Perceptions of unit managers regarding competencies of newly qualified registered nurses in East London health services
- Authors: Bengu, Phindiwe Faith
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Nurses -- In-service training -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Community health nursing -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCur
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/13597 , vital:39683
- Description: The South African Nursing Council requires registered nurses to have the necessary knowledge, skills, attitudes and values which will enable them to render an efficient service (Morolong and Chabeli, 2005:39). The South African Education and training system, through its policy of outcomes- based education and training, has tabled competency as a national priority. In support of this, the South African Nursing Council (SANC) requires that the newly qualified registered nurse possess competency on the core functions of a registered nurse. The health system also demands competent nurse practitioners to ensure quality nursing care. Due to the fact that competency is a national priority and a statutory demand, the research question that guided the study is what are the perceptions of unit managers regarding competencies of newly qualified registered nurses in East London Health Care services. The study was aimed at describing the perceptions of unit managers regarding the competencies of newly qualified registered nurses in order to propose the recommendations to improve the competencies of such newly qualified registered nurses and to provide quality patient care. A quantitative descriptive non experimental design was used to evaluate the perceptions of unit managers regarding competencies of newly qualified registered nurses from a public nursing college. The sampling method of probability convenience sampling was used in this study. Data were collected by means of a questionnaire administered to ninety unit managers and only eighty one unit managers participated in the study. Data were analysed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 22 software. Statistical methods enabled the researcher to reduce, summarize, organise, manipulate, evaluate, interpret and communicate quantitative data. Data were cleaned and coded and spoilt data were checked. Findings from the software were displayed in graphs or tables. Concerning the eighty one unit managers who participated in the study, age and sex matched respondents were selected according to their availability.The results showed that there is agreement that competence of the nurses affects the image, mission and staff utilisation in their units and/or institutions. There was no dominant opinion on the possible association between competency and environmental, physical and technological factors. There was unanimous agreement that newly qualified nurses need constant supervision and in-service training. There was moderate agreement on the use of acquired knowledge and skills by nurses and there was no dominant opinion about how newly qualified nurses tolerate differences and handle misunderstandings and shortcomings of other professions. In conclusion newly qualified registered nurses need coaching, mentoring, n-service training and constant supervision. Recommendations regarding strategies to be used to improve competencies of newly qualified registered nurses included exit evaluations of community service practitioners, stipulating the competency framework of newly qualified nurses and assessment criteria of competency. Mentoring and coaching of newly qualified registered nurses during community service, monthly or quarterly meetings with the community service candidate in order to identify their challenges were also recommended. Motivation strategies in order to boost their morale so that they can deliver quality patient care. The newly qualified registered nurses should hold meetings with the unit managers regarding the challenges the unit managers face when assessing competencies of newly qualified registered nurses.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Bengu, Phindiwe Faith
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Nurses -- In-service training -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Community health nursing -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCur
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/13597 , vital:39683
- Description: The South African Nursing Council requires registered nurses to have the necessary knowledge, skills, attitudes and values which will enable them to render an efficient service (Morolong and Chabeli, 2005:39). The South African Education and training system, through its policy of outcomes- based education and training, has tabled competency as a national priority. In support of this, the South African Nursing Council (SANC) requires that the newly qualified registered nurse possess competency on the core functions of a registered nurse. The health system also demands competent nurse practitioners to ensure quality nursing care. Due to the fact that competency is a national priority and a statutory demand, the research question that guided the study is what are the perceptions of unit managers regarding competencies of newly qualified registered nurses in East London Health Care services. The study was aimed at describing the perceptions of unit managers regarding the competencies of newly qualified registered nurses in order to propose the recommendations to improve the competencies of such newly qualified registered nurses and to provide quality patient care. A quantitative descriptive non experimental design was used to evaluate the perceptions of unit managers regarding competencies of newly qualified registered nurses from a public nursing college. The sampling method of probability convenience sampling was used in this study. Data were collected by means of a questionnaire administered to ninety unit managers and only eighty one unit managers participated in the study. Data were analysed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 22 software. Statistical methods enabled the researcher to reduce, summarize, organise, manipulate, evaluate, interpret and communicate quantitative data. Data were cleaned and coded and spoilt data were checked. Findings from the software were displayed in graphs or tables. Concerning the eighty one unit managers who participated in the study, age and sex matched respondents were selected according to their availability.The results showed that there is agreement that competence of the nurses affects the image, mission and staff utilisation in their units and/or institutions. There was no dominant opinion on the possible association between competency and environmental, physical and technological factors. There was unanimous agreement that newly qualified nurses need constant supervision and in-service training. There was moderate agreement on the use of acquired knowledge and skills by nurses and there was no dominant opinion about how newly qualified nurses tolerate differences and handle misunderstandings and shortcomings of other professions. In conclusion newly qualified registered nurses need coaching, mentoring, n-service training and constant supervision. Recommendations regarding strategies to be used to improve competencies of newly qualified registered nurses included exit evaluations of community service practitioners, stipulating the competency framework of newly qualified nurses and assessment criteria of competency. Mentoring and coaching of newly qualified registered nurses during community service, monthly or quarterly meetings with the community service candidate in order to identify their challenges were also recommended. Motivation strategies in order to boost their morale so that they can deliver quality patient care. The newly qualified registered nurses should hold meetings with the unit managers regarding the challenges the unit managers face when assessing competencies of newly qualified registered nurses.
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Performance comparison of iron pillared montmorillonite, raw and modified zeolites sorption for Cu(II), Pb(II) and Ni(II) in water
- Authors: Madigoe, Marakeng Rhudolf
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Water -- Purification -- Biological treatment Adsorption Montmorillonite
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/8078 , vital:31516
- Description: The higher concentration of heavy metals and pollutants is toxic to human health and the environment. It is essential to remove these toxics from contaminated water. There are several methods developed for water treatment. These include adsorption, reverse osmosis, precipitation, coagulation and cation exchange. Adsorbents of various characteristics are considered for removal of heavy metals and pollutants. The study investigated the performance of iron pillared Montmorillonite, raw and modified zeolite (acid and base) for the removal of Cu(II), Pb(II) and Ni(II) in artificially contaminated water. The adsorbents were characterized by X-ray Diffraction (XRD), Fourier Transformation Infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) instruments. The percentage removal of Cu(II), Pb(II) and Ni(II) after adsorption process were determined. Iron pillared Montmorillonite showed efficient removal for lead and zeolite for copper and nickel.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Madigoe, Marakeng Rhudolf
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Water -- Purification -- Biological treatment Adsorption Montmorillonite
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/8078 , vital:31516
- Description: The higher concentration of heavy metals and pollutants is toxic to human health and the environment. It is essential to remove these toxics from contaminated water. There are several methods developed for water treatment. These include adsorption, reverse osmosis, precipitation, coagulation and cation exchange. Adsorbents of various characteristics are considered for removal of heavy metals and pollutants. The study investigated the performance of iron pillared Montmorillonite, raw and modified zeolite (acid and base) for the removal of Cu(II), Pb(II) and Ni(II) in artificially contaminated water. The adsorbents were characterized by X-ray Diffraction (XRD), Fourier Transformation Infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) instruments. The percentage removal of Cu(II), Pb(II) and Ni(II) after adsorption process were determined. Iron pillared Montmorillonite showed efficient removal for lead and zeolite for copper and nickel.
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Performance of a residential swimming pool air source heat pump water heater installed in Fort Beaufort, South Africa
- Authors: Mqayi, Singatha
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Water heaters Heat pumps Swimming pools -- Heating and ventilation
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/4835 , vital:28532
- Description: Globally, there is growing concern about energy consumption and its diverse effects on the environment. In South Africa, the current status quo is unfavourable in the domain of energy, hence the Department of Energy, Eskom and NERSA have embarked on supporting energy efficiency technologies nationwide as a strategic goal in reducing demand on the national grid. Due to the non conservative consumption of electricity from the grid and the insufficient supply to meet its demand, the importation of crude oil is very certain. In addition, the current and most popular technology for pool water heating in the said country is the resistive element which is inefficient and non-cost-effective. The energy consumption of residential swimming pool water heating is very massive, and tariff structure shows a constant rise. Furthermore, there's a current electricity crisis during the Eskom evening peak. Hence, a reliable, efficient, cost-effective and renewable energy technology such as an air source heat pump is required as a retrofit to the existing resistive element. Furthermore, mathematical modelling is a tool that can be used to mimic the dynamic behaviour of a physical or process system. It is a computational language or mathematical equation used to predict the dynamic behaviour of physical systems [Tangwe et al., 2015]. Various methods such as numerical methods have been considered as the particular types of mathematical modelling which have been employed to predict the performance of swimming pool ASHP water heater. However, they were unreliable and expensive. Consequently, this research focused on the experimental determination of the viability and development of a mathematical model to predict the performance of swimming pool ASHP water heater. The benefit of the development and building of this model was attributed to its low cost and credibility to forecast the performance of swimming pool ASHP water heater. Also, this robust mathematical model can be used by an energy service company and system manufacturer to compute the dynamic coefficient of performance of the swimming pool ASHP water heater. Following the above-mentioned information, the research sought to provide a permanent solution to the Eskom evening peak constraint. This is because energy-efficiency, serves as the bridging block between conventional and renewable energy sources needed by Eskom in a bid to provide a balance energy mix and sustainable energy. The implementation of a swimming pool ASHP water heater guaranteed a conducive environment for the population due to the reduction in environmental pollution.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Mqayi, Singatha
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Water heaters Heat pumps Swimming pools -- Heating and ventilation
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/4835 , vital:28532
- Description: Globally, there is growing concern about energy consumption and its diverse effects on the environment. In South Africa, the current status quo is unfavourable in the domain of energy, hence the Department of Energy, Eskom and NERSA have embarked on supporting energy efficiency technologies nationwide as a strategic goal in reducing demand on the national grid. Due to the non conservative consumption of electricity from the grid and the insufficient supply to meet its demand, the importation of crude oil is very certain. In addition, the current and most popular technology for pool water heating in the said country is the resistive element which is inefficient and non-cost-effective. The energy consumption of residential swimming pool water heating is very massive, and tariff structure shows a constant rise. Furthermore, there's a current electricity crisis during the Eskom evening peak. Hence, a reliable, efficient, cost-effective and renewable energy technology such as an air source heat pump is required as a retrofit to the existing resistive element. Furthermore, mathematical modelling is a tool that can be used to mimic the dynamic behaviour of a physical or process system. It is a computational language or mathematical equation used to predict the dynamic behaviour of physical systems [Tangwe et al., 2015]. Various methods such as numerical methods have been considered as the particular types of mathematical modelling which have been employed to predict the performance of swimming pool ASHP water heater. However, they were unreliable and expensive. Consequently, this research focused on the experimental determination of the viability and development of a mathematical model to predict the performance of swimming pool ASHP water heater. The benefit of the development and building of this model was attributed to its low cost and credibility to forecast the performance of swimming pool ASHP water heater. Also, this robust mathematical model can be used by an energy service company and system manufacturer to compute the dynamic coefficient of performance of the swimming pool ASHP water heater. Following the above-mentioned information, the research sought to provide a permanent solution to the Eskom evening peak constraint. This is because energy-efficiency, serves as the bridging block between conventional and renewable energy sources needed by Eskom in a bid to provide a balance energy mix and sustainable energy. The implementation of a swimming pool ASHP water heater guaranteed a conducive environment for the population due to the reduction in environmental pollution.
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Performance of isiXhosa-speaking adults on Tower of London-Drexel University 2nd edition : development of a South African normative database
- Authors: Naidoo, Rumaine
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Neuropsychological tests Neuropsychological tests--South Africa--Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , Counselling Psychology
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/16291 , vital:40708
- Description: Introduction: The transportability and utility of international neuropsychological assessment measures on South Africa’s multicultural population highlights the well-documented concern of test validity and reliability. In South Africa, the endeavor of accurate assessment has been long-standing and is not only an ethical but legal requirement in the field of Psychology. The selection of appropriate normative data provides an opportunity for valid clinical interpretations. This research forms a part of a larger cross-cultural normative project, which elucidates the impact of a number of pivotal sociocultural factors on test performance. This specific study is aimed at producing normative indications for the Tower of London- Drexel University 2nd Edition. In addition, it investigates the effect of quality of education, age and sex on test performance. Method: The sample consisted of Black isiXhosa- speaking adults (N= 40) proficient in English aged between 19-40 years whom had obtained the highest scholastic education of Grade 11 or 12 in disadvantaged educational setting at either urban or rural former Department of Education and Training (ex- DET) schools. Results: The Independent t-test analyses revealed a significant effect of quality of education on the Total Execution Time index in the direction of urban participants outperforming rural participants. Significant results for sex were also documented on the Total Rule Violation index with females engaging in more Rule Violations than male participants. No significant differences were found between age groups. Conclusion: The findings of this research confirm the need for demographically specific normative data. This will allow for the development of more accurate and reliable indices of neurocognitive abilities among culturally and educationally disadvantaged individuals.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Naidoo, Rumaine
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Neuropsychological tests Neuropsychological tests--South Africa--Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , Counselling Psychology
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/16291 , vital:40708
- Description: Introduction: The transportability and utility of international neuropsychological assessment measures on South Africa’s multicultural population highlights the well-documented concern of test validity and reliability. In South Africa, the endeavor of accurate assessment has been long-standing and is not only an ethical but legal requirement in the field of Psychology. The selection of appropriate normative data provides an opportunity for valid clinical interpretations. This research forms a part of a larger cross-cultural normative project, which elucidates the impact of a number of pivotal sociocultural factors on test performance. This specific study is aimed at producing normative indications for the Tower of London- Drexel University 2nd Edition. In addition, it investigates the effect of quality of education, age and sex on test performance. Method: The sample consisted of Black isiXhosa- speaking adults (N= 40) proficient in English aged between 19-40 years whom had obtained the highest scholastic education of Grade 11 or 12 in disadvantaged educational setting at either urban or rural former Department of Education and Training (ex- DET) schools. Results: The Independent t-test analyses revealed a significant effect of quality of education on the Total Execution Time index in the direction of urban participants outperforming rural participants. Significant results for sex were also documented on the Total Rule Violation index with females engaging in more Rule Violations than male participants. No significant differences were found between age groups. Conclusion: The findings of this research confirm the need for demographically specific normative data. This will allow for the development of more accurate and reliable indices of neurocognitive abilities among culturally and educationally disadvantaged individuals.
