Development of a Mobile-Based Livestock Breeding Management System for Communal Farmers in Eastern Cape, South Africa
- Authors: Aduradola, Oluwatobi John
- Date: 2021-05
- Subjects: Mobile communication systems , Mobile computing
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/20600 , vital:46364
- Description: More than a decade ago, South Africa realized the significance of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) and its use in delivering several services; there are still several challenges that block implementing an ICT-based system to deliver services and information better. Since communal development is still one of the country's biggest concerns, ICT is among several advances and views recognized for speeding up communal development and providing for the country's economic growth. This research aimed to investigate and implement ICT tools for communal farmers in the context of information needs and information dissemination. The research concentrated on the technical tools and skills needed to implement an ICT tool for communal farmers and other stakeholders. A prototyping methodology was used in this research in the development of the required prototype. A study was then conducted to understand the present state and the information needs of communal farmers where the questionnaire was administered. The research results demonstrated the critical need for communal farmers to get information timely at their convenience. A mobile database system was then designed and developed that suits communal farmers' nature. This system was an offline android application that assists with their information need and its dissemination, and it allows the sharing of the communal farmer's data to other stakeholders. , Thesis (MSc) (Computer Science)-- University of Fort Hare, 2021
- Full Text:
- Authors: Aduradola, Oluwatobi John
- Date: 2021-05
- Subjects: Mobile communication systems , Mobile computing
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/20600 , vital:46364
- Description: More than a decade ago, South Africa realized the significance of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) and its use in delivering several services; there are still several challenges that block implementing an ICT-based system to deliver services and information better. Since communal development is still one of the country's biggest concerns, ICT is among several advances and views recognized for speeding up communal development and providing for the country's economic growth. This research aimed to investigate and implement ICT tools for communal farmers in the context of information needs and information dissemination. The research concentrated on the technical tools and skills needed to implement an ICT tool for communal farmers and other stakeholders. A prototyping methodology was used in this research in the development of the required prototype. A study was then conducted to understand the present state and the information needs of communal farmers where the questionnaire was administered. The research results demonstrated the critical need for communal farmers to get information timely at their convenience. A mobile database system was then designed and developed that suits communal farmers' nature. This system was an offline android application that assists with their information need and its dissemination, and it allows the sharing of the communal farmer's data to other stakeholders. , Thesis (MSc) (Computer Science)-- University of Fort Hare, 2021
- Full Text:
Modelling internet network intrusion detection in smart city ecosystems
- Authors: Mfenguza, Wandisa
- Date: 2021-05
- Subjects: Ecosystem management , Smart cities
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/22501 , vital:52382
- Description: Smart city systems are intended to enhance the lives of citizens through the design of systems that promote resource efficiency and the real-time provisioning of resources in cities. The benefits offered by smart cities include the use of internet of things (IoT) sensors to gather useful data such as power demand to inhibit blackouts and the average speed of vehicles to alleviate traffic congestion. Nonetheless, earlier studies have indicated a substantial increase in cyber-security issues due to the increase in the deployment of smart city ecosystems. Consequently, IoT cyber-security is recognised as an area that requires crucial scrutiny. This study begins by investigating the current state of intrusion detection in smart city ecosystems. Current intrusion detection frameworks lack the capability to operate under extremely limiting settings such as conditions of low processing power and fast response times. Moreover, the study also identifies that, despite intrusion detection being a highly researched thematic area, a plethora of previous studies tend to propose intrusion detection frameworks that are more suitable for traditional computer networks rather than wireless sensor networks (WSNs) which consist of heterogeneous settings with diverse devices and communication protocols. Subsequently, this study developed two candidate deep learning models, namely a convolutional neural network (CNN) and a long short-term memory (LSTM) network and presents evidence on their robustness and predictive power. Results have indicated that, unlike the CNN model, the LSTM model can quickly converge and offer high predictive power without the vigorous application of regularisation techniques. The proposed LSTM classification model obtained a remarkable 100% in detection rates and further reported 0% in false alarm and false negative rates. This study gives a broad overview of the current state of intrusion detection mechanisms for smart city ecosystems to guide future studies. The study also demonstrates that existing intrusion detection systems (IDSs) can be enhanced through the development of more robust and lightweight models that offer high detection rates and minimal false alarm rates to prevent security risks in smart city ecosystems to ensure sustainable and safe smart cities. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science and Agriculture, 2021
- Full Text:
- Authors: Mfenguza, Wandisa
- Date: 2021-05
- Subjects: Ecosystem management , Smart cities
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/22501 , vital:52382
- Description: Smart city systems are intended to enhance the lives of citizens through the design of systems that promote resource efficiency and the real-time provisioning of resources in cities. The benefits offered by smart cities include the use of internet of things (IoT) sensors to gather useful data such as power demand to inhibit blackouts and the average speed of vehicles to alleviate traffic congestion. Nonetheless, earlier studies have indicated a substantial increase in cyber-security issues due to the increase in the deployment of smart city ecosystems. Consequently, IoT cyber-security is recognised as an area that requires crucial scrutiny. This study begins by investigating the current state of intrusion detection in smart city ecosystems. Current intrusion detection frameworks lack the capability to operate under extremely limiting settings such as conditions of low processing power and fast response times. Moreover, the study also identifies that, despite intrusion detection being a highly researched thematic area, a plethora of previous studies tend to propose intrusion detection frameworks that are more suitable for traditional computer networks rather than wireless sensor networks (WSNs) which consist of heterogeneous settings with diverse devices and communication protocols. Subsequently, this study developed two candidate deep learning models, namely a convolutional neural network (CNN) and a long short-term memory (LSTM) network and presents evidence on their robustness and predictive power. Results have indicated that, unlike the CNN model, the LSTM model can quickly converge and offer high predictive power without the vigorous application of regularisation techniques. The proposed LSTM classification model obtained a remarkable 100% in detection rates and further reported 0% in false alarm and false negative rates. This study gives a broad overview of the current state of intrusion detection mechanisms for smart city ecosystems to guide future studies. The study also demonstrates that existing intrusion detection systems (IDSs) can be enhanced through the development of more robust and lightweight models that offer high detection rates and minimal false alarm rates to prevent security risks in smart city ecosystems to ensure sustainable and safe smart cities. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science and Agriculture, 2021
- Full Text:
Raising a child with an intellectual disability in a township: The lived experiences of black South African parents
- Authors: Sothoane, Relebogile Happy
- Date: 2021-05
- Subjects: Intelligence levels , Intellectual disability , Developmental disabilities
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/23238 , vital:56483
- Description: This study was conducted to explore and understand how black South African parents residing in a township, experience raising a child with an intellectual disability. It was important to investigate this under-researched phenomenon to have a holistic understanding of the personal experiences and meanings that black South African parents have over the years attached to, and experienced in their journeys of raising a child with intellectual impairments in low economic areas. An Interpretive qualitative approach was adopted to explore and understand the experiences of raising a child with an intellectual disability in a township by black South African parents. Non-probability snowball and purposive sampling methods were used to develop the sample for this study. Four parents residing in two townships (Mdantsane and Ducan Village) around the Buffalo City Municipality which is situated in the Eastern Cape province participated in this study. Data was collected through personal, face to face and individual interviews which were audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim. Braun and Clarke’s six steps of thematic analysis was employed to analyse the data that was collected. The results of this study showed that raising children with intellectual disabilities in a township is challenging. Parents tend to feel that they are alone on this journey because of the lack of support, acceptance and understanding they receive from family members, the community and even teachers. Furthermore, the study found that being financially disadvantaged is a challenge when it comes to raising a child with an intellectual disability. Participants in this study indicated that the unconditional love they have for their children motivates them daily to raise their children and that they have hopes and dreams for their children despite the children’s impairments. This study recommends that the department of education hold more psychoeducation workshops on intellectual disability, especially for teachers in mainstream and inclusive schools who educate children with intellectual disabilities. Furthermore, more awareness campaigns in townships to educate the community on intellectual disability are recommended. , Thesis (MSoc Sci) (Counselling Psychology) --Faculty of Social Science and Humanities, 2021
- Full Text:
- Authors: Sothoane, Relebogile Happy
- Date: 2021-05
- Subjects: Intelligence levels , Intellectual disability , Developmental disabilities
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/23238 , vital:56483
- Description: This study was conducted to explore and understand how black South African parents residing in a township, experience raising a child with an intellectual disability. It was important to investigate this under-researched phenomenon to have a holistic understanding of the personal experiences and meanings that black South African parents have over the years attached to, and experienced in their journeys of raising a child with intellectual impairments in low economic areas. An Interpretive qualitative approach was adopted to explore and understand the experiences of raising a child with an intellectual disability in a township by black South African parents. Non-probability snowball and purposive sampling methods were used to develop the sample for this study. Four parents residing in two townships (Mdantsane and Ducan Village) around the Buffalo City Municipality which is situated in the Eastern Cape province participated in this study. Data was collected through personal, face to face and individual interviews which were audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim. Braun and Clarke’s six steps of thematic analysis was employed to analyse the data that was collected. The results of this study showed that raising children with intellectual disabilities in a township is challenging. Parents tend to feel that they are alone on this journey because of the lack of support, acceptance and understanding they receive from family members, the community and even teachers. Furthermore, the study found that being financially disadvantaged is a challenge when it comes to raising a child with an intellectual disability. Participants in this study indicated that the unconditional love they have for their children motivates them daily to raise their children and that they have hopes and dreams for their children despite the children’s impairments. This study recommends that the department of education hold more psychoeducation workshops on intellectual disability, especially for teachers in mainstream and inclusive schools who educate children with intellectual disabilities. Furthermore, more awareness campaigns in townships to educate the community on intellectual disability are recommended. , Thesis (MSoc Sci) (Counselling Psychology) --Faculty of Social Science and Humanities, 2021
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Transition experiences from student to nascent Entreprenuership: a narrative analysis.
- Authors: Soda, Ruth
- Date: 2021-05
- Subjects: Business education. , Entrepreneurship. , Career development.
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/22323 , vital:52023
- Description: Orientation: South Africa is facing an increase in the unemployment rate. This has affected many youths, particularly the graduates of South Africa. In a quest to better their lives, many of them are engaging in nascent entrepreneurship. Although they are facing challenges in the journey, they are managing to devise solutions that work for their success. Research purpose: The main purpose of this research was to explore the transition experiences from student to nascent entrepreneur. The secondary aims included: i) investigating the journey (experiences and transitions in becoming a nascent entrepreneur), ii) exploring the challenges as part of the experiences and transitions faced by nascent entrepreneurs, and iii) exploring how nascent entrepreneurs, as part of the challenges faced during experiences and transition, navigate past these. Motivation for the study: Many studies in literature have focused on nascent entrepreneurship. Further studies should concentrate on narrowing this aspect to the South African context and also more qualitative studies should be conducted to gain a deep understanding of nascent entrepreneurship. Research approach/design and method: A qualitative research approach was used as a way of generating new information. Narrative inquiry was employed and this allowed the participants to express their views freely. A sample of 22 participants was utilised for this study. Data was analysed using the three levels of meaning-making. Main findings: The findings of this study were grouped into three narratives. The first narrative was nascent entrepreneurship expressed as a solution to social challenges. The second narrative elaborated the challenges that these participants faced in their nascent entrepreneurship journey. The last narrative focused on the solutions that were implied by the participants in response to the challenges they encountered in the transition process. Practical implications: Based on the research findings, this research has recommendations that can assist universities and students, those who are already in the entrepreneurial space, as well as the government. Contribution/value-add: All the universities in South Africa should integrate the need for thorough entrepreneurship education in their institutions to prepare students for the world of work and policies set for entrepreneurship should be amended. , Thesis (MCom) (Business Management) -- University of Fort Hare, 2021
- Full Text:
- Authors: Soda, Ruth
- Date: 2021-05
- Subjects: Business education. , Entrepreneurship. , Career development.
