List of Titles

Every gig counts: understanding the livelihood strategies of Zimbabwean platform food delivery workers in Makhanda, Eastern Cape

- Mwansa, Kombe

Authors: Mwansa, Kombe
Date: 2023-10-13
Subjects: Gig economy South Africa Makhanda , Food delivery services South Africa Makhanda , Zimbabweans South Africa , Immigrants Social conditions , Self-reliant living , Sustainable livelihood
Language: English
Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/425193 , vital:72218
Description: Zimbabweans are often faced with several obstacles upon their arrival in South Africa. This thesis seeks to understand the lives and livelihoods of Zimbabwean gig economy workers in Makhanda using the case of Platform food delivery workers. Drawing from Chambers and Conway (1991) Sustainable Livelihoods Approach and existing literature the study explores the livelihoods of ten Zimbabwean gig workers in Makhanda using non-random purposeful sampling. Using qualitative methodology, the study examines their demographic backgrounds; pathways to employment in the gig economy; the economic and social livelihood strategies at their disposal, the daily challenges they face; and the livelihood outcomes they acquire as a result of their livelihood strategies. A case study involves an in-depth examination of a single individual, group, organization, or event. It is particularly useful for understanding complex phenomena in their real-world context. The study took on a case study approach which involved an in-depth examination of Zimbabwean Platform food delivery workers in Makhanda. The study found that there are complex connections between the gig economy and migrants' livelihoods. From one perspective in the context of South Africa’s constricted labour markets, gig work offers migrant workers quick pathways to employment and self-sufficiency. From another perspective gig work is precarious and technology companies misclassify gig workers as independent contractors, which leaves gig workers in vulnerable positions. Further findings show that migrant gig workers often combine gig work with other livelihood strategies in pursuit of secure and sustainable livelihoods. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Humanities, Sociology, 2023
Full Text:
Date Issued: 2023-10-13

Quick View

Examining the expenditures and retention of money of recreational fishing along the Wild Coast, South Africa

- Pyle, Michael Jonathan

Authors: Pyle, Michael Jonathan
Date: 2023-10-13
Subjects: Ecotourism South Africa , Sustainable fisheries South Africa , Wild Coast Region , Small-scale fisheries Economic aspects South Africa , Socioeconomic development , Leakage
Language: English
Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/419673 , vital:71665
Description: Developing countries and rural communities rely heavily on the ocean for food, transport, and the sustainability of their livelihoods. While the economics of small-scale fisheries in rural areas have received much attention, there is generally less information on the economic contributions from recreational fisheries in these areas. South Africa’s marine recreational fishery is large and contributes to a significant amount of economic activity. However, the retention of money from recreational fishing activities in local rural economies is unknown and thus the potential developmental benefits from this sector remain unquantified. This study examined the economic contributions from recreational fishing along the Wild Coast and retention of expenditures within the local economy. A total of 109 face-to-face economic surveys were administered during the peak recreational fishing season in December 2021. Based on the results, recreational fishing in the Wild Coast has the ability to generate R 415 446 098 in economic activity annually, however only 9.5% of this is retained within local coastal economies, which diminishes the economic contributions of the fishery to the Wild Coast region. Expenditures on items stemming from the informal collection and selling of bait and seafood, domestic work and guiding were the highest locally retained expenditures within the region. 98% of all bait and seafood was harvested and sold by local gillies, with 2% being bought through hotels (n=109). The total direct economic contribution in terms of informal harvesting was estimated at R 16 077 711 for 2021 (n= 9 601). The identification of these contributions can be used to provide recommendations for local economic development strategies which can support the recreational fishery while uplifting coastal communities that should be benefitting more from the activity. , Thesis (MCom) -- Faculty of Commerce, Economics and Economic History, 2023
Full Text:
Date Issued: 2023-10-13

Quick View

Exploring grade 8 teachers’ code-switching in teaching orthographic drawing in the Khomas Educational Region, Namibia