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Performance of magnetic nanocomposites for the removal of some selected contaminants from aqueous solution
- Authors: Ojemaye, Mike Onyewelehi
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Nanocomposites (Materials)
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/8746 , vital:33508
- Description: In this thesis, the performances of magnetic nanoparticles based materials were assessed for the removal or reduction of heavy metals in aqueous solutions. The successful synthesis of a novel adsorbent, azomethine functionalized magnetic nanoparticles (MNP-Maph) by covalent bonding between the amine group (-NH2) of amine functionalized magnetic nanoparticles (MNP-NH2) and carboxylic group (-COOH) of 4-{[(E)-phenylmethylidene]amino}benzoic acid (Maph-COOH) was achieved. This adsorbent was examined for the removal of di and trivalent ions (Cu2+, Zn2+, As3+, Pb2+ and Hg2+) from aqueous solutions. Also, magnetic photocatalyst with silica interlayer (NiFe2O4-SiO2-TiO2) was synthesized and employed for the reduction of Cr(VI) in aqueous solution. The photocatalytic reduction efficiency of this material was compared with that of magnetic titanium dioxide (NiFe2O4-TiO2) photocatalyst and titanium dioxide (TiO2) to ascertain the material with the best photocatalytic efficiency and ease of separation. All synthesized materials were characterized by using XRD, FT-IR, TEM, SEM, TGA and VSM before application. For the adsorption processes, the effects of pH, contact time, adsorbent dose and temperature were examined to ascertain the experimental condition necessary for the optimal removal of metal ions from solution. The data obtained from all experiments were fitted into four kinetic models; pseudo-first order, pseudo-second order, elovich and intra particle diffusion models to determine the mechanism involved in the adsorption of these di and trivalent ions while two isotherm models were employed in the adorption processes; these include: Langmuir and Freudlich models. Also, for the photocatalytic experiment, the effects of pH, contact time and photocatalyst dose were investigated to determine the experimental conditions necessary for the optimal reduction of Cr(VI) in aqueous solution. MNP-Maph showed excellent removal capacities of 34.08, 35.83, 50.08, 58.24 and 59.24 mg g-1 for Cu2+, Zn2+, As3+, Pb2+ and Hg2+ respectively compared to data previously reported in literature. This is as a result of the high affinity of azomethine group towards metal ions which tremendously enhanced removal of metal ions by adsorption. The incorporation of azomethine to magnetic nanoparticles improved the affinity towards metal ions removal forming strong electrostatic interaction between the adsorbent active sites and adsorbates. Also, the utilization of NiFe2O4-SiO2-TiO4, NiFe2O4-TiO2 and TiO2 for the reduction of Cr(VI) in aqueous solution showed a good photocatalytic performance with NiFe2O4-SiO2-TiO2 showing to be better in terms of both photocatalytic reduction and magnetic separation. TiO2 was observed to have 96.7percent reduction efficiency within 240 min while NiFe2O4-SiO2-TiO2 has 96.5percent reduction efficiency within 300 min and NiFe2O4-TiO2 gave 60percent reduction efficiency within 300 min of UV irradiation. This magnetic photocatalyst composite (NiFe2O4-SiO2-TiO2) gives the advantage of avoiding the problem of separation often encountered with most photocatalyst materials including TiO2 by allowing separation with the aid of a magnetic field. The adsorption processes were all described by pseudo-second order and Langmuir isotherm models while the photocatalytic process was described by Langmuir-Hinshelwood (L-H) kinetic model. Furthermore, thermodynamic experiment studied for the adsorption processes showed that all metal ion adsorption except Hg2+ by MNP-Maph were endothermic in nature, rapid and spontaneous indicating the feasibility of the sorbent material for the removal of metal ions from aqueous solutions. Also, regenerability study conducted to determine the reusability of sorbent material after seven cycles showed the potential to reuse sorbent material seven times or more. The reusability of the sorbent material was observed to show a percentage of an average of 78percent using 50:50 mixture of 0.1 mol dm-3 HNO3 and HCl for all adsorption processes. For the photocatalytic experiment, regenerability using 0.1 mol dm-3 for 1 h was observed to be very impressive after 3 runs for all synthesized photocatalytic materials. This thereby implies that the removal of metal ions by these materials will not in any way introduce secondary pollutants into the environment. Rather, it will avert the production of secondary pollutants. Also, the use of simple conventional chemicals for the regeneration of synthesized materials showed that regeneration in this study is cost effective as regeneration has been known to cost about three quarter of the total operation and maintenance of an adsorption or photocatalytic process. Application of MNP-Maph to real wastewater sampled from five different wastewater treatment plants in Eastern Cape Province for the removal of Cu2+, Zn2+ and As3+ showed that removal efficiencies of approximately 80 percent were achieved for all three metal ions upon adsorption by MNP-Maph. These therefore show that the introduction of metal loving ligand such as Maph-COOH improved the efficiency of MNP towards the removal of heavy metal ions from aqueous solution. Also, silica positively influenced the performance of magnetic titanium dioxide towards Cr(VI) reduction and separation from aqueous solution. This study therefore showed that these materials should be considered for future applications in the area of water/wastewater decontamination.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Ojemaye, Mike Onyewelehi
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Nanocomposites (Materials)
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/8746 , vital:33508
- Description: In this thesis, the performances of magnetic nanoparticles based materials were assessed for the removal or reduction of heavy metals in aqueous solutions. The successful synthesis of a novel adsorbent, azomethine functionalized magnetic nanoparticles (MNP-Maph) by covalent bonding between the amine group (-NH2) of amine functionalized magnetic nanoparticles (MNP-NH2) and carboxylic group (-COOH) of 4-{[(E)-phenylmethylidene]amino}benzoic acid (Maph-COOH) was achieved. This adsorbent was examined for the removal of di and trivalent ions (Cu2+, Zn2+, As3+, Pb2+ and Hg2+) from aqueous solutions. Also, magnetic photocatalyst with silica interlayer (NiFe2O4-SiO2-TiO2) was synthesized and employed for the reduction of Cr(VI) in aqueous solution. The photocatalytic reduction efficiency of this material was compared with that of magnetic titanium dioxide (NiFe2O4-TiO2) photocatalyst and titanium dioxide (TiO2) to ascertain the material with the best photocatalytic efficiency and ease of separation. All synthesized materials were characterized by using XRD, FT-IR, TEM, SEM, TGA and VSM before application. For the adsorption processes, the effects of pH, contact time, adsorbent dose and temperature were examined to ascertain the experimental condition necessary for the optimal removal of metal ions from solution. The data obtained from all experiments were fitted into four kinetic models; pseudo-first order, pseudo-second order, elovich and intra particle diffusion models to determine the mechanism involved in the adsorption of these di and trivalent ions while two isotherm models were employed in the adorption processes; these include: Langmuir and Freudlich models. Also, for the photocatalytic experiment, the effects of pH, contact time and photocatalyst dose were investigated to determine the experimental conditions necessary for the optimal reduction of Cr(VI) in aqueous solution. MNP-Maph showed excellent removal capacities of 34.08, 35.83, 50.08, 58.24 and 59.24 mg g-1 for Cu2+, Zn2+, As3+, Pb2+ and Hg2+ respectively compared to data previously reported in literature. This is as a result of the high affinity of azomethine group towards metal ions which tremendously enhanced removal of metal ions by adsorption. The incorporation of azomethine to magnetic nanoparticles improved the affinity towards metal ions removal forming strong electrostatic interaction between the adsorbent active sites and adsorbates. Also, the utilization of NiFe2O4-SiO2-TiO4, NiFe2O4-TiO2 and TiO2 for the reduction of Cr(VI) in aqueous solution showed a good photocatalytic performance with NiFe2O4-SiO2-TiO2 showing to be better in terms of both photocatalytic reduction and magnetic separation. TiO2 was observed to have 96.7percent reduction efficiency within 240 min while NiFe2O4-SiO2-TiO2 has 96.5percent reduction efficiency within 300 min and NiFe2O4-TiO2 gave 60percent reduction efficiency within 300 min of UV irradiation. This magnetic photocatalyst composite (NiFe2O4-SiO2-TiO2) gives the advantage of avoiding the problem of separation often encountered with most photocatalyst materials including TiO2 by allowing separation with the aid of a magnetic field. The adsorption processes were all described by pseudo-second order and Langmuir isotherm models while the photocatalytic process was described by Langmuir-Hinshelwood (L-H) kinetic model. Furthermore, thermodynamic experiment studied for the adsorption processes showed that all metal ion adsorption except Hg2+ by MNP-Maph were endothermic in nature, rapid and spontaneous indicating the feasibility of the sorbent material for the removal of metal ions from aqueous solutions. Also, regenerability study conducted to determine the reusability of sorbent material after seven cycles showed the potential to reuse sorbent material seven times or more. The reusability of the sorbent material was observed to show a percentage of an average of 78percent using 50:50 mixture of 0.1 mol dm-3 HNO3 and HCl for all adsorption processes. For the photocatalytic experiment, regenerability using 0.1 mol dm-3 for 1 h was observed to be very impressive after 3 runs for all synthesized photocatalytic materials. This thereby implies that the removal of metal ions by these materials will not in any way introduce secondary pollutants into the environment. Rather, it will avert the production of secondary pollutants. Also, the use of simple conventional chemicals for the regeneration of synthesized materials showed that regeneration in this study is cost effective as regeneration has been known to cost about three quarter of the total operation and maintenance of an adsorption or photocatalytic process. Application of MNP-Maph to real wastewater sampled from five different wastewater treatment plants in Eastern Cape Province for the removal of Cu2+, Zn2+ and As3+ showed that removal efficiencies of approximately 80 percent were achieved for all three metal ions upon adsorption by MNP-Maph. These therefore show that the introduction of metal loving ligand such as Maph-COOH improved the efficiency of MNP towards the removal of heavy metal ions from aqueous solution. Also, silica positively influenced the performance of magnetic titanium dioxide towards Cr(VI) reduction and separation from aqueous solution. This study therefore showed that these materials should be considered for future applications in the area of water/wastewater decontamination.
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Performance of Xhosa-speaking adults on the Rey-Osterrieth Complex Figure test : an extension of a prior South African normative database
- Mabusela, Ntombizanele Tebello Iris
- Authors: Mabusela, Ntombizanele Tebello Iris
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Neuropsychological tests Neuropsychological tests--South Africa--Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , Counselling Psychology
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/16313 , vital:40709
- Description: The aim of the study was to develop preliminary normative indications for the Rey-Osterrieth Complex figure test (ROCF). The ROCF was administered in English on the performance of Xhosa-speaking, unskilled workers (N=40), from the Eastern Cape Province. As a mode of collecting data, the research study made use of convenience sampling which ultimately led to snowball sampling. The ROCF was administered and scored according to Rey Osterrieth’s initial standardised administration instructions (Meyers & Meyers, 1995a). For all trials of the ROCF (Copy, Immediate and Delayed Recall), a score of 0-2 points were allocated to each of the 18 structural elements of the figure. The total scores were calculated out of 36, as originally defined by Osterrieth. There was no statistically significant difference in performance for the quality of education for any of the ROCF test trials (p≥0.05 in all instances). Similarly, no significant difference is indicated for the Copy and Immediate Recall (IR) trial for sex indications, whilst the Delayed Recall (DR) trial shows statistically significant differences. Age effects appeared to have an influence on test performance on all ROCF test trials, as a significant difference was identified for all instances. Descriptively and statistically, the present local sample’s mean performance was compared to a demographically equivalent local study (de Kock’s study, which the present study is doing an extension on) and non-local normative studies. The results indicate the need for culturally-relevant South African psychological assessment measures. It also emphasises the importance of making a psychological measure more applicable and relevant to a specific context. Consideration of socio-cultural factors for norm purposes is strongly recommended by this study.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Mabusela, Ntombizanele Tebello Iris
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Neuropsychological tests Neuropsychological tests--South Africa--Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , Counselling Psychology
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/16313 , vital:40709
- Description: The aim of the study was to develop preliminary normative indications for the Rey-Osterrieth Complex figure test (ROCF). The ROCF was administered in English on the performance of Xhosa-speaking, unskilled workers (N=40), from the Eastern Cape Province. As a mode of collecting data, the research study made use of convenience sampling which ultimately led to snowball sampling. The ROCF was administered and scored according to Rey Osterrieth’s initial standardised administration instructions (Meyers & Meyers, 1995a). For all trials of the ROCF (Copy, Immediate and Delayed Recall), a score of 0-2 points were allocated to each of the 18 structural elements of the figure. The total scores were calculated out of 36, as originally defined by Osterrieth. There was no statistically significant difference in performance for the quality of education for any of the ROCF test trials (p≥0.05 in all instances). Similarly, no significant difference is indicated for the Copy and Immediate Recall (IR) trial for sex indications, whilst the Delayed Recall (DR) trial shows statistically significant differences. Age effects appeared to have an influence on test performance on all ROCF test trials, as a significant difference was identified for all instances. Descriptively and statistically, the present local sample’s mean performance was compared to a demographically equivalent local study (de Kock’s study, which the present study is doing an extension on) and non-local normative studies. The results indicate the need for culturally-relevant South African psychological assessment measures. It also emphasises the importance of making a psychological measure more applicable and relevant to a specific context. Consideration of socio-cultural factors for norm purposes is strongly recommended by this study.
