of the future obesity strategy after 2020. The results have shown the necessity for future health interventions to be targeted at the family as a unit.
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Date Issued: 2020

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Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in South Africa: diagnosis and treatment from childhood to adulthood

- Munasur-Naidoo, Ashmitha Premchand

Authors: Munasur-Naidoo, Ashmitha Premchand
Date: 2020
Subjects: Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder
Language: English
Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/46398 , vital:39603
Description: Background: Historically Attention-Deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) was, considered to be a condition that affected mainly children. Over a period of time, there has been a greater understanding to recognize that this condition is also present in the adult population. Globally, treatment for adults has been established as is evident from the various guidelines available. In South Africa, however,healthcare is split into the public and private sectors, which results in differences in the extent of diagnosis and treatment for adults with ADHD.Aim: The primary aim of the study was to evaluate ADHD in South Africa from childhood to adulthood and to determine to what extent adults are being diagnosed and treated.Method: This study comprised of two facets, namely, a drug utilization review and a questionnaire survey. The first part comprised of a retrospective drug utilization study evaluating the consumption and cost of medication used in the treatment of ADHD. The questionnaire was undertaken using a survey methodology amongst selected healthcare professionals in South Africa involved in the diagnosis and treatment of adult ADHD. The data generated from this study together with available guidelines was assessed and a proposed framework for the treatment and diagnosis of adult ADHD was developed for use in the South African public healthcare sector. Results: Based on the registered medication available to treat ADHD, the consumption of methylphenidate and atomoxetine in the private healthcare sector using the Intercontinental Marketing Service database from 2013 to 2016was established. Despite the controversy regarding stimulant medication, methylphenidate was shown to be the medication of choice in South Africa. The consumption of methylphenidate (95.85%) was higher when compared to atomoxetine (4.15%) in 2013 and very slight changes were observed in 2016 were the consumption was 96.40% and 3.60%, respectively. Similarly, over a four-year period, the spend on ADHD medication increased in 2013 to 2016 by 62.63%. Furthermore, the market share for ADHD is dominated by extended-release methylphenidate tablets (59.53%). The questionnaire survey amongst selected healthcare professionals in South Africa involved in the diagnosis and treatment of adult ADHDhighlighted the tools used for diagnosis, pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatment options, which treatment has been found to be most successful, difference in treatment between genders, incorporation of supplementation into the management of patients, difficulties experienced by patients and which co-morbid conditions were also prevalent with ADHD. Based on the data collated in this study and an evaluation of the available guidelines, a framework for treatment of adult patients in the public healthcare sector has been proposed for South Africa at a provincial and national level. Conclusion: In South Africa treatment for ADHD is increasing in the private healthcare sector. The cost and consumption of methylphenidate and atomoxetine has risen over a short period. The treatment of adults in the private sector has also garnered interest, however, the public sector has not yet published guidelines enabling access to diagnosis and treatment for these adult patients. Given the chronic, costly, and debilitating nature of this condition more needs to be done to assist those affected by it. Further studies in this area of neuropsychiatry in South Africa is required to enable access to diagnosis and treatment in the public healthcare sector.
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Date Issued: 2020

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Attentive amelioration: developing and evaluating an applied mindfulness programme for psychologists