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/22323 , vital:52023
- Description: Orientation: South Africa is facing an increase in the unemployment rate. This has affected many youths, particularly the graduates of South Africa. In a quest to better their lives, many of them are engaging in nascent entrepreneurship. Although they are facing challenges in the journey, they are managing to devise solutions that work for their success. Research purpose: The main purpose of this research was to explore the transition experiences from student to nascent entrepreneur. The secondary aims included: i) investigating the journey (experiences and transitions in becoming a nascent entrepreneur), ii) exploring the challenges as part of the experiences and transitions faced by nascent entrepreneurs, and iii) exploring how nascent entrepreneurs, as part of the challenges faced during experiences and transition, navigate past these. Motivation for the study: Many studies in literature have focused on nascent entrepreneurship. Further studies should concentrate on narrowing this aspect to the South African context and also more qualitative studies should be conducted to gain a deep understanding of nascent entrepreneurship. Research approach/design and method: A qualitative research approach was used as a way of generating new information. Narrative inquiry was employed and this allowed the participants to express their views freely. A sample of 22 participants was utilised for this study. Data was analysed using the three levels of meaning-making. Main findings: The findings of this study were grouped into three narratives. The first narrative was nascent entrepreneurship expressed as a solution to social challenges. The second narrative elaborated the challenges that these participants faced in their nascent entrepreneurship journey. The last narrative focused on the solutions that were implied by the participants in response to the challenges they encountered in the transition process. Practical implications: Based on the research findings, this research has recommendations that can assist universities and students, those who are already in the entrepreneurial space, as well as the government. Contribution/value-add: All the universities in South Africa should integrate the need for thorough entrepreneurship education in their institutions to prepare students for the world of work and policies set for entrepreneurship should be amended. , Thesis (MCom) (Business Management) -- University of Fort Hare, 2021
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Access to digitised archival collections in National Heritage and Cultural study Centre and International Library of African Music
- Authors: Barbra, Kakumba
- Date: 2021-04
- Subjects: Archives -- Access control , Archival materials -- Access control
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/22356 , vital:52030
- Description: The study investigated access to digitised archival collections in two selected institutions in the Eastern Cape Province, South Africa. This study is significant because it sought to generate insights on adaptability of technology in archives and library operations, and accessibility thereof. This is important for monitoring the accessibility of digitised archival collections at institutions to improve their operations and maximize the global visibility. This study adopted qualitative research methodology. The researcher followed a rigorous methodological path that began with a thorough literature review and the careful and thoughtful posing of research questions and objectives. A purposive sample was chosen from National Heritage and Cultural Studies Centre (NAHECS) and International library of African Music (ILAM) (staff members) and interviewed through face-to-face interviews. The collected data was analysed thematically. The study established that, the type of materials digitised at NAHECS and ILAM are bound books, fragile papers, photographic prints, slides, audio-visual materials,artefacts and documents such as personal letters of early travellers,missionary’s records,traders writing personal file and political parties documents. Secondly, the study established that end users of digitised materials are researchers, students, archivist, librarians, international and local community, composers, musicians, and historians. It also emerged that awareness programmes used to increase public knowledge about access to digitised content in the two study sites include conferences, social media, and television advertisements. However, there are challenges faced in providing access to digitised materials at NAHECS and ILAM. Some of these challenges include lack of funding, unavailability of resources, lack of awareness, and information insecurity. These challenges have made access to digitised archival materials difficult. Based on these findings, it is recommended that archives facilities should be well resourced and archivists be continually trained on access to digitised archival materials. , Thesis (M Bibl) -- Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, 2021
- Full Text:
- Authors: Barbra, Kakumba
- Date: 2021-04
- Subjects: Archives -- Access control , Archival materials -- Access control
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/22356 , vital:52030
- Description: The study investigated access to digitised archival collections in two selected institutions in the Eastern Cape Province, South Africa. This study is significant because it sought to generate insights on adaptability of technology in archives and library operations, and accessibility thereof. This is important for monitoring the accessibility of digitised archival collections at institutions to improve their operations and maximize the global visibility. This study adopted qualitative research methodology. The researcher followed a rigorous methodological path that began with a thorough literature review and the careful and thoughtful posing of research questions and objectives. A purposive sample was chosen from National Heritage and Cultural Studies Centre (NAHECS) and International library of African Music (ILAM) (staff members) and interviewed through face-to-face interviews. The collected data was analysed thematically. The study established that, the type of materials digitised at NAHECS and ILAM are bound books, fragile papers, photographic prints, slides, audio-visual materials,artefacts and documents such as personal letters of early travellers,missionary’s records,traders writing personal file and political parties documents. Secondly, the study established that end users of digitised materials are researchers, students, archivist, librarians, international and local community, composers, musicians, and historians. It also emerged that awareness programmes used to increase public knowledge about access to digitised content in the two study sites include conferences, social media, and television advertisements. However, there are challenges faced in providing access to digitised materials at NAHECS and ILAM. Some of these challenges include lack of funding, unavailability of resources, lack of awareness, and information insecurity. These challenges have made access to digitised archival materials difficult. Based on these findings, it is recommended that archives facilities should be well resourced and archivists be continually trained on access to digitised archival materials. , Thesis (M Bibl) -- Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, 2021
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Agro-morphological characterization and investigations into the response of yellow Quality Protein Maize (QPM) genotypes to low soil pH
- Authors: Bobotyana, Simthandile
- Date: 2021-04
- Subjects: Corn as food , Plants--Drought tolerance
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/20528 , vital:46087
- Description: Maize (Zea mays L) is an essential food grain crop in South Africa and is mainly grown under rainfed conditions by small-scale farmers. Quality Protein Maize (QPM) contains a higher level of two essential amino acids, tryptophan, and lysine when equated to normal maize. Therefore, the QPM in communities is a vital cereal where maize is a staple crop. Among the significant abiotic stresses that adversely affect maize productivity, such as soil fertility. Low soil pH or soil acidity results in nutrient deficiencies, as well as the toxicity of minerals such as manganese (Mn), aluminium (Al), and iron (Fe). The objectives of the study were to: (1) Characterize yellow QPM inbred lines and testcross hybrids for agro-morphological variability under optimum conditions, (2) Determine the response of QPM inbred lines and testcross hybrids to Al toxicity, and (3) Estimate the combining ability of QPM genotypes for the tolerance to Al toxicity. The laboratory assessment for tolerance to Al toxicity revealed a negative relationship between relative root growth RRG and hematoxylin staining; among the inbred lines, the genotype 8Y, 17Y, and 7Y had the highest RRG and net root growth (NRG) values and exhibited the highest tolerance to Al tolerance with the least hematoxylin staining. Inbred lines 12Y, 16Y, 19Y, 2Y, 20Y, 24Y, 30Y, 27Y, 34Y, 4Y, and 11Y were moderately tolerant. On the other hand, inbred lines 13Y, 18Y, and QSY5 had the least RRG were susceptible. Forty-four testcross hybrids were generated by crossing 22 QPM inbred lines with two open-pollinated variety (OPV) testers. These hybrids were evaluated together with five checks for different agronomic traits. The hybrids were planted in the summer season of 2017/18 and 2018/19 under rain-fed conditions 7 x 7 alpha lattice design was used. The significant variations among the genotypes for grain yield and most other agronomic traits under optimum, acidic conditions and across environments on combined analysis of variance. The hybrid was 14Y x NC (3.22 t/ha), followed by QSY5 x NC (3.02 t/ha) showed the highest yielding. The mean plant height was 226.23 cm, with ranges 197.60 to 254.85cm. The number of kernels per ear was 35, with a range from 29.45 to 40.25. Conversely, the mean ear length was 19.30 cm with a range of 17.65 to 20.95 cm, and the mean ear diameter ranged from 13,50 to 16,05 cm. The highest yielding hybrid, according to ranking, was 14Y x NC (2,93t/ha), which was ranked number 3, followed by 3Y x NC (2,83 t/ha), which was ranked number 4. Twenty-two yellow QPM inbred lines were evaluated for agro-morphological characteristics. A randomized complete block design with three replicates was used under acidic and normal soil conditions at two locations. The mean performance of inbred lines for grain yield ranged from 1.6 t/ha to 3.1 t/ha under optimum conditions, whereas it ranged from 1.1.t/ha to 1.7 t/ha under an acidic environment. The highest grain yielding genotypes under the optimum environment were 14Y, 7Y, and QSY5, while, in the acidic environment, the highest yielders were 3Y, QSY5, and 17Y. The lowest grain yielder under the optimum environment was 16Y at 1.5 t/ha, whereas 6Y, 7Y, 8Y, and 29Y were the most moderate yielders under the acidic environment. Grain yield displayed positive and significant (p<0,05) correlation with ear height (0.59), plant height (0.55), leaf length (0.18), number of leaves (0.37), number of ears per plot (0,54), number of kernels per row, number of rows per ear and thousand kernel weight. Combined ANOVA revealed that the environment effect was significant for all traits except the number of rows per ear and the number of ears in both environments. A total of 71 genotypes (22 inbred lines, forty-four single crosses, and five checks) were evaluated using a 7 x 7 alpha lattice design with two replications in combining ability. Across environments, the analysis showed a mean grain yield record of hybrids that ranged from 1.78 t/ha to 3.42 t/ha. Combined analysis showed only about 4 percent of the 44 hybrids had better grain yield than hybrid checks, whereas about 11 percent of the 44 hybrids had higher grain yield than two of the five hybrid checks. The highest yielding hybrid was 14Y x NC followed by QSY5 x NC. The Mid-parent heterosis (MPH) for grain yield ranged from -32.70 for 11YxObat to 16.50 percent for 14YxNC among the top-yielding genotypes. The highest positive mid-parent heterosis (MPH) for grain yield was observed in hybrid 14YxNC followed by QSY9xNC, QSY5xOBAT, 3YxNC, 13YxNC and 4YxOBAT, while the remaining hybrids exhibited negative estimates. Inbred lines' proportional contributions to the total variances were much higher than the testers for all traits. Whereas the inbred lines' proportional contribution was lower than the interaction of line x tester except on the number of ears which displayed the highest estimates of variances due to SCA effects, significant variation was observed. The GCA effects on grain yield in both environments generally showed no significant difference among inbred lines except for inbred lines such as QSY5 and 34Y but were positive. The selected crosses showed significant SCA effects in a few agronomic yield-related traits in the combined analysis. Among the hybrids, the only crosses that showed significant and positive SCA effects for grain yield were 25YxNC under optimum and 34YxObat under acidic environment. The inbred lines were assessed for tolerance to Al toxicity under laboratory conditions. Overall, the study identified soil acidity tolerant QPM inbred lines with an excellent combining ability for high-yielding QPM test hybrids, grain yield, and related traits. , Thesis (MSc) (Agriculture, Crop Science) -- University of Fort Hare, 2021
- Full Text:
- Authors: Bobotyana, Simthandile
- Date: 2021-04
- Subjects: Corn as food , Plants--Drought tolerance
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/20528 , vital:46087