- Iita, Gabriel

Authors: Iita, Gabriel
Date: 2023-10-13
Subjects: Uncatalogued
Language: English
Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/424041 , vital:72118
Description: Studies in learner English proficiency in Namibia have shown that a considerable number of learners in primary and high schools have low proficiency. Naturally, this will be problematic for both learners and teachers who operate under a policy that dictates that from Grade 4 upwards, English is the medium of instruction in government schools. Literature has shown a general bias towards English as a medium of instruction from both the Namibian government and Namibian parents, despite the broader level of low English proficiency among learners. Research reviewed within this study has outlined the multiple benefits of code-switching for both learners and teachers. In fact, a recent study on the perceptions of code-switching in classrooms among Namibian learners indicated a positive attitude towards code-switching as a learning tool. Grade 8 Technical Drawing classes tend to be challenging due to the complexity and novelty of some of the concepts and terminologies used when teaching the subject. This makes it particularly difficult for learners whose first language is not English. Learners struggle to understand and make meaning of the concepts and objects used in Orthographic Drawing. Code-switching has been seen as a beneficial pedagogical tool. The study was therefore conducted to explore the Grade 8 teachers’ code-switching when teaching Orthographic Drawing in the Khomas educational region, Namibia. The study used the Matrix Language Frame Model by Myers-Scotton as the theoretical framework which focuses on two crucial language aspects of participating in code-switching and the matrix and embedded language, which guided this study. The qualitative approach employed a case study design which was used to gain first-hand experience in the Technical Drawing classrooms. Semi-structured interviews and an observation checklist were the research instruments that were used to generate data on the use of code-switching in Orthographic Drawing. Two schools, two Technical Drawing classes with 40 learners and two teachers in the Khomas region, Namibia were conveniently and purposively sampled. The data were analysed using coding, descriptive statistics and thematic data analysis. The primary and secondary results indicate that code-switching occurrence has constructive effects. Consequently, recommendations have been made on the effective use of code-switching along with other pedagogical tools based on the research insights into code-switching when teaching and learning Orthographic Drawing. , Thesis (MEd) -- Faculty of Humanities, Study of Englishes of Africa, 2023
Full Text:
Date Issued: 2023-10-13

Quick View

Exploring how Grade 11 Chemistry teachers mediate learning of the topic redox reactions in their classrooms in Namibia

- Iindombo, Junilla Inamudhimbwa

Authors: Iindombo, Junilla Inamudhimbwa
Date: 2023-10-13
Subjects: Uncatalogued
Language: English
Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/424030 , vital:72117
Description: The Namibian Chemistry ordinary level syllabus requires learners to study the topic of redox reactions. This topic has proven to be one of the most difficult for Namibian learners as reflected by their poor responses to questions in the Grade 11 and 12 Namibian Senior Secondary Certificate ‘O’ examinations. Teaching abstract concepts such as redox reactions requires higher cognitive thinking skills and thus presents a challenge. Against this background, this study sought to explore how teachers mediate learning of redox reactions in their classrooms. The focus was on conceptual understanding through linking content to the context of the learners. The study was underpinned by an interpretivist paradigm, within which a qualitative case study approach was adopted. Two Grade 11 Chemistry teachers from the Ohangwena and Oshana regions in Namibia were the research participants. I used semi-structured interviews, lesson observations and stimulated recall interviews to collect data. I used Shulman’s Pedagogical Content Knowledge as a theoretical framework in this study and the data sets were analysed using the Topic-Specific Pedagogical Content Knowledge components. Qualitative data were analysed inductively-deductively. The study’s findings revealed that teachers used various mediation tools such as analogies and prior knowledge. The results further illuminated that teachers should develop strong subject content knowledge and pedagogical content knowledge to have the best strategies in place to mediate learning of this topic. , Thesis (MEd) -- Faculty of Education, Secondary and Post-School Education, 2023
Full Text:
Date Issued: 2023-10-13

Quick View

Exploring rural youth livelihood opportunities: a case study of a youth centre in Bizana

- Mtwa, Zikhona Asanda

Authors: Mtwa, Zikhona Asanda
Date: 2023-10-13
Subjects: Uncatalogued
Language: English
Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/431485 , vital:72776
Description: Throughout South Africa, youth that are not in Education, Employment, or Training (NEET) continue to face many socio-economic challenges, including unemployment. Bizana, a small rural town in the Eastern Cape, is no exception. This study explores rural youth livelihood opportunities for youth NEET in Bizana. There is limited research done to understand the role of youth centres in providing accessing to rural youth livelihood opportunities. As a result, this study sought to understand the role of youth centres in re-integrating youth NEET into the labour market, as well as into education and training institutions. It utilizes the case study of the Bizana Love Life youth centre by looking at the programmes they offer, and whether they enhance livelihood opportunities for youth NEET. The Sustainable Livelihoods Approach (SLA) was used as a theoretical lens in understanding rural youth livelihood opportunities for youth NEET in Bizana, by identifying the challenges they face and the assets they use to enhance their livelihoods. Against this backdrop, the study adopted a qualitative research approach and an explorative case study design and was supplemented by purposive and snowball sampling methods. Data was obtained using semi-structured interviews with twelve youth NEET participants who are part of the programmes of the youth centre, and two staff members of the youth centre. Findings were analysed using open coding and thematic analysis in line with the objectives of the study. The findings of the study revealed that in attempting to gain employment, extended family support, parenthood, financial reasons, household chores, poor academic performance and lack of work experience were some of the challenges facing rural youth NEET in Bizana. The findings indicate that a combination of human and social capital can be used to support youth NEET in gaining confidence and in preparing them for the workplace. With these findings, the study indicates the need to strengthen existing youth programmes that cater for youth NEET, who are the most vulnerable in the labour market, through skills development and broadening of their social networks. As a policy recommendation, the national and provincial government must work with youth centres and other stakeholders to establish policies that cater for the development of youth NEET. , Thesis (MSocSci) -- Faculty of Humanities, Sociology, 2023
Full Text:
Date Issued: 2023-10-13

