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An investigation of parameter relationships in a high-speed digital multimedia environment

  • Authors: Chigwamba, Nyasha
  • Date: 2014
  • Subjects: Multimedia communications , Digital communications , Local area networks (Computer networks) , Computer network architectures , Computer network protocols , Computer sound processing , Sound -- Recording and reproducing -- Digital techniques
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
  • Identifier: vital:4725 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1021153
  • Description: With the rapid adoption of multimedia network technologies, a number of companies and standards bodies are introducing technologies that enhance user experience in networked multimedia environments. These technologies focus on device discovery, connection management, control, and monitoring. This study focused on control and monitoring. Multimedia networks make it possible for devices that are part of the same network to reside in different physical locations. These devices contain parameters that are used to control particular features, such as speaker volume, bass, amplifier gain, and video resolution. It is often necessary for changes in one parameter to affect other parameters, such as a synchronised change between volume and bass parameters, or collective control of multiple parameters. Thus, relationships are required between the parameters. In addition, some devices contain parameters, such as voltage, temperature, and audio level, that require constant monitoring to enable corrective action when thresholds are exceeded. Therefore, a mechanism for monitoring networked devices is required. This thesis proposes relationships that are essential for the proper functioning of a multimedia network and that should, therefore, be incorporated in standard form into a protocol, such that all devices can depend on them. Implementation mechanisms for these relationships were created. Parameter grouping and monitoring capabilities within mixing console implementations and existing control protocols were reviewed. A number of requirements for parameter grouping and monitoring were derived from this review. These requirements include a formal classification of relationship types, the ability to create relationships between parameters with different underlying value units, the ability to create relationships between parameters residing on different devices on a network, and the use of an event-driven mechanism for parameter monitoring. These requirements were the criteria used to govern the implementation mechanisms that were created as part of this study. Parameter grouping and monitoring mechanisms were implemented for the XFN protocol. The mechanisms implemented fulfil the requirements derived from the review of capabilities of mixing consoles and existing control protocols. The formal classification of relationship types was implemented within XFN parameters using lists that keep track of the relationships between each XFN parameter and other XFN parameters that reside on the same device or on other devices on the network. A common value unit, known as the global unit, was defined for use as the value format within value update messages between XFN parameters that have relationships. Mapping tables were used to translate the global unit values to application-specific (universal) units, such as decibels (dB). A mechanism for bulk parameter retrieval within the XFN protocol was augmented to produce an event-driven mechanism for parameter monitoring. These implementation mechanisms were applied to an XFN-protocol-compliant graphical control application to demonstrate their usage within an end user context. At the time of this study, the XFN protocol was undergoing standardisation within the Audio Engineering Society. The AES-64 standard has now been approved. Most of the implementation mechanisms resulting from this study have been incorporated into this standard.
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  • Date Issued: 2014

An investigation of protocol command translation as a means to enable interoperability between networked audio devices

  • Authors: Igumbor, Osedum Peter
  • Date: 2014
  • Subjects: Streaming audio Data transmission systems Computer network protocols Computer networks -- Management Command languages (Computer science)
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
  • Identifier: vital:4689 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1011128
  • Description: Digital audio networks allow multiple channels of audio to be streamed between devices. This eliminates the need for many different cables to route audio between devices. An added advantage of digital audio networks is the ability to configure and control the networked devices from a common control point. Common control of networked devices enables a sound engineer to establish and destroy audio stream connections between networked devices that are distances apart. On a digital audio network, an audio transport technology enables the exchange of data streams. Typically, an audio transport technology is capable of transporting both control messages and audio data streams. There exist a number of audio transport technologies. Some of these technologies implement data transport by exchanging OSI/ISO layer 2 data frames, while others transport data within OSI/ISO layer 3 packets. There are some approaches to achieving interoperability between devices that utilize different audio transport technologies. A digital audio device typically implements an audio control protocol, which enables it process configuration and control messages from a remote controller. An audio control protocol also defines the structure of the messages that are exchanged between compliant devices. There are currently a wide range of audio control protocols. Some audio control protocols utilize layer 3 audio transport technology, while others utilize layer 2 audio transport technology. An audio device can only communicate with other devices that implement the same control protocol, irrespective of a common transport technology that connects the devices. The existence of different audio control protocols among devices on a network results in a situation where the devices are unable to communicate with each other. Furthermore, a single control application is unable to establish or destroy audio stream connections between the networked devices, since they implement different control protocols. When an audio engineer is designing an audio network installation, this interoperability challenge restricts the choice of devices that can be included. Even when audio transport interoperability has been achieved, common control of the devices remains a challenge. This research investigates protocol command translation as a means to enable interoperability between networked audio devices that implement different audio control protocols. It proposes the use of a command translator that is capable of receiving messages conforming to one protocol from any of the networked devices, translating the received message to conform to a different control protocol, then transmitting the translated message to the intended target which understands the translated protocol message. In so doing, the command translator enables common control of the networked devices, since a control application is able to configure and control devices that conform to different protocols by utilizing the command translator to perform appropriate protocol translation.
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  • Date Issued: 2014

An investigation of stakeholder participation and learning in two schools within the Seychelles Eco-School programme