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Personality and self-esteem as predictors of employability among final year students at a previously disadvantaged South African University
- Authors: Muzerengwa, Cedric
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Unemployment -- Psychological aspects Personality and occupation Self-esteem in young adults
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/4594 , vital:28464
- Description: Orientation: The high unemployment level in South Africa has caused even graduates to be unemployed and yet they hold university degrees. This has increased pressure on the job seeking students to develop factors that influence employability, hence the study seeks to identify whether personality and self-esteem act as predictors of employability among final year university students. Research purpose: The objectives of this investigation were to examine whether personality, as is typically found in personality type research tool such as the, (Myers Briggs personality indicator) and self-esteem positively predict employability among final year university students. Secondly, to determine the personality types that significantly predict employability among final year university students. The last objective was to determine whether self-esteem significantly predicts employability among final year university students. Motivation for the study: This investigation is particularly important because it looks at the non-academic attributes that make job-seeking students able to attain a job and also sustain that job. The 21st century workplace is ever changing, and students are required to build proactive personalities that help them increase their employability level and stand a higher chance of getting employed. Research design, approach and method: A quantitative survey research design was used and a questionnaire was self-administered to a stratified simple random sample consisting of 238 Management and Commerce final year students at the university of Fort Hare. The study used quantitative approach and a positivism paradigm. To measure personality, TIPI scale was used and had 10 items. Employability was measured using the student self-perceived employability scale and self-esteem was measured using the Rosenberg self-esteem scale. Main findings: The results of this study showed a similarity with others obtained in prior studies. The results drawn from the statistical analysis of this study showed that there is a significant relationship between personality types such as perceiving, extraversion and feeling with employability among final year management and commerce students at the university of Fort Hare. However, the results showed that there is no positive relationship that exists between self-esteem and employability among final year job-seeking students. Practical implications: The research findings provided evidence that personality had a positive relationship with employability in an academic context. This makes it clear that student career exploration process can only be successful when special attention is given to developing individual’s human capital skills and proactive personalities. Institutions of higher learning should take advantage of some career experts in their countries and in their universities to provide students with employability lessons and guidelines. Contribution: The most important contribution of this study is that it helps to extend knowledge and understanding on the issues concerning the relationship between personality, self-esteem and employability in an academic setting. The research magnified the frame of information in the area personality in relation to employability in academic contexts. It makes available more literature that looks into these two variables (personality and self-esteem) in an African context.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Muzerengwa, Cedric
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Unemployment -- Psychological aspects Personality and occupation Self-esteem in young adults
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/4594 , vital:28464
- Description: Orientation: The high unemployment level in South Africa has caused even graduates to be unemployed and yet they hold university degrees. This has increased pressure on the job seeking students to develop factors that influence employability, hence the study seeks to identify whether personality and self-esteem act as predictors of employability among final year university students. Research purpose: The objectives of this investigation were to examine whether personality, as is typically found in personality type research tool such as the, (Myers Briggs personality indicator) and self-esteem positively predict employability among final year university students. Secondly, to determine the personality types that significantly predict employability among final year university students. The last objective was to determine whether self-esteem significantly predicts employability among final year university students. Motivation for the study: This investigation is particularly important because it looks at the non-academic attributes that make job-seeking students able to attain a job and also sustain that job. The 21st century workplace is ever changing, and students are required to build proactive personalities that help them increase their employability level and stand a higher chance of getting employed. Research design, approach and method: A quantitative survey research design was used and a questionnaire was self-administered to a stratified simple random sample consisting of 238 Management and Commerce final year students at the university of Fort Hare. The study used quantitative approach and a positivism paradigm. To measure personality, TIPI scale was used and had 10 items. Employability was measured using the student self-perceived employability scale and self-esteem was measured using the Rosenberg self-esteem scale. Main findings: The results of this study showed a similarity with others obtained in prior studies. The results drawn from the statistical analysis of this study showed that there is a significant relationship between personality types such as perceiving, extraversion and feeling with employability among final year management and commerce students at the university of Fort Hare. However, the results showed that there is no positive relationship that exists between self-esteem and employability among final year job-seeking students. Practical implications: The research findings provided evidence that personality had a positive relationship with employability in an academic context. This makes it clear that student career exploration process can only be successful when special attention is given to developing individual’s human capital skills and proactive personalities. Institutions of higher learning should take advantage of some career experts in their countries and in their universities to provide students with employability lessons and guidelines. Contribution: The most important contribution of this study is that it helps to extend knowledge and understanding on the issues concerning the relationship between personality, self-esteem and employability in an academic setting. The research magnified the frame of information in the area personality in relation to employability in academic contexts. It makes available more literature that looks into these two variables (personality and self-esteem) in an African context.
- Full Text:
Perspectives of social media's influence on university students' social lives : a case study of the University of Fort Hare, Alice campus
- Mazaiwana, Tanyaradza Sandra
- Authors: Mazaiwana, Tanyaradza Sandra
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: University of Fort Hare Social media Universities and colleges
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSoc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/13128 , vital:39467
- Description: The main purpose of this study was to explore the perspectives of social media‘s influence on students‘ social life and the study made use of the University of Fort Hare Alice Campus as a case study. The internet and new media technology has brought about communication systems such as social media which has taken over the communication media world and is seen as an important socializing agent that students make use of. The study was therefore based on the premise that social media is enhancing the social interaction of people. It has become clear that most studies look at how social media enrich the life of students but little information is there on the kind of influence that it has on their social life. The study employed a quantitative approach to find out the effects of social media on social lives. The population was drawn from the four faculties at the University of Fort Hare, Alice campus and the sample size was 190. The data was collected using a standardized questionnaire and proportioned stratified random sampling was used to ensure a representative sample. The data was analysed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) and descriptive statistics was used to analyse the demographical and general factors on the perceptions of students‘ social life. The perceptions of the respondents about social media and their social life was that it plays a great role in improving their social life as they are able to maintain relationships, they are always up to date with what is going on in their environment and it makes communication a lot more easier. In addition the results and discussion of this study confirmed that there is another dark side of social media which is hardly acknowledged by most scholars. Social media has a negative side towards students‘ social life which include isolation, depression, and distraction from reality, cyberbullying and low self- esteem. The study confirmed that students spent most of their time on social media and that their social life is affected as they have little or no time to socialise.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Mazaiwana, Tanyaradza Sandra
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: University of Fort Hare Social media Universities and colleges
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSoc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/13128 , vital:39467
- Description: The main purpose of this study was to explore the perspectives of social media‘s influence on students‘ social life and the study made use of the University of Fort Hare Alice Campus as a case study. The internet and new media technology has brought about communication systems such as social media which has taken over the communication media world and is seen as an important socializing agent that students make use of. The study was therefore based on the premise that social media is enhancing the social interaction of people. It has become clear that most studies look at how social media enrich the life of students but little information is there on the kind of influence that it has on their social life. The study employed a quantitative approach to find out the effects of social media on social lives. The population was drawn from the four faculties at the University of Fort Hare, Alice campus and the sample size was 190. The data was collected using a standardized questionnaire and proportioned stratified random sampling was used to ensure a representative sample. The data was analysed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) and descriptive statistics was used to analyse the demographical and general factors on the perceptions of students‘ social life. The perceptions of the respondents about social media and their social life was that it plays a great role in improving their social life as they are able to maintain relationships, they are always up to date with what is going on in their environment and it makes communication a lot more easier. In addition the results and discussion of this study confirmed that there is another dark side of social media which is hardly acknowledged by most scholars. Social media has a negative side towards students‘ social life which include isolation, depression, and distraction from reality, cyberbullying and low self- esteem. The study confirmed that students spent most of their time on social media and that their social life is affected as they have little or no time to socialise.
- Full Text:
Pharmacological evaluation of phragmanthera capitata (sprengel) balle, loranthaceae :a parasiticmistletoe growing on rubber trees
- Ohikhena, Franklin Uangbaoje
- Authors: Ohikhena, Franklin Uangbaoje
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Hevea Hevea -- Diseases and pests Rubber
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/8899 , vital:33937
- Description: Rubber tree (Hevea brasiliensis Muell.) is the world’s major source of natural rubber and a major non-oil, agricultural export commodity in the producing countries in Africa. However, it is highly susceptible to specific mistletoes of the Loranthaceae family. Phragmanthera capitate (Sprengel) Balle is the major mistletoe parasitizing the rubber tree plantations in Africa and hence, alongside with other mistletoes, has attracted indiscriminate destruction from plantation owners. Indiscriminate destruction of plants could be as a result of ignorance of the importance or benefit(s) of the plants and this could lead to their extinction if not checked. Hence, there is the need for scientific documentation of plants and their uses because, from the pharmacological perception, the destruction of a plant could result in the permanent loss of a potential drug. Therefore, this study was aimed at documenting and evaluating the pharmacological potentials of P. capitata collected from rubber tree. Fresh leaves were gently rinsed with water and dried. Dried leaves were pulverised and kept at 4oC when not in use. Pulverised leaves were extracted with acetone, methanol, ethanol and water and concentrated to give the respective solvent crude extracts used in most of the assays. From the extraction, Methanol had the highest yield of 21.5percent, water had 10.8percent and acetone was 6.87percent while ethanol had the lowest yield of 4.3percent. Standard spectrophotometry assays on the extracts were used to quantify some major phytochemicals of pharmacological interest and also to determine the antioxidant potentials of the sample. The result revealed high amounts of phenols (175.53 ± 0.32 mg GAE/g to 218.62 ± 3.38 mg GAE/g), flavonoids (197.06 ± 3.80 mg QE/mg to 679.82 ± 6.26 mg QE/g) and proanthocyanidins (128.83 ± 1.69 mg CE/g to 645.68 ± 6.35 mg CE/g) with the acetone extract having the highest amount of the phytochemicals while the aqueous extract had the least. The results of the antioxidant assays revealed that the sample had high radical scavenging potentials with comparable inhibitory concentrations to standard antioxidant drugs. The proximate and mineral analysis on the pulverised sample showed that it is rich in carbohydrate with a composition of 57.73 ± 0.33 g/100 g. Protein, fat and fibre compositions were 12.50 ± 0.50 g/100 g, 3.34 ± 0.18 g/100 g and 11.66 ± 0.54 g/100g. The total energy composition was 310.97 ± 2.30 Kcal/100 g. The mineral composition revealed high potassium level of 1047.83 ± 34 mg/100g. Calcium (6.22.58 ± 0.01 mg/100g), magnesium (361.15 ± 0.01 mg/100 g) and phosphorous (115.40 ± 0.01 mg/100 g) were also present in appreciable amounts. The toxicity of the four extracts was assayed using brine shrimp. The LC50 in all the solvent extracts was greater than 1 mg/mL which according to Meyer’s index and other indexes signify “no toxicity” for crude plant extracts. Antimicrobial activity of the extracts was done using the minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) assay against 10 bacteria (Enterococcus faecalis, Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtilis, Bacillus cereus, Streptococcus pyogenes, Vibrio cholera, Klebsiella pneumonia, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Salmonella typhi and Escherichia coli) and 4 fungi (Trichophyton mucoides, Trichophyton tonsurans, Candida albicans and Aspergillus niger) of human pathogenic strains. The MIC of the antibacterial assay ranged from 1.25 mg/mL to 5 mg/mL for the organic extracts while no activity was observed in the aqueous extract at the highest concentration tested. However, the aqueous extract had a great inhibitory activity on all four of the tested fungi with a MIC of ≤ 0.3125 mg/mL to 1.25 mg/mL while only two fungi (Trichophyton Tonsurans and Aspergillus niger) were susceptible to the organic extracts. The MIC of the TB causative pathogen, Mycobacterium tuberculosis (H37Rv) strain ranged from 25 μg/mL (acetone and aqueous extracts) to 50 μg/mL in the ethanol extract while it was > 50 μg/mL (highest concentration tested) in the methanol extract. This study revealed that the sample has the potential in phytotherapy against oxidative stresses (inflammations) caused by free radicals. It could also be a useful herb in combating diseases caused by pathogenic organisms. The high anti-Mycobacterium tuberculosis activity observed in this study suggests it could be a plant with high promise in the fight against tuberculosis. The toxicity evaluation signifies it is safe for further plant-based pharmaceutical explorations. This study also validated some reported ethnopharmacological uses of this plant and call for its protection from indiscriminate destruction in rubber plantations and other crop gardens/plantations in the world.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Ohikhena, Franklin Uangbaoje
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Hevea Hevea -- Diseases and pests Rubber
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/8899 , vital:33937
- Description: Rubber tree (Hevea brasiliensis Muell.) is the world’s major source of natural rubber and a major non-oil, agricultural export commodity in the producing countries in Africa. However, it is highly susceptible to specific mistletoes of the Loranthaceae family. Phragmanthera capitate (Sprengel) Balle is the major mistletoe parasitizing the rubber tree plantations in Africa and hence, alongside with other mistletoes, has attracted indiscriminate destruction from plantation owners. Indiscriminate destruction of plants could be as a result of ignorance of the importance or benefit(s) of the plants and this could lead to their extinction if not checked. Hence, there is the need for scientific documentation of plants and their uses because, from the pharmacological perception, the destruction of a plant could result in the permanent loss of a potential drug. Therefore, this study was aimed at documenting and evaluating the pharmacological potentials of P. capitata collected from rubber tree. Fresh leaves were gently rinsed with water and dried. Dried leaves were pulverised and kept at 4oC when not in use. Pulverised leaves were extracted with acetone, methanol, ethanol and water and concentrated to give the respective solvent crude extracts used in most of the assays. From the extraction, Methanol had the highest yield of 21.5percent, water had 10.8percent and acetone was 6.87percent while ethanol had the lowest yield of 4.3percent. Standard spectrophotometry assays on the extracts were used to quantify some major phytochemicals of pharmacological interest and also to determine the antioxidant potentials of the sample. The result revealed high amounts of phenols (175.53 ± 0.32 mg GAE/g to 218.62 ± 3.38 mg GAE/g), flavonoids (197.06 ± 3.80 mg QE/mg to 679.82 ± 6.26 mg QE/g) and proanthocyanidins (128.83 ± 1.69 mg CE/g to 645.68 ± 6.35 mg CE/g) with the acetone extract having the highest amount of the phytochemicals while the aqueous extract had the least. The results of the antioxidant assays revealed that the sample had high radical scavenging potentials with comparable inhibitory concentrations to standard antioxidant drugs. The proximate and mineral analysis on the pulverised sample showed that it is rich in carbohydrate with a composition of 57.73 ± 0.33 g/100 g. Protein, fat and fibre compositions were 12.50 ± 0.50 g/100 g, 3.34 ± 0.18 g/100 g and 11.66 ± 0.54 g/100g. The total energy composition was 310.97 ± 2.30 Kcal/100 g. The mineral composition revealed high potassium level of 1047.83 ± 34 mg/100g. Calcium (6.22.58 ± 0.01 mg/100g), magnesium (361.15 ± 0.01 mg/100 g) and phosphorous (115.40 ± 0.01 mg/100 g) were also present in appreciable amounts. The toxicity of the four extracts was assayed using brine shrimp. The LC50 in all the solvent extracts was greater than 1 mg/mL which according to Meyer’s index and other indexes signify “no toxicity” for crude plant extracts. Antimicrobial activity of the extracts was done using the minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) assay against 10 bacteria (Enterococcus faecalis, Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtilis, Bacillus cereus, Streptococcus pyogenes, Vibrio cholera, Klebsiella pneumonia, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Salmonella typhi and Escherichia coli) and 4 fungi (Trichophyton mucoides, Trichophyton tonsurans, Candida albicans and Aspergillus niger) of human pathogenic strains. The MIC of the antibacterial assay ranged from 1.25 mg/mL to 5 mg/mL for the organic extracts while no activity was observed in the aqueous extract at the highest concentration tested. However, the aqueous extract had a great inhibitory activity on all four of the tested fungi with a MIC of ≤ 0.3125 mg/mL to 1.25 mg/mL while only two fungi (Trichophyton Tonsurans and Aspergillus niger) were susceptible to the organic extracts. The MIC of the TB causative pathogen, Mycobacterium tuberculosis (H37Rv) strain ranged from 25 μg/mL (acetone and aqueous extracts) to 50 μg/mL in the ethanol extract while it was > 50 μg/mL (highest concentration tested) in the methanol extract. This study revealed that the sample has the potential in phytotherapy against oxidative stresses (inflammations) caused by free radicals. It could also be a useful herb in combating diseases caused by pathogenic organisms. The high anti-Mycobacterium tuberculosis activity observed in this study suggests it could be a plant with high promise in the fight against tuberculosis. The toxicity evaluation signifies it is safe for further plant-based pharmaceutical explorations. This study also validated some reported ethnopharmacological uses of this plant and call for its protection from indiscriminate destruction in rubber plantations and other crop gardens/plantations in the world.