Quick View

Exploring the drivers of co-occurring multiple non-native fish assemblages within an invaded and flow-modified African river system

- Mpopetsi, Pule Peter

Authors: Mpopetsi, Pule Peter
Date: 2023-10-13
Subjects: Uncatalogued
Language: English
Type: Academic theses , Doctoral theses , text
Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/431871 , vital:72810 , DOI 10.21504/10962/431871
Description: Globally, there is growing concern on the negative impacts of species invasions and habitat disturbance because these have been shown to have the potential to disrupt native community structure and function. In some instances, these two stressors can occur in concert, such as in river systems associated with inter-basin water transfer (IBWT) schemes. The Great Fish River in the Eastern Cape, South Africa, is an example of a system affected by both habitat modification and multiple fish invasions largely because of an IBWT scheme. The opening of the Orange-Fish IBWT, which transfers water from the Orange River to the Great Fish River, modified the latter’s natural flow regime from irregular seasonal to perennial. In addition, the IBWT facilitated translocations of five fish species from the Gariep Dam (Orange River system) into the Great Fish River system. Proliferation of these non-native fish species, along with that of other fish species introduced for angling and biological control, raise questions on the mechanisms facilitating their existence within this highly modified river system. This thesis explored mechanisms associated with co-occurrences of these multiple non-native fishes within the Great Fish River. A comparison of historical and contemporary records on the ichthyofauna of the Great Fish River revealed that, of the 11 non-native fishes reported in this system, seven have established successfully, three have failed to establish and the status of one was uncertain. The Orange-Fish IBWT and angling were the main vectors of these invasions, accounting for 36% and 46%, respectively. The study also found that most established non-native fish species were large sized, had high longevity and wide habitat tolerance. Trait-based approaches were employed to investigate the role of functional diversity of non-native and native fishes in relation to their composition, distribution and environmental relationships. Although considerable interspecific variation in body morphology-related functional traits among species were observed, there was no clear distinction in these traits between native and non-native fish assemblages on a trait-ordination space. Furthermore, there were weak species-trait-environment relationships, suggesting that environmental filtering was less plausible in explaining the occurrence patterns of these fishes. Stable isotope-based trophic relationships were evaluated in three invaded sections: the upper (UGFR) mainstem sections of the Great Fish River; and lower (LGFR) mainstem sections of the Great Fish River; and its tributary, the Koonap River. It was observed that native and non-native fish assemblages exhibited variation in isotopic diversity typified by low isotopic diversity overlaps in UGFR and Koonap River, whereas the LGFR was characterised by high isotopic diversity overlap. Within the invaded sections, non-native fishes were found to have isotopic niches characterised by variable isotopic niche sizes and were more isotopically dissimilar with propensity towards trophic differentiation within the UGFR and Koonap River but were mostly characterised by high isotope niche overlaps in the LGFR. Overall, these results provided evidence of trophic niche differentiation as a probable mechanism associated with the co-occurrences of the non-native fishes. However, mechanisms facilitating these co-occurrences within the invaded sections appears to be complex, context-specific and, in some cases, unclear. Lastly, machine learning techniques, boosted (BRT) and multivariate (MRT) regression trees, revealed that the flow-disturbed habitats were invaded by multiple non-native species, whereas the non-disturbed headwaters remained invasion free. In addition, non-native species were predicted to co-occur with native species within the mainstem and large