- Description: Maize (Zea mays L) is an essential food grain crop in South Africa and is mainly grown under rainfed conditions by small-scale farmers. Quality Protein Maize (QPM) contains a higher level of two essential amino acids, tryptophan, and lysine when equated to normal maize. Therefore, the QPM in communities is a vital cereal where maize is a staple crop. Among the significant abiotic stresses that adversely affect maize productivity, such as soil fertility. Low soil pH or soil acidity results in nutrient deficiencies, as well as the toxicity of minerals such as manganese (Mn), aluminium (Al), and iron (Fe). The objectives of the study were to: (1) Characterize yellow QPM inbred lines and testcross hybrids for agro-morphological variability under optimum conditions, (2) Determine the response of QPM inbred lines and testcross hybrids to Al toxicity, and (3) Estimate the combining ability of QPM genotypes for the tolerance to Al toxicity. The laboratory assessment for tolerance to Al toxicity revealed a negative relationship between relative root growth RRG and hematoxylin staining; among the inbred lines, the genotype 8Y, 17Y, and 7Y had the highest RRG and net root growth (NRG) values and exhibited the highest tolerance to Al tolerance with the least hematoxylin staining. Inbred lines 12Y, 16Y, 19Y, 2Y, 20Y, 24Y, 30Y, 27Y, 34Y, 4Y, and 11Y were moderately tolerant. On the other hand, inbred lines 13Y, 18Y, and QSY5 had the least RRG were susceptible. Forty-four testcross hybrids were generated by crossing 22 QPM inbred lines with two open-pollinated variety (OPV) testers. These hybrids were evaluated together with five checks for different agronomic traits. The hybrids were planted in the summer season of 2017/18 and 2018/19 under rain-fed conditions 7 x 7 alpha lattice design was used. The significant variations among the genotypes for grain yield and most other agronomic traits under optimum, acidic conditions and across environments on combined analysis of variance. The hybrid was 14Y x NC (3.22 t/ha), followed by QSY5 x NC (3.02 t/ha) showed the highest yielding. The mean plant height was 226.23 cm, with ranges 197.60 to 254.85cm. The number of kernels per ear was 35, with a range from 29.45 to 40.25. Conversely, the mean ear length was 19.30 cm with a range of 17.65 to 20.95 cm, and the mean ear diameter ranged from 13,50 to 16,05 cm. The highest yielding hybrid, according to ranking, was 14Y x NC (2,93t/ha), which was ranked number 3, followed by 3Y x NC (2,83 t/ha), which was ranked number 4. Twenty-two yellow QPM inbred lines were evaluated for agro-morphological characteristics. A randomized complete block design with three replicates was used under acidic and normal soil conditions at two locations. The mean performance of inbred lines for grain yield ranged from 1.6 t/ha to 3.1 t/ha under optimum conditions, whereas it ranged from 1.1.t/ha to 1.7 t/ha under an acidic environment. The highest grain yielding genotypes under the optimum environment were 14Y, 7Y, and QSY5, while, in the acidic environment, the highest yielders were 3Y, QSY5, and 17Y. The lowest grain yielder under the optimum environment was 16Y at 1.5 t/ha, whereas 6Y, 7Y, 8Y, and 29Y were the most moderate yielders under the acidic environment. Grain yield displayed positive and significant (p<0,05) correlation with ear height (0.59), plant height (0.55), leaf length (0.18), number of leaves (0.37), number of ears per plot (0,54), number of kernels per row, number of rows per ear and thousand kernel weight. Combined ANOVA revealed that the environment effect was significant for all traits except the number of rows per ear and the number of ears in both environments. A total of 71 genotypes (22 inbred lines, forty-four single crosses, and five checks) were evaluated using a 7 x 7 alpha lattice design with two replications in combining ability. Across environments, the analysis showed a mean grain yield record of hybrids that ranged from 1.78 t/ha to 3.42 t/ha. Combined analysis showed only about 4 percent of the 44 hybrids had better grain yield than hybrid checks, whereas about 11 percent of the 44 hybrids had higher grain yield than two of the five hybrid checks. The highest yielding hybrid was 14Y x NC followed by QSY5 x NC. The Mid-parent heterosis (MPH) for grain yield ranged from -32.70 for 11YxObat to 16.50 percent for 14YxNC among the top-yielding genotypes. The highest positive mid-parent heterosis (MPH) for grain yield was observed in hybrid 14YxNC followed by QSY9xNC, QSY5xOBAT, 3YxNC, 13YxNC and 4YxOBAT, while the remaining hybrids exhibited negative estimates. Inbred lines' proportional contributions to the total variances were much higher than the testers for all traits. Whereas the inbred lines' proportional contribution was lower than the interaction of line x tester except on the number of ears which displayed the highest estimates of variances due to SCA effects, significant variation was observed. The GCA effects on grain yield in both environments generally showed no significant difference among inbred lines except for inbred lines such as QSY5 and 34Y but were positive. The selected crosses showed significant SCA effects in a few agronomic yield-related traits in the combined analysis. Among the hybrids, the only crosses that showed significant and positive SCA effects for grain yield were 25YxNC under optimum and 34YxObat under acidic environment. The inbred lines were assessed for tolerance to Al toxicity under laboratory conditions. Overall, the study identified soil acidity tolerant QPM inbred lines with an excellent combining ability for high-yielding QPM test hybrids, grain yield, and related traits. , Thesis (MSc) (Agriculture, Crop Science) -- University of Fort Hare, 2021
- Full Text:
An evaluation of a bank’s clients’ preference for particular communication channels
- Authors: Chapwanya, Marvelous
- Date: 2021-04
- Subjects: Communication , Mass media
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/26615 , vital:65663
- Description: This study aims to establish clients’ preference for particular communication channels of a particular bank in Alice. The study, focusing on marketing communication, was guided by the tenets of media richness theory. The study employed both quantitative and qualitative research methods. This particular bank is one of the biggest banks in South Africa and it has many branches across the country and abroad. However, this study only focused on clients in the small town of Alice in the Eastern Cape. Alice has three major groups of clients: those who are highly educated, those who are illiterate and those who fall in between. This diversity in the demographics of the clients affects the way people react to the communication channels used by this bank including modern communication channels and traditional channels. It was discovered that education level, age (as related to literacy level), language, geographical location and access to computers and the internet have an impact on the way the clients evaluate the preference for particular communication channels of this bank. The results of the study show that the majority of the clients prefer communication channels that are interactive like face-to-face communication and cell phone calls. The other channels at the clients’ disposal are television, radio, newspapers, printed mail, internet and emails. However, some of these channels are not regarded as very effective by the clients in Alice for several reasons such as the rural nature of Alice, lack of access and resources, being illiterate, and a lack of education. The clients suggested that the bank make use of other communication channels that suit a rural and less developed area in order to effectively communicate with the clients. The study also brought to light that the use of the new ICTs in Alice is still lagging, resulting in many customers experiencing problems when they want to use some of the communication channels offered by the bank. , Thesis (MSoc ) -- Faculty of Social Sciences & Humanities, 2021
- Full Text:
- Authors: Chapwanya, Marvelous
- Date: 2021-04
- Subjects: Communication , Mass media
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/26615 , vital:65663
- Description: This study aims to establish clients’ preference for particular communication channels of a particular bank in Alice. The study, focusing on marketing communication, was guided by the tenets of media richness theory. The study employed both quantitative and qualitative research methods. This particular bank is one of the biggest banks in South Africa and it has many branches across the country and abroad. However, this study only focused on clients in the small town of Alice in the Eastern Cape. Alice has three major groups of clients: those who are highly educated, those who are illiterate and those who fall in between. This diversity in the demographics of the clients affects the way people react to the communication channels used by this bank including modern communication channels and traditional channels. It was discovered that education level, age (as related to literacy level), language, geographical location and access to computers and the internet have an impact on the way the clients evaluate the preference for particular communication channels of this bank. The results of the study show that the majority of the clients prefer communication channels that are interactive like face-to-face communication and cell phone calls. The other channels at the clients’ disposal are television, radio, newspapers, printed mail, internet and emails. However, some of these channels are not regarded as very effective by the clients in Alice for several reasons such as the rural nature of Alice, lack of access and resources, being illiterate, and a lack of education. The clients suggested that the bank make use of other communication channels that suit a rural and less developed area in order to effectively communicate with the clients. The study also brought to light that the use of the new ICTs in Alice is still lagging, resulting in many customers experiencing problems when they want to use some of the communication channels offered by the bank. , Thesis (MSoc ) -- Faculty of Social Sciences & Humanities, 2021
- Full Text:
Antibiotics combination therapy option for the control of antimicrobial-resistant non-cholera causing Vibrio species recovered from environmental niches of Eastern Cape, South Africa
- Authors: Ayodele, Oluwakemi Victoria
- Date: 2021-04
- Subjects: Drug resistance in microorganisms , Vibrio cholerae
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/20396 , vital:45661
- Description: Increased rate of antibiotic resistance (AR) poses a serious threat with a resultant notion of a possible end of the antibiotics era, making it a problem of concern to public health and a great implication on the world economy and human society. Despite many approaches developed to curb this menace, antibiotics resistance is still a challenge worldwide. This has made the use of combined therapy as one of the options in many cases. This study was conducted to assess antibiotics combination therapy as an option for the control of antimicrobial-resistant non-cholera causing Vibrio species that were recovered from the environment in the Eastern Cape, South Africa. Two hundred and twenty-eight Vibrio species were recovered from the environment in the Province, and these were deposited in the archive of AEMREG. PCR was used to identify target Vibrio species. Disc diffusion method was used to evaluate the antibiotic susceptibility profile of the confirmed isolates against 11 antibiotics commonly used against infections. MIC and MBC were determined using antibiotics (imipenem, tetracycline, and nalidixic acid) that high resistance was discovered. Checkerboard assay was used to carry out antibiotics combination assay, and the FICI was calculated. Rate of kill was also determined using ½ × MIC, 1 × MIC, and 2 × MIC concentrations of the combined antibiotics at 2 hr intervals. One hundred of the isolates were confirmed to be Vibrio parahaemolyticus, 82 were Vibrio vulnificus and 46 were Vibrio fluvialis. Twenty-two (22) percent of the Vibrio parahaemolyticus isolates showed resistance against tetracycline and their resistance against other antimicrobials is as follows; nalidixic acid (16 percent), ampicillin (14 percent), cefotaxime (14 percent), chloramphenicol (12 percent) and amikacin (11 percent). For Vibrio vulnificus, prevalence of resistance was as follows: imipenem (40 percent), tetracycline (22 percent), ampicillin (18 percent), meropenem (15 percent), and chloramphenicol (11 percent). Vibrio fluvialis showed the following resistance profile: nalidixic acid (28 percent), tetracycline (28percent), ampicillin (20 percent), chloramphenicol (15 percent), amikacin (11 percent) and cefotaxime (11 percent). About 38 multiple antibiotic resistance phenotypes (MARP) were recorded in all species that were evaluated. About 23 percent were resistant to over 3 antibiotics used. The multiple antibiotic resistant indices (MARI) ranged between 0.3 and 0.8. MIC and MBC were carried against isolates that were resistant to the two most common antibiotics tested. MIC and MBC were determined in the following order: tetracycline and nalidixic acid at concentrations ranging from 16 μg/ml to 1024 μg/ml for Vibrio parahaemolyticus and 32 μg/ml to 2048 μg/ml for Vibrio fluvialis. Also, the MIC and MBC of imipenem and tetracycline at concentrations ranging from 8 μg/ml to 256 μg/ml for Vibrio vulnificus were determined. Antibiotics combination therapy was carried out and synergistic activity was observed in 3 of the 16 resistant V. parahaemolyticus isolates, 3 of the16 resistant V. vulnificus isolates and 2 of the 13 resistant V. fluvialis isolates. Antagonism was not observed across all the drug combinations. Rate of kill was also determined and at 6 hr exposure time, the highest concentration (2 × MIC) exhibited bactericidal effect across all three Vibrio species. The result derived in this research, therefore, propose that combination therapy is a promising solution to antimicrobial resistance in Vibrio species. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science and Agriculture, 2021
- Full Text:
- Authors: Ayodele, Oluwakemi Victoria
- Date: 2021-04
- Subjects: Drug resistance in microorganisms , Vibrio cholerae
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/20396 , vital:45661