- Full Text:
Pharmacological investigations of Kedrostis africana (L.) Cogn. and Vernonia mespilifolia Less. used in folk medicine in the Eastern Cape, South Africa
- Authors: Unuofin, Jeremiah Oshiomame
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Medicinal plants -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/9231 , vital:34307
- Description: The prevalence of obesity and its co-morbidity is increasing in South Africa. High calorie diet, sedentary lifestyle and the cultural belief that being fat or obese signifies beauty, wellness and wealth are major causative factors. This study was undertaken to scientifically validate two major medicinal plants used traditionally in the Raymond Mhlaba Municipality for the mespilifolia Less. were used singly and in combination. According to ethnobotanical studies,these two plants are regarded as wild plants and are only used for medicinal purposes. There has been a dearth of scientific reports on the two plants and to the best of our knowledge, this study is the first to investigate the nutritional, antioxidant, antimicrobial, safety and anti-obesity potentials of the two plants and their combination. This study revealed that both plants are rich in nutrients. K. africana had greater ash (16.28 percent), crude fat (1.12 percent), Ca (2505 mg/100g), Mg (485 mg/100g) and Fe (89.95 mg/100g) while V. mespilifolia showed higher crude fibre (29.24 percent), crude protein (10.75 percent), P (400 mg/100g), Na (570 mg/100g), Cu (1.55 mg/100g) and Mn (4.70 mg/100g). K. africana and V. mespilifolia both contributed 223.37 Kcal/kg and 237.37 Kcal/kg of energy respectively. The polyphenolic evaluation of the acetone, aqueous and ethanol extracts of the plants revealed that the acetone extract of the combination of both plants had higher total phenol (144.59 mgGAE/g) and flavonoid (803.93 mgQE/g) contents, the ethanol extract of the combined plant also had the highest tannin contents (1.25 mgTAE/g), while the acetone extracts of K. Africana had the highest proanthocyanidin content (585 mgCE/g). The antioxidant assays revealed that the ethanol extract for V. mespilifolia had higher scavenging potentials of ABTS, DPPH and vinitric oxide radicals while the aqueous extract of the combination of both had higher scavenging potential for hydrogen peroxide radicals. Evaluation of antimicrobial potential of the extracts using the minimial inhibitory concentration (MIC) assay against 6 bacteria (Actinomyces odontolyticus, Lactobacillus sakei, Staphylococcus aureus, Enterobacter cloacae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Bacteriodes thetaiotomicron) and 4 fungi (Candida albicans, Microsporium gypsum, Penicillium chrysogenum and Trichophyton tonsurans) revealed that the plants possess antimicrobial activity. The MIC of the extracts against the tested bacterial strains ranged from 2.5 mg/mL to 5 mg/mL acetone and ethanol extracts of V. mespilifolia and the combined plants as well as the ethanol extracts of K. africana. However, no activity was observed for the acetone extract of K. africana and aqueous extracts of V. mespilifolia and the combination of both plants. Only three fungal strains (Candida albicans, Microsporium gypsum and Penicillium chrysogenum) were susceptible to the organic extracts with an MIC 0.3125 mg/mL to 5 mg/mL while the aqueous extracts showed no activity against all the fungal strains. None of the plant extracts showed any activity against Trichophyton tonsurans. The brine shrimp toxicity test revealed that all the three extracts of V. mespilifolia, aqueous and ethanol extracts of K. africana and aqueous and acetone extracts of the combination of both plants were toxic in relative to Meyer’s index and other indices of toxicity. The cytotoxic effect of the aqueous and ethanol extracts of V. mespilifolia, K. africana and their combination were also evaluated using HeLa cells. From this study, all the extracts tested had IC50 values were greater than 20 μg/mL which connotes that they are not toxic. According to the American National Cancer Institute, crude plant extracts are considered cytotoxic in an in vitro assay when concentrations 20 μg/mL and below produce 50% inhibition of tumor cells, after an exposure time of 48 hours. In vivo acute evaluation of single oral administration of 2000 and 5000/kg body weight did not produce mortality or significant behavioral changes during 14 days observation. In addition, the sub-acute administration of the aqueous extract at 200, 400 and 600 mg/kg/bwt/ day over a period of 28 days revealed no mortality or morbidity. The weekly body and organ weight of the rats were not significantly different from those of the controls and extract treated rats. The aqueous extracts at all doses did not show any significant (p > 0.05) effect on biomarkers of liver and renal damage. Haematological evaluation revealed that oral administration of aqueous extracts of K. africana, V. mespilifolia and the combination of both plants did not induce anaemia or leucocytosis in the animals. Furthermore, histopathological evaluation of the internal organs revealed no detectable inflammation at the the doses administered over a period of 28 days. These results demonstrated that the aqueous extracts of K. africana, V. mespilifolia and the combination of both plants was potentially safe for consumption orally even in chronic administration. Enzyme based in-vitro antiobesity evaluation of the aqueous and ethanolic extracts of K. africana, V. mespilifolia and their combination revealed that the ethanol extracts of both plants and their combination exhibited moderate inhibitory activities against α-amylase, α- glucosidase and pancreatic lipase. However, the standards used for the various inhibition assays exhibited much higher inhibitory actions when compared to any of the extracts. This suggests that the mechanism by which these two plants and their combination exert anti-obesity effects are probably not by inhibition of key enzymes of carbohydrate and fat metabolism.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Unuofin, Jeremiah Oshiomame
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Medicinal plants -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/9231 , vital:34307
- Description: The prevalence of obesity and its co-morbidity is increasing in South Africa. High calorie diet, sedentary lifestyle and the cultural belief that being fat or obese signifies beauty, wellness and wealth are major causative factors. This study was undertaken to scientifically validate two major medicinal plants used traditionally in the Raymond Mhlaba Municipality for the mespilifolia Less. were used singly and in combination. According to ethnobotanical studies,these two plants are regarded as wild plants and are only used for medicinal purposes. There has been a dearth of scientific reports on the two plants and to the best of our knowledge, this study is the first to investigate the nutritional, antioxidant, antimicrobial, safety and anti-obesity potentials of the two plants and their combination. This study revealed that both plants are rich in nutrients. K. africana had greater ash (16.28 percent), crude fat (1.12 percent), Ca (2505 mg/100g), Mg (485 mg/100g) and Fe (89.95 mg/100g) while V. mespilifolia showed higher crude fibre (29.24 percent), crude protein (10.75 percent), P (400 mg/100g), Na (570 mg/100g), Cu (1.55 mg/100g) and Mn (4.70 mg/100g). K. africana and V. mespilifolia both contributed 223.37 Kcal/kg and 237.37 Kcal/kg of energy respectively. The polyphenolic evaluation of the acetone, aqueous and ethanol extracts of the plants revealed that the acetone extract of the combination of both plants had higher total phenol (144.59 mgGAE/g) and flavonoid (803.93 mgQE/g) contents, the ethanol extract of the combined plant also had the highest tannin contents (1.25 mgTAE/g), while the acetone extracts of K. Africana had the highest proanthocyanidin content (585 mgCE/g). The antioxidant assays revealed that the ethanol extract for V. mespilifolia had higher scavenging potentials of ABTS, DPPH and vinitric oxide radicals while the aqueous extract of the combination of both had higher scavenging potential for hydrogen peroxide radicals. Evaluation of antimicrobial potential of the extracts using the minimial inhibitory concentration (MIC) assay against 6 bacteria (Actinomyces odontolyticus, Lactobacillus sakei, Staphylococcus aureus, Enterobacter cloacae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Bacteriodes thetaiotomicron) and 4 fungi (Candida albicans, Microsporium gypsum, Penicillium chrysogenum and Trichophyton tonsurans) revealed that the plants possess antimicrobial activity. The MIC of the extracts against the tested bacterial strains ranged from 2.5 mg/mL to 5 mg/mL acetone and ethanol extracts of V. mespilifolia and the combined plants as well as the ethanol extracts of K. africana. However, no activity was observed for the acetone extract of K. africana and aqueous extracts of V. mespilifolia and the combination of both plants. Only three fungal strains (Candida albicans, Microsporium gypsum and Penicillium chrysogenum) were susceptible to the organic extracts with an MIC 0.3125 mg/mL to 5 mg/mL while the aqueous extracts showed no activity against all the fungal strains. None of the plant extracts showed any activity against Trichophyton tonsurans. The brine shrimp toxicity test revealed that all the three extracts of V. mespilifolia, aqueous and ethanol extracts of K. africana and aqueous and acetone extracts of the combination of both plants were toxic in relative to Meyer’s index and other indices of toxicity. The cytotoxic effect of the aqueous and ethanol extracts of V. mespilifolia, K. africana and their combination were also evaluated using HeLa cells. From this study, all the extracts tested had IC50 values were greater than 20 μg/mL which connotes that they are not toxic. According to the American National Cancer Institute, crude plant extracts are considered cytotoxic in an in vitro assay when concentrations 20 μg/mL and below produce 50% inhibition of tumor cells, after an exposure time of 48 hours. In vivo acute evaluation of single oral administration of 2000 and 5000/kg body weight did not produce mortality or significant behavioral changes during 14 days observation. In addition, the sub-acute administration of the aqueous extract at 200, 400 and 600 mg/kg/bwt/ day over a period of 28 days revealed no mortality or morbidity. The weekly body and organ weight of the rats were not significantly different from those of the controls and extract treated rats. The aqueous extracts at all doses did not show any significant (p > 0.05) effect on biomarkers of liver and renal damage. Haematological evaluation revealed that oral administration of aqueous extracts of K. africana, V. mespilifolia and the combination of both plants did not induce anaemia or leucocytosis in the animals. Furthermore, histopathological evaluation of the internal organs revealed no detectable inflammation at the the doses administered over a period of 28 days. These results demonstrated that the aqueous extracts of K. africana, V. mespilifolia and the combination of both plants was potentially safe for consumption orally even in chronic administration. Enzyme based in-vitro antiobesity evaluation of the aqueous and ethanolic extracts of K. africana, V. mespilifolia and their combination revealed that the ethanol extracts of both plants and their combination exhibited moderate inhibitory activities against α-amylase, α- glucosidase and pancreatic lipase. However, the standards used for the various inhibition assays exhibited much higher inhibitory actions when compared to any of the extracts. This suggests that the mechanism by which these two plants and their combination exert anti-obesity effects are probably not by inhibition of key enzymes of carbohydrate and fat metabolism.
- Full Text:
Physiochemical and heavy metals fingerprints of the final effluents of Adelaide and Seymour wastewater treatment facilities in the Eastern Cape, South Africa
- Authors: Mutukwa, Dorcas
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Water -- Purification Effluent quality -- Testing
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/8089 , vital:31520
- Description: Wastewater contains pathogens, heavy metals, nutrients, organic matter and other toxic chemicals and when discharged into the environment without proper treatment, it may cause adverse health problems and environment degradation. There have been reports in the Eastern Cape Province, South Africa of inadequate treated wastewater effluents being discharged into freshwater environments. This study reports on the physicochemical and heavy metals qualities for two wastewater treatment facilities in the Eastern Cape, South Africa over a six-month sampling period (September 2015 to February 2016). Wastewater effluent samples were collected from the influents, final effluents and receiving waterbodies as well as sludge samples in replicates. The physicochemical parameters were analysed using standard methods (APHA, 2012). The acid digested heavy metals samples were analysed using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (iCE 3500 Thermo Fisher Spectrometer). The concentrations were compared to recommended limits used in South Africa and World Health Organisation (WHO). Physicochemical qualities assessed at Adelaide wastewater treatment plant ranged as follows: temperature (21.6 - 30.5 oC), turbidity (2.1 – 71.3 NTU), electrical conductivity (EC) (743.0 – 898.3 μ/Scm) and dissolved oxygen (DO) (2.11 – 3.50 mg/L) while the ranges of the parameter assessed at Seymour wastewater treatment plant ranged as follows: chemical dissolved oxygen (COD) (41.7 – 115.3 mg/L), EC (628 and 797.7 μ/Scm) and nitrates (4.6 – 11.0 mg/L. The heavy metals concentration for the final effluents at Adelaide wastewater treatment plant ranged as follows: Cd (0 – 0.002 mg/L), Cu (0 – 0.096 mg/L) and Fe (0 – 0.498 mg/L). Cu concentrations in sludge at Seymour wastewater treatment plant ranged between 83.82 and 132.07 mg/L. Reduction efficiencies of Adelaide in removing chlorides and sulphates were 33 and 36 percent respectively. Findings of study revealed negative impacts of inadequately treated effluents on receiving waterbodies and this puts communities which rely on the water as immediate source of fresh water for domestic purposes at health risk.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Mutukwa, Dorcas
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Water -- Purification Effluent quality -- Testing
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/8089 , vital:31520
- Description: Wastewater contains pathogens, heavy metals, nutrients, organic matter and other toxic chemicals and when discharged into the environment without proper treatment, it may cause adverse health problems and environment degradation. There have been reports in the Eastern Cape Province, South Africa of inadequate treated wastewater effluents being discharged into freshwater environments. This study reports on the physicochemical and heavy metals qualities for two wastewater treatment facilities in the Eastern Cape, South Africa over a six-month sampling period (September 2015 to February 2016). Wastewater effluent samples were collected from the influents, final effluents and receiving waterbodies as well as sludge samples in replicates. The physicochemical parameters were analysed using standard methods (APHA, 2012). The acid digested heavy metals samples were analysed using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (iCE 3500 Thermo Fisher Spectrometer). The concentrations were compared to recommended limits used in South Africa and World Health Organisation (WHO). Physicochemical qualities assessed at Adelaide wastewater treatment plant ranged as follows: temperature (21.6 - 30.5 oC), turbidity (2.1 – 71.3 NTU), electrical conductivity (EC) (743.0 – 898.3 μ/Scm) and dissolved oxygen (DO) (2.11 – 3.50 mg/L) while the ranges of the parameter assessed at Seymour wastewater treatment plant ranged as follows: chemical dissolved oxygen (COD) (41.7 – 115.3 mg/L), EC (628 and 797.7 μ/Scm) and nitrates (4.6 – 11.0 mg/L. The heavy metals concentration for the final effluents at Adelaide wastewater treatment plant ranged as follows: Cd (0 – 0.002 mg/L), Cu (0 – 0.096 mg/L) and Fe (0 – 0.498 mg/L). Cu concentrations in sludge at Seymour wastewater treatment plant ranged between 83.82 and 132.07 mg/L. Reduction efficiencies of Adelaide in removing chlorides and sulphates were 33 and 36 percent respectively. Findings of study revealed negative impacts of inadequately treated effluents on receiving waterbodies and this puts communities which rely on the water as immediate source of fresh water for domestic purposes at health risk.