tributary sections of the Great Fish River system. Thus, the IBWT-disturbed mainstem sections were predicted to be more prone to multiple invasions compared to undisturbed headwater tributaries. , Tlhaselo ka mefuta ya diphoofolo-tsa-matswantle (non-native species), ha mmoho le phetolo/tsenyehelo ya bodulo ba diphoofolo-tsa-lehae (native species), di nkuwa ele tse pedi tsa tse kgolo ka ho fetisisa hara ditshoso tse kgahlanong le paballo kapa tshireletso ya diphoofolo-tsa-lehae tse phelang dinokeng kapa metsing. Maemong a mang, dikgatello tsena tse pedi dika etsahala ka nako e le nngwe, jwalo ka dinokeng tseo di amanang le maano a ho fetisa/tsamaisa metsi pakeng tsa dinoka tse fapa-fapaneng (IBWT). Enngwe ya dinoka tse jwalo, ke noka e bitswang ka Great Fish River, e fumanehang Kapa-Botjabela (Eastern Cape) ka hara naha ya Afrika Borwa (South Africa). Noka ena ya Great Fish River e angwa ke tshenyehelo ya bodulo ba ditlhapi-tsa-lehae, ha mmoho le tlhaselo ya tsona ka ditlhapi-tsa-matswantle. Tsena di etsahala hahololo ka lebaka la morero kapa leano la phepelo ya metsi le bitswang Orange-Fish IBWT, leo lona le ileng la fetola phallo ya tlhaho ya metsi a Great Fish River. Ho feta moo, leano lena la phephelo yametsi, Orange-Fish IBWT, le entse hore ho be bonolo ho fetisetswa ha mefuta e mehlano ya ditlhapi-tsa-matswantle ho tloha letamong le bitswang Gariep Dam, hoya kena ka hara noka ya Great Fish River. Ditla morao tsa tsena tsohle, ebile ho ata ha mefuta e mengata ya ditlhapi-tsa-matswantle ka hara noka ya Great Fish River. Ho ata hona ha ditlapi-tsa-matswantle ka hara noka ena ya Great Fish River, ho hlahisa dipotso mabapi le mekgwa e bebofatsang ho phela ha ditlhapi tsena tsa matswantle ka hara noka ena; hore ana ebe diphela jwang ka hara noka ya Great Fish River? Ka hona, sepheo le merero wa thuto ena ke ho phuputsa mekgwa e bebofatsang ho phela ha mefuta ena e fapaneng ya ditlhapi-tsa-matswantle ka hara noka ya Great Fish River. Dipheto tsa diphuputso di hlalosa hore, ha jwale, ka hara noka ena ya Great Fish River, hona le ditlhapi-tsa-matswantle tse leshome le motso o mong (11). Bosupa (7) ba tsona di phela ka katleho, ha tse tharo di hlolehile ho theha (3), mme e le nngwe (1) boemo ba teng ha bo hlake. Hare lekola hore ke efeng mekgwa e amanang le ho ata ha ditlhapi-tsa-matswantle ka hara Great Fish River, re fumana hore leano la phephelo ya metsi la Orange-Fish IBWT ka 36%, ha mmoho le boithapollo ba ho tshwasa ditlhapi (angling) ka 46%, ene ele tsona tsela tsa ho kena ha ditlhapi-tsa-matswantle ka hara Great Fish River, tse ka sehlohong. Re fumantsha hape hore katleho ya ditlhapi-tsa-matswantle e amahangwa le hore di boholo bo bokae, le hore diphela nako e ka kang. Mohlala, ditlhapi tse kgolo tse phelang nako etelele ka tlhaho ya tsona, di amahangwa le katleho ya ho theha ka hara noka ena. Ha tseo tse phelang nako e kgutshwanyane tsona disa amahangwe leho atleha ka hara noka ena. Tse ding tsa dipheto di hlalosa hore, ditlhapi-tsa-lehae le ditlhapi-tsa-matswantle, ka karolelano, hadi fapane haholo ka dibopeho tsa mmele, dihlopa tsena tse pedi diya tshwana. Re fumantsha hape hore dihlopa tsena tse pedi tsa ditlapi dija mefuta e fapaneng ya dijo. Eleng engwe ya dintho tse netefatsang katleho ya ditlhapi-tsa-matswantle ka hara noka ena ya Great fish river. Hona keka lebaka la hore, dihlopa tsena tse pedi hadi bakisane dijo, empa di phela ka mefuta e fapaneng ya dijo. Hare phethela, re fumantsha hore mefuta e fapafapaneng ya ditlhapi-tsa-matswantle e fumaneha feela ka hara madulo a amahangwang le phethoho ya phallo ya metsi (flow alteration), madulo asa amahangwang le phetoho ya phallo ya metsi ona ane a hloka ditlhapi-tsa-matswantle. Sena se bolela hore phetolo ya phallo ya metsi ya Great Fish River, ka lebaka la Orange-Fish IBWT, e fokoditse matla a noka ena ho lwantsha tlhaselo ya ditlhapi-tsa-matswantle. Ka hona, ho bobebe hore ditlhapi-tsa-matswantle di thehe ka katleho ka hara noka ena. Tsena tsohle keka baka la phetolo ya phallo ya metsi a Great Fish River e bakilweng ke leano la phephelo ya metsi la Orange-Fish IBWT. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Science, Faculty of Science, Ichthyology and Fisheries Science, 2023
Full Text:
Date Issued: 2023-10-13