- McGarvie, Susan

Authors: McGarvie, Susan
Date: 2020
Subjects: Attentive Amelioration Programme , Mindfulness (Psychology) , Psychotherapy -- Practice , Counseling -- Practice , Medical professionals -- Mental health
Language: English
Type: text , Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/166186 , vital:41336
Description: It is readily accepted that healthcare in many third world countries is in crisis, but interestingly, even in wealthy first world countries, many healthcare systems are stretched to their limits, as fewer people choose to follow a career in healthcare and more staff members struggle under the pressures of an overextended system (Krasner, et al., 2009). Ways to improve healthcare practitioner wellbeing is thus a relevant and widely investigated topic (McCann et al., 2013), which has, until recently, been aimed at reducing the negative symptoms associated with poor wellbeing, such as stress and burnout. More recently, there has been burgeoning interest in the effects and potential benefits of mindfulness practice to wellbeing, especially in developed English-speaking countries like the UK, Canada, USA, Australia, as well as in Europe. The aim of this study was to contribute to this body of literature by proposing a more personalised and person-centred means to support and improve wellbeing. It was guided by an overarching research question, about the benefits of a mindfulness-based wellness course for practicing psychologists. This study is a mixed-methods narrative inquiry which employs both Action Research (AR) and Programme Evaluation methods. It involved the design, implementation and evaluation of a mindful-wellness programme, subsequently named the Attentive Amelioration programme. Ten participants were purposively recruited and enrolled in the programme, which ran over eight weeks and included coaching and blended learning facilitation methods, including: an introductory workshop (with a pedagogical mix of lecture, group discussion, practical activities, learners manual and YouTube clips), individual and group coaching sessions, and an online learning programme. The findings suggest that psychologists do experience a great deal of stress and perceived levels of burnout are high, even if the scores on the pre- and post- intervention self-assessment scales do not entirely support this perception. This study found that participants were open to and engaged with mindfulness training and practice and sustained that practice for several months post-intervention. Finally, overall findings suggest that while the Attentive Amelioration programme was effective as a means to cultivate and develop mindfulness, self-compassion and overall wellbeing in the short-term, further investigation is required to determine the sustainability of the effects over the long-term. The findings of this study support the overall aims of the study in that it has found that the participating psychologists found the Attentive Amelioration programme to be beneficial, supportive and even therapeutic. By contributing to and supporting findings of existing research, that suggest that a mindfulness-based coaching programme would be beneficial to psychologist wellbeing and therapeutic proficiency, it serves to advocate for mindfulness as a means to improve and sustain psychologist wellbeing..
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Date Issued: 2020

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Attitudinal difference surveys perpetuate harmful tropes: A comment on Nattrass

- Rosenberg, Eureta, Le Grange, Lesley

Authors: Rosenberg, Eureta , Le Grange, Lesley
Date: 2020
Subjects: To be catalogued
Language: English
Type: text , article
Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/370129 , vital:66300 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.17159/sajs.2020/8469"
Description: We reply to the article, ‘Why are black South African students less likely to consider studying biological sciences?’, authored by University of Cape Town (UCT) researcher Nicoli Nattrass1 and published in the South African Journal of Science on 27 May 2020. At the time of writing our reply the article had already received sharp criticism from the Black Academic Caucus at UCT and in a statement released on 5 June 2020, the UCT executive distanced itself from the content of the paper, inviting rigorous, respectful review of the published research. Nattrass’ article1 follows two papers published in 2019 by scholars associated with South African universities, both of which were widely denounced for the racist undertones of their content. The first article was authored by Stellenbosch University researchers who reported on low cognitive functioning of coloured women linked to education levels and lifestyles2 ; see comment by Le Grange3 . The second article was co-authored by an adjunct professor at UCT and examined the role of cognitive ability or intelligence on slave exports from Africa4 . These publications gave rise to a broader debate on enduring racism in science and the re-ascendency of race science internationally. In this reply, we focus on the methodology of attitudinal survey used for the study reported by Nattrass (and by many other scientists). There are two lines of argument that we weave together: the quality of the research as reported, and problems inherent to comparative attitudinal survey research (regardless of how well it is executed). It should be noted that the Black Academic Caucus at UCT has also critiqued the research design, identifying many of the points we make here, and they have additionally included a discourse analysis of the paper (circulated via e-mail). To demonstrate how problematic a survey design can be, particularly when it is not rigorously executed, we share data and observations that counter the apparent findings of Nattrass’ study. We then argue that the publication of this research, in this manner, is detrimental to the biodiversity sector in which the tropes being perpetuated, can cause enormous harm. In the process we hope to encourage scientists to be more reflexive about their methodology, and we encourage the South African Journal of Science to publish works that are worthy of the young people of this country - research in which they can recognise themselves, rather than being forced to look at reductionist portrayals, legitimised under the banner of science.
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Date Issued: 2020

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Audio-Visual and Cyber Evidence in the Context of Criminal Law