- Description: Increased rate of antibiotic resistance (AR) poses a serious threat with a resultant notion of a possible end of the antibiotics era, making it a problem of concern to public health and a great implication on the world economy and human society. Despite many approaches developed to curb this menace, antibiotics resistance is still a challenge worldwide. This has made the use of combined therapy as one of the options in many cases. This study was conducted to assess antibiotics combination therapy as an option for the control of antimicrobial-resistant non-cholera causing Vibrio species that were recovered from the environment in the Eastern Cape, South Africa. Two hundred and twenty-eight Vibrio species were recovered from the environment in the Province, and these were deposited in the archive of AEMREG. PCR was used to identify target Vibrio species. Disc diffusion method was used to evaluate the antibiotic susceptibility profile of the confirmed isolates against 11 antibiotics commonly used against infections. MIC and MBC were determined using antibiotics (imipenem, tetracycline, and nalidixic acid) that high resistance was discovered. Checkerboard assay was used to carry out antibiotics combination assay, and the FICI was calculated. Rate of kill was also determined using ½ × MIC, 1 × MIC, and 2 × MIC concentrations of the combined antibiotics at 2 hr intervals. One hundred of the isolates were confirmed to be Vibrio parahaemolyticus, 82 were Vibrio vulnificus and 46 were Vibrio fluvialis. Twenty-two (22) percent of the Vibrio parahaemolyticus isolates showed resistance against tetracycline and their resistance against other antimicrobials is as follows; nalidixic acid (16 percent), ampicillin (14 percent), cefotaxime (14 percent), chloramphenicol (12 percent) and amikacin (11 percent). For Vibrio vulnificus, prevalence of resistance was as follows: imipenem (40 percent), tetracycline (22 percent), ampicillin (18 percent), meropenem (15 percent), and chloramphenicol (11 percent). Vibrio fluvialis showed the following resistance profile: nalidixic acid (28 percent), tetracycline (28percent), ampicillin (20 percent), chloramphenicol (15 percent), amikacin (11 percent) and cefotaxime (11 percent). About 38 multiple antibiotic resistance phenotypes (MARP) were recorded in all species that were evaluated. About 23 percent were resistant to over 3 antibiotics used. The multiple antibiotic resistant indices (MARI) ranged between 0.3 and 0.8. MIC and MBC were carried against isolates that were resistant to the two most common antibiotics tested. MIC and MBC were determined in the following order: tetracycline and nalidixic acid at concentrations ranging from 16 μg/ml to 1024 μg/ml for Vibrio parahaemolyticus and 32 μg/ml to 2048 μg/ml for Vibrio fluvialis. Also, the MIC and MBC of imipenem and tetracycline at concentrations ranging from 8 μg/ml to 256 μg/ml for Vibrio vulnificus were determined. Antibiotics combination therapy was carried out and synergistic activity was observed in 3 of the 16 resistant V. parahaemolyticus isolates, 3 of the16 resistant V. vulnificus isolates and 2 of the 13 resistant V. fluvialis isolates. Antagonism was not observed across all the drug combinations. Rate of kill was also determined and at 6 hr exposure time, the highest concentration (2 × MIC) exhibited bactericidal effect across all three Vibrio species. The result derived in this research, therefore, propose that combination therapy is a promising solution to antimicrobial resistance in Vibrio species. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science and Agriculture, 2021
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Barriers and reasons for exercise of rural and urban overweight and obese populations in Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality, Eastern Cape
- Authors: Mrwebi, Thembani
- Date: 2021-04
- Subjects: Obesity--Prevention , Public health--Exercise
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/22522 , vital:52388
- Description: It is documented that obesity is highly prevalent across rural and urban groups in industrialised and underdeveloped countries. This problem is an alarming issue as community members remain unsure about avoiding risking their health. Various health surveys reveal that obesity has increased among communities in the Buffalo City Metro Municipality in the Eastern Cape, and it has consequently made communities vulnerable to non-communicable diseases. The researcher explored factors and barriers of exercise for rural and urban obese populations in Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality, Eastern Cape. This study was descriptive and explorative, utilising a questionnaire for gathering information. A purposive sample of 80 members from the two selected communities completed the questionnaire. A factor analysis was performed to identify factors that motivate physical activity and barriers to physical activity. It was discovered that all evaluated members were fully aware of the harmful repercussions of being overweight or obese. Nevertheless, only a tiny percentage of those who took part in the study decided to live a healthier lifestyle because of their obesity. Constructive motivating factors included increasing their self-image, enhancing their wellbeing, and getting highly involved in active and regular exercise. Negative motivators included finding it challenging to fit into old clothes and the worry of developing obesity-related diseases. Respondents noted the following impediments in regular exercises and physical activities; African cultural values, limited operational hours of physical activity facilities, insufficient time, and a lack of enthusiasm. , Thesis (MPhil) -- Faculty of Science and Agriculture, 2021
- Full Text:
- Authors: Mrwebi, Thembani
- Date: 2021-04
- Subjects: Obesity--Prevention , Public health--Exercise
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/22522 , vital:52388
- Description: It is documented that obesity is highly prevalent across rural and urban groups in industrialised and underdeveloped countries. This problem is an alarming issue as community members remain unsure about avoiding risking their health. Various health surveys reveal that obesity has increased among communities in the Buffalo City Metro Municipality in the Eastern Cape, and it has consequently made communities vulnerable to non-communicable diseases. The researcher explored factors and barriers of exercise for rural and urban obese populations in Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality, Eastern Cape. This study was descriptive and explorative, utilising a questionnaire for gathering information. A purposive sample of 80 members from the two selected communities completed the questionnaire. A factor analysis was performed to identify factors that motivate physical activity and barriers to physical activity. It was discovered that all evaluated members were fully aware of the harmful repercussions of being overweight or obese. Nevertheless, only a tiny percentage of those who took part in the study decided to live a healthier lifestyle because of their obesity. Constructive motivating factors included increasing their self-image, enhancing their wellbeing, and getting highly involved in active and regular exercise. Negative motivators included finding it challenging to fit into old clothes and the worry of developing obesity-related diseases. Respondents noted the following impediments in regular exercises and physical activities; African cultural values, limited operational hours of physical activity facilities, insufficient time, and a lack of enthusiasm. , Thesis (MPhil) -- Faculty of Science and Agriculture, 2021
- Full Text:
Effect of fire frequency on the recovery of soil invertebrate communities in semi-arid savanna biome of the Eastern Cape, South Africa
- Madikana, Ayabulela https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9119-4650
- Authors: Madikana, Ayabulela https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9119-4650
- Date: 2021-04
- Subjects: Soil invertebrates , Fire ecology , Arid regions
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/22831 , vital:52946
- Description: Fires are common in South African savanna habitats, which can disrupt the dynamics of entire invertebrate populations, endangering biodiversity and the environment. The aim of this study was to look at how fire frequency affected invertebrate population dynamics and biodiversity in a 41-year-old fire experiment at the University of Fort Hare research farm in Alice. The experiment had six different levels of burning frequency: no-burn (K), annual burn (B1), biannual burn (B2), triennial burn (B3), quadrennial burn (B4), and sexennial burn (B6). The experimental plots were replicated two times in a randomized complete block design and have been continuously retained since 1980. A ground yellow mustard solution was used to collect earthworms, which were then identified by an earthworm taxonomist. Pitfall traps were used to collect ants and other insects, which were then identified under a microscope. In total, three soil samples were collected from each plot to assess selected soil nutrients, moisture, and pH. The Shannon diversity index, richness, and population of earthworms, ants, and other insects were calculated, and a one-way ANOVA analysis was done to check if the treatments differed significantly. A correlations study was used to look for any influence connected to soil parameters, including the Shannon diversity index, species richness, and density of soil invertebrates. According to our findings, the measured parameters did not show any significant differences in the measured parameters between the different frequency levels. All the plots had two species of earthworm , Proandricus timmianus and Proandricus beddardi except the biennial burn plot, which had all three, the afore mentioned species and one other unidentified species, Proandricus sp. The triennial burn treatment slightly enhanced the insect diversity, richness, and evenness of ant species difference while the diversity, evenness, and richness were lowest in the sexennial burn plot. However, there was no signif difference in population. After B4, the no burn plot had the second largest diversity and species richness, and the third highest species evenness and had a 100 percent species similarity index. The ants were evenly distributed in the no burn plot compared to the other plots, with K having a lower density than the other plots except for B4, K being slightly more diverse than B6, and B1 with a slightly lower diversity than the other plots, and it being the third species rich plot after B2 and B3, followed by the rest of the plots. This study implied that fire frequency has an insignificant impact on invertebrates’ communities in Savanna biomes words.icant , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science and Agriculture, 2021
- Full Text:
- Authors: Madikana, Ayabulela https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9119-4650
- Date: 2021-04
- Subjects: Soil invertebrates , Fire ecology , Arid regions
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/22831 , vital:52946
- Description: Fires are common in South African savanna habitats, which can disrupt the dynamics of entire invertebrate populations, endangering biodiversity and the environment. The aim of this study was to look at how fire frequency affected invertebrate population dynamics and biodiversity in a 41-year-old fire experiment at the University of Fort Hare research farm in Alice. The experiment had six different levels of burning frequency: no-burn (K), annual burn (B1), biannual burn (B2), triennial burn (B3), quadrennial burn (B4), and sexennial burn (B6). The experimental plots were replicated two times in a randomized complete block design and have been continuously retained since 1980. A ground yellow mustard solution was used to collect earthworms, which were then identified by an earthworm taxonomist. Pitfall traps were used to collect ants and other insects, which were then identified under a microscope. In total, three soil samples were collected from each plot to assess selected soil nutrients, moisture, and pH. The Shannon diversity index, richness, and population of earthworms, ants, and other insects were calculated, and a one-way ANOVA analysis was done to check if the treatments differed significantly. A correlations study was used to look for any influence connected to soil parameters, including the Shannon diversity index, species richness, and density of soil invertebrates. According to our findings, the measured parameters did not show any significant differences in the measured parameters between the different frequency levels. All the plots had two species of earthworm , Proandricus timmianus and Proandricus beddardi except the biennial burn plot, which had all three, the afore mentioned species and one other unidentified species, Proandricus sp. The triennial burn treatment slightly enhanced the insect diversity, richness, and evenness of ant species difference while the diversity, evenness, and richness were lowest in the sexennial burn plot. However, there was no signif difference in population. After B4, the no burn plot had the second largest diversity and species richness, and the third highest species evenness and had a 100 percent species similarity index. The ants were evenly distributed in the no burn plot compared to the other plots, with K having a lower density than the other plots except for B4, K being slightly more diverse than B6, and B1 with a slightly lower diversity than the other plots, and it being the third species rich plot after B2 and B3, followed by the rest of the plots. This study implied that fire frequency has an insignificant impact on invertebrates’ communities in Savanna biomes words.icant , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science and Agriculture, 2021
- Full Text:
Evaluation of anti-diabetic activity of selected red marine macro-algae found along South African coastal areas
- Bambo, Karabo https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3721-2424
- Authors: Bambo, Karabo https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3721-2424
- Date: 2021-04
- Subjects: Marine algae , Phytochemicals
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/22533 , vital:52405
- Description: Marine macro-algae are a good source of potential primary and secondary metabolites. Phytochemicals of the samples were extracted using methanol and water. This study evaluated the phytochemical constituents, antioxidant activity and antidiabetic activity of selected red marine macro-algae sampled from Gqeberha, South Africa. The species collected were identified as Gelidium pristoides, Scinaia furcellata and Portieria tripinita using DNA barcoding. Results showed the presence of several phytochemicals such as saponins, phenols, flavonols, tannins, proanthocyanidins and flavonoids. Methanol was a more effective polyphenol extraction solvent than water. Gelidium pristoides (H2O) was observed to contain the highest phenol and proanthocyanidin content, which correlated to Gelidium pristoides (H2O) having the greatest FRAP and DPPH radical scavenging activity IC50 at 0.227. Portieria tripinita (MeOH) extract had the greatest flavonoid content. Flavonol content was high for Scinaia furcellata while the highest tannin content was observed in both H2O and MeOH extracts of Gelidium pristoides. All the selected marine macro-algae species showed concentration-dependent reducing power. The extract with the highest ABTS scavenging activity was Gelidium pristoides (MeOH) IC50 at 0.227. Portieria tripinita was the only species that showed Nitric oxide scavenging activity, with (H2O) extract showing the highest activity IC50 at 3.052. Only MeOH extracts of Gelidium pristoides and Scinaia furcellata showed very slight α-amylase inhibition, however, all extracts successfully inhibited the activity of α-glucosidase with the exception of the H2O extracts of Scinaia furcellata. All crude extracts of Gelidium pristoides, Scinaia furcellata and Portieria tripinita showed no significant/weak effect on glucose uptake and utilization by C3A cells following 24 hours of treatment, with the exception of the aqueous extracts of Scinaia furcellata at the highest concentration of 100 μg/ml. The in-vitro MTT cytotoxicity assay revealed that only MeOH extracts of Gelidium pristoides and Scinaia furcellata had a 15 significant toxic effect on C3A hepatocytes at concentrations of 100 μg/ml and 25μg/ml, respectively. Portieria tripinita aqueous extract showed cytotoxicity when evaluated using Hoechst 33342/Propidium iodide (PI) dual staining. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science and Agriculture, 2021