- Full Text:
Physiochemical, fatty acids, lipid oxidation, sensory characteristics and consumer acceptance of warthog cabanossi produced with pork backfat and fat-tailed sheep backfat
- Authors: Mahachi, Leo Nyikadzino
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Fatty acids Lipids -- Oxidation
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/6259 , vital:29530
- Description: The objective of this study was to determine the effect of different fat inclusion levels and fat types on the physical and chemical attributes, lipid oxidation, fatty acid composition and sensory characteristics of warthog cabanossi. To achieve this, three types of cabanossi with different pork backfat levels (10 percent, 20 percent and 30 percent) were produced for the first experiment. The results from the study showed that different inclusion levels of pork backfat had an influence (P ≤ 0.05) on the physicochemical and fatty acid composition of warthog cabanossi but did not influence lipid oxidation (P > 0.05). The highest (P ≤0.05) pH, weight and moisture decline was observed in the 10 percent pork backfat cabanossi compared to the 20 percent and 30 percent treatments. However, no differences (P > 0.05) in the water activity of the product were observed. As expected total fat was lower in the 10 percent fat treatment and increased concomitantly. Similarly, protein, ash and salt were higher in the 10 percent fat cabanossi and decreased concomitantly. Differences in the fatty acid composition were observed between treatments. Furthermore, backfat level affected the sensory attributes and consumer acceptance of the cabanossi. Ten percent backfat cabanossi was scored higher (P ≤0.05) for most sensory attributes. Consequently, it was observed that the consumer panel preferred and scored the 10 percent fat cabanossi higher with regards to appearance and taste. In the second experiment, two cabanossi treatments of different fat types (pork backfat and fat-tailed sheep backfat) were produced. The weight loss, moisture content, pH, water activity and salt content did not differ (P > 0.05) between the two cabanossi products. However, there were differences (P ≤0.05) in the protein, fat and ash contents; where protein and ash were higher in the pork backfat cabanossi whilst fat was higher in the sheep backfat cabanossi. Thiobarbituric reactive substances (TBARS) were similar (P > 0.05) between the two fat types cabanossi which could be explained by similar fatty acid profiles being reported for the two cabanossi although the n-6:n-3 ratio was higher (P ≤0.05) in sheep backfat cabanossi. Results from the descriptive sensory analysis showed two distinct products (P ≤0.01) where pork backfat cabanossi scored higher for most attributes. However, the lower scores for sheep backfat cabanossi were within an acceptable range. Sheep backfat cabanossi were also scored for unique attributes that were not detected in the pork backfat cabanossi. This study concluded that fat-tailed sheep backfat can be used to produce an unique cabanossi product of acceptable quality.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Mahachi, Leo Nyikadzino
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Fatty acids Lipids -- Oxidation
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/6259 , vital:29530
- Description: The objective of this study was to determine the effect of different fat inclusion levels and fat types on the physical and chemical attributes, lipid oxidation, fatty acid composition and sensory characteristics of warthog cabanossi. To achieve this, three types of cabanossi with different pork backfat levels (10 percent, 20 percent and 30 percent) were produced for the first experiment. The results from the study showed that different inclusion levels of pork backfat had an influence (P ≤ 0.05) on the physicochemical and fatty acid composition of warthog cabanossi but did not influence lipid oxidation (P > 0.05). The highest (P ≤0.05) pH, weight and moisture decline was observed in the 10 percent pork backfat cabanossi compared to the 20 percent and 30 percent treatments. However, no differences (P > 0.05) in the water activity of the product were observed. As expected total fat was lower in the 10 percent fat treatment and increased concomitantly. Similarly, protein, ash and salt were higher in the 10 percent fat cabanossi and decreased concomitantly. Differences in the fatty acid composition were observed between treatments. Furthermore, backfat level affected the sensory attributes and consumer acceptance of the cabanossi. Ten percent backfat cabanossi was scored higher (P ≤0.05) for most sensory attributes. Consequently, it was observed that the consumer panel preferred and scored the 10 percent fat cabanossi higher with regards to appearance and taste. In the second experiment, two cabanossi treatments of different fat types (pork backfat and fat-tailed sheep backfat) were produced. The weight loss, moisture content, pH, water activity and salt content did not differ (P > 0.05) between the two cabanossi products. However, there were differences (P ≤0.05) in the protein, fat and ash contents; where protein and ash were higher in the pork backfat cabanossi whilst fat was higher in the sheep backfat cabanossi. Thiobarbituric reactive substances (TBARS) were similar (P > 0.05) between the two fat types cabanossi which could be explained by similar fatty acid profiles being reported for the two cabanossi although the n-6:n-3 ratio was higher (P ≤0.05) in sheep backfat cabanossi. Results from the descriptive sensory analysis showed two distinct products (P ≤0.01) where pork backfat cabanossi scored higher for most attributes. However, the lower scores for sheep backfat cabanossi were within an acceptable range. Sheep backfat cabanossi were also scored for unique attributes that were not detected in the pork backfat cabanossi. This study concluded that fat-tailed sheep backfat can be used to produce an unique cabanossi product of acceptable quality.
- Full Text:
Poverty, Food insecurity and livelihood diversification among households in Eastern Cape province, South Africa
- Authors: Megbowon, Ebenezer Toyin
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Food supply -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Poverty -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Households -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/13086 , vital:39464
- Description: Livelihood diversification have been thought to be a rural issue where agriculture is the main source of income, however in an era of dwindling global and national economic situations, livelihood diversification have been seen to be prominent among urban dwellers as well although literatures have focused more on rural households. There is also a growing evidence in literature showing that livelihood diversification is indispensable for improving household welfare. This study adopts the sustainable livelihood framework to investigate the pattern and determinants of livelihood diversification (number of income sources) and the welfare (poverty and food insecurity) effect of livelihood diversification on household in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa. Indicators of poverty and food security were computed using Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI) and FANTA’s Household Dietary Diversity Scores (HDDS). The study relied on data obtained from the Nation-wide annual General household Survey carried out in 2014 having 3033 households sampled from the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Poisson regression, Tobit regression and logistic regression models. The result of the Multidimensional Poverty Index headcount revealed that while majority (71.28 percent) of the households are not multidimensionaly poor, 20.51 percent, 6.89 percent and 1.32 percent are vulnerable to multidimensional poverty, multidimensionaly poor and severely multidimensionaly poor respectively. The study also revealed that while there is a significant differences between multidimensional poverty status in the both rural and urban area, there is no much differences when considering the gender of the household head. This indicates that poverty is still a rural phenomenon in the Province. Furthermore, the largest contributor (dimension and indicators) to household multidimensional poverty in the Province is standard of living dimension and specific indicator are the fuels use for cooking, water and space heating, toilet system, dwelling and asset accumulation are the most areas of highest deprivation. The household dietary diversity score show that household have a diverse diet with a mean score of 6.9; however the diversity is skewed toward food groups that do not give expected nutritional diets for a healthy and an economically active life. In General pulse diet and vegetables (spinach and wild green leaves) are least consumed in the province. Consumption of fruit is shown to be less consumed in the rural area as compared to the urban area. Descriptive analysis of livelihood diversification among households in the province revealed that majority of households are not diversified. Poisson regression estimate produced a good fit shown by the statistical insignificance of the deviance good of fit (p=1.09). Age of household head, population group of the head, education attainment of the head, engagement in agriculture, recipient of remittance and number of economic active member of the household) were found to be statistically significant (p<0.01) and were found to influence the probability of a household diversifying their livelihood base in the study area. The result of the Tobit regression on effect of livelihood diversification and other household socio-economic characteristics on household poverty suggest livelihood diversification has no statistically significant effect on the probability of being poor in the study area. Other variables found to influence poverty are, household head’s gender (male), age, education, employment status, access to electricity, engagement in agriculture, salary earning, economic active size of household and asset score) were found to be significantly (p<0.01) to influencing multidimensional poverty of the poor households. The result of the logistic regression indicates that livelihood diversification has no significant effect on the probability of a household being poor. Gender of head, age of household head, education attainment of the head, access to electricity, engagement in agriculture, recipients of pension, number of economic active and living in urban area were also found to be statistically significant in influencing household food insecurity in the province. The findings illustrates that livelihood diversification may not be relevant for household welfare in the case of South Africa. However promoting livelihood diversification remain imperative for household welfare in the South Africa in the long-run. It further illustrate that gender of head, education, access to electricity, home agriculture are imperative for the improvement of household welfare. Hence the study recommends policy relating to conditional granting of cash grant support, intensification of rural development programmes, education affordable and accessible at all level and support home stead or subsistence agriculture.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Megbowon, Ebenezer Toyin
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Food supply -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Poverty -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Households -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/13086 , vital:39464
- Description: Livelihood diversification have been thought to be a rural issue where agriculture is the main source of income, however in an era of dwindling global and national economic situations, livelihood diversification have been seen to be prominent among urban dwellers as well although literatures have focused more on rural households. There is also a growing evidence in literature showing that livelihood diversification is indispensable for improving household welfare. This study adopts the sustainable livelihood framework to investigate the pattern and determinants of livelihood diversification (number of income sources) and the welfare (poverty and food insecurity) effect of livelihood diversification on household in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa. Indicators of poverty and food security were computed using Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI) and FANTA’s Household Dietary Diversity Scores (HDDS). The study relied on data obtained from the Nation-wide annual General household Survey carried out in 2014 having 3033 households sampled from the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Poisson regression, Tobit regression and logistic regression models. The result of the Multidimensional Poverty Index headcount revealed that while majority (71.28 percent) of the households are not multidimensionaly poor, 20.51 percent, 6.89 percent and 1.32 percent are vulnerable to multidimensional poverty, multidimensionaly poor and severely multidimensionaly poor respectively. The study also revealed that while there is a significant differences between multidimensional poverty status in the both rural and urban area, there is no much differences when considering the gender of the household head. This indicates that poverty is still a rural phenomenon in the Province. Furthermore, the largest contributor (dimension and indicators) to household multidimensional poverty in the Province is standard of living dimension and specific indicator are the fuels use for cooking, water and space heating, toilet system, dwelling and asset accumulation are the most areas of highest deprivation. The household dietary diversity score show that household have a diverse diet with a mean score of 6.9; however the diversity is skewed toward food groups that do not give expected nutritional diets for a healthy and an economically active life. In General pulse diet and vegetables (spinach and wild green leaves) are least consumed in the province. Consumption of fruit is shown to be less consumed in the rural area as compared to the urban area. Descriptive analysis of livelihood diversification among households in the province revealed that majority of households are not diversified. Poisson regression estimate produced a good fit shown by the statistical insignificance of the deviance good of fit (p=1.09). Age of household head, population group of the head, education attainment of the head, engagement in agriculture, recipient of remittance and number of economic active member of the household) were found to be statistically significant (p<0.01) and were found to influence the probability of a household diversifying their livelihood base in the study area. The result of the Tobit regression on effect of livelihood diversification and other household socio-economic characteristics on household poverty suggest livelihood diversification has no statistically significant effect on the probability of being poor in the study area. Other variables found to influence poverty are, household head’s gender (male), age, education, employment status, access to electricity, engagement in agriculture, salary earning, economic active size of household and asset score) were found to be significantly (p<0.01) to influencing multidimensional poverty of the poor households. The result of the logistic regression indicates that livelihood diversification has no significant effect on the probability of a household being poor. Gender of head, age of household head, education attainment of the head, access to electricity, engagement in agriculture, recipients of pension, number of economic active and living in urban area were also found to be statistically significant in influencing household food insecurity in the province. The findings illustrates that livelihood diversification may not be relevant for household welfare in the case of South Africa. However promoting livelihood diversification remain imperative for household welfare in the South Africa in the long-run. It further illustrate that gender of head, education, access to electricity, home agriculture are imperative for the improvement of household welfare. Hence the study recommends policy relating to conditional granting of cash grant support, intensification of rural development programmes, education affordable and accessible at all level and support home stead or subsistence agriculture.
- Full Text:
Prevalence of Group B streptococcus and staphylococcus aureus colonization in the anogenital tract of pregnant women in the Eastern Cape Province, South Africa
- Authors: Stofile, P Z
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Streptococcal infections Staphylococcus aureus
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/5983 , vital:29462
- Description: Neonatal sickness and death is increasingly becoming a public health problem worldwide. The colonization of Group B Streptococcus and Staphylococcus in the rectovaginal area is among the sources of infections in neonates which can result in illness and mortality. The over exposure of humans to antibiotics is the possible cause of resistance in bacteria. These resistant strains can be passed onto offspring, leading to resistant infections and increasing the morbidity of neonates because of treatment failures. Many people, including healthcare personnel are not aware of the effect of these bacteria, and informing clinics and hospitals can help create awareness and monitoring the levels of resistance among bacteria can assist in preventing the transference of the bacteria. In this study we investigated the prevalence of group B Streptococcus (GBS) and Staphylococcus aureus in the anogenital tract of pregnant women in the Eastern Cape Province, South Africa. A total of 49 isolates from 25 (30.5 percent) pregnant women colonized with GBS were isolated from vaginal and rectal swabs of 82 pregnant women at 25-37 gestation who participated in this study. These isolates were obtained using standard microbiological methods and confirmed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technique aimed at the ScpB gene. The isolates were further screened for the presence of 9 serogroups (Ia, Ib, II, III, IV, V, VI, VII, VII) and serogroups Ib 2 (4.8 percent), II 20 (40.8 percent) and IV 5 (10.2 percent) and 22 non-typable (44.9 percent) were identified. Susceptibility profiling of the isolates to 12 antibiotics (tetracycline, clindamycin, erythromycin, gentamycin, naladixic acid, norfloxacin, chloramphenicol, cefuroxime, cefotaxime, imipenem, penicillin and vancomycin) was tested in vitro by the standardized disc diffusion method. All the confirmed GBS isolates (49) were resistant to erythromycin, tetracycline and clindamycin. A higher percentage of the isolates were resistant to gentamycin 44 (90 percent), nalidixic acid 41 (84 percent), penicillin 41 (84 percent), chloramphenicol 38 (78 percent), cefuroxime 36 (74 percent), imipenem 36 (74 percent), cefotaxime 35 (71 percent), norfloxacin 32 (65 percent) and vancomycin 31 (78 percent). Multiple antimicrobial resistance patterns ranged from 9‒11 and indices ranged from 0.7‒0.9, respectively. Among the antimicrobial resistance determinants examined, genes encoding for resistance to erythromycin ermB 25 (51 percent), tetracycline tetM 32 (65 percent) and penicillin bla-Z 4 (8 percent) only were identified. On the other hand, screening for S. aureus yielded a total of 7 isolates from 4 study participants as confirmed by PCR based on staphylococcal, nuc gene. The isolates were further screened for the presence of six virulence genes (Hla, Hlb, LUKM, LUKED, PVL, Eta and Etb) and antibiotic susceptibility pattern by the disc diffusion method using 12 (penicillin, vancomycin, tetracycline, rifampicin, imipenem, gentamycin, chloramphenicol, norfloxacin, oxacillin, erythromycin and sulfamethoxazole-trimethoprim) antibiotics that are adopted in the treatment of infections caused by the organism. PVL 6 (85.7 percent) and eta 1 (14.3 percent) were the two virulence genes detected. The following percentages of antibiotics resistance among the isolates were observed; penicillin G 7 (100 percent), clindamycin 7 (100 percent), vancomycin 5 (100 percent), rifampicin 5 (71 percent), oxacillin 5 (71 percent), erythromycin 5 (71 percent) gentamycin 3 (43 percent), norfloxacin 3 (43 percent), sulfamethoxazole-trimethoprim 3 (43 percent), chloramphenicol 2 (29 percent), imipenem 1 (14 percent). Multiple antimicrobial resistance patterns ranged from 7‒8 and indices ranged from 0.6‒0.7, respectively. Genetic profiling of the resistance genes identified erythromycin ermB 5(71.4 percent), tetracycline tetM 5(71.4 percent) and penicillin bla-Z 1(14.3 percent) only. The findings from the study have revealed GBS and S. aureus colonization of pregnant women in the Eastern Cape Province, and these have great public health implications especially for the neonates who are mostly likely to be infected during birth. The unidentifiable multidrug resistant serogroups of GBS as well as resistant S. aureus limit the choice of drugs in the management of infections caused by these pathogens more so if transmitted to infants. Therefore asymptomatic pregnant women needed to be properly educated about the bacteria as well as the precautions that need to be taken.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Stofile, P Z
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Streptococcal infections Staphylococcus aureus
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/5983 , vital:29462
- Description: Neonatal sickness and death is increasingly becoming a public health problem worldwide. The colonization of Group B Streptococcus and Staphylococcus in the rectovaginal area is among the sources of infections in neonates which can result in illness and mortality. The over exposure of humans to antibiotics is the possible cause of resistance in bacteria. These resistant strains can be passed onto offspring, leading to resistant infections and increasing the morbidity of neonates because of treatment failures. Many people, including healthcare personnel are not aware of the effect of these bacteria, and informing clinics and hospitals can help create awareness and monitoring the levels of resistance among bacteria can assist in preventing the transference of the bacteria. In this study we investigated the prevalence of group B Streptococcus (GBS) and Staphylococcus aureus in the anogenital tract of pregnant women in the Eastern Cape Province, South Africa. A total of 49 isolates from 25 (30.5 percent) pregnant women colonized with GBS were isolated from vaginal and rectal swabs of 82 pregnant women at 25-37 gestation who participated in this study. These isolates were obtained using standard microbiological methods and confirmed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technique aimed at the ScpB gene. The isolates were further screened for the presence of 9 serogroups (Ia, Ib, II, III, IV, V, VI, VII, VII) and serogroups Ib 2 (4.8 percent), II 20 (40.8 percent) and IV 5 (10.2 percent) and 22 non-typable (44.9 percent) were identified. Susceptibility profiling of the isolates to 12 antibiotics (tetracycline, clindamycin, erythromycin, gentamycin, naladixic acid, norfloxacin, chloramphenicol, cefuroxime, cefotaxime, imipenem, penicillin and vancomycin) was tested in vitro by the standardized disc diffusion method. All the confirmed GBS isolates (49) were resistant to erythromycin, tetracycline and clindamycin. A higher percentage of the isolates were resistant to gentamycin 44 (90 percent), nalidixic acid 41 (84 percent), penicillin 41 (84 percent), chloramphenicol 38 (78 percent), cefuroxime 36 (74 percent), imipenem 36 (74 percent), cefotaxime 35 (71 percent), norfloxacin 32 (65 percent) and vancomycin 31 (78 percent). Multiple antimicrobial resistance patterns ranged from 9‒11 and indices ranged from 0.7‒0.9, respectively. Among the antimicrobial resistance determinants examined, genes encoding for resistance to erythromycin ermB 25 (51 percent), tetracycline tetM 32 (65 percent) and penicillin bla-Z 4 (8 percent) only were identified. On the other hand, screening for S. aureus yielded a total of 7 isolates from 4 study participants as confirmed by PCR based on staphylococcal, nuc gene. The isolates were further screened for the presence of six virulence genes (Hla, Hlb, LUKM, LUKED, PVL, Eta and Etb) and antibiotic susceptibility pattern by the disc diffusion method using 12 (penicillin, vancomycin, tetracycline, rifampicin, imipenem, gentamycin, chloramphenicol, norfloxacin, oxacillin, erythromycin and sulfamethoxazole-trimethoprim) antibiotics that are adopted in the treatment of infections caused by the organism. PVL 6 (85.7 percent) and eta 1 (14.3 percent) were the two virulence genes detected. The following percentages of antibiotics resistance among the isolates were observed; penicillin G 7 (100 percent), clindamycin 7 (100 percent), vancomycin 5 (100 percent), rifampicin 5 (71 percent), oxacillin 5 (71 percent), erythromycin 5 (71 percent) gentamycin 3 (43 percent), norfloxacin 3 (43 percent), sulfamethoxazole-trimethoprim 3 (43 percent), chloramphenicol 2 (29 percent), imipenem 1 (14 percent). Multiple antimicrobial resistance patterns ranged from 7‒8 and indices ranged from 0.6‒0.7, respectively. Genetic profiling of the resistance genes identified erythromycin ermB 5(71.4 percent), tetracycline tetM 5(71.4 percent) and penicillin bla-Z 1(14.3 percent) only. The findings from the study have revealed GBS and S. aureus colonization of pregnant women in the Eastern Cape Province, and these have great public health implications especially for the neonates who are mostly likely to be infected during birth. The unidentifiable multidrug resistant serogroups of GBS as well as resistant S. aureus limit the choice of drugs in the management of infections caused by these pathogens more so if transmitted to infants. Therefore asymptomatic pregnant women needed to be properly educated about the bacteria as well as the precautions that need to be taken.
- Full Text:
Production systems, profitability and participation in the mainstream markets by smallholder broiler chicken farmers of Maseru district in Lesotho
- Mphahama, Litsoanelo Evodiah
- Authors: Mphahama, Litsoanelo Evodiah
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Broilers (Chickens)
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/8678 , vital:33423
- Description: Growth in global demand for broiler chicken meat has become tremendous, hence; as one segment of poultry, broiler chicken production has a privilege to highly contribute to nations’ nutritional demands because of the shorter productive age, with only 42 days needed to reach a marketable weight with a high rate of productivity. In fact; in developing countries the importance of broiler chickens to the national economy cannot be overemphasized, as it has become a popular industry especially for the smallholder farmers that have great contribution to the economies of their countries. However, it is difficult to see a bright future for smallholder broiler chicken farmers in this rapidly changing industry structure. A major concern is that this group of farmers faces severe constraints and challenges to taking advantage of mainstream market opportunities; a situation that would impede the success of the sector leading the farmers to exit the business. The aim of this study was to investigate factors challenging small-holder broiler chicken profitability and the choice of market channels used by these famers. The study was conducted in the Maseru district in Lesotho. Using availability sampling; 220 smallholder broiler chicken farming households were purposively selected. Data were obtained from secondary sources and by an administration of questionnaires from January until March 2016. Excel, XLSTAT and SPSS were used for analyzing the data. The descriptive findings of this study were applied to the biographical characteristics of the smallholder broiler chicken farmers. Ages, household size, marital status, occupation, source of credit and broiler chicken production system were determined using SPSS through graphs, mean and percentages. Findings from determining broiler chicken profitability revealed that a mean gross margin of M607.74 in the rural areas and M665.13 from the urban areas were obtained. The results indicated broiler chicken feeds and day old chicks as major operational costs in broiler chicken rearing. This study also explored factors that influence broiler chicken profitability on smallholder farmers. The results suggest that cost starter feeds, cost finisher feeds, transport cost and cost dox/doc negatively affected broiler chicken profits while a number of sold chicken and chicken price had a positive influence. The empirical results from the Binary option of market participation revealed that three variables (number of years in broiler chicken business, access to transport, and access to extension) and one variable (stock size) in rural and urban households respectively had positive signs, thereby, implying an increase in participation in the formal markets. On the other hand two variables; access to information and household size in rural and urban households respectively had negative associations, thus implying that an increase in any of these variables may be associated with a decrease in the formal market participation level. The study therefore, concludes that number of sold chicken and chicken price positively affect broiler chicken profitability however; household size have negative effect on the level of formal market participation among urban households. Therefore, it is recommended that smallholder broiler chicken farmers increase their stocking volumes and get amalgamated into cooperatives in order to be able to access formal markets; hence increased broiler chicken profits.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Mphahama, Litsoanelo Evodiah
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Broilers (Chickens)
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/8678 , vital:33423
- Description: Growth in global demand for broiler chicken meat has become tremendous, hence; as one segment of poultry, broiler chicken production has a privilege to highly contribute to nations’ nutritional demands because of the shorter productive age, with only 42 days needed to reach a marketable weight with a high rate of productivity. In fact; in developing countries the importance of broiler chickens to the national economy cannot be overemphasized, as it has become a popular industry especially for the smallholder farmers that have great contribution to the economies of their countries. However, it is difficult to see a bright future for smallholder broiler chicken farmers in this rapidly changing industry structure. A major concern is that this group of farmers faces severe constraints and challenges to taking advantage of mainstream market opportunities; a situation that would impede the success of the sector leading the farmers to exit the business. The aim of this study was to investigate factors challenging small-holder broiler chicken profitability and the choice of market channels used by these famers. The study was conducted in the Maseru district in Lesotho. Using availability sampling; 220 smallholder broiler chicken farming households were purposively selected. Data were obtained from secondary sources and by an administration of questionnaires from January until March 2016. Excel, XLSTAT and SPSS were used for analyzing the data. The descriptive findings of this study were applied to the biographical characteristics of the smallholder broiler chicken farmers. Ages, household size, marital status, occupation, source of credit and broiler chicken production system were determined using SPSS through graphs, mean and percentages. Findings from determining broiler chicken profitability revealed that a mean gross margin of M607.74 in the rural areas and M665.13 from the urban areas were obtained. The results indicated broiler chicken feeds and day old chicks as major operational costs in broiler chicken rearing. This study also explored factors that influence broiler chicken profitability on smallholder farmers. The results suggest that cost starter feeds, cost finisher feeds, transport cost and cost dox/doc negatively affected broiler chicken profits while a number of sold chicken and chicken price had a positive influence. The empirical results from the Binary option of market participation revealed that three variables (number of years in broiler chicken business, access to transport, and access to extension) and one variable (stock size) in rural and urban households respectively had positive signs, thereby, implying an increase in participation in the formal markets. On the other hand two variables; access to information and household size in rural and urban households respectively had negative associations, thus implying that an increase in any of these variables may be associated with a decrease in the formal market participation level. The study therefore, concludes that number of sold chicken and chicken price positively affect broiler chicken profitability however; household size have negative effect on the level of formal market participation among urban households. Therefore, it is recommended that smallholder broiler chicken farmers increase their stocking volumes and get amalgamated into cooperatives in order to be able to access formal markets; hence increased broiler chicken profits.
- Full Text:
Psychological capital and emotional intelligence as moderators of the relationship between occupational stress and organisational citizenship behaviour among graduate employees in Nigeria
- Authors: Aderibigbe, John Kolawole
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Psychology, Industrial Emotional intelligence
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/8642 , vital:33250
- Description: The study investigated psychological capital and emotional intelligence as moderators of the relationship between occupational stress and organisational citizenship behaviour among graduate employees in Nigeria, using the explanatory cross-sectional (survey) research design and three sampling techniques (The Two-stage Cluster Sampling Method, The Convenience Sampling Method and The Purposive Sampling Technique) to sample 1532 male and female graduate employees in Nigeria. A structured validated questionnaire was used to collect data from the respondents. Six hypotheses were stated and tested in the study towards propounding a model, using Pearson Correlation Analysis, Multiple Regression Analysis and Structural Equation Modelling. The results show that there is a weak positive relationship between occupational stress and organisational citizenship behaviour, r = 0.070, p<0.01; there is a significant positive relationship between psychological capital and organisational citizenship behaviour, r = 0.588, p<0.01; there is a significant positive relationship between emotional intelligence and organisational citizenship behaviour, r = 0.473, p<0.01; psychological capital is a significant moderator of the relationship between occupational stress and organisational citizenship behaviour, F (2,1529) = 8.514; R2= 0.011; p <.05; emotional intelligence is a significant moderator of the relationship between occupational stress and organisational citizenship behaviour, F (2,1529) = 5.945; R2= 0.008; p <.05; psychological capital and emotional intelligence are significant joint moderators of the relationship between occupational stress and organisational citizenship behaviour, F (1,1530) = 221.240; R2= 0.186; p <.05; psychological capital has a direct and significant positive effect on organisational citizenship behaviour, R= 0.657, p<.001; emotional intelligence has a direct and significant positive effect on organisational citizenship behaviour, R= 0.183, p<.001; psychological capital has a direct and significant positive effect on occupational stress, R= 0.100, p<.001; emotional intelligence has a direct and significant positive effect on psychological capital, R= 0.547, p<.001. Based on the results, the study concludes that psychological capital and emotional intelligence are significant joint moderators of the relationship between occupational stress and organisational citizenship behaviour. The proposed model was, therefore, empirically confirmed. The researcher recommends that the empirical model of effective management of occupational stress and organisational citizenship behaviour, which has been propounded in the study, should be adopted and applied by teachers, lecturers, seminar facilitators, workshop trainers, supervisors and managers during their coaching or training sessions.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Aderibigbe, John Kolawole
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Psychology, Industrial Emotional intelligence
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/8642 , vital:33250
- Description: The study investigated psychological capital and emotional intelligence as moderators of the relationship between occupational stress and organisational citizenship behaviour among graduate employees in Nigeria, using the explanatory cross-sectional (survey) research design and three sampling techniques (The Two-stage Cluster Sampling Method, The Convenience Sampling Method and The Purposive Sampling Technique) to sample 1532 male and female graduate employees in Nigeria. A structured validated questionnaire was used to collect data from the respondents. Six hypotheses were stated and tested in the study towards propounding a model, using Pearson Correlation Analysis, Multiple Regression Analysis and Structural Equation Modelling. The results show that there is a weak positive relationship between occupational stress and organisational citizenship behaviour, r = 0.070, p<0.01; there is a significant positive relationship between psychological capital and organisational citizenship behaviour, r = 0.588, p<0.01; there is a significant positive relationship between emotional intelligence and organisational citizenship behaviour, r = 0.473, p<0.01; psychological capital is a significant moderator of the relationship between occupational stress and organisational citizenship behaviour, F (2,1529) = 8.514; R2= 0.011; p <.05; emotional intelligence is a significant moderator of the relationship between occupational stress and organisational citizenship behaviour, F (2,1529) = 5.945; R2= 0.008; p <.05; psychological capital and emotional intelligence are significant joint moderators of the relationship between occupational stress and organisational citizenship behaviour, F (1,1530) = 221.240; R2= 0.186; p <.05; psychological capital has a direct and significant positive effect on organisational citizenship behaviour, R= 0.657, p<.001; emotional intelligence has a direct and significant positive effect on organisational citizenship behaviour, R= 0.183, p<.001; psychological capital has a direct and significant positive effect on occupational stress, R= 0.100, p<.001; emotional intelligence has a direct and significant positive effect on psychological capital, R= 0.547, p<.001. Based on the results, the study concludes that psychological capital and emotional intelligence are significant joint moderators of the relationship between occupational stress and organisational citizenship behaviour. The proposed model was, therefore, empirically confirmed. The researcher recommends that the empirical model of effective management of occupational stress and organisational citizenship behaviour, which has been propounded in the study, should be adopted and applied by teachers, lecturers, seminar facilitators, workshop trainers, supervisors and managers during their coaching or training sessions.
- Full Text:
Psychological capital as a moderator on the relationship between work-life balance and turnover intentions amongst selected bank employees in the Amathole district, Eastern Cape province
- Authors: Nyahwema, Cloudious
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Employee competitive behavior -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Employee motivation -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Human capital -- Psychological aspects
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/13556 , vital:39679
- Description: Globalisation has facilitated high mobility among 21st century employees allowing brain circulation to occur. However, high employee mobility also means organisations are losing employees to competitors some of which are global business moguls with better resources leaving emerging businesses at a disadvantage. Lately, the South African banking sector has also been affected with high employee turnover requiring the need for investigation. For these reasons, the main objective of the study was to investigate whether psychological capital significantly moderates the relationship between work-life balance and turnover intentions among selected bank employees in Amathole district, Eastern Cape Province of South Africa. The study also examined if there is a positive and significant relationship between psychological capital and work-life balance among selected bank employees. In addition, the study sought to examine if there is a positive and significant relationship between psychological capital and turnover intention among selected bank employees. The study followed a quantitative research approach. Therefore, survey questionnaires were used as means of data collection and data was analysed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS). Research results indicated that psychological capital significantly moderates the relationship between work-life balance and turnover intentions among selected bank employees. A significantly positive relationship between psychological capital (PsyCap) and work-life balance among selected bank employees was found. The results also revealed that there is no significant relationship between psychological capital and turnover intentions among selected bank employees.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Nyahwema, Cloudious
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Employee competitive behavior -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Employee motivation -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Human capital -- Psychological aspects
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/13556 , vital:39679
- Description: Globalisation has facilitated high mobility among 21st century employees allowing brain circulation to occur. However, high employee mobility also means organisations are losing employees to competitors some of which are global business moguls with better resources leaving emerging businesses at a disadvantage. Lately, the South African banking sector has also been affected with high employee turnover requiring the need for investigation. For these reasons, the main objective of the study was to investigate whether psychological capital significantly moderates the relationship between work-life balance and turnover intentions among selected bank employees in Amathole district, Eastern Cape Province of South Africa. The study also examined if there is a positive and significant relationship between psychological capital and work-life balance among selected bank employees. In addition, the study sought to examine if there is a positive and significant relationship between psychological capital and turnover intention among selected bank employees. The study followed a quantitative research approach. Therefore, survey questionnaires were used as means of data collection and data was analysed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS). Research results indicated that psychological capital significantly moderates the relationship between work-life balance and turnover intentions among selected bank employees. A significantly positive relationship between psychological capital (PsyCap) and work-life balance among selected bank employees was found. The results also revealed that there is no significant relationship between psychological capital and turnover intentions among selected bank employees.
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Psychological well-being of institutionalised and non-institutionalised isiXhosa and English ethnic speaking elderly south African residing within the Buffalo City area
- Authors: Ntozini, Anathi
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Self-actualization (Psychology) in old age Older people -- Institutional care -- Psychological aspects
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/6368 , vital:29593
- Description: Background: International research has clearly indicated that the world’s population is ageing: almost all countries in the world are experiencing a significant growth in the proportion of older persons in their population. This is also true for developing countries such as South Africa that are beginning to show signs and symptoms of an ageing population. Among Southern African Development Communities (SADC), South Africa has the highest number of ‘senior citizens’. Population reports indicate that the population of old people rose from paltry 2.8 million in 1996 to more than 4 million in 2011 and this is expected to skyrocket to seven million by 2030. In spite of the increasing number of senior citizens in socio-structural landscapes in South Africa, there is still lack of adequate, workable and effective policy frameworks for the wellbeing of the elderly. There is also paucity of psychological data of the elderly, especially along racial divides to determine whether the after-effects of apartheid still hold sway or not in post-apartheid South Africa. This study was conceived to investigate the psychological well-being of the elderly in Buffalo City, Eastern Cape, South Africa between two racial-ethnic elderly groups. The specific objectives of the study were to explore the relationship between the socio-demographic characteristics and psychological well-being of the black (Xhosa) and white (English) elderly in Buffalo City, South Africa and second, to validate the relationship between psychological well-being and physical activity, loneliness, spirituality/religiosity as well as ageism among the sampled population. The set-point theory, selective optimisation compensation theory (SOCT) as well as the continuity theory were employed to guide the conduct of the study. Method: Psychological measuring instruments were deployed to collect data for the study from a total of 301 elderly respondents in retirement and private individual homes (191 isiXhosa and 110 English speaking elderly). Both simple random sampling (SRS) and purposive sampling procedures were used to select the respondents. The measuring instruments included the Ryff Scales of Psychological Well-being (RSPWB), Physical Activity Scale for the Elderly (PASE), Assessment of Spiritual and Religious Sentiments Scale (ASPIRES), University of California at Los Angeles (UCLA) Loneliness Scale, the Palmore Ageism Survey scale and a biographical questionnaire. Data was analysed using MANOVA, One-way variance analysis and regression coefficient. The racial differences logically influenced the selection of the respondents for the study. Results: The study revealed a significant statistical relationship between physical activity (PA) and psychological well-being of the elderly, regardless of the sociodemographic variables. PA showed a significant relationship with psychological wellbeing of the elderly. The study also discovered that loneliness correlates significantly with all four of the psychological well-being scales. It shows that the higher the levels of loneliness experienced by the elderly, socio-demographic variables controlled, the lower the levels of psychological well-being in terms of autonomy, environmental mastery, purpose in life, and self-acceptance. However, with the exception of the relationship between loneliness and purpose in life, ethnic affiliation moderates autonomy, environmental mastery and self-acceptance. English elderly constantly experienced higher levels of autonomy than the isiXhosa elderly do with an increase in loneliness. The study also found a positive relationship between ageism and psychological well- being. However, with low levels of ageism, the English elderly, in comparison with the isiXhosa elderly, is likely to show higher levels of autonomy. In addition, a significant statistical relationship between ageism and environmental mastery and purpose in life was found among the isiXhosa elderly. Although, with an increase in ageism, there is a slight increase in autonomy in both groups, the English elderly throughout showed higher levels of autonomy than the isiXhosa elderly showed. The study found a positive relationship between religiosity/spirituality and psychological well-being of the elderly. However, race could moderate the relationship between prayer fulfillment and psychological well-being at all four levels (autonomy, environmental mastery, purpose in life, and self-acceptance). With an increase in prayer fulfillment, the autonomy of the English elderly increases fairly quickly, while the autonomy of the isiXhosa elderly decreases slightly. Comparatively, the study found that isiXhosa elderly reported lower levels of psychological well-being than the English elderly. Conclusion/Recommendation: The study concludes that there is the need to develop a solid national data bases on needs and use of services, and process of ageing in order to access research data to assist planning, dissemination, delivery and evaluation of effective service delivery for the elderly population in South Africa, especially along racial divides.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Ntozini, Anathi
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Self-actualization (Psychology) in old age Older people -- Institutional care -- Psychological aspects
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/6368 , vital:29593
- Description: Background: International research has clearly indicated that the world’s population is ageing: almost all countries in the world are experiencing a significant growth in the proportion of older persons in their population. This is also true for developing countries such as South Africa that are beginning to show signs and symptoms of an ageing population. Among Southern African Development Communities (SADC), South Africa has the highest number of ‘senior citizens’. Population reports indicate that the population of old people rose from paltry 2.8 million in 1996 to more than 4 million in 2011 and this is expected to skyrocket to seven million by 2030. In spite of the increasing number of senior citizens in socio-structural landscapes in South Africa, there is still lack of adequate, workable and effective policy frameworks for the wellbeing of the elderly. There is also paucity of psychological data of the elderly, especially along racial divides to determine whether the after-effects of apartheid still hold sway or not in post-apartheid South Africa. This study was conceived to investigate the psychological well-being of the elderly in Buffalo City, Eastern Cape, South Africa between two racial-ethnic elderly groups. The specific objectives of the study were to explore the relationship between the socio-demographic characteristics and psychological well-being of the black (Xhosa) and white (English) elderly in Buffalo City, South Africa and second, to validate the relationship between psychological well-being and physical activity, loneliness, spirituality/religiosity as well as ageism among the sampled population. The set-point theory, selective optimisation compensation theory (SOCT) as well as the continuity theory were employed to guide the conduct of the study. Method: Psychological measuring instruments were deployed to collect data for the study from a total of 301 elderly respondents in retirement and private individual homes (191 isiXhosa and 110 English speaking elderly). Both simple random sampling (SRS) and purposive sampling procedures were used to select the respondents. The measuring instruments included the Ryff Scales of Psychological Well-being (RSPWB), Physical Activity Scale for the Elderly (PASE), Assessment of Spiritual and Religious Sentiments Scale (ASPIRES), University of California at Los Angeles (UCLA) Loneliness Scale, the Palmore Ageism Survey scale and a biographical questionnaire. Data was analysed using MANOVA, One-way variance analysis and regression coefficient. The racial differences logically influenced the selection of the respondents for the study. Results: The study revealed a significant statistical relationship between physical activity (PA) and psychological well-being of the elderly, regardless of the sociodemographic variables. PA showed a significant relationship with psychological wellbeing of the elderly. The study also discovered that loneliness correlates significantly with all four of the psychological well-being scales. It shows that the higher the levels of loneliness experienced by the elderly, socio-demographic variables controlled, the lower the levels of psychological well-being in terms of autonomy, environmental mastery, purpose in life, and self-acceptance. However, with the exception of the relationship between loneliness and purpose in life, ethnic affiliation moderates autonomy, environmental mastery and self-acceptance. English elderly constantly experienced higher levels of autonomy than the isiXhosa elderly do with an increase in loneliness. The study also found a positive relationship between ageism and psychological well- being. However, with low levels of ageism, the English elderly, in comparison with the isiXhosa elderly, is likely to show higher levels of autonomy. In addition, a significant statistical relationship between ageism and environmental mastery and purpose in life was found among the isiXhosa elderly. Although, with an increase in ageism, there is a slight increase in autonomy in both groups, the English elderly throughout showed higher levels of autonomy than the isiXhosa elderly showed. The study found a positive relationship between religiosity/spirituality and psychological well-being of the elderly. However, race could moderate the relationship between prayer fulfillment and psychological well-being at all four levels (autonomy, environmental mastery, purpose in life, and self-acceptance). With an increase in prayer fulfillment, the autonomy of the English elderly increases fairly quickly, while the autonomy of the isiXhosa elderly decreases slightly. Comparatively, the study found that isiXhosa elderly reported lower levels of psychological well-being than the English elderly. Conclusion/Recommendation: The study concludes that there is the need to develop a solid national data bases on needs and use of services, and process of ageing in order to access research data to assist planning, dissemination, delivery and evaluation of effective service delivery for the elderly population in South Africa, especially along racial divides.