- Madzika, Koshesayi

Authors: Madzika, Koshesayi
Date: 2020
Subjects: Electronic evidence -- Law and legislation -- South Africa
Language: English
Type: Thesis , Masters , LLM
Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/47380 , vital:39967
Description: In the past decade technology has advanced significantly and at a very rapid pace. This advancement and rapid growth of technology has affected many aspects of life, including legal systems. An area of law particularly affected by the rapid changes in technology is the law of electronic evidence, especially as far as criminal matters are concerned. This is largely due to an increase in crimes committed over the internet. The growth of technology, such as cyber communications and mass media, has made audio visual and electronic messages important forms of evidence. The purpose of this research is to show the complications that technology has brought about as far as electronic evidence in the context of criminal law is concerned. It is acknowledged that South Africa has an existing legislative framework regulating electronic evidence, but it is submitted that there are lacunae in such legislation. The aim of the dissertation is therefore to expose the lack of adequate regulation in South Africa in dealing with electronic evidence. A further aim of the research is to seek to provide solutions to problems related to the regulation of electronic evidence. It is important to determine the current laws regulating electronic evidence in order to expose the lacunae within those laws. An outline of the current legal framework regulating electronic evidence shall be given. This consists of the historical background on the admissibility of electronic evidence; the constitutional basis for admitting such evidence and legal principles governing electronic evidence. Inadequate regulation of electronic evidence is a serious problem, as technology has overtaken some areas of the physical world. The criminal justice system has also been affected especially in the admissibility of electronic evidence. The problems regarding electronic evidence in criminal law matters shall be fully assessed in order to reflect how the criminal justice system has been affected and the consequences of inadequate regulation. In seeking solutions to the problems of inadequate regulation of electronic evidence, reliance is placed on recommendations by the South African Law Reform Commission; international and foreign law. A conclusion is drawn from the dissertation that, whilst technology has been rapidly advancing, the South African law regulating electronic evidence has remained largely unchanged, rendering it incapable of sufficiently regulating matters in which electronic evidence plays a key role. The demand for adequate legislation on electronic evidence is therefore apparent in this regard.
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Date Issued: 2020

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Audit of intravenous antifungal therapy used for Candida infections at a South African private hospital

- Van Dyk, Jacklyn Kate

Authors: Van Dyk, Jacklyn Kate
Date: 2020
Subjects: Candidiasis
Language: English
Type: Thesis , Masters , MPharm
Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/46380 , vital:39600
Description: The epidemiological landscape of the candida species has changed with the emergence of MDR strains globally and in South Africa. The aim of this study was to critically evaluate the compliance to guidelines in the use of intravenous antifungal therapy when treating invasive Candidainfections in a South African private hospital.Objective One was to determine the prevalence of Candida auris(C.auris) in the sample. Objective Two examined the relationship between high-risk patients and positive microbiological cultures. Objective Three studied the prescribing utilisation of the intravenous antifungalsin the form of a clinical audit. Objective Four compared these prescribing patternsto current guidelines by evaluating whether the antifungal course was non-compliant, of suboptimal compliance or compliant. Objective Five was to design a protocol for ward pharmacists to use when assessing antifungal treatment for candidiasis. The research design consisted of a retrospective, non-experimental, cross-sectional analysis of intravenous antifungal use in the management of systemic Candida infections in a private sector hospital in the Gauteng province, South Africa.A positive research paradigm with a quantitative clinical audit was used in this study. The most prevalent species cultured was C.auris with 31 of the 77 positive cultures. Risk stratifying patients was validated with 70% of high risk patients (Candida Score >2.5 and positive β-D-glucan) having a corresponding positive culture. Echinocandins were the most frequently utilised antifungal class, with caspofungin being the most used antifungal in the sample. The average duration of therapy for the echinocandins ranged between 11 and 16 days. Compliance to guidelines was evaluated accordingto: reason for initiation; drug choice and drug dose. Three levels of compliance were determined: non-compliant, sub-optimal compliance and compliant. xivThe overall compliance,according to recommended treatment guidelines,was found to be suboptimal, with anidentified need foranintervention which targets thedosing of the antifungals used. In conclusion, the research findings highlight the importance of reviewing antifungal prescribing habits and the need for antifungal stewardship programmes.
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Date Issued: 2020

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Awareness, knowledge and practices with regards to alcohol use of pregnant women in the Missionvale area