- Full Text:
- Authors: Bambo, Karabo https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3721-2424
- Date: 2021-04
- Subjects: Marine algae , Phytochemicals
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/22533 , vital:52405
- Description: Marine macro-algae are a good source of potential primary and secondary metabolites. Phytochemicals of the samples were extracted using methanol and water. This study evaluated the phytochemical constituents, antioxidant activity and antidiabetic activity of selected red marine macro-algae sampled from Gqeberha, South Africa. The species collected were identified as Gelidium pristoides, Scinaia furcellata and Portieria tripinita using DNA barcoding. Results showed the presence of several phytochemicals such as saponins, phenols, flavonols, tannins, proanthocyanidins and flavonoids. Methanol was a more effective polyphenol extraction solvent than water. Gelidium pristoides (H2O) was observed to contain the highest phenol and proanthocyanidin content, which correlated to Gelidium pristoides (H2O) having the greatest FRAP and DPPH radical scavenging activity IC50 at 0.227. Portieria tripinita (MeOH) extract had the greatest flavonoid content. Flavonol content was high for Scinaia furcellata while the highest tannin content was observed in both H2O and MeOH extracts of Gelidium pristoides. All the selected marine macro-algae species showed concentration-dependent reducing power. The extract with the highest ABTS scavenging activity was Gelidium pristoides (MeOH) IC50 at 0.227. Portieria tripinita was the only species that showed Nitric oxide scavenging activity, with (H2O) extract showing the highest activity IC50 at 3.052. Only MeOH extracts of Gelidium pristoides and Scinaia furcellata showed very slight α-amylase inhibition, however, all extracts successfully inhibited the activity of α-glucosidase with the exception of the H2O extracts of Scinaia furcellata. All crude extracts of Gelidium pristoides, Scinaia furcellata and Portieria tripinita showed no significant/weak effect on glucose uptake and utilization by C3A cells following 24 hours of treatment, with the exception of the aqueous extracts of Scinaia furcellata at the highest concentration of 100 μg/ml. The in-vitro MTT cytotoxicity assay revealed that only MeOH extracts of Gelidium pristoides and Scinaia furcellata had a 15 significant toxic effect on C3A hepatocytes at concentrations of 100 μg/ml and 25μg/ml, respectively. Portieria tripinita aqueous extract showed cytotoxicity when evaluated using Hoechst 33342/Propidium iodide (PI) dual staining. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science and Agriculture, 2021
- Full Text:
Grade 3 teachers’ strategies for developing learners’ reading comprehension skills in bilingual classrooms in Idutywa Education District
- Authors: Mzendana, Tembela Rosemary
- Date: 2021-04
- Subjects: Reading (Primary) , Reading comprehension
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/20119 , vital:45281
- Description: Learners’ low literacy achievements with regard to reading and writing in early schooling in South Africa remain a concern, particularly in the Foundation Phase. With regard to reading, amongst other things, Foundation Phase learners have been found to be “barking” at the text. That is an indication that they are struggling with achieving and grasping the main goal and purpose of reading, which is comprehension. In this dissertation, I explore the reading strategies teachers utilise in their grade 3 classrooms when teaching IsiXhosa and English. Participants for this study were grade 3 teachers from 2 different public schools in Idutywa District and grade 3 learners from 2 different public schools in Idutywa district. This qualitative study thus sought to investigate Grade 3 teachers’ strategies for developing learners’ reading comprehension skills in bilingual classrooms in two schools in the Idutywa Education District. Data was generated through semi-structured interviews. Amongst other issues, findings of the study revealed the following: participants reported valuing reading as an important skill that learners need to acquire academic success. Teachers demonstrated some understanding of how reading lessons are sequenced and paced. This study, thus, recommends that if learners are to acquire bilingual reading comprehension skills, both target languages should be valued and teachers be equipped on how to use these languages as resources in the classroom. , Thesis (MEd.) -- University of Fort Hare, 2021
- Full Text:
- Authors: Mzendana, Tembela Rosemary
- Date: 2021-04
- Subjects: Reading (Primary) , Reading comprehension
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/20119 , vital:45281
- Description: Learners’ low literacy achievements with regard to reading and writing in early schooling in South Africa remain a concern, particularly in the Foundation Phase. With regard to reading, amongst other things, Foundation Phase learners have been found to be “barking” at the text. That is an indication that they are struggling with achieving and grasping the main goal and purpose of reading, which is comprehension. In this dissertation, I explore the reading strategies teachers utilise in their grade 3 classrooms when teaching IsiXhosa and English. Participants for this study were grade 3 teachers from 2 different public schools in Idutywa District and grade 3 learners from 2 different public schools in Idutywa district. This qualitative study thus sought to investigate Grade 3 teachers’ strategies for developing learners’ reading comprehension skills in bilingual classrooms in two schools in the Idutywa Education District. Data was generated through semi-structured interviews. Amongst other issues, findings of the study revealed the following: participants reported valuing reading as an important skill that learners need to acquire academic success. Teachers demonstrated some understanding of how reading lessons are sequenced and paced. This study, thus, recommends that if learners are to acquire bilingual reading comprehension skills, both target languages should be valued and teachers be equipped on how to use these languages as resources in the classroom. , Thesis (MEd.) -- University of Fort Hare, 2021
- Full Text:
Participation of stakeholders in the rationalisation of schools: a case of closure and merger of schools in the Amatole West Education District of the Eastern Cape Province, South Africa.
- Authors: Mahanjana, Litha Lennox
- Date: 2021-04
- Subjects: Public school closings
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/20108 , vital:45274
- Description: The Department of Basic Education (DBE) in South Africa has shut down many public schools in the last few years and several other township and rural schools face imminent closure. The major reason adduced for this disturbing development is the increasing reduction of pupils because of poor performance. However, it is not clear whether all stakeholders are involved in the school rationalisation programme. Schools are custodians of children’s education and thus stakeholders such as parents, teachers, learners, community members and traditional leaders are important stakeholders in the education system and therefore, should participate fully in policy development and implementation processes. This study investigated how stakeholders in the school system such as teachers, learners, parents, and traditional leaders participated in the implementation of the school rationalisation policy. Using a qualitative approach within the interpretive research paradigm, the study investigated the case of two secondary schools that were closed and merged in the Amatole West Education District of the Eastern Cape Province. The researcher adopted this research approach because of its exploratory, descriptive, and contextual nature. A non-probability purposive sample was selected from the categories of teachers, learners and parents including traditional leaders of the communities of the two schools that were investigated. Data was collected using semi-structured face-to-face interviews and focus group discussions, while the content analysis technique was used to analyse the data. The data collected and analysed was also tested for its trustworthiness and ethical imperatives were also considered. The study revealed a lack of proper consultation of stakeholders prior to and during the implementation of school rationalisation policy. The DoE, to give an impression that stakeholders participated, in order to comply with the legislation, adopted a pseudo-participation strategy. This lack of consultation and pseudo-participation of stakeholders declared their participation as undemocratic. As a result, many challenges emerged and there were also unintended consequences that manifested themselves in the process. These findings were then translated into conclusions. Based on the findings of the study, it was recommended that the authorities should consult with the relevant stakeholders and create platforms that will allow them to express their views about any proposed school rationalisation policy before it can be implemented. The DoE should also consider all relevant legislative imperatives before embarking to the implementation of its decision to close or merge schools. In compelling situations where school closures are necessary, the anticipated social and economic impacts and unintended impacts on learners must be planned and mitigated before the school closure policy can be implemented. Lastly, the relevant authorities should develop an alternative policy framework to address the gaps and challenges that manifested themselves during the implementation of the current school rationalisation policy framework. Recommendations for further research like widening the scope of the investigation to in include primary schools, urban schools and participants from the district office were also proposed. , Thesis (MEd.) -- University of Fort Hare, 2021
- Full Text:
- Authors: Mahanjana, Litha Lennox
- Date: 2021-04
- Subjects: Public school closings
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/20108 , vital:45274
- Description: The Department of Basic Education (DBE) in South Africa has shut down many public schools in the last few years and several other township and rural schools face imminent closure. The major reason adduced for this disturbing development is the increasing reduction of pupils because of poor performance. However, it is not clear whether all stakeholders are involved in the school rationalisation programme. Schools are custodians of children’s education and thus stakeholders such as parents, teachers, learners, community members and traditional leaders are important stakeholders in the education system and therefore, should participate fully in policy development and implementation processes. This study investigated how stakeholders in the school system such as teachers, learners, parents, and traditional leaders participated in the implementation of the school rationalisation policy. Using a qualitative approach within the interpretive research paradigm, the study investigated the case of two secondary schools that were closed and merged in the Amatole West Education District of the Eastern Cape Province. The researcher adopted this research approach because of its exploratory, descriptive, and contextual nature. A non-probability purposive sample was selected from the categories of teachers, learners and parents including traditional leaders of the communities of the two schools that were investigated. Data was collected using semi-structured face-to-face interviews and focus group discussions, while the content analysis technique was used to analyse the data. The data collected and analysed was also tested for its trustworthiness and ethical imperatives were also considered. The study revealed a lack of proper consultation of stakeholders prior to and during the implementation of school rationalisation policy. The DoE, to give an impression that stakeholders participated, in order to comply with the legislation, adopted a pseudo-participation strategy. This lack of consultation and pseudo-participation of stakeholders declared their participation as undemocratic. As a result, many challenges emerged and there were also unintended consequences that manifested themselves in the process. These findings were then translated into conclusions. Based on the findings of the study, it was recommended that the authorities should consult with the relevant stakeholders and create platforms that will allow them to express their views about any proposed school rationalisation policy before it can be implemented. The DoE should also consider all relevant legislative imperatives before embarking to the implementation of its decision to close or merge schools. In compelling situations where school closures are necessary, the anticipated social and economic impacts and unintended impacts on learners must be planned and mitigated before the school closure policy can be implemented. Lastly, the relevant authorities should develop an alternative policy framework to address the gaps and challenges that manifested themselves during the implementation of the current school rationalisation policy framework. Recommendations for further research like widening the scope of the investigation to in include primary schools, urban schools and participants from the district office were also proposed. , Thesis (MEd.) -- University of Fort Hare, 2021
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Smallholder farmers’ perception in the adoption of in-field rainwater harvesting techniques in Raymond Mhlaba Local Municipality, Eastern Cape, South Africa
- Mtyelwa, Chuma https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0696-4340