Quick View

Exploring the interplay between foundation phase learners’ home and school literacy practices

- Magxala, Xoliswa Patience

Authors: Magxala, Xoliswa Patience
Date: 2023-10-13
Subjects: Uncatalogued
Language: English
Type: Academic theses , Doctoral theses , text
Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/431587 , vital:72788 , DOI 10.21504/10962/431587
Description: The thesis looked at Foundation Phase children’s early home literacy practices and examined how these literacy practices are adopted at school in Libode, Eastern Cape Province, South Africa, a rural area. The purpose of the study was to determine how early literacy practices at home are adopted in classrooms. The study aimed to determine the relationship between home and school literacy. To understand the literacy practices used at home and school by four Foundation Phase children and four Foundation Phase teachers, an interpretive ethnographic study design was used. Participants who spoke isiXhosa as their first language participated in data collection using structured observations, video and audio recordings, field notes, and unstructured interviews. The study’s framework, the Cultural Historical Activity Theory, was used as a tool to collect, examine, and interpret data through its various components. Themes were identified, arranged, and categorized. The findings revealed children from low socioeconomic backgrounds have rich literacy practices. Teachers do not acknowledge or recognize the contributions that these children’s cultural backgrounds make. The study recommends that schools start acknowledging the advantages that children’s environments have for them. It also suggests that teachers build on the knowledge that children bring from home, as this will have an impact on how they behave in class because students bring their family’s literacy habits, which serve as the foundation for their academic literacy habits, to school. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Education, Institute for the Study of Englishes in Africa, 2023
Full Text:
Date Issued: 2023-10-13

Quick View

faces, disappearing

- Mbhele, Mbekezeli

Authors: Mbhele, Mbekezeli
Date: 2023-10-13
Subjects: Uncatalogued
Language: English
Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/424952 , vital:72196
Description: My thesis explores township life through the eyes of a young boy, Sengwayo, whose life changes when a strange man arrives unexpectedly to stay with his family. The man is introduced as his uncle but nothing further is said about him. Sengwayo soon begins to experience visions and decides to find out who this man really is. His search for truth soon becomes obsessive and culminates in tragedy. As we follow Sengwayo in his quest of uncovering the truth it becomes difficult to differentiate between Sengwayo’s imagination and reality. This thesis collapses the distance between what is and what could be. It does this by alternating short sentences mostly used in the poetry of maskanda lyrics, and in the stream of consciousness found in jazz improvisation. In literary terms, the thesis draws influence from the rants and rhyme schemes of Lesego Rampolokeng, the tone and pace of Sony Labou Tansi and the surrealism in Mangaliso Buzani’s work. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Humanities, School of Languages and Literatures, 2023
Full Text:
Date Issued: 2023-10-13

Quick View

Falcipain 2 and 3 as malarial drug targets: deciphering the effects of missense mutations and identification of allosteric modulators via computational approaches