  • Authors: Emilie, Shane Antonio
  • Date: 2014
  • Subjects: Environmental education -- Seychelles Schools -- Environmental aspects -- Seychelles Education, Primary -- Parent participation -- Seychelles Education, Secondary -- Parent participation -- Seychelles Student participation in administration -- Education (Primary) -- Seychelles Student participation in administration -- Education (Secondary) -- Seychelles Student participation in curriculum planning -- Education (Primary) -- Seychelles Student participation in curriculum planning -- Education (Secondary) -- Seychelles Education, Primary -- Seychelles Education, Secondary -- Seychelles
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
  • Identifier: vital:1969 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1011961
  • Description: The aim of this study was to investigate stakeholder participation and learning in the Seychelles Eco-School programme within a primary school context and a secondary school context. Findings from each Eco-School have been presented in two case studies with the goal to explore and describe how teachers, students, parents and organizations are participating and learning in the Eco-School programme. Six elements of school community were used to deepen understanding of the participatory and learning processes in each Eco-School, namely, leadership, management and administration, curriculum planning, teaching and learning, resource use and management, management of physical surrounds of the school and networks and partnerships. Some of the contextual variables in each Eco-School that were constraining and enabling stakeholder participation and learning in the programme have also been explored within this study. Data in this study was generated from historical documents analysed, semi-structured interviews, focus group discussions and field notes. Data was also generated from questionnaires completed by organizations involved in the programme at each Eco- School. Data was analysed in two phases, the first phase involved reading across data generated from the methods mentioned above to organize the data under broad themes in relation to the elements of school community. The second phase of analysis involved the use of the conceptual framework of situating learning in a community of practice to interpret and discuss the participatory and learning processes across the two cases. The study showed that in each Eco-School there is a community of practice with the active involvement of teachers and students and the occasional involvement of parents and organizations. Students and adults are learning as they engage together in classroom and field-work interactions, environmental projects, environmental activities to commemorate environmental theme days, environmental campaigns and co-curricular activities through the practices of each Eco-School community. It was also discovered that students and adults are making different contributions in the Eco-School community based on their level of participation in the programme. It is hoped that the findings in this research contribute information regarding community participation in environmental education programmes like the Seychelles Eco-School programme. In addition, findings will inform the Seychelles Government and its partners to consider the possibility of enhancing school and community partnerships to respond to some of the challenges of participation and learning in the Eco-School programme.
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  • Date Issued: 2014

An investigation of the expectations held by retail tenants with regards to the internal marketing function performed by their shopping centre landlord

  • Authors: Bosman, Jiminy-Ann Ashurde
  • Date: 2014
  • Subjects: Shopping centers , Retail trade , Stores, Retail , Consumer satisfaction
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/3725 , vital:20458
  • Description: While much has been written about retail stores and the retail environment, franchises and organisational marketing, not much can be found on “host” organisations such as shopping centres and their role within the marketing mix. A unique disparity exists within shopping centres in that not only are they an organisation with their own brand identity and culture, but they also play host to numerous retailers and franchises with very clear brands and messages of their own. The question that is often posed to the landlord is therefore whose message or what message is the correct one to market to the common consumer-base targeted by both the shopping centre (landlord) and the tenant (retailers). When considering this, it is important to understand that a symbiotic relationship exists between landlord and tenant within shopping centres in that if a tenant is successful this will result in greater rentals for the landlord and if the landlord’s property is successful, i.e. popular, this will result in greater revenue for the tenant. Both parties therefore actively engage in marketing of their businesses and whilst the message is often noticeably different, what is unique is that this is often to the same consumer-base. Tenants in many shopping centres contribute towards centre marketing expenses as part of their lease agreements and as a result have certain expectations in terms of what message is being marketed. Shopping centres varying in size and tenant numbers make the landlords marketing role that much more complex and often generic messaging is employed to umbrella the wide offering available. This study aims at investigating the expectations held by retail tenants of their shopping centre landlords through the internal communications function. Corporate communication theory as well as public relations theory was used as a grounding.
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  • Date Issued: 2014

An investigation of the intention to leave or stay of health care professionals at St. Andrews Hospital

  • Authors: Amanambu, Rochelle Aneeta
  • Date: 2014
  • Subjects: Medical personnel -- Job satisfaction -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Case studies Medical personnel -- Job stress -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Case studies Hospitals -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Administration Hospitals -- Medical staff -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Hospitals -- Officials and employees -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Turnover Health services administration -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Health planning -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
  • Identifier: vital:823 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1011091
  • Description: Background: The demand for and retention of talent worldwide is aggravated by revolutionary trends that include global competition, demographic changes and technological advances. In South Africa this phenomenon according to Frost (2002) is further challenged by the emigration of skilled people; the relative scarcity of specialist and managerial employees; employment equity and affirmative action procedures. But the development of strategies first requires an understanding of the factors which influence decisions to leave or stay particularly in rural and remote areas. St. Andrews Hospital is a rural district hospital in Ugu District, KZN. Its remoteness from urban areas and the lack of resources contributes towards challenges of attracting and retaining health care professionals to the area. It is the aim of this study to identify the ten most prevalent turnover and retention factors in a rural district hospital with the intention of making recommendations towards strategies to mitigate turnover and improve retention of health care professionals. This study will not only serve the local Human Resource Department but may also be used to inform district and provincial policies as well as departments’ decisions in the design or the review of current retention strategies aimed at reducing turnover. Method: The survey method was used to collect the primary data by distribution of self-administered questionnaires to Health Care Professionals at St. Andrews Hospital. Of the one hundred and fifty questionnaires distributed, one hundred and seven were returned (71% response rate) and formed the basis of the study. Results: Based on the impact scores, the top three turnover factors identified were, the way the organisation is led by top management (0.934); the size of the workload (0.862); and the way problems are dealt with by managers in the organisation (0.817). No statistically significant relationships were found between turnover factors and biographical variable. Availability of quality health services was ranked as the external factor that had the highest influence (78%) on turnover, while geographical location was ranked the lowest. The main reason given by respondents for leaving their previous employment was promotion, followed by distance and personal/family reasons. The top three retention factors identified from the impact scores were the quality of relationships with colleagues (1.698); the amount of support received from managers and colleagues (1.484); and the level of engagement and involvement with the job (1.390). This demonstrates that the salary package often thought to be a first priority factor Mobley, Horner and Hollingsworth (1978); Mobley (1982) and Herzberg (2003) is far less of a determining factor at St. Andrews Hospital than management support, job involvement and person-organisation fit as well as the social relationships formed in the workplace. A positive relationship was found between leadership and job dimension factors at the 1% level of significance. This supports the strong social bond (person-organisation fit) formed in the work environment between management and colleagues that supports retention and increases level of commitment. An important result of the study was that 46% of the respondents were thinking of leaving the town within the year while 29% were considering resigning from St. Andrews Hospital within the year. Conclusion: The results reveal a complex interaction of factors impacting on turnover and retention. The Human Resource Management function has a pivotal role to play in improving its ability to attract and retain professionals through developing comprehensive strategies based on external and internal and environmental factors. The study conveys to the St. Andrews Hospital management that turnover and retention factors are unique to the location and the working environment and differs amongst Health Care Professionals – this should be deliberated on when formulating Hospital Human Resource retention policies.
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  • Date Issued: 2014

An investigation of the potential anti-diabetic (insulinomimetic) activity of anti-oxidant compounds derived from Sargassum heterophyllum

  • Authors: Nyambe, Mutenta Nsokolo
  • Date: 2014
  • Subjects: Sargassum , Diabetes -- Chemotherapy , Diabetes -- Africa , Antioxidants -- Therapeutic use , Marine algae , Endemic plants -- South Africa
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
  • Identifier: vital:3874 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1021020
  • Description: In Africa, non-communicable diseases such as diabetes mellitus have been generally neglected. This problem has worsened over the years owing to continuous threats from infectious diseases such as HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria. Despite this, statistics have shown that by 2030, the African region will have the highest proportional increase in diabetes prevalence. Over 80% of all diabetic deaths occur in developing countries probably not only due to poor equity of access to medication but also due to limited efficacy and side effects associated with the commonly available anti-diabetic agents. Therefore, this creates the desperate need for the development of new anti-diabetic agents that are more efficacious and can be sourced from within the continent. With oxidative stress as a suggested mechanism underlying the cause of diabetes mellitus and diabetic complications, the discovery of natural anti-oxidants that prevent free radical mediated damage is important for developing new treatment strategies. Marine algae have been identified as good sources for natural anti-oxidants. Unfortunately, very few studies have embarked on the discovery of marine-derived anti-oxidant compounds with potential anti-diabetic activity. In this project, we investigated the potential anti-oxidant activity of the South African endemic algae Stypopodium multipartitum, Dictyopterus ligulata, Cystophora fibriosa, Bifurcariopsis capensis, Sargassum sp. and Sargassum heterophyllum. From these studies, Sargassum heterophyllum yielded prenylated compounds, the main compound being sargahydroquinoic acid (3.6) and the carotenoid metabolite fucoxanthin (3.8), which are in part responsible for the radical scavenging activity of the crude extract. Sargahydroquinoic acid (3.6) and fucoxanthin (3.8) also exhibited significant anti-inflammatory activity. Sargaquinoic acid (3.1), sargachromenoic acid (3.9) and sarganaphthoquinoic acid (3.10) were then semi-synthesized from sargahydroquinoic acid (3.6) and their in-vitro cytotoxicity profiles evaluated using Chang Liver, HT-29, Caco-2 and 3T3-L1 cell lines prior to antidiabetic testing. From the semi-synthetic derivatives, sargachromenoic acid (3.9) exhibited the most potent anti-oxidant activity (IC₅₀ = 6.99 μg/mL). After the evaluation of antidiabetic activity using 3T3-L1 preadipocyte differentiation, sarganaphthoquinoic acid (3.10) showed the most potent insulinomimetic activity at 1.19 μM by inducing a PPARγ response similar to that of rosiglitazone at 1 μM.
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  • Date Issued: 2014

An investigation of the question of cyber-ethics in social media-communications within selected South African NGOs

  • Authors: Mbinjama-Gamatham, Adelina
  • Date: 2014
  • Subjects: Social media -- Moral and ethical aspects Non-governmental organizations -- South Africa , Online social networks -- Moral and ethical aspects , Communication -- Social aspects
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DPhil
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/45804 , vital:39196
  • Description: The issue of ethics on the internet has become complicated due to a number of people placing material on cyberspace. NGOs are increasingly using social media to promote their products and services. Jürgen Habermas’ theory of communicative action and discourse ethics as a theoretical basis to the study merges together several factors which impact on the use of social media as a communicational tool for social marketing. The study explores how eight “ethical variables” (ethical and moral problems) are impacted by social media. The variables- justice, privacy, access, accuracy, truth, human dignity, regulation and ownership of information are a basis of enquiry by conducting in-depth interviews with employers/managers of 10 selected South African NGOs, as well as distributing survey questionnaires to 150 employees/volunteers of the NGOs to determine their experiences with cyberspace. The research investigates the social contexts of the selected NGOs and the safety measures they implement to protect their reputations and corporate identities. The study analyzes unethical behaviours that exist within the selected virtual organizations of the NGOs and investigates the ethical guidelines they follow in order to deal with the breaches of ethics. The study offers recommendations into amending drafted or existing public procedural policies for the purpose of self-regulating present and future users of social media. The study proposes that the continued misuse of social media may cause social media guidelines to be embedded into existing national legislative frameworks, such as South Africa’s Bill of Rights, as well as media and communications Acts.
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  • Date Issued: 2014

An investigation of the relationship between financial sector development and economic growth in South Africa

  • Authors: Lotz, Michael James
  • Date: 2014
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom (Economics)
  • Identifier: vital:11482 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1015285
  • Description: This study examines the relationship between financial development and economic growth in South Africa in order to get a better understanding of which direction the causality runs. The study takes a look at the literature on the topic as well as econometric techniques using data from 1990 to 2011. A Vector Error Correction Model (VECM) is used to determine the long run relationship between the variables. The Granger causality tests are done in order to determine the direction of causality between variables. Economic growth is proxied by GDP and financial development is proxied by liquid liabilities, credit to the private sector and turnover of shares traded. After careful evaluation and interpretation, it is determined that there is indeed a relationship between financial development and economic growth. Furthermore, the relationship is bidirectional. Policies should thus take on a balanced approach in that they should pursue both financial development and economic growth in order to maximise growth and development in the country.
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  • Date Issued: 2014

An investigation of the role of mitochondrial STAT3 and modulation of Reactive Oxygen Species in adipocyte differentiation

  • Authors: Kramer, Adam Hildyard
  • Date: 2014
  • Language: English
  • Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MSc
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/54632 , vital:26595
  • Description: Stem cells have the ability to differentiate into a myriad of different cell types. The understanding of the differentiation process is of paramount importance if we are to use these cells in the lab as well as in therapeutics. Here, the levels and localization of the signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3), with particular attention focused on the mitochondrial serine 727 phosphorylated form of STAT3 (pSTAT3S727) during differentiation, was investigated. Using the murine preadipocyte progenitor cell line 3T3-L1, as well as adipose derived human mesenchymal stem cells (HMSC-ad) as differentiation models, the relative levels of Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) and the levels and localization of STAT3 were investigated during the differentiation process. ROS is known to play an important signalling role during differentiation and is well reported during the events of adipogenesis. ROS are generated as a by-product in the Electron Transport Chain (ETC), and it has recently been reported that pSTAT3S727 plays an important role at complex I of the ETC. Various techniques including fluorescence confocal microscopy, flow cytometry and Western blots were utilized to investigate the non-canonical role STAT3 plays during adipogenesis. Mitochondrial isolations were performed to investigate the levels of STAT3 in the mitochondria during differentiation. Further to this, an impedance based real time differentiation assay was developed using the xCELLigence Real Time Cell Analyser to monitor differentiation and the affects various compounds, including a STAT3 inhibitor, have on differentiation. Results indicate that upon induction of differentiation, levels of mitochondrial pSTAT3S727 dramatically decrease and leave the mitochondria. This corresponds to increasing levels of ROS. The canonical active form of STAT3 following phosphorylation on tyrosine 705 (pSTAT3Y705) was found to decrease and lose its nuclear localization. These initial results indicate that STAT3 plays an important non-canonical role in the mitochondria during differentiation.
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  • Date Issued: 2014

An investigation of the XMOS XSl architecture as a platform for development of audio control standards

  • Authors: Dibley, James
  • Date: 2014
  • Subjects: Microcontrollers -- Research , Streaming audio -- Standards -- Research , Computer sound processing -- Research , Computer network protocols -- Standards -- Research , Communication -- Technological innovations -- Research
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
  • Identifier: vital:4694 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1011789 , Microcontrollers -- Research , Streaming audio -- Standards -- Research , Computer sound processing -- Research , Computer network protocols -- Standards -- Research , Communication -- Technological innovations -- Research
  • Description: This thesis investigates the feasiblity of using a new microcontroller architecture, the XMOS XS1, in the research and development of control standards for audio distribution networks. This investigation is conducted in the context of an emerging audio distribution network standard, Ethernet Audio/Video Bridging (`Ethernet AVB'), and an emerging audio control standard, AES-64. The thesis describes these emerging standards, the XMOS XS1 architecture (including its associated programming language, XC), and the open-source implementation of an Ethernet AVB streaming audio device based on the XMOS XS1 architecture. It is shown how the XMOS XS1 architecture and its associated features, focusing on the XC language's mechanisms for concurrency, event-driven programming, and integration of C software modules, enable a powerful implementation of the AES-64 control standard. Feasibility is demonstrated by the implementation of an AES-64 protocol stack and its integration into an XMOS XS1-based Ethernet AVB streaming audio device, providing control of Ethernet AVB features and audio hardware, as well as implementations of advanced AES-64 control mechanisms. It is demonstrated that the XMOS XS1 architecture is a compelling platform for the development of audio control standards, and has enabled the implementation of AES-64 connection management and control over standards-compliant Ethernet AVB streaming audio devices where no such implementation previously existed. The research additionally describes a linear design method for applications based on the XMOS XS1 architecture, and provides a baseline implementation reference for the AES-64 control standard where none previously existed.
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  • Date Issued: 2014

An investigation of Wikipedia translation as an additive pedagogy for Oshikwanyama first language learning

  • Authors: Hautemo, Aletta Mweneni
  • Date: 2014
  • Subjects: Kuanyama language -- Study and teaching (Secondary) -- Computer-assisted instruction , Kuanyama language -- Machine translating -- Namibia , Language and languages -- Study and teaching (Secondary) -- Computer-assisted instruction , Computer-assisted instruction -- Study and teaching (Secondary) -- Namibia , Information technology -- Study and teaching (Secondary) -- Namibia , Educational technology -- Namibia , Wikipedia
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
  • Identifier: vital:1982 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1013139
  • Description: The integration of Information and Communication Technology in the indigenous language classroom lags behind compared to other subjects. In many ways, indigenous language teachers find it difficult and to some extent, impossible to integrate ICT into their classroom activities. The focus of this study is to explore the ways in which ICT could be used as a learning tool in an Oshikwanyama First Language classroom. I investigated the use of Wikipedia translation as an additional teaching and learning tool. I concentrated on the impact that ICT tools have on learning, and the motivation it has on learners to learn Oshikwanyama. This qualitative case study was conducted in an urban school in northern Namibia. The adoption of ICT at the school is good as there is a full-fledged computer lab with unlimited wireless internet access. This was a requirement for the project to enable the participants to work online. I purposefully chose higher-level learners (Secondary phase) for this study. I conducted a survey with them on their access to and use of ICT devices in their daily lives, and thereafter conducted a basic computer workshop and a Wikipedia translation project with them. My research findings show that although the use of ICT is part of the learners’ lives, most of the communication through ICT devices is done in English not Oshikwanyama. Wikipedia translation offers a stimulating learning platform for learners to learn Oshikwanyama and English at the same time and this improved their performance in both languages. Furthermore, the Wikipedia translation, which was done collaboratively, gave learners the confidence to work with other learners to create knowledge. Lastly, Wikipedia translation motivates learners to learn Oshikwanyama and use it in their daily ICT interaction.
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  • Date Issued: 2014

An investigation on patient's perceptions regarding commencement of treatment following diagnosis with breast cancer at Frere Hospital, Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality, Eastern Cape Province

  • Authors: Ntombekaya, Matwele Caroline
  • Date: 2014
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc (Nursing Science)
  • Identifier: vital:11927 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1021305
  • Description: The aim of the study was to: explore and describe patient’s perceptions regarding commencement of treatment following diagnosis with breast cancer at Frere Hospital in Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality in the Eastern Cape, South Africa. Reasons why patients diagnosed with breast cancer delay in the commencement of the treatment were to be elicited and strategies for curbing the problem were looked into. A qualitative approach was used, with an exploratory, descriptive and contextual design. The purposive sampling technique was used. The sample comprised 15 participants, 14 Black Africans and 1 Coloured lady. Data were collected using an interview guide from female patients diagnosed with breast cancer whose age ranged from 18-72 years. Interviews were recorded on a tape. Tesch’s (1990) steps of qualitative data analysis guided the analysis process. The results revealed that being diagnosed with breast cancer is perceived as a traumatic and painful experience with negative emotional, social, physical impact and unbearable side effects of from the treatment. Fear of undergoing treatment emerged as a barrier for taking prompt treatment. In exploring, one needs to use empathy, particularly that the researcher engaged in bringing to surface painful information. With the use of understanding and broad mindedness, participants opened up. Recommendations were made regarding strategies for care.
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  • Date Issued: 2014

An investigation on the effectiveness of lifestyle modification interventions for hypertensive patients in a public health clinic, in the Eastern Cape Province

  • Authors: Katiya, Lulama Pearl
  • Date: 2014
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc (Community Nursing Science)
  • Identifier: vital:11926 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1021131
  • Description: The continued increase in morbidity and mortality of hypertensive patients in Alice in the Eastern Cape Province, prompted the researcher to investigate the effectiveness of lifestyle modification intervention on hypertensive patients. High morbidity and mortality rates of hypertensive patients are occuring in spite of hypertensive patients being taught about lifestyle modification (De Haan, 2006:55). According to the fifth South African Guidelines (2011:60), hypertension is a global health burden affecting developed and developing countries including South Africa. In 2003, the South African District Health Statistics showed that in the Eastern Cape, 221 females over 15 years of age and 101 males over 15 years of age had moderate hypertension and 92 males over 15 years had severe hypertension. Hypertension is a `silent killer` because it seldom gives rise to any symptoms (De Haan, 2006:66). The objectives of the study were to: investigate the effectiveness of lifestyle modification intervention on hypertensive patients, and to determine the strategies used in order to ensure the effectiveness of lifestyle modification by hypertensive patients. The research question was: what is the level of effectiveness of lifestyle modification on hypertensive patients in Alice? A descriptive quantitative research design was used in this study. This design allowed the researcher to investigate the effectiveness of lifestyle modification of hypertensive patients in Alice area. A convenience sample was used to sample the target population for the study on the criteria and a total of 169 respondents served as a size of the sample. A pre-test of the tool was carried out on 16 participants to validate the tool before the actual data collection commenced. Ethical approval was obtained from University of Fort Hare, the Department of Health, as well as Victoria Hospital and clinics. Data were collected by means of self-administered questionnaires. The Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) version 21.0 software for windows reference was used to analyse the data. The results were presented in tables, graphs and pie charts. The results revealed that 77% (n=125) reported to know nothing about hypertension. Twenty three percent of the participants (n=37) knew about hypertension, they mentioned that it is when the heart has too much blood that is overloading the heart due to problems of the heart, then the blood flow through the heart is disturbed. Furthermore participants stated that it is important that every hypertensive patient engage in lifestyle modification. The study recommended that the Department of Health should emphasise the use of Hypertension Guidelines where all nurses in public clinics should be trained in educating and doing counselling to all hypertensive patients, including those who are pre-hypertensive that are visiting the clinics. Health education about risk factors and complications of hypertension must be done. All patients visiting public clinics must be educated regardless of their problems.
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  • Date Issued: 2014

An investigation on the opinions of teachers on the policy implementation of life orientation curriculum: a case study of five schools in Cofimvaba Education District

  • Authors: Matshikiza, Spokazi
  • Date: 2014
  • Subjects: Curriculum-based assessment -- South Africa , Curriculum planning -- South Africa , High school teaching --South Africa
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , M Ed
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/679 , vital:26487 , Curriculum-based assessment -- South Africa , Curriculum planning -- South Africa , High school teaching --South Africa
  • Description: The purpose of this study was to investigate the opinions of teachers on the implementation of Life Orientation curriculum in five schools of the Cofimvaba Education District. In 1994, there were so many changes in South Africa which brought educational transformation at the fore front and centre of all discussions about the changes in general. The curriculum was reviewed and perceived as a guide meant to reflect the values and principles for envisaged learner such as human rights, social and environmental justice with a high level of skills, values and knowledge. Life Orientation as a compulsory subject that was introduced in the epitome of these changes and presents South Africa with the opportunity of providing a meaningful contribution to its youth and mainly as a partial solution to various social problems. The bottom-up model was used to explain the data which was collected from 5 schools in Cofimvaba district using structured interview schedule The schools selected were based in the rural areas of Cofimvaba District and the number of participants interviewed were 15 teachers with different educational qualifications. The data was then arranged and sorted into common themes as well as tallying and ranking of the responses. This was done in order to uncover the main issues that make the findings of the current study. The data collected revealed that some of the Life Orientation teachers from the GET Band (school 2: 3 teachers, school 3: 6 teachers and school 5: 2 teachers) did not receive any training nor support from the Department of Education on implementing Life Orientation and that resulted to implementation difficulties in their schools. However, some teachers that were interviewed in school 1, 2 (3 teachers) and in school 4 joyfully responded by informing the researcher that the Department of Education was supportive to such an extent that the department has provided study material, teaching material, annual teaching plan and also organised support workshops for them. Although that was the case, some schools (2, 3 and 5) are still experiencing some shortages in terms of teaching materials as they go to the neighbouring schools for support. Though there was support that was given by the Department of Education to Life Orientation, it is still inadequate as it could not cater for all the needs of the schools. In addition, the challenges faced by the above mentioned schools may also result in the provision of unbalanced LO curriculum implementation. Support and monitoring is crucial aspect when it comes to implementation of a certain learning area especially when dealing with Life Orientation. This is an easy subject to deal with since it entails issues of life, therefore, whatever support that needs to be provided in future will be appreciated in order to the teachers to be able to implement the curriculum according to its expected standards.
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  • Date Issued: 2014

An investigation on the role of Development Finance Institutions (DFI) in building small emerging enterprises for property development initiatives in South Africa

  • Authors: Noholoza, Alex
  • Date: 2014
  • Subjects: Real estate development -- South Africa -- Finance , Entrepreneurship -- South Africa , Small business -- South Africa -- Finance
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
  • Identifier: vital:9714 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020646
  • Description: Purpose of this treatise: The aim of this treatise is to identify the challenges facing emerging entrepreneurs in accessing funding for property development initiatives which results in high levels of declined loans thereby limiting participation in the property market as well as the interventions necessary to improve access to finance. Design / methodology / approach: The questionnaires were emailed to funding institutions and emerging property developers. The questionnaire investigates the respondents‟ perception of importance and evidence of questions on property development, finance and managerial skills drawn from the literature. Findings: The findings of this study are consistent with and support the findings of previous local and international literature on constraints that SME‟s have in accessing finance for various initiatives. The findings indicate that the emerging property developers in South Africa are characterised by insufficient number in representation in the property sector, high risk averse financial institutions that requires collateral to lend. The findings of the study indicate that broader and bolder initiatives aimed at improving the emerging property developer's representation in the market needs a holistic and collaborative approach from the various institutions to aide these entrepreneurs. Value of paper: The research is of importance to all stakeholders involved in the property sector, financial institutions and economic development of the SME sector. The results of the study will contribute to the understanding of the current financing limitations facing SMEs and will assist funding institutions to better understand the role and importance of effective collaboration in improving access to finance to emerging property developers.
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  • Date Issued: 2014

Analysis of entrepreneurial behaviour of smallholder irrigation farmers: empirical evidence from Qamata Irrigation scheme

  • Authors: Chitsa, Gilbert
  • Date: 2014
  • Subjects: Irrigation farming -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Agricultural extension work -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Crops -- Irrigation -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Crops -- Water requirements -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc Agric (Agricultural Economics)
  • Identifier: vital:11216 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1019769 , Irrigation farming -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Agricultural extension work -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Crops -- Irrigation -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Crops -- Water requirements -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
  • Description: Albeit much effort having been put to review the performance trend of smallholder irrigation farmers in South Africa. However, there seems to be a paucity of information regarding the level of entrepreneurship on these farmers. Most research works on smallholder irrigation farmers have mainly focused on livelihoods trajectory providing a review on how the welfare of the rural poor has been transformed after the introduction of irrigation schemes. With most research evidence indicating a high degree of underperformance on most smallholder irrigation schemes, this research attempted to investigate the level of entrepreneurship among the small holder irrigation farmers. In order to achieve the main research objective, a sample of 110 farmers drawn from Qamata irrigation scheme was interviewed and each farmer’s performance on the nine components of entrepreneurship was assessed. The aspects assessed to determine the farmer’s entrepreneurial behaviour were: planning ability, risk taking, achievement motivation, leadership ability, Cosmo politeness, decision making, and innovativeness and farming knowledge. Basing on previous studies which indicated entrepreneurial behaviour to be influenced by several factors the study also analysed the determinants of entrepreneurship among the irrigation farmers and a binary logistic regression model was used to establish the connection between various independent variables and the farmers’ entrepreneurial performance given as a total score of the nine components. Though the findings of the study revealed a prevalently low level of entrepreneurship among the smallholder irrigation farmers on Qamata irrigation scheme, a high proportion of the respondent farmers (65.5% and 60.5%) showed to have a high degree of achievement motivation and decision making ability, respectively. The observed trend thus reflected that smallholder farmers have a potential to become entrepreneurs and are willing to succeed. The binary model results revealed that the prevailing land tenure system will be a strong determinant of the farmer’s level of entrepreneurship. Equally, levels of training in farming, motive for farming and information seeking tendency also proved to have a significant influence on the degree of farmer entrepreneurship. Based on the results of this study recommendations have thus been drawn on the need for policies and practices aimed at promoting entrepreneurship and not dependency among farmers. Key focus areas identified include: the need to revise the current land ii tenure system on irrigation schemes, intensify on entrepreneurship training for both farmers and extension officers and regular on-farm training on new technologies.
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  • Date Issued: 2014

Analysis of grade 10 mathematical literacy students’ errors in financial mathematics

  • Authors: Khalo, Xolani
  • Date: 2014
  • Subjects: Academic support -- Programmes , Peer support -- Higher education , South Africa -- Previously disadvantaged students , Errors analysis -- Financial mathematics , Mathematical literacy -- Irrelevant rules -- Language difficulty
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , M Ed
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/1369 , vital:26550 , Academic support -- Programmes , Peer support -- Higher education , South Africa -- Previously disadvantaged students , Errors analysis -- Financial mathematics , Mathematical literacy -- Irrelevant rules -- Language difficulty
  • Description: The main aim of the study was (1) to identify errors committed by learners in financial mathematics and (2) to understand why learners continue to make such errors so that mechanisms to avoid such errors could be devised. The following has been hypothesised; (1) errors committed by learners are not impact upon by language difficulties, (2) errors committed by learners in financial mathematics are not due to prerequisite skills, facts and concepts, (3) errors committed by learners in financial mathematics are not due to the application of irrelevant rules and strategies. Having used Polya’s problem-solving techniques, Threshold Concept and Newman’s Error Analysis as the theoretical frameworks for the study, a four-point Likert scale and three content-based structured-interview questionnaires were developed to address the research questions. The study was conducted by means of a case study guided by the positivists’ paradigm where the research sample comprised of 105 Grade-10 Mathematics Literacy learners as respondents. Four sets of structured-interview questionnaires were used for collecting data, aimed at addressing the main objective of the study. In order to test the reliability and consistency of the questionnaires for this study, Cronbach’s Alpha was calculated for standardised items (α = 0.705). Content analysis and correlation analysis were employed to analyse the data. The three hypotheses of this study were tested using the ANOVA test and hence revealed that, (1) errors committed by learners in financial mathematics are not due to language difficulties, as all the variables illustrated a statistical non-significance (2) errors committed by learners in financial mathematics are not due to prerequisite skills, facts and concepts, as the majority of the variables showed non-significance and (3) errors committed by learners in financial mathematics were due to the application of irrelevant rules and strategies, as 66.7% of the variables illustrated a statistical significance to the related research question.
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  • Date Issued: 2014

Analysis of marketing channels used by smallholder crop farmers in Vryheid (Abaqulusi) Municipality, Kwazulu-Natal

  • Authors: Ntshangase, Muziwandile Gift
  • Date: 2014
  • Subjects: Agriculture -- Economic aspects -- South Africa -- KwaZulu-Natal , Marketing channels -- South Africa -- KwaZulu-Natal , Farm management -- South Africa -- KwaZulu-Natal
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc Agric (Agricultural Economics)
  • Identifier: vital:11222 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1019823 , Agriculture -- Economic aspects -- South Africa -- KwaZulu-Natal , Marketing channels -- South Africa -- KwaZulu-Natal , Farm management -- South Africa -- KwaZulu-Natal
  • Description: A total of 120 structured questionnaires were administered to analyse marketing channels used by smallholder crop farmers, at Abaqulusi Municipality, Vryheid and KwaZulu Natal Province, South Africa. Research methodology consisted of research design, sample frame, sampling procedure, data collection and data analysis which were used in the study. Descriptive statistics analysis was used, where frequencies and percentages of the variables were indicated. Variables which were measured included demographic socio-economic profile of survey household heads where age, marital status, educational level, occupation other than farming, land ownership, household size and gender of the household heads.The results show that the statistically significant variables (gender, household size) at 5% level positively affect smallholder crop farmers’ access to market information, expertise on grades and standards, availability of contractual agreements, existence of extensive social capital, availability of good market infrastructure, group participation and reliance on tradition. These findings suggest that an adjustment in each one of the significant variables can significantly influence the probability of participation in either formal or informal marketing, and hence their marketing channels. In the light of the foregoing research findings, several policy options were suggested. These include encouraging collective action, promotion of contract farming, ensuring the availability of market information to all farmers, encouraging value addition and investment in rural infrastructure.
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  • Date Issued: 2014

Analysis of technical efficiency of small-scale maize producers: a case study in Tsolo magisterial district in O.R Tambo district in the Eastern Cape of South Africa

  • Authors: Avuletey, Richard
  • Date: 2014
  • Subjects: Corn -- Fertilizers -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Corn -- Economic aspects -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Entrepreneurship -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc Agric (Agricultural Economics)
  • Identifier: vital:11210 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1016191 , Corn -- Fertilizers -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Corn -- Economic aspects -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Entrepreneurship -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
  • Description: Maize is the most important cereal crop grown in South Africa. This crop is produced throughout the country under diverse conditions and in diverse environments. The study only focuses on technical efficiency because it is an important subject in developing agriculture where resources are limited, but high population growth is very common. In such a setting, increased output will depend more on efficiency improvements and assessing the scope for such efficiency improvements within the system is a crucial need. The objective of the study was to determine the level of technical efficiency and to identify the socio-economic and institutional characteristics as well as the entrepreneurial spirit that influence the technical efficiency of small-scale maize producers in the Tsolo magisterial district. Purposive and Snowball sampling techniques were used to collect primary data from 120 small-scale farmers. The stochastic frontier model was used to determine the level of technical efficiency. The Multivariate OLS was used to analyze the socio-economic factors and institutional characteristics that have influenced the technical efficiency of maize production. A similar linear regression model was used to estimate the influence of positive psychological capital and entrepreneurial spirit on the technical efficiency of maize production. The stochastic results revealed that small-scale farmers in Tsolo are technically efficient at 98 percent in maize production and experience increasing return to scale (1.37), which means that increase in the use of inputs, will as well increase their productivity and efficiency. The inefficiency model results indicated that age, years in farming, household size and extension contact significant and 3 variables, namely, as years in farming, extension contact and farm size are significant in the OLS model. Lastly the results of the linear regression indicated that, out of the 4 variables estimated in the entrepreneurial spirit, self-efficacy and resilience were significant with respect to its responsiveness to total maize output.
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  • Date Issued: 2014

Analysis of the interaction between recombinant human Beta2 integrin I-domains and CD23

  • Authors: Sprong, Kaitlin
  • Date: 2014
  • Subjects: Immune response -- Regulation , Immunoglobulins , CD23 antigen
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
  • Identifier: vital:10362 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1021078
  • Description: In order to further elucidate the interaction between CD23 and β2 integrins (CD11b/CD18) the following objectives were established: Expression and purification of CD11b I-domain as a GST-fusion protein using Escherichia coli; Cloning, synthesis and expression of CD18 I-Like domain.CD11b I-domain has previously been expressed as a GST-fusion protein (Daniels, 2010) and consequently led to comparable expression of CD18 I-like domain as a GST-fusion protein; Preparation of two site-directed mutants of CD18 I-Like domain in order to study the function of the serine residue involved in the S116P mutation. The serine was mutated to proline, as in LAD patients, as well as alanine, a non-polar alternative, in order to contrast and compare binding characteristics.  Expression, refolding and purification of sCD23, and a double mutatedsCD23 (RKΔAA) from E. coli; This was performed according to the method described by Daniels et al. (2005); Investigation of the CD23-CD11b I-like domain interaction through surface plasmon resonance spectroscopy.
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  • Date Issued: 2014
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