- Authors: Mtyelwa, Chuma https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0696-4340
- Date: 2021-04
- Subjects: Farms, Small , Water harvesting
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/21367 , vital:48499
- Description: Dissemination, adoption and continued use of adopted technologies are key requirements for improved smallholder farmers’ productivity. In an attempt to improve smallholder agricultural production and creating a resilient smallholder agricultural sector, many technologies such as the in-field rainwater harvesting technique (IRWHT) have been put in place. IRWHT has a tremendous potential for improving livelihoods of rural smallholder farmers, thus decreasing their vulnerability to vagaries of climate change. However, though IRWHT was promoted for agricultural crop production improvement, smallholder farmers discontinued its adoption. This study critically assessed the perception of smallholder farmers in Raymond Mhlaba Local Municipality (RMLM) on the use of the in-field rainwater harvesting technique to assess the underlying factors that led to IRWHT dis-adoption. This study adopted a descriptive study design; purposive sampling was used to select a sample of 120 smallholder farmers that initially adopted IRWHT. Data was gathered through a face-to-face interview and with a pre-tested semi-structured questionnaire. Descriptive statistical analysis frequency count, percentages, means and standard deviation were used for quantitative data analysis. The findings revealed that 96percent of smallholder farmers dis-adopted IRWHT after initial adoption. Moreover, IRWHT was dis-adopted 5-8 years post adoption. Critical reasons behind discontinuity include small land size (23percent), lack of reliable water source (18percent), complexity of IRWHT, continual extension support (17percent) and IRWHT taking up much space (13percent), amongst others. This study also revealed that farmers’ perception towards the innovation attributes of IRWHT, in relative advantage over economic returns such as profitability, had an impact on dis-adoption of IRWHT, with a negative farmers’ perception (𝑥̅ = 2.95). Complexity of IRWHT was associated with discontinuity of IRWHT by smallholder farmers in RMLM, with the majority (60percent) of smallholder farmers indicating that IRWHT was labour intensive. Some (39.9percent) stated that implementation of IRWHT was time consuming. Innovation attributes that led to a high rate of initial adoption were relative advantage with better yield (𝑥̅ = 4. 38) and compatibility. Smallholder farmers indicated that IRWHT can be implemented with cheaper and available working tools (𝑥̅ = 3.54). On trialability, smallholder farmers indicated that IRWHT was triable in different seasons and on observability smallholder farmers had a positive perception (𝑥̅ = 3.81) towards observable improved crop yield. Smallholder farmers had a positive perception (𝑥̅ = 4.14) of extension service support during the scaling-up of IRWHT although they indicated that the extension service support had ceased. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science and Agriculture, 2021
- Full Text:
- Authors: Mtyelwa, Chuma https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0696-4340
- Date: 2021-04
- Subjects: Farms, Small , Water harvesting
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/21367 , vital:48499
- Description: Dissemination, adoption and continued use of adopted technologies are key requirements for improved smallholder farmers’ productivity. In an attempt to improve smallholder agricultural production and creating a resilient smallholder agricultural sector, many technologies such as the in-field rainwater harvesting technique (IRWHT) have been put in place. IRWHT has a tremendous potential for improving livelihoods of rural smallholder farmers, thus decreasing their vulnerability to vagaries of climate change. However, though IRWHT was promoted for agricultural crop production improvement, smallholder farmers discontinued its adoption. This study critically assessed the perception of smallholder farmers in Raymond Mhlaba Local Municipality (RMLM) on the use of the in-field rainwater harvesting technique to assess the underlying factors that led to IRWHT dis-adoption. This study adopted a descriptive study design; purposive sampling was used to select a sample of 120 smallholder farmers that initially adopted IRWHT. Data was gathered through a face-to-face interview and with a pre-tested semi-structured questionnaire. Descriptive statistical analysis frequency count, percentages, means and standard deviation were used for quantitative data analysis. The findings revealed that 96percent of smallholder farmers dis-adopted IRWHT after initial adoption. Moreover, IRWHT was dis-adopted 5-8 years post adoption. Critical reasons behind discontinuity include small land size (23percent), lack of reliable water source (18percent), complexity of IRWHT, continual extension support (17percent) and IRWHT taking up much space (13percent), amongst others. This study also revealed that farmers’ perception towards the innovation attributes of IRWHT, in relative advantage over economic returns such as profitability, had an impact on dis-adoption of IRWHT, with a negative farmers’ perception (𝑥̅ = 2.95). Complexity of IRWHT was associated with discontinuity of IRWHT by smallholder farmers in RMLM, with the majority (60percent) of smallholder farmers indicating that IRWHT was labour intensive. Some (39.9percent) stated that implementation of IRWHT was time consuming. Innovation attributes that led to a high rate of initial adoption were relative advantage with better yield (𝑥̅ = 4. 38) and compatibility. Smallholder farmers indicated that IRWHT can be implemented with cheaper and available working tools (𝑥̅ = 3.54). On trialability, smallholder farmers indicated that IRWHT was triable in different seasons and on observability smallholder farmers had a positive perception (𝑥̅ = 3.81) towards observable improved crop yield. Smallholder farmers had a positive perception (𝑥̅ = 4.14) of extension service support during the scaling-up of IRWHT although they indicated that the extension service support had ceased. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science and Agriculture, 2021
- Full Text:
The effectiveness of Bhisho child and youth care Centre youth in conflict with the law rehabilitation programs
- Authors: Mzili, Hlumela
- Date: 2021-04
- Subjects: Juvenile delinquency
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/23731 , vital:58619
- Description: Youth in conflict with the law is seemingly becoming a significant problem in South Africa, especially in the Eastern Cape where youth engage in risk-taking activities, such as anti-social behaviour and criminal acts. This study builds on factors contributing to youth delinquency such as negative behaviours of parents, dysfunctional families, high crime rate in communities, poor self-concept, low literacy level, poor socio-economic status and no sense of belonging. Against this backdrop there are programmes put in place as a form of rehabilitation for the youth in an effort to eliminate from amongst them, recidivism that conflicts with the law. However, little importance has been given to the challenges faced when implementing such programmes, such as illiteracy, rebellion, deviance and lack of resilience among youth. This context informed the study’s aim to explore the effectiveness of the rehabilitation programmes at the Bhisho Child and Youth Care Centre. To achieve this aim, the study employed the qualitative research approach to explore the rehabilitation programmes. Data was collected through 20 semi-structured interviews with purposively sampled participants (children/youth and personnel from the centre) ranging from those who perpetrated the heavier crimes to those who perpetrated the least crimes. Collected data was analysed through thematic analysis whereby tape recordings were transcribed, sorted and interpreted under themes that show common cause or commonalities among the research participants. The main findings show that the programmes offered to the youth are effective and play an important role in curbing their criminal behaviour. The acts of the study recommend that the personnel at the Bhisho Child and Youth Care Centre be equipped with more developmental services which can enable them to produce more effectiveness to the programmes offered by the centre. , Thesis (MSoc) -- Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, 2021
- Full Text:
- Authors: Mzili, Hlumela
- Date: 2021-04
- Subjects: Juvenile delinquency
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/23731 , vital:58619
- Description: Youth in conflict with the law is seemingly becoming a significant problem in South Africa, especially in the Eastern Cape where youth engage in risk-taking activities, such as anti-social behaviour and criminal acts. This study builds on factors contributing to youth delinquency such as negative behaviours of parents, dysfunctional families, high crime rate in communities, poor self-concept, low literacy level, poor socio-economic status and no sense of belonging. Against this backdrop there are programmes put in place as a form of rehabilitation for the youth in an effort to eliminate from amongst them, recidivism that conflicts with the law. However, little importance has been given to the challenges faced when implementing such programmes, such as illiteracy, rebellion, deviance and lack of resilience among youth. This context informed the study’s aim to explore the effectiveness of the rehabilitation programmes at the Bhisho Child and Youth Care Centre. To achieve this aim, the study employed the qualitative research approach to explore the rehabilitation programmes. Data was collected through 20 semi-structured interviews with purposively sampled participants (children/youth and personnel from the centre) ranging from those who perpetrated the heavier crimes to those who perpetrated the least crimes. Collected data was analysed through thematic analysis whereby tape recordings were transcribed, sorted and interpreted under themes that show common cause or commonalities among the research participants. The main findings show that the programmes offered to the youth are effective and play an important role in curbing their criminal behaviour. The acts of the study recommend that the personnel at the Bhisho Child and Youth Care Centre be equipped with more developmental services which can enable them to produce more effectiveness to the programmes offered by the centre. , Thesis (MSoc) -- Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, 2021
- Full Text:
Understanding the contribution of Land Use/Cover (LUC) classes on soil erosion and sedimentation using sediment fingerprinting technique and RUSLE in a GIS interface at sub-catchment level
- Taeni, Thembalethu (https://orcid.org/ 0000-0001-7662-8652)
- Authors: Taeni, Thembalethu (https://orcid.org/ 0000-0001-7662-8652)
- Date: 2021-04
- Subjects: Geographic information systems , Soil erosion , River sediments
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/20920 , vital:46747
- Description: Soil erosion by water is the major source of soil degradation in the world, and South Africa (SA) is not an exception particularly in the Free State (FS) Province. In South Africa, the Caledon River Catchment in the FS Province has been identified as one of the regions where soil erosion has been prevalent for decades. Evidence across many parts of the catchment show a widespread of soil erosion and the contaminant flux associated with sediment into river systems and reservoirs; including the Welbedatcht dam and Carthcart-drift dam in Ladybrand. It is of these issues that the current work aimed at enhancing the understanding of sediment sources and soil erosion dynamics at the Caledon River Basin. The objectives of the study were to locate sources of suspended sediments and to assess and quantify the contribution of Land Use Cover (LUC) classes to water erosion and sediment yield at a sub – catchment level of the Caledon River Basin. To achieve the objectives set out for this research, a study was conducted at a sub - catchment level of the Caledon River Basin in the FS Province, South Africa. The sediment–fingerprinting approach and the Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation (RUSLE) model were used in the study under Geographic Information System (GIS) settings. A qualitative and quantitative interpretation of the geochemical data were used to evaluate the potential for distinguishing catchment sediment sources. The application of multivariate sediment mixing models incorporating Monte Carlo simulations was undertaken to investigate recent variations in sediment sources. Lastly, to document the impact of LUC change on soil erosion; data from soil profile database, Landsat 8 OLI–TIRS and climate (i.e. rainfall) were used to assess and map the spatial and temporal pattern changes of soil erosion at a sub – catchment level as related to LUC changes. In this study, the sub–catchment was classified into 6 LUC classes. Thereafter soil erosion was quantified for three consecutive years namely; 2015, 2016 and 2018 using the soil erosion factors as GIS–layers. The investigation of sediment source types and spatial provenance in the catchment showed that the grassland areas have consistently been the main sediment source (83 percent) throughout the study period. Findings further showed that there was an increase in contributions from cultivation and abandoned cultivated fields. Sediment contribution from surface sources was dominant (54 percent) and thereafter, subsurface sediment input increased (62 percent). This trend is indicative of increased severity of gully erosion in the area and thus is consistent with other studies. To comprehend the influence of LUC class modification dynamics on soil erosion, water erosion in particular at the sub-catchment commencing from 2015 to 2018 (4 years), multi-temporal Landsat 8 information jointly with the RUSLE model were used. A post-classification, LUC class alteration comparison revealed that water bodies, shrubs and forested region and grassland declined by 0.27 percent, 15.60 percent, and 37.60 percent, respectively. On the other hand, regions under Bad lands, and bare-soil and built-up regions including agricultural region expanded by 2.22 percent, 5.78 percent, and 45.67 percent respectively, between 2015 to 2018 study period. The average yearly soil loss decreased at the sub-catchment and was 10.23,5.71 and 5.82 t ⋅ ha -1 ⋅ yr-1 for 2015, 2016 and 2018 respectively. Although soil loss lessened for the duration of the perceived period, a closer scrutiny revealed that there were nonetheless seeming signs of persistent escalation in soil loss risk. These signs were mostly shown in the elevated parts of the sub-catchment as shown by the red regions on the soil loss map. Additional examination of soil loss findings by LUC classes categories further indicated that most LUC classes categories, including Bare-soil and built-up area, agricultural-land, grassland, and region under shrubs and forests, showed increased soil loss levels during the 4 years’ study period at the sub-catchment. The information on the comparative vividness of diverse sediment sources given by the study must be observed as a noteworthy development towards an understanding of the sediment source dynamics in agricultural river based catchments; more so of the Caledon River Basin. Further research is recommended for other erosion prone catchments in South Africa to identify additional evidence of the spatial and temporal variations in soil erosion and sediment sources. The results of the study suggest that the procedure of assimilating the GIS and RS with the RUSLE model is not just precise, time-efficient and exact in recognizing soil erosion susceptible regions in geospatial and temporal standings. However, it is a cost-efficient substitute to standard field-founded approaches. , Thesis (MSc) (Soil Science) -- University of Fort Hare, 2021