- Okeke, Chiamaka Jessica

Authors: Okeke, Chiamaka Jessica
Date: 2023-10-13
Subjects: Uncatalogued
Language: English
Type: Academic theses , Doctoral theses , text
Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/432170 , vital:72848 , DOI 10.21504/10962/432170
Description: Malaria, caused by an obligate unicellular protozoan parasite of the genus Plasmodium, is a disease of global health importance that remains a major cause of morbidity and mortality in developing countries. The World Health Organization (WHO) reported nearly 247 million malaria cases in 2021, causing 619,000 deaths, the vast majority ascribed to pregnant women and young children in sub-Saharan Africa. A critical component of malaria mitigation and elimination efforts worldwide is antimalarial drugs. However, resistance to available antimalarial drugs jeopardizes the treatment, prevention, and eradication of the disease. The recent emergence and spread of resistance to artemisinin (ART), the currently recommended first-line antimalarial drug, emphasizes the need to understand the resistance mechanism and apply this knowledge in developing new drugs that are effective against malaria. An insight into ART's mechanism of action indicates that ferrous iron (Fe2+) or heme, released when hemoglobin is degraded, cleaves the endoperoxide bridge. As a result, free radicals are formed, which alkylate many intracellular targets and result in plasmodial proteopathy. Aside from the existing evidence that mutations in the Kelch 13 protein propeller domain affect ART sensitivity and clearance rate by Plasmodium falciparum (Pf) parasites, recent investigations raise the possibility that additional target loci may be involved, and these include a nonsense (S69stop) and four missense variants (K255R, N257E, T343P, and D345G) in falcipain 2 (FP-2) protein. FP-2 and falcipain 3 (FP-3) are cysteine proteases responsible for hydrolyzing hemoglobin in the host erythrocytic cycle, a key virulence factor for malaria parasite growth and metabolism. Due to the obligatory nature of the hemoglobin degradation process, both proteases have become potential antimalarial drug targets attracting attention in recent years for the development of blood-stage antimalarial drugs. The alteration of the expression profile of FP-2 and FP-3 through gene manipulation approaches (knockout) or compound inhibition assays, respectively, induced parasites with swollen food vacuoles due to the accumulation of undegraded hemoglobin. Furthermore, missense mutations in FP-2 confer parasites with decreased ART sensitivity, probably due to altered enzyme efficiency and momentary decreased hemoglobin degradation. Hence, understanding how these mutations affect FP-2 (including those implicated in ART resistance) and FP-3 is imperative to finding potentially effective inhibitors. The first aim of this thesis is to characterize the effects of missense mutations on the partial zymogen complex and the catalytic domain of FP-2 and FP-3 using a range of computational approaches and tools such as homology modeling, molecular dynamics (MD) simulations, comparative essential dynamics, dynamic residue network (DRN) analysis, weighted residue contact map analysis, amongst others. The Pf genomic resource database (PlasmoDB) identified 41 missense mutations located in the partial zymogen and catalytic domains of FP-2 and FP-3. Using structure-based tools, six putative allosteric pockets were identified in FP-2 and FP-3. The effect of mutations on the whole protein, the central core, binding pocket residues and allosteric pockets was evaluated. The accurate 3D homology models of the WT and mutants were calculated. MD simulations were performed on the various systems as a quick starting point. MD simulations have provided a cornerstone for establishing numerous computational tools for describing changes arising from mutations, ligand binding, and environmental changes such as pH and temperature. Post-MD analysis was performed in two stages viz global and local analysis. Global analysis via radius of gyration (Rg) and comparative essential dynamic analysis revealed the conformational variability associated with all mutations. In the catalytic domain of FP-2, the presence of M245I mutation triggered the formation of a cryptic pocket via an exclusive mechanism involving the fusion of pockets 2 and 6. This striking observation was also detected in the partial zymogen complex of FP-2 and induced by A159V, M245I and E249A mutations. A similar observation was uncovered in the presence of A422T mutation in the catalytic domain of FP-3. Local DRN and contact map analyses identified conserved inter-residue interaction changes on important communication networks. This study brings a novel understanding of the effects of missense mutations in FP-2 and FP-3 and provides important insight which may help discover new anti-hemoglobinase drugs. The second aim is the identification of potential allosteric ligands against the WT and mutant systems of FP-2 and FP-3 using various computational tools. Of the six potential allosteric pockets identified in FP-2 and FP-3, pocket 1 was evaluated by SiteMap as the most druggable in both proteins. This pipeline was implemented to screen pocket 1 of FP-2 and FP-3 against 2089 repositionable compounds obtained from the DrugBank database. In order to ensure selectivity and specificity to the Plasmodium protein, the human homologs (Cat K and Cat L) were screened, and compounds binding to these proteins were exempted from further analysis. Subsequently, eight compounds (DB00128, DB00312, DB00766, DB00951, DB02893, DB03754, DB13972, and DB14159) were identified as potential allosteric hits for FP-2 and five (DB00853, DB00951, DB01613, DB04173 and DB09419) for FP-3. These compounds were subjected to MD simulation and post-MD trajectory analysis to ascertain their stability in their respective protein structures. The effects of the stable compounds on the WT and mutant systems of FP-2 and FP-3 were then evaluated using DRN analysis. Attention has recently been drawn towards identifying novel allosteric compounds targeting FP-2 and FP-3; hence this study explores the potential allosteric inhibitory mechanisms in the presence and absence of mutations in FP-2 and FP-3. Overall, the results presented in this thesis provide (i) an understanding of the role mutations in the partial zymogen complex play in the activation of the active enzyme, (ii) an insight into the possible allosteric mechanisms induced by mutations on the active enzymes, and (iii) a computational pipeline for the development of novel allosteric modulators for malaria inhibition studies. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Science, Biochemistry and Microbiology, 2023
Full Text:
Date Issued: 2023-10-13

Quick View

Feminist simulations: deep in the dream of a game

- Mackintosh, Tayla

Authors: Mackintosh, Tayla
Date: 2023-10-13
Subjects: Video games in art , Crocheting , Minecraft (Game) , Feminism in art , Simulation games , Handicraft in art , Autoethnography , Intersectionality (Sociology)
Language: English
Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/425333 , vital:72230
Description: This study delves into how the worlds of computer gaming and fine art intersect, employing DIY feminism to reflect on the gendered world of gaming and the links between simulation, reality, and fantasy within the game of Minecraft. I argue for a feminine craft (crochet) to challenge masculine gaming oppressions and the lack of representation, acceptance, and visibility for women in gaming culture. My research question is taken from the End Poem seen when the player has beaten the game's main boss. There is a line within the poem that asks, “But what true structure did this player create, in the reality behind the screen?” (End Poem, 2022). This is the question I have sought to answer within this study, by exploring a methodological approach that combines autoethnography and phenomenology to create a reflexive personal narrative. , Thesis (MFA) -- Faculty of Humanities, Fine Art, 2023
Full Text:
Date Issued: 2023-10-13

Quick View

Field facilitation in open and distance learning in resource-constrained environments: a case of Mzuzu University, Malawi

- Kalima, Robert Chagwamtsoka

Authors: Kalima, Robert Chagwamtsoka
Date: 2023-10-13
Subjects: Uncatalogued
Language: English
Type: Academic theses , Doctoral theses , text
Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/431554 , vital:72785 , DOI 10.21504/10962/431554
Description: As part of the drive to enhance students’ learning experiences and success for students pursuing the B.Ed Science programme through distance education at Mzuzu University (Mzuni), the Open and Distance Learning (ODL) Steering Committee of Mzuni introduced the field facilitation strategy in 2014 to provide additional academic support to such students off campus. There have been questions, though, regarding the effectiveness of this strategy in terms of enhancement of student learning and success. This study, therefore, sought to examine the current field facilitation strategy in the B.Ed Science programme under the ODL mode of delivery, with a view to proposing improvements that would be made to the field facilitation strategy so that it enables enhanced learning and success in Science and Mathematics at Mzuni. Efforts to improve the current field facilitation strategy have been informed by an empirically based understanding of the shortfalls and strengths of the existing field facilitation strategy for ODL students in the B.Ed Science programme. To enhance students’ learning and success for ODL students in resource-constrained contexts such as Mzuni and similar contexts, the study adopted a qualitative case study design guided by tools from the second generation of the Cultural Historical Activity Theory. Qualitative data was obtained in two phases, a contextual profiling phase and a modified Change Laboratory Workshop phase. The modified Change Laboratory Workshops were conducted through the social media application ‘WhatsApp’ rather than in person as is usually done. Qualitative data in the contextual profiling phase was obtained from three categories of participants, namely, Science and Mathematics lecturers, Science and Mathematics field facilitators, and Science and Mathematics students. The contextual profiling phase included surveys, focus group interviews, individual interviews with lecturers at Mzuni and the field facilitators from the five satellite learning centres of Mzuni, and document analysis. The contextual profiling data acted as the mirror data for the next phase of data generation (Change Laboratory Workshop phase). The findings indicated that the support currently rendered by field facilitators to ODL Science and Mathematics students was inadequate and consisted of a shallow mode of instruction focusing on v traditional ways of teaching and learning. This meant that the field facilitators focused on lecturing as a pedagogical strategy for supporting the learning of Science and Mathematics. This was largely because the support offered to field facilitators by Mzuni was inadequate and did not empower them to generate their own strategies of conducting field facilitation innovatively and creatively, which would in turn empower the students to engage actively and reflectively in their own learning activities. This was due to structural, historical and cultural tensions that existed in the larger system (the university system). The implementation of the field facilitation strategy was challenged by such conflicts in the university structure which manifested themselves in the smaller activity system (the field facilitation activity system) which is the focus of this study. Thematically, such conflicts included students’ attributes, institutional policies, institutional pedagogy and the material and digital divide which Mzuni has not harnessed to support field facilitation. The study further established that institutional sensitivity to the conflicts raised above would result in an improved field facilitation strategy as the conflicts at the higher level (university level) have an impact on what happens in the smaller systems, for example the ODL in general and the field facilitation activity system in particular. The improved field facilitation strategy was supposed to recognise ODL students as students in transit from the traditional face-to-face learning context to the novel ODL learning context. As such, the transitional period of study from secondary school to university, particularly to year one, required an intensive field facilitation support strategy, and thus greater institutional support for both field facilitators and students for enhanced learning experiences and success that would eventually result in improved students’ retention and throughput. The findings of this study will therefore inform all those involved in ODL, particularly those in resource-constrained contexts, to be conscious when implementing ODL innovations. Serious consideration of the contexts in which the innovations are to be implemented is critical. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Education, Primary and Early Childhood Education, 2023
Full Text:
Date Issued: 2023-10-13

Quick View

Framing VBS: a textual analysis of Daily Maverick’s coverage of the VBS Mutual Bank heist in the years 2018-2020

- Nyulu, Siyamthanda Natascha

Authors: Nyulu, Siyamthanda Natascha
Date: 2023-10-13
Subjects: Uncatalogued
Language: English
Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/425256 , vital:72223
Description: This study investigates how Daily Maverick framed the VBS Mutual Bank scandal for its readers in the years 2018-2020. It utilises framing theory as the guiding theoretical framework in trying to understand how Daily Maverick portrayed the corruption case for its readers. This study also leans on social responsibility and normative theories of the press to analyse whether Daily Maverick fulfilled its role of facilitating dialogue between the elite and ordinary citizens of Limpopo affected by the corruption at the bank. Using a qualitative textual analysis, the thesis discusses how elite sources were quoted more than ordinary citizens who are affected the most by the corruption scandal. This allowed the elite to turn the VBS matter into a political spectacle whereas, because it is an example of failure in the financial sector, the heist caused further failures in municipalities already failing in Limpopo, North-West and Gauteng. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Humanities, Journalism and Media Studies, 2023
Full Text:
Date Issued: 2023-10-13

Quick View

Freshwater invasive alien crayfish species in South Africa: testing eDNA assessment and DNA barcoding

- Mdidimba, Nonkazimulo Dorothea

Authors: Mdidimba, Nonkazimulo Dorothea
Date: 2023-10-13
Subjects: Uncatalogued
Language: English
Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/424413 , vital:72151
Description: The expansion of the wild populations of the two invasive alien crayfish species, i.e., Cherax quadricarinatus and Procambarus clarkii in South Africa is of high concern. Given this, innovative and improved monitoring methods are required to be explored in order to effectively detect and manage their spread. Environmental DNA (eDNA) has shown promising and reliable results to detect and monitor alien crayfish in freshwater systems even at low densities. This research study aimed to field-test the application of eDNA for detecting and monitoring invasive alien freshwater crayfish species (IAFCs) in South African freshwater systems (Chapter 2). Further, this study also aimed to confirm the true taxonomic identity of the IAFCs in South African freshwater systems by using DNA barcoding to avoid potential misidentifications with morphological identification alone (Chapter 3). Also, ectocommensal temnocephalans and leeches attached to the crayfishes were also identified with DNA barcoding. The mitochondrial COI gene fragment of the crayfishes and the ectocommensal temnocephalans and leeches was amplified, sequenced, and used for species identification. For eDNA monitoring of C. cainii, C. quadricarinatus and P. clarkii, water samples were collected from Eastern Cape, Free State and KwaZulu Natal sites that are known to house these species. The current study did not detect the eDNA of the wild populations of both C. quadricarinatus and P. clarkii. This failure was encountered despite employing several methods, such as, end-point polymerase chain reaction (PCR), quantitative PCR (qPCR) and next-generation sequencing (NGS). The eDNA assessment to detect IAFCs in the wild populations is discussed in detail, and corrective measures suggested (Chapter 2). However, only C. cainii was able to be detected by eDNA. Cherax cainii is housed/farmed in an aquaculture facility (Vaughn Bursey’s Stock Farm in Eastern Cape) with large number of individuals per pond. For this, NGS was able to detect C. cainii but the other two methods, end-point PCR and qPCR were not able to detect the species. Based on the results, refinement of eDNA monitoring methods for the South African freshwater systems is recommended. Evaluation of different DNA collection methods, preservation, DNA extraction kits and primer design to obtain effective eDNA detection is discussed as possible sources of error. Interestingly, the newly established population of P. clarkii in Mimosa Dam in Free State was infested with alien leeches, that were confirmed by DNA barcoding to be Helobdella europaea and Helobdella octatestica. Consequently, this study reports for the first time in South Africa the presence of this alien freshwater leeches. The presence of alien leeches and P. clarkii suggests a double invasion in Mimosa Dam, P. clarkii seems to continue expanding its range in the country. However, the long-established population of P. clarkii in Driehoek Farm in Mpumalanga, which has been in the country for over 30 years did not have any leech or temnocephalan infestation. This could suggest several interesting ecological phenomena, including environmental filtering over time of the co-invaders, differential source populations, and post-introduction adaptation. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, Zoology and Entomology, 2023
Full Text:
Date Issued: 2023-10-13

Quick View

From more sustainable isocyanide-based multicomponent reactions to spiro-heterocyclic compound syntheses

- Salami, Sodeeq Aderotimi

Authors: Salami, Sodeeq Aderotimi
Date: 2023-10-13
Subjects: Uncatalogued
Language: English
Type: Academic theses , Doctoral theses , text
Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/432229 , vital:72853 , DOI 10.21504/10962/432229
Description: The global pharmaceutical industry has undergone profound transformations in the past two decades in the search for new drugs. For this reason, most pharmaceutical companies made significant investments not only in the development of new drugs but new methodologies. Modern drug development is confronted with the challenge of developing chemical reactions that are highly capable of providing most of the elements of structural complexity and diversity with the fewest possible synthetic steps for the specific target with the most intriguing properties. The discovery of more sustainable, environmentally friendly reactions capable of forming multiple bonds in a single step has been a challenge in organic synthesis over the years. Many organic chemists have recently started focusing on creative ways of reducing environmental pollution. The use of hazardous solvents has been reduced or eliminated in research to limit harm to both people and the environment. The pursuit of this goal has drawn many organic chemists to the study of various sustainable synthetic techniques including catalysis, aqueous organic reactions and mechanochemistry. The scope of this thesis was to apply sustainable techniques to design multicomponent synthetic protocols for the Passerini reaction and further apply these new protocols to construct spiro-heterocyclic compounds, all based on green chemistry principles. There is a need to develop rapid, efficient, and versatile strategies for the synthesis of bioactive molecules via multicomponent reactions. This project tried to avoid some of the pitfalls of traditional approaches, such as toxicity, low yield, long reaction times, harsh conditions, experimental complexity, and limited functionalization scope. This was achieved by focussing on the use of isonitriles and isothiocyanates as key reactive intermediates, and making extensive use of aqueous reaction conditions, mechanochemistry and microwave activation. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Science, Chemistry, 2023
Full Text:
Date Issued: 2023-10-13

Showing items 101 - 120 of 26977