- Full Text:
Psychosocial effects of court verdicts on children as rape victims : a case study of Queenstown area, Eastern Cape, South Africa
- Lupuwana, Vuyokazi Phumza Pearl
- Authors: Lupuwana, Vuyokazi Phumza Pearl
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Rape victims -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Rape victims -- Services for -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Victims of crimes -- Legal status, laws, etc
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/9821 , vital:35015
- Description: The motivation for this study originated from the problem of children who are being neglected after they have given evidence in the court of law. The researcher also noticed that when children were giving evidence, some were still showing signs of trauma and were crying throughout the proceedings. The researcher became aware that most of the children were never referred to social service professionals for counselling and after care services. The goal of the research was to explore the psycho-social effects of court verdicts on children as rape victims. The aim of the study was to determine the effects, challenges, emotional development and consequences, experience and reactions of rape and sexually assaulted child victims after the court verdict has been adjudicated. This was a case study of the Queenstown Area, Eastern Cape, South Africa. The purpose was to identify gaps as there are minimal services rendered to rape victims after the court verdict has been adjudicated in the South African context so as to formulate strategies that can be framed in order to work effectively with the victims and their immediate families. In order to reach the research goal, the following objectives were presented: To examine the after-effects of rape to children as victims of rape. To investigate the challenges the victims of rape are facing in their communities. To investigate the impact of giving evidence in the court of law by children who are victims of rape. To examine the after-effects of court verdicts on children who are victims of rape. To establish the kind of support provided to children by social networks after they have given evidence in the court of law. To investigate the kind of support provided by social service as well as legal professionals to children as victims of rape. In order to meet the objectives of the study, interviews were conducted to 30 victims of rape (both boys and girls) and data were analyzed according to the qualitative data – analysis procedures. The researcher also conducted literature review on core concepts (such as victims, rape and the legal perspectives of rape) pertaining to the topic under study in order to refer the findings of the study to literature. The researcher utilized the grounded theory research design. The research domain where the interviews took place was at the Queenstown Area under the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development magistrate jurisdiction (McBride, Lesseyton, Mlungisi Township, Komani Township, Molteno, Sterkstroom Dordrecht and Indwe). In this study, 30 Xhosa speaking children of different ages, gender, educational standards, socio-economic backgrounds as well as those who suffered different types of rape, as defined by the Sexual Related Matters Act 32 of 2007; they were all interviewed through use of a semi-structured interview schedule. The respondents were selected with the help of the Department of Justice and Constitutional development as well as South African Police Services (SAPS) based on their suitability to provide information rich data. The interviews were audio-taped and transcribed verbatim. The data were analyzed according to the grounded theory analysis procedures. The following conclusions regarding the study were made: There is lack of implementation of Children’s Rights by professionals working with victims of rape. Children were never informed about the sentences imposed to the offenders. Focus group (professionals) participants acknowledged the fact that there is no compensation given to victims in a South African court of Law. Registering the offender is not benefitting the victim as the offender is sometimes appealing the judgement and sentencing. There are no adequate services rendered by social services professionals to rape victims, especially children. In most cases, they were never referred to any professionals for services following the rape incident. There are no aftercare services for children after giving evidence in the court of law. Children as victims of rape as well as their immediate families must be continuously referred to specialist to get therapeutic services. There is lack of forensic professionals working with children as victims of rape in Eastern Cape. Children as victims of rape are secondary victimized by relatives of the perpetrators after the sentence has been adjudicated. When there is no support provided by family members, victims are more likely to drop out of school. Members of the community lack information on the concept rape, and knowledge that everybody in South Africa can be raped.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Lupuwana, Vuyokazi Phumza Pearl
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Rape victims -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Rape victims -- Services for -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Victims of crimes -- Legal status, laws, etc
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/9821 , vital:35015
- Description: The motivation for this study originated from the problem of children who are being neglected after they have given evidence in the court of law. The researcher also noticed that when children were giving evidence, some were still showing signs of trauma and were crying throughout the proceedings. The researcher became aware that most of the children were never referred to social service professionals for counselling and after care services. The goal of the research was to explore the psycho-social effects of court verdicts on children as rape victims. The aim of the study was to determine the effects, challenges, emotional development and consequences, experience and reactions of rape and sexually assaulted child victims after the court verdict has been adjudicated. This was a case study of the Queenstown Area, Eastern Cape, South Africa. The purpose was to identify gaps as there are minimal services rendered to rape victims after the court verdict has been adjudicated in the South African context so as to formulate strategies that can be framed in order to work effectively with the victims and their immediate families. In order to reach the research goal, the following objectives were presented: To examine the after-effects of rape to children as victims of rape. To investigate the challenges the victims of rape are facing in their communities. To investigate the impact of giving evidence in the court of law by children who are victims of rape. To examine the after-effects of court verdicts on children who are victims of rape. To establish the kind of support provided to children by social networks after they have given evidence in the court of law. To investigate the kind of support provided by social service as well as legal professionals to children as victims of rape. In order to meet the objectives of the study, interviews were conducted to 30 victims of rape (both boys and girls) and data were analyzed according to the qualitative data – analysis procedures. The researcher also conducted literature review on core concepts (such as victims, rape and the legal perspectives of rape) pertaining to the topic under study in order to refer the findings of the study to literature. The researcher utilized the grounded theory research design. The research domain where the interviews took place was at the Queenstown Area under the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development magistrate jurisdiction (McBride, Lesseyton, Mlungisi Township, Komani Township, Molteno, Sterkstroom Dordrecht and Indwe). In this study, 30 Xhosa speaking children of different ages, gender, educational standards, socio-economic backgrounds as well as those who suffered different types of rape, as defined by the Sexual Related Matters Act 32 of 2007; they were all interviewed through use of a semi-structured interview schedule. The respondents were selected with the help of the Department of Justice and Constitutional development as well as South African Police Services (SAPS) based on their suitability to provide information rich data. The interviews were audio-taped and transcribed verbatim. The data were analyzed according to the grounded theory analysis procedures. The following conclusions regarding the study were made: There is lack of implementation of Children’s Rights by professionals working with victims of rape. Children were never informed about the sentences imposed to the offenders. Focus group (professionals) participants acknowledged the fact that there is no compensation given to victims in a South African court of Law. Registering the offender is not benefitting the victim as the offender is sometimes appealing the judgement and sentencing. There are no adequate services rendered by social services professionals to rape victims, especially children. In most cases, they were never referred to any professionals for services following the rape incident. There are no aftercare services for children after giving evidence in the court of law. Children as victims of rape as well as their immediate families must be continuously referred to specialist to get therapeutic services. There is lack of forensic professionals working with children as victims of rape in Eastern Cape. Children as victims of rape are secondary victimized by relatives of the perpetrators after the sentence has been adjudicated. When there is no support provided by family members, victims are more likely to drop out of school. Members of the community lack information on the concept rape, and knowledge that everybody in South Africa can be raped.
- Full Text:
Pursuing socio-economic rights in post-apartheid South Africa : a case study of the Buffalo City metropolitan municipality, Eastern Cape province
- Authors: Makapela, Sicelo Leonard
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Civil rights -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Human rights -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Social justice -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/12881 , vital:39387
- Description: The overall aim of this research was to investigate the extent to which a wide range of socio-economic rights such as housing, education, healthcare, water, sanitation, electricity, food security, social security and the right to work are enjoyed in the Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality in the Eastern Cape Province. South Africa has nine provinces and the Eastern Cape is considered as one of the poorest with high levels of the triad of poverty, inequality and unemployment. The study used a rights-based approach (RBA) which examines the quality of human life from a rights perspective. Survey questionnaires were distributed to a sample of 500 respondents who were selected through a cluster random sample and six in-depth interviews were further conducted with government officials who were selected through purposive sampling. The study was guided by four main objectives and the first sought to explore citizens’ perceptions of the intersection between service delivery protests and socio-economic rights. The findings revealed that the majority of the survey respondents had no sense of the intersection between service delivery and socio-economic rights. Many did not know anything about the South African Constitution and could not relate to its content. Most critically, the majority did not know the socio-economic rights enshrined in the Constitution. The majority was more comfortable with the phrase service delivery over socio-economic rights and this was so because the former was the most commonly used by the politicians, the media and community leaders. In short, the majority of respondents had a poor understanding of the Constitution and socio-economic rights. On the contrary, the in-depth interview participants showed an excellent knowledge of the Constitution and its socio-economic rights content and saw a strong intersection between service delivery protests and socio-economic rights. Both the questionnaire respondents and the in-depth interview participants regarded employment as the most import demand that the government should address urgently. The second objective sought to describe the extent to which the government has fulfilled various rights. Caution was needed in interpreting this objective. While the majority of the questionnaire respondents had rated the government’s efforts negatively in many socio-economic rights, however, further probing revealed that the government had done well. The questionnaire respondents continued to rate the government negatively even in instances where they indicated that the government had done well. Thus, the findings revealed mixed results that the government had done pretty well in some, not so well in others and very bad in some cases. The in-depth interview participants, on the contrary, were all positive about the government’s fulfilment of various socio-economic rights and rated it favourably. The findings, therefore, dismiss the views shared by the majority of the questionnaire respondents that the government had fulfilled various socio-economic rights to a smaller extent and equally challenge the idea that the government was highly successful in all its efforts to fulfil various socio-economic rights. The evidence shows that the government was successful in some and not so in others. Third, the study revealed a number of factors affecting the enjoyment of socio-economic rights in the Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality including lack of democracy, lack of human rights knowledge, poor performance by Ward Councillors etc. Finally, the study identified a number of challenges which inhibited the enjoyment of socio-economic rights and these included corruption, crime, lack of participation by the poor in decision-making, alienation of the masses, but the most single serious threat identified by both the questionnaire respondents and in-depth interview participants was the rampant corruption. Most disturbingly, the respondents did not know what to do, how or where to go to claim their rights. This was revealed by the majority who pointed out that they have never approached the government, Constitutional Court or any court and don’t talk to their Ward Councillors about socio-economic rights. Moreover, they have never used the rights language during service delivery protests. All these point to the significant lack of knowledge about rights despite being familiar with the phrase (amalungel’ethu), a Xhosa expression for our rights. Thus, the questionnaire respondents were simply passive citizens and were not doing enough to pursue their socio-economic rights. Since corruption has been indicated as a major challenge affecting the enjoyment socio-economic rights, it is therefore recommended that alternative institutions should play a critical role not only in exposing corruption but the state should prosecute those found guilty of corruption especially on issues that affect the enjoyment of socio-economic rights. It is also recommended that there should be a dialogue between community representatives and the citizens to talk about socio-economic rights during community meetings. The study further, recommends that human rights education should be incorporated in school curricula, especially in secondary and tertiary institutions. Finally, it is recommended that the development of a comprehensive tool for monitoring and evaluating socio-economic rights should be put in place. At present, no such tool exists.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Makapela, Sicelo Leonard
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Civil rights -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Human rights -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Social justice -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/12881 , vital:39387
- Description: The overall aim of this research was to investigate the extent to which a wide range of socio-economic rights such as housing, education, healthcare, water, sanitation, electricity, food security, social security and the right to work are enjoyed in the Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality in the Eastern Cape Province. South Africa has nine provinces and the Eastern Cape is considered as one of the poorest with high levels of the triad of poverty, inequality and unemployment. The study used a rights-based approach (RBA) which examines the quality of human life from a rights perspective. Survey questionnaires were distributed to a sample of 500 respondents who were selected through a cluster random sample and six in-depth interviews were further conducted with government officials who were selected through purposive sampling. The study was guided by four main objectives and the first sought to explore citizens’ perceptions of the intersection between service delivery protests and socio-economic rights. The findings revealed that the majority of the survey respondents had no sense of the intersection between service delivery and socio-economic rights. Many did not know anything about the South African Constitution and could not relate to its content. Most critically, the majority did not know the socio-economic rights enshrined in the Constitution. The majority was more comfortable with the phrase service delivery over socio-economic rights and this was so because the former was the most commonly used by the politicians, the media and community leaders. In short, the majority of respondents had a poor understanding of the Constitution and socio-economic rights. On the contrary, the in-depth interview participants showed an excellent knowledge of the Constitution and its socio-economic rights content and saw a strong intersection between service delivery protests and socio-economic rights. Both the questionnaire respondents and the in-depth interview participants regarded employment as the most import demand that the government should address urgently. The second objective sought to describe the extent to which the government has fulfilled various rights. Caution was needed in interpreting this objective. While the majority of the questionnaire respondents had rated the government’s efforts negatively in many socio-economic rights, however, further probing revealed that the government had done well. The questionnaire respondents continued to rate the government negatively even in instances where they indicated that the government had done well. Thus, the findings revealed mixed results that the government had done pretty well in some, not so well in others and very bad in some cases. The in-depth interview participants, on the contrary, were all positive about the government’s fulfilment of various socio-economic rights and rated it favourably. The findings, therefore, dismiss the views shared by the majority of the questionnaire respondents that the government had fulfilled various socio-economic rights to a smaller extent and equally challenge the idea that the government was highly successful in all its efforts to fulfil various socio-economic rights. The evidence shows that the government was successful in some and not so in others. Third, the study revealed a number of factors affecting the enjoyment of socio-economic rights in the Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality including lack of democracy, lack of human rights knowledge, poor performance by Ward Councillors etc. Finally, the study identified a number of challenges which inhibited the enjoyment of socio-economic rights and these included corruption, crime, lack of participation by the poor in decision-making, alienation of the masses, but the most single serious threat identified by both the questionnaire respondents and in-depth interview participants was the rampant corruption. Most disturbingly, the respondents did not know what to do, how or where to go to claim their rights. This was revealed by the majority who pointed out that they have never approached the government, Constitutional Court or any court and don’t talk to their Ward Councillors about socio-economic rights. Moreover, they have never used the rights language during service delivery protests. All these point to the significant lack of knowledge about rights despite being familiar with the phrase (amalungel’ethu), a Xhosa expression for our rights. Thus, the questionnaire respondents were simply passive citizens and were not doing enough to pursue their socio-economic rights. Since corruption has been indicated as a major challenge affecting the enjoyment socio-economic rights, it is therefore recommended that alternative institutions should play a critical role not only in exposing corruption but the state should prosecute those found guilty of corruption especially on issues that affect the enjoyment of socio-economic rights. It is also recommended that there should be a dialogue between community representatives and the citizens to talk about socio-economic rights during community meetings. The study further, recommends that human rights education should be incorporated in school curricula, especially in secondary and tertiary institutions. Finally, it is recommended that the development of a comprehensive tool for monitoring and evaluating socio-economic rights should be put in place. At present, no such tool exists.
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