- Full Text:
- Authors: Taeni, Thembalethu (https://orcid.org/ 0000-0001-7662-8652)
- Date: 2021-04
- Subjects: Geographic information systems , Soil erosion , River sediments
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/20920 , vital:46747
- Description: Soil erosion by water is the major source of soil degradation in the world, and South Africa (SA) is not an exception particularly in the Free State (FS) Province. In South Africa, the Caledon River Catchment in the FS Province has been identified as one of the regions where soil erosion has been prevalent for decades. Evidence across many parts of the catchment show a widespread of soil erosion and the contaminant flux associated with sediment into river systems and reservoirs; including the Welbedatcht dam and Carthcart-drift dam in Ladybrand. It is of these issues that the current work aimed at enhancing the understanding of sediment sources and soil erosion dynamics at the Caledon River Basin. The objectives of the study were to locate sources of suspended sediments and to assess and quantify the contribution of Land Use Cover (LUC) classes to water erosion and sediment yield at a sub – catchment level of the Caledon River Basin. To achieve the objectives set out for this research, a study was conducted at a sub - catchment level of the Caledon River Basin in the FS Province, South Africa. The sediment–fingerprinting approach and the Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation (RUSLE) model were used in the study under Geographic Information System (GIS) settings. A qualitative and quantitative interpretation of the geochemical data were used to evaluate the potential for distinguishing catchment sediment sources. The application of multivariate sediment mixing models incorporating Monte Carlo simulations was undertaken to investigate recent variations in sediment sources. Lastly, to document the impact of LUC change on soil erosion; data from soil profile database, Landsat 8 OLI–TIRS and climate (i.e. rainfall) were used to assess and map the spatial and temporal pattern changes of soil erosion at a sub – catchment level as related to LUC changes. In this study, the sub–catchment was classified into 6 LUC classes. Thereafter soil erosion was quantified for three consecutive years namely; 2015, 2016 and 2018 using the soil erosion factors as GIS–layers. The investigation of sediment source types and spatial provenance in the catchment showed that the grassland areas have consistently been the main sediment source (83 percent) throughout the study period. Findings further showed that there was an increase in contributions from cultivation and abandoned cultivated fields. Sediment contribution from surface sources was dominant (54 percent) and thereafter, subsurface sediment input increased (62 percent). This trend is indicative of increased severity of gully erosion in the area and thus is consistent with other studies. To comprehend the influence of LUC class modification dynamics on soil erosion, water erosion in particular at the sub-catchment commencing from 2015 to 2018 (4 years), multi-temporal Landsat 8 information jointly with the RUSLE model were used. A post-classification, LUC class alteration comparison revealed that water bodies, shrubs and forested region and grassland declined by 0.27 percent, 15.60 percent, and 37.60 percent, respectively. On the other hand, regions under Bad lands, and bare-soil and built-up regions including agricultural region expanded by 2.22 percent, 5.78 percent, and 45.67 percent respectively, between 2015 to 2018 study period. The average yearly soil loss decreased at the sub-catchment and was 10.23,5.71 and 5.82 t ⋅ ha -1 ⋅ yr-1 for 2015, 2016 and 2018 respectively. Although soil loss lessened for the duration of the perceived period, a closer scrutiny revealed that there were nonetheless seeming signs of persistent escalation in soil loss risk. These signs were mostly shown in the elevated parts of the sub-catchment as shown by the red regions on the soil loss map. Additional examination of soil loss findings by LUC classes categories further indicated that most LUC classes categories, including Bare-soil and built-up area, agricultural-land, grassland, and region under shrubs and forests, showed increased soil loss levels during the 4 years’ study period at the sub-catchment. The information on the comparative vividness of diverse sediment sources given by the study must be observed as a noteworthy development towards an understanding of the sediment source dynamics in agricultural river based catchments; more so of the Caledon River Basin. Further research is recommended for other erosion prone catchments in South Africa to identify additional evidence of the spatial and temporal variations in soil erosion and sediment sources. The results of the study suggest that the procedure of assimilating the GIS and RS with the RUSLE model is not just precise, time-efficient and exact in recognizing soil erosion susceptible regions in geospatial and temporal standings. However, it is a cost-efficient substitute to standard field-founded approaches. , Thesis (MSc) (Soil Science) -- University of Fort Hare, 2021
- Full Text:
Using narratives to understand consumer behaviour, nutrition knowledge perceptions and experiences amongst women at Thembeni Location
- Ben, Sive https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4186-924X
- Authors: Ben, Sive https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4186-924X
- Date: 2021-04
- Subjects: Women -- Nutrition
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/20164 , vital:45381
- Description: Orientation: Nutrition knowledge is an important aspect which shapes the lived experiences of women when they are making a purchase. South Africa, being a developing country, is faced with many challenges that have in turn subjected rural women to various challenges in approaching nutrition. These challenges include but are not limited to low economic status, low levels of education, and lack of developmental programmes that are structured to cater for rural women. Purpose: The purpose of this study was to understand the experiences and the perceptions of rural women concerning nutrition knowledge. Motivation for the study: This study was conducted with a motivation to understand how a sample of women in a rural area approach issues of nutrition. In understanding this, women can be empowered in asserting the approach to consumer behaviour. Research design: A phenomenological philosophy was adopted using a qualitative tradition in pursuit of the research objective. A judgemental sampling technique was utilised to sample 20 women and semi-structured interviews were undertaken and the gathered data on the experiences and perceptions of women was analysed by way of narrative analysis. , Thesis (MCom) -- Faculty of Management and Commerce, 2021
- Full Text:
- Authors: Ben, Sive https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4186-924X
- Date: 2021-04
- Subjects: Women -- Nutrition
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/20164 , vital:45381
- Description: Orientation: Nutrition knowledge is an important aspect which shapes the lived experiences of women when they are making a purchase. South Africa, being a developing country, is faced with many challenges that have in turn subjected rural women to various challenges in approaching nutrition. These challenges include but are not limited to low economic status, low levels of education, and lack of developmental programmes that are structured to cater for rural women. Purpose: The purpose of this study was to understand the experiences and the perceptions of rural women concerning nutrition knowledge. Motivation for the study: This study was conducted with a motivation to understand how a sample of women in a rural area approach issues of nutrition. In understanding this, women can be empowered in asserting the approach to consumer behaviour. Research design: A phenomenological philosophy was adopted using a qualitative tradition in pursuit of the research objective. A judgemental sampling technique was utilised to sample 20 women and semi-structured interviews were undertaken and the gathered data on the experiences and perceptions of women was analysed by way of narrative analysis. , Thesis (MCom) -- Faculty of Management and Commerce, 2021
- Full Text:
An analysis of technical efficiency and service effectiveness for freight railways in African and European countries
- Mfiyo, Azania https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0967-9756
- Authors: Mfiyo, Azania https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0967-9756
- Date: 2021-03
- Subjects: Freight and freightage , Railroads -- Freight
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/20186 , vital:45406
- Description: For the past decades, technical efficiency and service effectiveness have become topical as performance measures in various sectors. However, a comparison of technical efficiency and service effectiveness for freight rail transport has received less attention in African and European countries. To address this challenge the current study seeks to analyse technical efficiency and service effectiveness of rail freight in African and European countries. Due to data unavailability in other countries, this study selected four African countries (South Africa, Morocco, Democratic Republic of Congo and Algeria) and four European countries (Lithuania, Austria, France and Germany). The data has been collected from the World Bank, International Union of Railway Statistics and Knoema for the period 2017. Input oriented and output oriented data envelope analysis (DEA) were used to analyze technical efficiency and service effectiveness, respectively. The application of DEA requires the selection of appropriate inputs, production and output variables. This study selected a number of employees and length of rail lines as input variables, gross train tonne kilometres (km) as production variable, tonnes carried and tonne kilometres (km) as output variables. The result shows that five out of eight countries were technical efficient and their services effective with values equal to 1.00. The Pearson correlation coefficient was used to analyse the relationship between technical efficiency and service effectiveness. The results indicate that there is a statistically significant positive correlation between technical efficiency and service effectiveness. To determine the impact exogenous variables on technical efficiency and service effectiveness, a Tobit regression analysis was conducted. The results show that technical efficiency and service effectiveness are not significantly affected by exogenous variables. On the other hand, technical efficiency is significantly affected by the number of employees while service effectiveness is significantly affected by gross train tonne km. This study recommends the use of less labour intensive assets and monitoring of gross train tonne km should be viewed as important strategies to improve technical efficiency and service effectiveness, respectively. , Thesis (MCom) -- Faculty of Management and Commerce, 2021
- Full Text:
- Authors: Mfiyo, Azania https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0967-9756
- Date: 2021-03
- Subjects: Freight and freightage , Railroads -- Freight
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/20186 , vital:45406
- Description: For the past decades, technical efficiency and service effectiveness have become topical as performance measures in various sectors. However, a comparison of technical efficiency and service effectiveness for freight rail transport has received less attention in African and European countries. To address this challenge the current study seeks to analyse technical efficiency and service effectiveness of rail freight in African and European countries. Due to data unavailability in other countries, this study selected four African countries (South Africa, Morocco, Democratic Republic of Congo and Algeria) and four European countries (Lithuania, Austria, France and Germany). The data has been collected from the World Bank, International Union of Railway Statistics and Knoema for the period 2017. Input oriented and output oriented data envelope analysis (DEA) were used to analyze technical efficiency and service effectiveness, respectively. The application of DEA requires the selection of appropriate inputs, production and output variables. This study selected a number of employees and length of rail lines as input variables, gross train tonne kilometres (km) as production variable, tonnes carried and tonne kilometres (km) as output variables. The result shows that five out of eight countries were technical efficient and their services effective with values equal to 1.00. The Pearson correlation coefficient was used to analyse the relationship between technical efficiency and service effectiveness. The results indicate that there is a statistically significant positive correlation between technical efficiency and service effectiveness. To determine the impact exogenous variables on technical efficiency and service effectiveness, a Tobit regression analysis was conducted. The results show that technical efficiency and service effectiveness are not significantly affected by exogenous variables. On the other hand, technical efficiency is significantly affected by the number of employees while service effectiveness is significantly affected by gross train tonne km. This study recommends the use of less labour intensive assets and monitoring of gross train tonne km should be viewed as important strategies to improve technical efficiency and service effectiveness, respectively. , Thesis (MCom) -- Faculty of Management and Commerce, 2021