- Du Preez, Mingon

Authors: Du Preez, Mingon
Date: 2020
Subjects: Pregnant women -- Alcohol use
Language: English
Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/46404 , vital:39572
Description: South African statistics, when compared to global statistics, has an above-average occurrence of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder(FASD). Alcohol use during pregnancy is on the rise globally and has far-reaching consequences. FASD is an umbrella term that describes the range of effects that can occur in an individual whose mother consumed alcohol during pregnancy.FASDnot only has an abiological, social and emotional negative impact on the individual, but also creates an added burden on the family caring for such an individual. When this condition occurs in a third world country, like South Africa, there is an economic impact as this country has limited physical and human resources to deal with the multitude of repercussions associated with this condition. This study was conducted in the Missionvale Community, an impoverished area of Port Elizabeth in the Eastern Cape. Participants were selected from this community, as clients attending the psychology clinic in the area frequently present with diagnosed FASD and co-concurring conditions, such as scholastic underachievement and behavioural conditions. These factors perpetuate an individuals inability to rise above their current circumstances as they are frequently unable to complete their schooling and are consequently unable to find unemployment. Prevention of FASD is a social, public and personal health issue that requires a multifaceted approach to intervention. The present study aimed to determine participants’ awareness, knowledge levels and practices with regard to alcohol use during pregnancy. Previous studies conducted in the Eastern Cape have primarily focused on the outcomes of prenatal alcohol exposure rather than the contributing factors, thus making this study the first of its kind to be conducted in the Eastern Cape. The study was quantitative in nature and participants were obtained through purposive sampling. A questionnaire, comprising of four different sections was used to obtain the necessary information. The sections in the questionnaire tapped information about the following concepts: Demographics, awareness, knowledge, and practices of alcohol use by pregnant women. The statistical results and additional comments by the participants assisted the researcher to gain a better understanding of the awareness levels, knowledge, and practices with regard to alcohol use of pregnant women residing in the Missionvale area. The results from the study indicate that participants have a general awareness that alcohol use during pregnancy could be harmful to an unborn baby but lack in-depth specific knowledge of the adverse effects of prenatal alcohol exposure.
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Date Issued: 2020

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Azadipyrromethenes for applications in photodynamic antimicrobial chemotherapy, photodynamic therapy and optical limiting

- Dubazana, Nadine

Authors: Dubazana, Nadine
Date: 2020
Subjects: Dyes and dyeing -- Chemistry , Photochemotherapy , Cancer -- Photochemotherapy , Anti-infective agents , Staphylococcus aureus , Nonlinear optics , Azadipyrromethenes , BODIPY
Language: English
Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MSc
Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/166150 , vital:41333
Description: Azadipyrromethenes, azaBODIPYs and zinc azadipyrromethene complexes were prepared and characterised to examine the effect on their photophysical properties of incorporating phenyl groups at the 1,3,5,7-positions with electron-donating and withdrawing groups at the para-positions. To enhance their ability to generate singlet oxygen, appropriate structural modifications were made through the addition of a Zn(II) ion or halogenation at the 2,6 positions. In vitro photodynamic therapy (PDT) studies targeting MCF-7 human breast cancer cells were carried out. To evaluate and understand the effectiveness of the dyes as photosensitisers, cellular uptake, phototoxicity and the half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) values were analysed. Photodynamic antimicrobial chemotherapy (PACT) studies were also carried out to study the effectiveness of the dyes against Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus). Dyes with donor-π-acceptor (D-π-A) properties were synthesised and tested against the second harmonic of the Nd:YAG laser in optical limiting (OL) studies. The second-order hyperpolarisability, third-order susceptibility and nonlinear absorption coefficient values were determined. The results suggest that 1,3,5,7-azaBODIPY dyes may be less suitable for use in this context than analogous D-π-A 3,5-distyrylBODIPY dyes. Molecular modelling was carried out to identify the structure-property relationships of the synthesised dyes by analysing trends in the energies of the frontier molecular orbitals (MOs) and spectroscopic properties.
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Date Issued: 2020

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Bacterial degradation of coal discard and geologically weathered coal:

- Olawale, Jacob T, Edeki, Oghenekume G, Cowan, Keith A

Authors: Olawale, Jacob T , Edeki, Oghenekume G , Cowan, Keith A
Date: 2020
Language: English
Type: text , article
Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/178694 , vital:40097 , https://doi.org/10.1007/s40789-020-00306-3
Description: The biodegradation of coal discard is being intensively studied in South Africa in an effort to develop passive methods for the successful revegetation and rehabilitation of waste dumps, to mitigate pollution, and facilitate mine closure. Bacteria were isolated from slurries of coal tailings and diesel-contaminated soil, screened for coal biodegradation competence, characterized, and the colonization and degradation of coal discard and geologically weathered coal investigated using individual isolates and consortia. Ten novel coal-degrading bacterial strains were isolated and characterized, the gene sequences deposited with GenBank, and the (wild-type) strains deposited at Microbial Culture Collection, India.
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Date Issued: 2020

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Bail applications in Nigeria and South Africa

- Babalola, Abdulateef Taiwo

Authors: Babalola, Abdulateef Taiwo
Date: 2020
Subjects: Bail -- South Africa
Language: English
Type: Thesis , Masters , LLM
Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/47325 , vital:39847
Description: Between the point of arrest and conviction, an accused person has a right to be released on bail based on his or her Constitutional right to liberty as well as the right to be presumed innocent. To grant bail to an accused person serves as a form of contract of insurance or a guarantee that if the accused person is released pending the determination of the case against him, he will not frustrate the course of justice and will appear at a later date to face trial. The essence of bail is to allow the accused person enjoy his right to liberty pending the determination of the criminal charge if the interest of justice will permit for his or her release. This study aims at comparing bail proceedings in both the Nigerian and South African criminal justice systems. The constitutions of both jurisdictions make provision for bail, as well as the Administration of Criminal Justice Act applicable in Nigeria and the Criminal Procedure Act which is applicable in South Africa. By comparing both jurisdictions, the similarities and differences that exist between both systems will become evident, which makes them unique and distinct of each other. During the course of this study, it will be discovered that the Nigerian bail procedure do not meet up to international standards in protecting the right to personal liberty of accused persons. It is believed that the recommendations that will be suggested in this study will improve the Nigerian bail procedure and make it more effective and efficient.
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Date Issued: 2020

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Barriers to, and enablers of urban tree planting in low-cost housing areas: lessons from participatory learning processes in South Africa

- Gwedla, Nanamhla

Authors: Gwedla, Nanamhla
Date: 2020
Subjects: Urban ecology (Sociology) -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Tree planting -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Trees in cities -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Urban forestry -- Law and legislation -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Low-income housing -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Cultural Historical Activity Theory (CHAT)
Language: English
Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/167065 , vital:41434
Description: The recent pronouncement of low-cost housing areas as sustainable human settlements came with an expectation for their development in line with Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 11. Unfortunately, the historical legacy and various socio-economic, socio-political, and socio-cultural dynamics characteristic of these areas have proven it challenging for them to conform to all requirements of urban sustainability, as evidenced in part by the virtual lack of greenspaces and urban trees. Through a three-tier inquiry of urban tree planting in low-cost housing areas using inductive and deductive mixed methods approaches, the aim of this research was to investigate the barriers to, and enablers of, tree planting in low-cost housing areas, and explore participatory learning opportunities to address the challenges and enhance the enablers. In the first segment, a participatory urban forest governance conceptual framing lens was used to situate the various actors in the development of the low-cost housing area urban forest and the dynamics of their involvement in that regard. Inquiry focused on an overview of tree planting across South Africa using key informant interviews, observations and document analysis. Secondly, distribution of trees, and barriers and enablers of tree planting in selected low-cost housing areas in the Eastern Cape province using household surveys, observations, key informant interviews and document analysis were investigated. Finally, drawing on interventionist methodology and adoption of Cultural-Historical Activity Theory (CHAT), the third segment tested scenarios of tree planting in three different small towns through focus group discussions and knowledge-sharing awareness events about trees and tree planting using an activity systems approach. Findings from the first segment ascertain the national Department of Environment, Forestry and Fisheries (DEFF) as the custodian of forestry, and by extension urban forestry in South Africa. Municipalities are tasked with implementing greening plans and strategies for public space planting, while private businesses collaborate with entities to contribute to tree-planting as part of their Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR). Civil society, including residents and Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) also contribute, especially for private space planting. However, there are currently very few initiatives implemented in low-cost housing areas. An assessment of ten tree planting initiatives revealed that the DEFF is the most common partner and stakeholder, and normally provides resources such as funding and trees. Most programs reported having undertaken community engagement before and during the tree planting. The general outcomes of these initiatives were centred on the survival rate of trees, job creation, and development of parks and gardens. Findings from the first part of the second segment, conducted in eight small-medium sized towns in the Eastern Cape, revealed a general lack of trees along streets of both the newly developed and old low-cost housing areas. In the private spaces, most households (52 %) reported having at least one tree in their yard, with households in the older suburbs (60 %) reporting more trees than the newer ones (44 %). Most of these trees (66 %) had been planted as opposed to natural regeneration. Previous participation in urban tree planting programs was low, but 75 % of residents expressed willingness to participate in the future. Municipal officials from these towns corroborated that they do not host tree planting events or initiatives, which was demonstrated by the limited incorporation of urban forestry and urban greening in municipal Integrated Development Plans (IDP). In the second part of the second segment, three groupings of barriers and enablers into biophysical, social, and resources revealed that the most mentioned barriers for the private space were resource barriers. The most prominent barriers were limited space in people’s yards, insufficient funds for tree purchases and associated resources, the lack of equipment, and damage to planted trees. Private space enablers of tree planting suggested include the availability of funds, allocation of space, and changes in attitudes towards trees. According to residents, the most prominent barriers to public space planting include the perceived incompetence of municipalities, limited space on the street, insufficient funds for tree planting programmes, damage to trees in public spaces, crime associated with street trees, and politics. Additionally, municipal officials reported that their efforts to plant trees were hindered by lack of communication and coordination between municipal departments. Residents suggested that enlisting the skills of residents for tree planting, engaging in education and awareness initiatives about trees and tree planting, and changing attitudes towards trees could enable tree planting. Municipal officials opined that education and awareness, revisions to and implementation of Environmental Management Plans, and inter-departmental collaborations and partnerships could improve the prospects for public space planting. Drawing on key findings from the second segment, an intervention to involve communities in tree planting using a case study approach in three towns ensued. Here an activity systems analysis of participatory tree planting initiatives was used. Findings revealed an array of multi-activity systems with multiple and partially overlapping objectives related to tree planting. Residents demonstrated that, with support, they can champion urban tree planting for their suburbs. However, contradictions and tensions within and between various activity systems emerged, creating opportunities for the expansive transformation of an activity that was previously not a priority. This study highlights the current distribution of power and resources in the governance system of the urban forest, ascertains the spatial heterogeneity of urban trees in areas of a similar socio-economic context, and provides lessons for best-practice in tree planting that involves multiple actors. It provides in-depth insights into what constrains tree planting, and highlights the importance of residents in the governance system of urban forests and how this can constrain or advance tree planting. Further research in participatory urban forest governance for a developing country, low-income context could utilize an expansive learning platform as this will provide first-hand experiences into learning what is not yet there, and provide communities with the opportunities to explore and devise localized solutions to the lack of trees in their residential areas.
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Date Issued: 2020

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Bat species richness and community composition along a mega-transect in the Okavango river basin:

- Weier, Sina M, Keith, Mark, Neef, Götz-Georg, Parker, Daniel M, Taylor, Peter J

Authors: Weier, Sina M , Keith, Mark , Neef, Götz-Georg , Parker, Daniel M , Taylor, Peter J
Date: 2020
Language: English
Type: text , article
Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/149264 , vital:38820 , https://doi.org/10.3390/d12050188
Description: The Okavango River Basin is a hotspot of bat diversity that requires urgent and adequate protection. To advise future conservation strategies, we investigated the relative importance of a range of potential environmental drivers of bat species richness and functional community composition in the Okavango River Basin. During annual canoe transects along the major rivers, originating in the central Angolan highlands, we recorded more than 25,000 bat echolocation calls from 2015 to 2018. We corrected for possible biases in sampling design and effort.
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Date Issued: 2020

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Battle of the large carnivores: spatial partitioning in a small, enclosed reserve?

- Comley, Jessica, Joubert, Christoffel J, Mgqatsa, Nokubonga, Parker, Daniel M

Authors: Comley, Jessica , Joubert, Christoffel J , Mgqatsa, Nokubonga , Parker, Daniel M
Date: 2020
Subjects: To be catalogued
Language: English
Type: text , article
Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/462581 , vital:76316 , xlink:href="https://hdl.handle.net/10520/EJC-2037326828"
Description: Interspecific competition among terrestrial carnivores can have widespread impacts on community structure and can ultimately determine which species are able to coexist. Within the carnivore guild, coexistence can be achieved through either spatial, temporal or dietary partitioning. The most effective method of avoiding competition may be spatial partitioning, as it removes the potential for negative interactions. The ways in which large carnivore species utilize and partition space in small, enclosed reserves in South Africa is currently poorly understood. This knowledge gap weakens our understanding of which mechanisms structure large carnivore communities in these systems. Thus, our aim was to use Global Positioning System (GPS) collars to investigate the spatial dynamics of large carnivores [four lions (Panthera leo), three leopards (Panthera pardus) and three spotted hyaenas (Crocuta crocuta)] on a small, enclosed reserve (Selati Game Reserve). Regarding home ranges, lions had considerable overlap among themselves (especially the females), leopards had minimal overlap, while spotted hyaenas had no home range overlap. Although we found no evidence for spatial partitioning amongst the collared large carnivores, differences in the habitat use patterns of the three large carnivore species is evident. The high prey abundance of Selati, carnivore predation strategies, behavioural adaptations and ecological separation could be facilitating the coexistence of lions, spotted hyaenas and leopards in Selati. We encourage future research to be aimed at investigating the interactions of multiple sympatric carnivores in an attempt to bridge the knowledge gap on which mechanisms structure carnivore communities.
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Date Issued: 2020

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Bayesian accelerated life tests for the Weibull distribution under non-informative priors

- Mostert, Philip

Authors: Mostert, Philip
Date: 2020
Subjects: Accelerated life testing -- Statistical methods , Accelerated life testing -- Mathematical models , Failure time data analysis , Bayesian statistical decision theory , Monte Carlo method , Weibull distribution
Language: English
Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MSc
Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/172181 , vital:42173
Description: In a competitive world where products are designed to last for long periods of time, obtaining time-to-failure data is both difficult and costly. Hence for products with high reliability, accelerated life testing is required to obtain relevant life-data quickly. This is done by placing the products under higher-than-use stress levels, thereby causing the products to fail prematurely. Part of the analysis of accelerated life-data requires a life distribution that describes the lifetime of a product at a given stress level and a life-stress relationship – which is some function that describes the way in which the life distribution changes across different stress levels. In this thesis it is assumed that the underlying life distribution is the wellknown Weibull distribution, with shape parameter constant over all stress levels and scale parameter as a log-linear function of stress. The primary objective of this thesis is to obtain estimates from Bayesian analysis, and this thesis considers five types of non-informative prior distributions: Jeffreys’ prior, reference priors, maximal data information prior, uniform prior and probability matching priors. Since the associated posterior distribution under all the derived non-informative priors are of an unknown form, the propriety of the posterior distributions is assessed to ensure admissible results. For comparison purposes, estimates obtained via the method of maximum likelihood are also considered. Finding these estimates requires solving non-linear equations, hence the Newton-Raphson algorithm is used to obtain estimates. A simulation study based on the time-to-failure of accelerated data is conducted to compare results between maximum likelihood and Bayesian estimates. As a result of the Bayesian posterior distributions being analytically intractable, two methods to obtain Bayesian estimates are considered: Markov chain Monte Carlo methods and Lindley’s approximation technique. In the simulation study the posterior means and the root mean squared error values of the estimates under the symmetric squared error loss function and the two asymmetric loss functions: the LINEX loss function and general entropy loss function, are considered. Furthermore the coverage rates for the Bayesian Markov chain Monte Carlo and maximum likelihood estimates are found, and are compared by their average interval lengths. A case study using a dataset based on accelerated time-to-failure of an insulating fluid is considered. The fit of these data for the Weibull distribution is studied and is compared to that of other popular life distributions. A full simulation study is conducted to illustrate convergence of the proper posterior distributions. Both maximum likelihood and Bayesian estimates are found for these data. The deviance information criterion is used to compare Bayesian estimates between the prior distributions. The case study is concluded by finding reliability estimates of the data at use-stress levels.
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Date Issued: 2020

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BEd foundation phase fourth year student teachers’ self-efficacy beliefs towards teaching mathematics and the self-reported factors that influence these self-efficacy beliefs

- Harrison, Chloe

Authors: Harrison, Chloe
Date: 2020
Subjects: Mathematics -- Study and teaching (Elementary) -- South Africa , Mathematics teachers -- Training of -- South Africa , Educational evaluation -- South Africa , Student teachers -- Training of -- South Africa , Student teachers -- Rating of -- South Africa , Social cognitive theory , Self-efficacy
Language: English
Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/147004 , vital:38584
Description: The underperformance of mathematics teaching and learning is a pressing concern in South Africa. Many foundation phase in-service teachers show inadequate mathematics content knowledge which creates barriers to their learners acquiring adequate mathematics skills. Teacher training programmes offer a key opportunity to improve the instructional practices of teachers at foundation phase level. In order to improve the teaching skills of in-service teachers, one focus must be on teacher training programmes. Unfortunately, there are many foundation phase student teachers who are leaving the profession within the first few years of teaching reportedly due to low levels of motivation. This research investigates the self-efficacy beliefs of pre-service student teachers. It also focuses on foundation phase student teachers as they experience significant challenges to their self-efficacy beliefs in mathematics and mathematics teaching. Self-efficacy is the key theory of the study. It stems from Bandura’s social cognitive theory and is an individual’s judgments about their capabilities, skills and perceived performance. This qualitative research adopts an interpretivist approach which seeks to identify Bed foundation phase fourth year student teachers’ self-efficacy beliefs towards teaching mathematics and the self-reported factors influencing such beliefs. This research found that BEd foundation phase fourth year student teachers have low self-efficacy beliefs towards teaching mathematics. The purpose of this research is to raise awareness of the BEd student teachers’ low self-efficacy beliefs towards teaching mathematics. The results from this research will provide a platform for future intervention research, as well as potentially influencing student teacher training programmes.
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Date Issued: 2020

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Beef quality, oxidative stability and fatty acid composition of Nguni heifers fed diets with incremental levels of Opuntia ficus-indica (cactus) cladodes

- Mkhosi, Silungile

Authors: Mkhosi, Silungile
Date: 2020
Subjects: Meat -- Quality
Language: English
Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc (Animal Science )
Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/18732 , vital:42728
Description: The objective of the study was to determine meat quality, fatty acid (FA) composition and shelf-life stability of longissimus muscle of Nguni heifers fed incremental levels of Opuntia ficus-indica (cactus) cladodes. A total of 32 heifers aged 36 months were allocated randomly to four dietary treatments: 10% cactus, 20% cactus, commercial and control diets for 90 days. The longissimus thoracis et lumborum (LTL) samples were taken from each carcass for the determination of meat quality, retail shelf-life stability and FA composition. Diet had no effect (P > 0.05) on pH and drip display, however, there was an increase in drip display with ageing time (P ≤ 0.05). Meat colour attributes (L* a* b* and C*) were influenced by diet, with 20% cactus diet having lower L* values compared to other diets (P ≤ 0.05). During a 14-day retail display, a diet  day interaction was observed for hue angle with the cactus diets having the lowest values at day 14 of display compared to the other diets (P ≤ 0.05). Differences in meat from heifers fed different diets were observed with 20% cactus accounting for significantly (P ≤ 0.05) higher levels of deoxymyoglobin and the lowest levels of oxymyoglobin. Thawing loss and Warner Bratzler shear force decreased (P ≤ 0.05) with ageing period. Meat from heifers fed cactus diets had lower (P ≤ 0.05) proportions of oleic acid (C18:1n9c) and total MUFA, higher (P ≤ 0.05) proportions of total SFA, C15:1, C17:1, linoleic acid (C18:2n6c) and total PUFA. The control diet produced meat with the highest thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) values compared to other diets (P ≤ 0.05) and with ageing TBARS values increased (P ≤ 0.05). Diet showed an effect (P ≤ 0.05) on sensory attributes such as overall tenderness and mouth feel with cactus diets accounting for lower scores. However, juiciness, overall tenderness, grassy and animal like attributes increased with ageing (P ≤ 0.05). Inclusion of cactus in the diet did not produce any adverse effects on meat quality, fatty acid composition, lipid oxidation and sensory quality. Therefore, it can be concluded that inclusion of cactus in Nguni heifer finisher diets up to 20% can improve meat quality.
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Date Issued: 2020

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