- Full Text:
An Updated Catalogue and Review of Afrotherian (Afroplacentalia) Mammals in the Amathole Museum Collection, Eastern Cape Province, South Africa
- Authors: Mahala, Buyiswa
- Date: 2021-03
- Subjects: Mammals
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/20741 , vital:46513
- Description: The Mammalogy Collection of the Amathole Museum is one of the most comprehensive mammal collections in Africa, with a specialisation in southern African fauna. It was accumulated over almost 100 years, in some instances from areas that no longer support sustainable populations of wildlife. The collection, therefore, is irreplaceable. A museum collection is only as good as its accessibility to students and researchers for it to perform its functions as a biodiversity archive. Accessibility, in turn, depends on up-to-date taxonomy and classification; good curation practices; public awareness of the collection; and electronic access to the details of the collection’s composition. The higher-level taxonomy of the Class Mammalia has undergone extensive changes since the adoption of molecular systematic techniques. Phylogenetic reconstructions based on large DNA sequence databases consistently group placental mammals into four superorders: Laurasiatheria (carnivores, bats, ungulates, whales); Euarchontoglires, a super-clade that includes primates (apes, monkeys and allies), rodents (mouse, rat and guinea pig), lagomorphs, (rabbit and hares), dermopterans (flying lemurs or colugos) and scandentians (tree shrew); Xenarthra (armadillos, anteaters, sloths), and Afrotheria (elephants, sea cows, tenrecs, aardvarks, sengis, golden moles, hyraxes). New relationships have been recognised that have required the erection of new taxonomic groups. Most of the Amathole Museum mammal collection was assembled and accessioned long before this new system was devised, and I undertook this project to begin the re-organisation of the collection according to the new information. I conducted and audit and inventory of all specimens of Afrotheria, or the mammals of African origin, housed in the Amathole Museum collection. I photographed the specimens and corrected and updated their taxonomic details. As we now live in an age of digital information, natural history collections need to be available online to extend public access. Specimen details were entered into Excel files, and their localities were mapped. This kind of information has the possibility of transforming biological curricula to include more authentic and inquiry-driven educational experiences. My future goals are to acquire Malagasy tenrecs for the Amathole Afrotheria collection, and to investigate the taxonomic validity of the Amathole hyrax collection, as many specimens were found with confusing and out-of-date classifications. , Thesis (MSc) (Zoology) -- University of Fort Hare, 2021
- Full Text:
- Authors: Mahala, Buyiswa
- Date: 2021-03
- Subjects: Mammals
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/20741 , vital:46513
- Description: The Mammalogy Collection of the Amathole Museum is one of the most comprehensive mammal collections in Africa, with a specialisation in southern African fauna. It was accumulated over almost 100 years, in some instances from areas that no longer support sustainable populations of wildlife. The collection, therefore, is irreplaceable. A museum collection is only as good as its accessibility to students and researchers for it to perform its functions as a biodiversity archive. Accessibility, in turn, depends on up-to-date taxonomy and classification; good curation practices; public awareness of the collection; and electronic access to the details of the collection’s composition. The higher-level taxonomy of the Class Mammalia has undergone extensive changes since the adoption of molecular systematic techniques. Phylogenetic reconstructions based on large DNA sequence databases consistently group placental mammals into four superorders: Laurasiatheria (carnivores, bats, ungulates, whales); Euarchontoglires, a super-clade that includes primates (apes, monkeys and allies), rodents (mouse, rat and guinea pig), lagomorphs, (rabbit and hares), dermopterans (flying lemurs or colugos) and scandentians (tree shrew); Xenarthra (armadillos, anteaters, sloths), and Afrotheria (elephants, sea cows, tenrecs, aardvarks, sengis, golden moles, hyraxes). New relationships have been recognised that have required the erection of new taxonomic groups. Most of the Amathole Museum mammal collection was assembled and accessioned long before this new system was devised, and I undertook this project to begin the re-organisation of the collection according to the new information. I conducted and audit and inventory of all specimens of Afrotheria, or the mammals of African origin, housed in the Amathole Museum collection. I photographed the specimens and corrected and updated their taxonomic details. As we now live in an age of digital information, natural history collections need to be available online to extend public access. Specimen details were entered into Excel files, and their localities were mapped. This kind of information has the possibility of transforming biological curricula to include more authentic and inquiry-driven educational experiences. My future goals are to acquire Malagasy tenrecs for the Amathole Afrotheria collection, and to investigate the taxonomic validity of the Amathole hyrax collection, as many specimens were found with confusing and out-of-date classifications. , Thesis (MSc) (Zoology) -- University of Fort Hare, 2021
- Full Text:
Assessing the invasive status and reproductive ecology of two Crataegus species in South Africa; Crataegus monogyna Jacq and C. mexicana DC
- Authors: Tshilingalinga, Sydney
- Date: 2021-03
- Subjects: Crataegus monogyna , Nonindigenous pests , Biological invasions
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/20904 , vital:46740
- Description: In South Africa different species, from the genus Crataegus, including Crataegus monogyna Jacq and C. mexicana DC have been introduced for various reasons in the past. Populations of these plants have now established in multiple provinces. However, the invasive status, risk and insect pollinators that promote their reproduction and dispersal have never been studied in South Africa. This study was aimed at 1) Assessing the risk of, and mapping two Crataegus species, Crataegus monogyna Jacq and C. mexicana DC in South Africa, 2) Determining the role and effectiveness of insects pollinators to fruiting of C. monogyna and C. mexicana, 3) Identifying flower visitors of C. monogyna and C. mexicana, and 4) documenting potential dispersal vectors for both species in the Eastern Cape Province. A framework entitled “Framework and guideline for conducting risk analysis under NEM: BA Alien and Invasive Species Regulation of 2014” was used to assess the risk of the two Crataegus spp, and we conducted field trips to various provinces in SA to map their distribution. The author conducted an exclusion experiment to determine the role and effectiveness of insect pollinators. Observations were conducted to identify flower visitors and potential dispersal vectors for both species. The risk analysis results suggested that both species pose a high risk of becoming invasive in South Africa. The eradication feasibility of both species was found to be medium with C. monogyna having an eradication feasibility score of 5 and C. mexicana having an eradication feasibility score of 4. This meant that there was a 50 percent chance for both species to be eradicated in South Africa currently. After a thorough risk analysis, it was recommended that both species be listed under category 1b on the National Environmental Management Biodiversity Act. Category 1b species are invasive species that need to be controlled, and if possible, they must be eradicated, trading of species from this category is not allowed. Crataegus mexicana was found to be widespread in South Africa with ten relatively small populations distributed in 5 provinces; Limpopo, Mpumalanga, KwaZulu-Natal, Free State and Eastern Cape Province. Crataegus monogyna was found not to be widespread in South Africa, with only three populations found in the Eastern Cape Province. Insect pollinators contribute to the fruiting of both species in SA. However, the exotic plants were also observed to be able to self-pollinate when insects are excluded. Flowers of C. monogyna were visited by various insect species from orders Lepidoptera, Hymenoptera, Coleoptera and Diptera, while C. mexicana is visited by species from the order Hymenoptera, Diptera, Lepidoptera and Coleoptera. Seventy-seven percent (77 percent) of potential dispersal vectors observed for C. monogyna were birds, and 15 percent were mammals. For C. mexicana, 71 percent of potential dispersal vectors observed were mammals, and 29 percent were birds. Crataegus monogyna and C. mexicana are emerging invasive alien species in South Africa, and not much is known about them. Although the two species are listed as invasive weeds in South Africa, very little is known about their invasive status in other parts of the world. This study has managed to give baseline information and data about both species which are already in South Africa. The baseline information and data include the population structure of both species, their distribution, the risk they pose to South Africa biodiversity and their reproduction ecology. Currently, there are no management plans in place for both species in South Africa, and this is because they are not listed yet in the National Environmental Management Biodiversity Act of South Africa. However, this study recommends that current populations continue to be monitored, awareness of both species in various provinces be initiated to help in the discovery of new and emerging populations, and management options of large populations developed in the future. , Thesis (MSc) (Entomology) -- University of Fort Hare, 2021
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- Authors: Tshilingalinga, Sydney
- Date: 2021-03
- Subjects: Crataegus monogyna , Nonindigenous pests , Biological invasions
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/20904 , vital:46740
- Description: In South Africa different species, from the genus Crataegus, including Crataegus monogyna Jacq and C. mexicana DC have been introduced for various reasons in the past. Populations of these plants have now established in multiple provinces. However, the invasive status, risk and insect pollinators that promote their reproduction and dispersal have never been studied in South Africa. This study was aimed at 1) Assessing the risk of, and mapping two Crataegus species, Crataegus monogyna Jacq and C. mexicana DC in South Africa, 2) Determining the role and effectiveness of insects pollinators to fruiting of C. monogyna and C. mexicana, 3) Identifying flower visitors of C. monogyna and C. mexicana, and 4) documenting potential dispersal vectors for both species in the Eastern Cape Province. A framework entitled “Framework and guideline for conducting risk analysis under NEM: BA Alien and Invasive Species Regulation of 2014” was used to assess the risk of the two Crataegus spp, and we conducted field trips to various provinces in SA to map their distribution. The author conducted an exclusion experiment to determine the role and effectiveness of insect pollinators. Observations were conducted to identify flower visitors and potential dispersal vectors for both species. The risk analysis results suggested that both species pose a high risk of becoming invasive in South Africa. The eradication feasibility of both species was found to be medium with C. monogyna having an eradication feasibility score of 5 and C. mexicana having an eradication feasibility score of 4. This meant that there was a 50 percent chance for both species to be eradicated in South Africa currently. After a thorough risk analysis, it was recommended that both species be listed under category 1b on the National Environmental Management Biodiversity Act. Category 1b species are invasive species that need to be controlled, and if possible, they must be eradicated, trading of species from this category is not allowed. Crataegus mexicana was found to be widespread in South Africa with ten relatively small populations distributed in 5 provinces; Limpopo, Mpumalanga, KwaZulu-Natal, Free State and Eastern Cape Province. Crataegus monogyna was found not to be widespread in South Africa, with only three populations found in the Eastern Cape Province. Insect pollinators contribute to the fruiting of both species in SA. However, the exotic plants were also observed to be able to self-pollinate when insects are excluded. Flowers of C. monogyna were visited by various insect species from orders Lepidoptera, Hymenoptera, Coleoptera and Diptera, while C. mexicana is visited by species from the order Hymenoptera, Diptera, Lepidoptera and Coleoptera. Seventy-seven percent (77 percent) of potential dispersal vectors observed for C. monogyna were birds, and 15 percent were mammals. For C. mexicana, 71 percent of potential dispersal vectors observed were mammals, and 29 percent were birds. Crataegus monogyna and C. mexicana are emerging invasive alien species in South Africa, and not much is known about them. Although the two species are listed as invasive weeds in South Africa, very little is known about their invasive status in other parts of the world. This study has managed to give baseline information and data about both species which are already in South Africa. The baseline information and data include the population structure of both species, their distribution, the risk they pose to South Africa biodiversity and their reproduction ecology. Currently, there are no management plans in place for both species in South Africa, and this is because they are not listed yet in the National Environmental Management Biodiversity Act of South Africa. However, this study recommends that current populations continue to be monitored, awareness of both species in various provinces be initiated to help in the discovery of new and emerging populations, and management options of large populations developed in the future. , Thesis (MSc) (Entomology) -- University of Fort Hare, 2021
- Full Text: