Development of a nystatin-loaded micellar system for oral mucoadhesion
- Authors: Sarpong, Nancy Owusu Akyere
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Medical microbiology , HIV infections -- Treatment Clinical pharmacology
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/43556 , vital:36918
- Description: Oropharyngeal Candidiasis (OPC) is an opportunistic fungal infection that affects mostly infants and immunocompromised patients. In recent years, the disease has been on the rise due to an increased life span, the HIV pandemic and the increased use of broad spectrum antibiotics. OPC may be treated using a nystatin suspension, which is not as effective as it could be due to the mechanism by which the suspension is applied to the affected tissue. This research aims to improve the effectiveness of nystatin, for the treatment of OPC, by proposing a nystatin loaded micellar system incorporated into a mucoadhesive system for drug delivery. This will ensure that nystatin is gradually released from the film, thus increasing retention time of nystatin at the affected area. In this study, a mixture design was developed, which was used to determine the most appropriate solvent system for nystatin solubilization. Optimisation of the micelle formulation was achieved by using the central composite rational design (CCRD). The two factors that were taken into consideration were the temperature of the hydration medium (water) and the length of time the micellar solution was exposed to the temperature environment of the rotary evaporator. The responses that were investigated were the mean particle size, mean polydispersity index (PDI), mean zeta potential, change in mean particle size and change in mean PDI. The optimal micelle formulation was characterised for size, stability, morphology and drug encapsulation efficiency. The micelles were found to be spherical and stable with an acceptable size range. However, their drug encapsulation efficiency was low. The mucoadhesive film was formulated and characterised for physical characteristics, pliability, percentage swelling index and drug release profile. The film was found to be highly pliable and evenly distributed with a smooth surface; no bumps or bubbles were visible. The film was able to swell to up to 550 %. In vitro studies showed that nystatin was gradually released from the film.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Sarpong, Nancy Owusu Akyere
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Medical microbiology , HIV infections -- Treatment Clinical pharmacology
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/43556 , vital:36918
- Description: Oropharyngeal Candidiasis (OPC) is an opportunistic fungal infection that affects mostly infants and immunocompromised patients. In recent years, the disease has been on the rise due to an increased life span, the HIV pandemic and the increased use of broad spectrum antibiotics. OPC may be treated using a nystatin suspension, which is not as effective as it could be due to the mechanism by which the suspension is applied to the affected tissue. This research aims to improve the effectiveness of nystatin, for the treatment of OPC, by proposing a nystatin loaded micellar system incorporated into a mucoadhesive system for drug delivery. This will ensure that nystatin is gradually released from the film, thus increasing retention time of nystatin at the affected area. In this study, a mixture design was developed, which was used to determine the most appropriate solvent system for nystatin solubilization. Optimisation of the micelle formulation was achieved by using the central composite rational design (CCRD). The two factors that were taken into consideration were the temperature of the hydration medium (water) and the length of time the micellar solution was exposed to the temperature environment of the rotary evaporator. The responses that were investigated were the mean particle size, mean polydispersity index (PDI), mean zeta potential, change in mean particle size and change in mean PDI. The optimal micelle formulation was characterised for size, stability, morphology and drug encapsulation efficiency. The micelles were found to be spherical and stable with an acceptable size range. However, their drug encapsulation efficiency was low. The mucoadhesive film was formulated and characterised for physical characteristics, pliability, percentage swelling index and drug release profile. The film was found to be highly pliable and evenly distributed with a smooth surface; no bumps or bubbles were visible. The film was able to swell to up to 550 %. In vitro studies showed that nystatin was gradually released from the film.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
Development of an Extensible Framework for Easy Implementation of Image Processing Applications on Android Operating System
- Authors: Gunu, Bulelani
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Operating systems (Computers)
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc (Computer Science )
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/17201 , vital:40865
- Description: Image processing is a field that has been in existence for many years and it continues to grow with many other research areas adopting its use. One such research area is the area of mobile devices. Mobile devices have been equipped with image processing software and hardware so as to apply image processing features. While there are many applications of image processing and new applications have been developed, there are still many functionalities that these image processing software perform the same. The development of these software from scratch requires a lot of effort and can be time consuming. This becomes even worse for mobile device application developers, specifically Android developers, who have no knowledge of implementing image processing functionalities. This project offers a software framework which allows Android application developers to focus on their unique requirements while incorporating image processing features into their applications. The framework provides the common image processing functionalities and Android developers do not need to know the internal working of the framework in order to use it. This helps reduce application development time and effort. The framework also offers an extensibility feature which takes into consideration the future growth. This means that third party developers can keep the framework up to date with the technological advancements. The presented framework is shown to be requiring less technical expertise. Also, the way in which the system is design makes it easy to understand. This design can be adopted for other related projects that require extensible frameworks for the Android operating system.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Gunu, Bulelani
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Operating systems (Computers)
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc (Computer Science )
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/17201 , vital:40865
- Description: Image processing is a field that has been in existence for many years and it continues to grow with many other research areas adopting its use. One such research area is the area of mobile devices. Mobile devices have been equipped with image processing software and hardware so as to apply image processing features. While there are many applications of image processing and new applications have been developed, there are still many functionalities that these image processing software perform the same. The development of these software from scratch requires a lot of effort and can be time consuming. This becomes even worse for mobile device application developers, specifically Android developers, who have no knowledge of implementing image processing functionalities. This project offers a software framework which allows Android application developers to focus on their unique requirements while incorporating image processing features into their applications. The framework provides the common image processing functionalities and Android developers do not need to know the internal working of the framework in order to use it. This helps reduce application development time and effort. The framework also offers an extensibility feature which takes into consideration the future growth. This means that third party developers can keep the framework up to date with the technological advancements. The presented framework is shown to be requiring less technical expertise. Also, the way in which the system is design makes it easy to understand. This design can be adopted for other related projects that require extensible frameworks for the Android operating system.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
Development of polypropylene – waste tyre crumbs based tpe's with the aid of vistamaxxtm as a compatibiliser
- Authors: Masele, Siyamtanda
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Polymers , Polymerization Crumb rubber Rubber
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/42589 , vital:36670
- Description: Polypropylene (PP) is a semi crystalline thermoplastic polymer and one of the most commonly used polyolefins. It is well known for its poor impact resistance; hence, for industries such as the automotive and packaging, reinforced PP is widely used. In general plastic waste disposal is a global crisis raising environmental and human health concerns, with PP being the highest consumed polymer globally; hence a push in the reuse and recycling of PP. Recycled polypropylene has limited uses for industrial applications due to its highly reduced properties owing to the recycling process which inhabits cutting of chains lengths, broadened molecular weight distributions and compromised crystallinity. Several studies have investigated the use of reinforcing fillers and modifiers in order to improve properties of PP. Inorganic materials and minerals such as CaCO3, Mica, Talc and glass fibre are used as fillers to improve mechanical properties (tensile and hardness), but still lacks in improving the impact resistance. Thermoplastic elastomers (TPE) are typically used where elastomer and thermoplastics fail as individual components. This is because they have the benefit of thermoplastic properties at hypo ambient condition and elastomer properties such as good impact and elongation at sub-zero conditions. The study took a route of using PP and waste tyre crumb rubber (CR) material to prepare potentially low-cost waste based TPE’s, which would then inherit both properties of PP and the rubber component. VistamaxxTM 6202 (EPR), a commercial name for ethylene-propylene monomer (EPR), was used as a compatibiliser to improve interaction between PP and CR and to contribute towards the overall improvement of various properties such as mechanical properties. VistamaxxTM has a low glass transition temperature (Tg, = -30 ºC), which is important for low temperature applications such as cold storage; it also has a very high elongation and as a result contributed significantly to the overall properties when used in TPE blends. The study highlighted differences between two TPE compounding formulation pathways; namely master-batch (MB) and design of experiments (DoE). The MB formulations were blends that were prepared by a conventional way of compounding; where a pre-mixed CR/EPR blend, in the ratio of 80(CR):20(EPR), was used to form a master-batch. Results showed that there are some similarities between TPEs prepared in different ways, which suggests that the ultimate properties such as thermal stability are in fact more PP matrix based. Thermal analyses results revealed that when high amount of CR was added to the TPE blends, there was a substantial amount of residue mainly due to inherent carbon black. The degree of crystallinity of the blends decreased with increased amounts of CR irrespective of whether it was the MB or DoE blends. The MB TPE blends demonstrated that hardness is not linked to the amount of the MB nor the crystallinity of blends. Meanwhile, tensile elongation and tensile stress were affected by crystallinity. On the other hand, the impact strength findings showed that the amount of MB in TPE blends reached a threshold at 30%. The DoE based TPE blends demonstrated that the optimum mechanical properties are observed when components of the blends are incorporated individually during compounding. This was observed for impact strength, tensile stress as well as elongation at break. The results showed that the incorporation of EPR should be at least 20% for good impact and elongation properties; however, for tensile and hardness, the PP matrix must be high. The study also showed that, for better mechanical properties it was more suitable to use the blends formulated with DoE, because the master-batch approach limited the improving of the mechanical properties by an addition of up to 30% of both the CR and EPR. The storage modulus as well as the tan delta for both MB and DoE decreased when the elastomeric phases were added on both methods, whereas tan delta Tg values decreased as more of the elastomeric phase was added. Evidence from morphology studies showed that the majority of TPE blends suffer from inadequate distribution and adhesion between PP and elastomer; resulting in poor mechanical properties. Furthermore, a threshold of matrix invasion is observed from 30% and above of CR in the blend, where lack of in capsulated lamps of CR were observed hindering the stress induced crystallization and relaxation of the PP phase. The latter was observed irrespective of the type of blend, which strongly suggests and highlights the limits of blending PP with elastomers. Study demonstrated the ability of VistamaxxTM to be utilized as a binding material for PP and CR and displaying the challenges that might arise when used as a master-batch with crumb rubber.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Masele, Siyamtanda
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Polymers , Polymerization Crumb rubber Rubber
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/42589 , vital:36670
- Description: Polypropylene (PP) is a semi crystalline thermoplastic polymer and one of the most commonly used polyolefins. It is well known for its poor impact resistance; hence, for industries such as the automotive and packaging, reinforced PP is widely used. In general plastic waste disposal is a global crisis raising environmental and human health concerns, with PP being the highest consumed polymer globally; hence a push in the reuse and recycling of PP. Recycled polypropylene has limited uses for industrial applications due to its highly reduced properties owing to the recycling process which inhabits cutting of chains lengths, broadened molecular weight distributions and compromised crystallinity. Several studies have investigated the use of reinforcing fillers and modifiers in order to improve properties of PP. Inorganic materials and minerals such as CaCO3, Mica, Talc and glass fibre are used as fillers to improve mechanical properties (tensile and hardness), but still lacks in improving the impact resistance. Thermoplastic elastomers (TPE) are typically used where elastomer and thermoplastics fail as individual components. This is because they have the benefit of thermoplastic properties at hypo ambient condition and elastomer properties such as good impact and elongation at sub-zero conditions. The study took a route of using PP and waste tyre crumb rubber (CR) material to prepare potentially low-cost waste based TPE’s, which would then inherit both properties of PP and the rubber component. VistamaxxTM 6202 (EPR), a commercial name for ethylene-propylene monomer (EPR), was used as a compatibiliser to improve interaction between PP and CR and to contribute towards the overall improvement of various properties such as mechanical properties. VistamaxxTM has a low glass transition temperature (Tg, = -30 ºC), which is important for low temperature applications such as cold storage; it also has a very high elongation and as a result contributed significantly to the overall properties when used in TPE blends. The study highlighted differences between two TPE compounding formulation pathways; namely master-batch (MB) and design of experiments (DoE). The MB formulations were blends that were prepared by a conventional way of compounding; where a pre-mixed CR/EPR blend, in the ratio of 80(CR):20(EPR), was used to form a master-batch. Results showed that there are some similarities between TPEs prepared in different ways, which suggests that the ultimate properties such as thermal stability are in fact more PP matrix based. Thermal analyses results revealed that when high amount of CR was added to the TPE blends, there was a substantial amount of residue mainly due to inherent carbon black. The degree of crystallinity of the blends decreased with increased amounts of CR irrespective of whether it was the MB or DoE blends. The MB TPE blends demonstrated that hardness is not linked to the amount of the MB nor the crystallinity of blends. Meanwhile, tensile elongation and tensile stress were affected by crystallinity. On the other hand, the impact strength findings showed that the amount of MB in TPE blends reached a threshold at 30%. The DoE based TPE blends demonstrated that the optimum mechanical properties are observed when components of the blends are incorporated individually during compounding. This was observed for impact strength, tensile stress as well as elongation at break. The results showed that the incorporation of EPR should be at least 20% for good impact and elongation properties; however, for tensile and hardness, the PP matrix must be high. The study also showed that, for better mechanical properties it was more suitable to use the blends formulated with DoE, because the master-batch approach limited the improving of the mechanical properties by an addition of up to 30% of both the CR and EPR. The storage modulus as well as the tan delta for both MB and DoE decreased when the elastomeric phases were added on both methods, whereas tan delta Tg values decreased as more of the elastomeric phase was added. Evidence from morphology studies showed that the majority of TPE blends suffer from inadequate distribution and adhesion between PP and elastomer; resulting in poor mechanical properties. Furthermore, a threshold of matrix invasion is observed from 30% and above of CR in the blend, where lack of in capsulated lamps of CR were observed hindering the stress induced crystallization and relaxation of the PP phase. The latter was observed irrespective of the type of blend, which strongly suggests and highlights the limits of blending PP with elastomers. Study demonstrated the ability of VistamaxxTM to be utilized as a binding material for PP and CR and displaying the challenges that might arise when used as a master-batch with crumb rubber.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
Development of silver-based polyaniline nanocomposite for electrochemical oxidation and detection of organosulfur compounds
- Authors: Shoba, Siyabonga
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Polyethylene -- Analysis , Composite materials Nanocomposites (Materials)
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/43600 , vital:36928
- Description: Human activities such as combustion of fossil fuels through automobiles, factories and electricity generation using coal results in major productions of sulfur dioxide to the atmosphere. The sulfur dioxide gas chemically reacts with other substances (i.e. water and oxygen) in the atmosphere and produces acidic pollutants. These acidic pollutants exist in both wet and dry form and before they are deposited on the earth’s surface, they can travel long distances carried by the wind. They are deposited in a wet form as rain, snow, fog and sleet and in a dry form as gases or particles. This has led to the mandated 10 ppm S in fuel by the environmental protection agency (EPA). Electrochemical desulfurization (ECDS) has been reported as an innovative technique for removing sulfur via redox processes. ECDS technique is a low costs process as no catalysts and oxidant are involved and it is a green technology (environmental benignity), thus making the process more economical than conventional hydrodesulfurization (HDS) technologies. Modification of electrodes for electrochemistry as well as electrodeposition of metal nanoparticles offers interesting electrochemical activities due to their reduced size and high surface area to volume ratio. Electrochemical oxidation of benzothiophene (BT), dibenzothiophene (DBT) and 4,6-dimethyldibenzothiophene (4,6-DMDBT) was analysed in acetonitrile using carbon electrodes modified with silver (Ag)-polyaniline (PAni) based nanocomposites (GCE/PAni/Ag and GCE/Ag). The PAni, PAni/Ag composites were characterized using spectroscopic (FT-IR, XRD, XPS) and microscopic (SEM and TEM) techniques. SEM confirmed that the synthesized PAni and PAni/Ag presented an amorphous granular morphology with the aggregation of small irregular particle sizes. Cyclic voltammetry of BT, DBT and 4,6-DMDBT on the modified glassy carbon (GCE) electrode show chemically irreversible anodic peaks which corresponds to electron transfer of sulfur to form sulfoxide and lastly sulfone containing compounds. The overall conversion yield of DBT and 4,6-DMDBT to respective sulfones increased as water content increases. Products were characterized by means of gas chromatograph coupled to mass spectrometer (GC-MS), 1H and 13C NMR. Similarly, silver-modified Glassy Carbon (GCE) electrode was used for the electrochemical detection of benzothiophene (BT), dibenzothiophene (DBT) and 4,6-dimethyldibenzothiophene (4,6-DMDBT) in the presence of naphthalene (NP) and carbazole (CR). The electrochemical response of BT, DBT and 4,6-DMDBT on the modified electrode was determined using Differential Pulse Voltammetry (DPV) in acetonitrile. The electrochemical behaviour of BT, DBT and 4,6-DMDBT showed that the modified electrode exhibited excellent oxidation electro-catalytic activity. The dynamic range for the organosulfur compounds determination was from 1 to 11 ppm with detection limits (LOD) of 0.60 ppmS, 0.41 ppmS and 0.21 ppmS for BT, DBT and 4,6-DMDBT, respectively. Electrochemical sensor showed excellent selectivity of the compounds in the presence of interfering compounds such as naphthalene, carbazole and thiourea over the studied range of concentrations. The prepared electrode exhibited satisfactory reusability and stability after four successive measurement. It has been demonstrated in this study that modified glassy carbon (GCE) electrode (GCE/PAni/Ag) can be successfully used for the assay of sulfur containing compounds such as BT, DBT and 4, 6-DMDBT in petroleum samples.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Shoba, Siyabonga
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Polyethylene -- Analysis , Composite materials Nanocomposites (Materials)
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/43600 , vital:36928
- Description: Human activities such as combustion of fossil fuels through automobiles, factories and electricity generation using coal results in major productions of sulfur dioxide to the atmosphere. The sulfur dioxide gas chemically reacts with other substances (i.e. water and oxygen) in the atmosphere and produces acidic pollutants. These acidic pollutants exist in both wet and dry form and before they are deposited on the earth’s surface, they can travel long distances carried by the wind. They are deposited in a wet form as rain, snow, fog and sleet and in a dry form as gases or particles. This has led to the mandated 10 ppm S in fuel by the environmental protection agency (EPA). Electrochemical desulfurization (ECDS) has been reported as an innovative technique for removing sulfur via redox processes. ECDS technique is a low costs process as no catalysts and oxidant are involved and it is a green technology (environmental benignity), thus making the process more economical than conventional hydrodesulfurization (HDS) technologies. Modification of electrodes for electrochemistry as well as electrodeposition of metal nanoparticles offers interesting electrochemical activities due to their reduced size and high surface area to volume ratio. Electrochemical oxidation of benzothiophene (BT), dibenzothiophene (DBT) and 4,6-dimethyldibenzothiophene (4,6-DMDBT) was analysed in acetonitrile using carbon electrodes modified with silver (Ag)-polyaniline (PAni) based nanocomposites (GCE/PAni/Ag and GCE/Ag). The PAni, PAni/Ag composites were characterized using spectroscopic (FT-IR, XRD, XPS) and microscopic (SEM and TEM) techniques. SEM confirmed that the synthesized PAni and PAni/Ag presented an amorphous granular morphology with the aggregation of small irregular particle sizes. Cyclic voltammetry of BT, DBT and 4,6-DMDBT on the modified glassy carbon (GCE) electrode show chemically irreversible anodic peaks which corresponds to electron transfer of sulfur to form sulfoxide and lastly sulfone containing compounds. The overall conversion yield of DBT and 4,6-DMDBT to respective sulfones increased as water content increases. Products were characterized by means of gas chromatograph coupled to mass spectrometer (GC-MS), 1H and 13C NMR. Similarly, silver-modified Glassy Carbon (GCE) electrode was used for the electrochemical detection of benzothiophene (BT), dibenzothiophene (DBT) and 4,6-dimethyldibenzothiophene (4,6-DMDBT) in the presence of naphthalene (NP) and carbazole (CR). The electrochemical response of BT, DBT and 4,6-DMDBT on the modified electrode was determined using Differential Pulse Voltammetry (DPV) in acetonitrile. The electrochemical behaviour of BT, DBT and 4,6-DMDBT showed that the modified electrode exhibited excellent oxidation electro-catalytic activity. The dynamic range for the organosulfur compounds determination was from 1 to 11 ppm with detection limits (LOD) of 0.60 ppmS, 0.41 ppmS and 0.21 ppmS for BT, DBT and 4,6-DMDBT, respectively. Electrochemical sensor showed excellent selectivity of the compounds in the presence of interfering compounds such as naphthalene, carbazole and thiourea over the studied range of concentrations. The prepared electrode exhibited satisfactory reusability and stability after four successive measurement. It has been demonstrated in this study that modified glassy carbon (GCE) electrode (GCE/PAni/Ag) can be successfully used for the assay of sulfur containing compounds such as BT, DBT and 4, 6-DMDBT in petroleum samples.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
Development of spunlaced nonwoven filters from PAN, PPS and PI fibres for industrial use
- Authors: Maduna, Lebo
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Textile fibers -- Mechanical properties , Nonwoven fabrics --Technological innovations Textile fibers, Synthetic -- Mechanical properties
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DPhil
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/32610 , vital:32266
- Description: The aim of this work was to produce filter fabrics suitable for high temperature and other conditions encountered in coal power plants using the spunlacing manufacturing technique. Polyacrylonitrile (PAN), polyphenylene sulfide (PPS) and polyimide (PI) fibres being combined suitable for this purpose, each at three aerial density of (440, 500 and 560 g/m2) and each at three water jet pressures of (60, 80 and 90 bars) were produced. The effect of changing these on the fabric air permeability, tensile strength and filtration properties were investigated and optimized. For this purpose, the Box-Behnken experimental design (BBD) was considered the best and therefore used. The PPS/PI fabrics were found to consistently have the highest air permeability, tensile strength and filtration performance, followed by the PPS fabrics and the PAN fabrics. As could be expected, an increase in area weight and water jet pressure generally resulted in a decrease in air permeability irrespective of the fabric types, this being due to the increased number of fibres and therefore greater fibre surface area and entanglement respectively. For fabric tensile strength, the effects of varying fabric area weight and water jet pressure were not so straight forward. For cross direction (CD) an increase in water jet pressure resulted in an increase tensile strength whereas in the machine direction (MD) there was a decrease when the water jet pressure was increased. The filtration efficiency and dust holding capacity of the fabrics were found to be around 96% and 211g/m2, respectively, with the exception of the PPS (500 g/m2 80 bar) fabrics. Increasing the amount of dust being fed to the fabric during each loading cycle, it caused an increase in pressure drop, as the fabrics became increasingly clogged forming a cake layer.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Maduna, Lebo
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Textile fibers -- Mechanical properties , Nonwoven fabrics --Technological innovations Textile fibers, Synthetic -- Mechanical properties
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DPhil
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/32610 , vital:32266
- Description: The aim of this work was to produce filter fabrics suitable for high temperature and other conditions encountered in coal power plants using the spunlacing manufacturing technique. Polyacrylonitrile (PAN), polyphenylene sulfide (PPS) and polyimide (PI) fibres being combined suitable for this purpose, each at three aerial density of (440, 500 and 560 g/m2) and each at three water jet pressures of (60, 80 and 90 bars) were produced. The effect of changing these on the fabric air permeability, tensile strength and filtration properties were investigated and optimized. For this purpose, the Box-Behnken experimental design (BBD) was considered the best and therefore used. The PPS/PI fabrics were found to consistently have the highest air permeability, tensile strength and filtration performance, followed by the PPS fabrics and the PAN fabrics. As could be expected, an increase in area weight and water jet pressure generally resulted in a decrease in air permeability irrespective of the fabric types, this being due to the increased number of fibres and therefore greater fibre surface area and entanglement respectively. For fabric tensile strength, the effects of varying fabric area weight and water jet pressure were not so straight forward. For cross direction (CD) an increase in water jet pressure resulted in an increase tensile strength whereas in the machine direction (MD) there was a decrease when the water jet pressure was increased. The filtration efficiency and dust holding capacity of the fabrics were found to be around 96% and 211g/m2, respectively, with the exception of the PPS (500 g/m2 80 bar) fabrics. Increasing the amount of dust being fed to the fabric during each loading cycle, it caused an increase in pressure drop, as the fabrics became increasingly clogged forming a cake layer.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
Development of titanium dioxide for photo-electrochemical hydrogen production
- Authors: Mbulanga, Crispin Munyelele
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Titanium dioxide , Nanostructured materials Water chemistry Environmental chemistry
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/40735 , vital:36231
- Description: TiO2 is an attractive material for photo electrochemical hydrogen production and in this work the synthesis of this compound by hydrothermal, gel-calcination and one-step templating methods is investigated. Rutile-phase TiO2 rods, which are known to offer direct electrical pathways for photo generated electrons when using TiO2 as a photo anode in a photo-electrochemical hydrogen cell, were prepared on both F:SnO2 (FTO) coated glass and Ti foil substrates. Anatase-phase TiO2 tubes and mixed rutile-anatase-phase TiO2 nanostructured films were developed on FTO-coated glass substrates. Rutile-phase TiO2 rod-like structures, were synthesized hydrothermally at 150 oC for different times (6 – 20 hours) on FTO-coated glass substrate, in an aqueous solution of hydrochloric acid and titanium butoxide. The rod-like structures were found to comprise bundles of crystalline prismatic TiO2 nanorods, each approximately 4 nm in width. Each bundle was tetragonal in shape and highly oriented with respect to the substrate surface. The average diameter of the bundles varied depending on the growth time, and reached a mean diameter of ~175 nm after 20 hours of growth. In terms of Raman scattering, these bundles of nanorods acted as single entities, appearing to act as “larger” crystals to the lattice phonons. Hence, phonon confinement effects could not be observed, because the translational symmetry is preserved at the boundaries between individual rods. Moreover, as the preferential perpendicular orientation of the bundles improved with growth time, an unusual increase in the room and low (77K) temperature Eg/A1g Raman band intensity ratios was observed. The low temperature Raman peak position and peak width data was interpreted as supporting the hypothesis that the bundles of nanorods acting as single entities from the point of view of the lattice phonons. The phonon symmetries and frequencies (in cm-1) of these bundles of rutile-phase TiO2 were found to be consistent with rutile-phase TiO2 phonon symmetries and frequencies. Rutile-phase TiO2 rod-like structures were prepared on Ti foil following a two-step gel-calcination method, which involves a gel-deposition process in 5 M NaOH solution at 76 oC for 24 hours to produce a Na- (and Ti-) based layer of gelatinous material, followed by calcination at 600 oC or 800 oC for 1 hour. It is shown that the use of an alkali-based solution such as NaOH and KOH during gel-deposition, leads to the formation of faceted nanorods of rutile-phase TiO2 upon calcination at high temperature. When a solution that does not contain any alkali element, such as H2O2, was used, the material formed upon calcination at 800 oC were clustered nanoparticles, rather than nanorods. From the experiments it was deduced that the high temperature calcination step converted the Na(or K)-based amorphous gel (formed on the Ti surface during a 24-h soak in NaOH (KOH) solution) into faceted Na-titanate rods, which converted into nanorods of rutile-phase TiO2 when Na(or K) evaporates in the form of an oxide. Anatase-phase TiO2 tube-like structures were produced by a one-step templating solution approach, on FTO-coated glass substrate. ZnO nanorod templates were prepared by chemical bath deposition on FTO-coated glass substrate, and then treated in an aqueous mixture of ammonium hexafluorotitanate and boric acid. To study the effect of the template morphology and deposition processes on the formation of anatase TiO2 tubes, different times (10 – 60 minutes) and concentrations of the precursors are used. Calcination at 550 oC converted the Ti-based material developed on the ZnO rods into TiO2 nanostructures. A 10 minute deposition yielded tubes with dimensions resembling those of the ZnO template. However, the tube walls still contained Zn traces. Based on experimental observations, it was concluded that the production of titanium hydroxide complexes on ZnO surfaces takes place through two competing processes: the development of a Ti-based material and partial dissolution of ZnO along the c-axis. Calcination at 550 oC in air finally yielded anatase TiO2. Mixed rutile-anatase-phase TiO2 nanostructured films on FTO-coated glass substrate were prepared by decorating bundles of crystalline prismatic TiO2 nanorods (prepared hydrothermally) with anatase-phase TiO2 particles, using the same precursors mentioned above. The effect of reaction time and precursor concentrations were investigated. It was found that the precursor concentration ratio and reaction time played key roles in controlling the decoration process. Optimal ratios and decoration times were established based on the density of anatase-phase TiO2 decorating particles on the surface of bundles of rutile-phase TiO2 nanorods. The optical properties of rutile-phase TiO2 rods were investigated. The thickness of the TiO2 layer was calculated from reflectance fringes, and agreed well with the length of rods observed using SEM. The room temperature absorption edge of Eg=2.90 eV extracted from the transmittance spectrum correlated with typical values reported for TiO2. The room temperature absorption edge of the conductive layer of F:SnO2 (Eg=3.56 eV) could also be extracted from the transmittance spectrum. Finally, the absorption of white light by rutile-phase TiO2 rods was confirmed to be enhanced by annealing the rods in either hydrogen or nitrogen at 600 oC. Defects (possibly oxygen vacancies) or disorder in the near surface layers of TiO2 induced during the reduction experiments, created new electronic states in the band gap, as reported in literature.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Mbulanga, Crispin Munyelele
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Titanium dioxide , Nanostructured materials Water chemistry Environmental chemistry
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/40735 , vital:36231
- Description: TiO2 is an attractive material for photo electrochemical hydrogen production and in this work the synthesis of this compound by hydrothermal, gel-calcination and one-step templating methods is investigated. Rutile-phase TiO2 rods, which are known to offer direct electrical pathways for photo generated electrons when using TiO2 as a photo anode in a photo-electrochemical hydrogen cell, were prepared on both F:SnO2 (FTO) coated glass and Ti foil substrates. Anatase-phase TiO2 tubes and mixed rutile-anatase-phase TiO2 nanostructured films were developed on FTO-coated glass substrates. Rutile-phase TiO2 rod-like structures, were synthesized hydrothermally at 150 oC for different times (6 – 20 hours) on FTO-coated glass substrate, in an aqueous solution of hydrochloric acid and titanium butoxide. The rod-like structures were found to comprise bundles of crystalline prismatic TiO2 nanorods, each approximately 4 nm in width. Each bundle was tetragonal in shape and highly oriented with respect to the substrate surface. The average diameter of the bundles varied depending on the growth time, and reached a mean diameter of ~175 nm after 20 hours of growth. In terms of Raman scattering, these bundles of nanorods acted as single entities, appearing to act as “larger” crystals to the lattice phonons. Hence, phonon confinement effects could not be observed, because the translational symmetry is preserved at the boundaries between individual rods. Moreover, as the preferential perpendicular orientation of the bundles improved with growth time, an unusual increase in the room and low (77K) temperature Eg/A1g Raman band intensity ratios was observed. The low temperature Raman peak position and peak width data was interpreted as supporting the hypothesis that the bundles of nanorods acting as single entities from the point of view of the lattice phonons. The phonon symmetries and frequencies (in cm-1) of these bundles of rutile-phase TiO2 were found to be consistent with rutile-phase TiO2 phonon symmetries and frequencies. Rutile-phase TiO2 rod-like structures were prepared on Ti foil following a two-step gel-calcination method, which involves a gel-deposition process in 5 M NaOH solution at 76 oC for 24 hours to produce a Na- (and Ti-) based layer of gelatinous material, followed by calcination at 600 oC or 800 oC for 1 hour. It is shown that the use of an alkali-based solution such as NaOH and KOH during gel-deposition, leads to the formation of faceted nanorods of rutile-phase TiO2 upon calcination at high temperature. When a solution that does not contain any alkali element, such as H2O2, was used, the material formed upon calcination at 800 oC were clustered nanoparticles, rather than nanorods. From the experiments it was deduced that the high temperature calcination step converted the Na(or K)-based amorphous gel (formed on the Ti surface during a 24-h soak in NaOH (KOH) solution) into faceted Na-titanate rods, which converted into nanorods of rutile-phase TiO2 when Na(or K) evaporates in the form of an oxide. Anatase-phase TiO2 tube-like structures were produced by a one-step templating solution approach, on FTO-coated glass substrate. ZnO nanorod templates were prepared by chemical bath deposition on FTO-coated glass substrate, and then treated in an aqueous mixture of ammonium hexafluorotitanate and boric acid. To study the effect of the template morphology and deposition processes on the formation of anatase TiO2 tubes, different times (10 – 60 minutes) and concentrations of the precursors are used. Calcination at 550 oC converted the Ti-based material developed on the ZnO rods into TiO2 nanostructures. A 10 minute deposition yielded tubes with dimensions resembling those of the ZnO template. However, the tube walls still contained Zn traces. Based on experimental observations, it was concluded that the production of titanium hydroxide complexes on ZnO surfaces takes place through two competing processes: the development of a Ti-based material and partial dissolution of ZnO along the c-axis. Calcination at 550 oC in air finally yielded anatase TiO2. Mixed rutile-anatase-phase TiO2 nanostructured films on FTO-coated glass substrate were prepared by decorating bundles of crystalline prismatic TiO2 nanorods (prepared hydrothermally) with anatase-phase TiO2 particles, using the same precursors mentioned above. The effect of reaction time and precursor concentrations were investigated. It was found that the precursor concentration ratio and reaction time played key roles in controlling the decoration process. Optimal ratios and decoration times were established based on the density of anatase-phase TiO2 decorating particles on the surface of bundles of rutile-phase TiO2 nanorods. The optical properties of rutile-phase TiO2 rods were investigated. The thickness of the TiO2 layer was calculated from reflectance fringes, and agreed well with the length of rods observed using SEM. The room temperature absorption edge of Eg=2.90 eV extracted from the transmittance spectrum correlated with typical values reported for TiO2. The room temperature absorption edge of the conductive layer of F:SnO2 (Eg=3.56 eV) could also be extracted from the transmittance spectrum. Finally, the absorption of white light by rutile-phase TiO2 rods was confirmed to be enhanced by annealing the rods in either hydrogen or nitrogen at 600 oC. Defects (possibly oxygen vacancies) or disorder in the near surface layers of TiO2 induced during the reduction experiments, created new electronic states in the band gap, as reported in literature.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
Devulcanisation of truck tyre tread vulcanisates in supercritical carbon dioxide using diphenyl disulphide and 2,2- dithiobis(benzothiazole)
- Mabuto, Briswell, Ogunlanja, A
- Authors: Mabuto, Briswell , Ogunlanja, A
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Vulcanization , Polymeric composites Rubber Carbon dioxide -- Thermal properties Environmental chemistry
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/40702 , vital:36224
- Description: A lot of work has been done in the recycling industry in an effort to increase the amount of reclaimed rubber used in new tyre formulations. The major drawback has been inferior physical and mechanical properties of reclaimed/virgin rubber blends in comparison to the virgin rubber material. Deterioration in these properties has been identified to be a result of chain degradation during reclamation processes as well as presence of crosslinks in the final reclaim product. Devulcanisation techniques have gained precedence due to the relatively improved properties of devulcanised/virgin rubber blends. The concept of devulcanisation is to reverse vulcanisation, resulting in total or partial cleavage of crosslinks. In this way, chain degradation is minimised while crosslink scission is maximised, thereby resulting in good quality devulcanised rubber. However, due to the persistence of chain degradation and crosslinks during devulcanisation processes, a very limited number of reports have claimed success in achieving this goal. Therefore there is still the need to develop a devulcanisation method that ensures improved quality and productivity of devulcanised rubber. Typical truck tyre tread vulcanisates were used for optimisation of time, temperature, heating rate, pressure and amount of devulcanising agent while monitoring percentage devulcanisation in supercritical carbon dioxide medium. Optimisation of the devulcanisation conditions was done by employing a twolevel central composite design in the isothermal and non-isothermal heating stages. This was followed by a single factor analysis of devulcanisation conditions in the non-isothermal stage. The effect of the presence of carbon black was investigated by comparing the percentage devulcanisation of carbon black filled and unfilled samples. The results show that supercritical carbon dioxide is an effective medium of devulcanisation using diphenyl disulphide (DD) and 2,2-dithiobis(benzothiazole) (MBTS). The relatively higher degree of devulcanisation observed during the non-isothermal stage compared to the isothermal stage, led to a shift of focus to non-isothermal devulcanisation. Temperature and time were found to have a significant antagonistic effect on the percentage devulcanisation, while changes in pressure above critical point and mass of devulcanising agent showed no effect on percentage devulcanisation. The heating rate was determined by the set-point, of which 180 ℃ set-point temperature resulted in desirable degree of devulcanisation for both DD and MBTS. 76.18 ± 5.50 % devulcanisation in 5 minutes at 102 ℃ was observed for DD whilst 70.92 ± 4.10 % devulcanisation in 4 minutes at 97 ℃ was observed for MBTS. Changes in pressure above critical point and mass of devulcanising agent used in devulcanisation showed no significant effect in the percentage devulcanisation and so they were kept constant at 80 bars and 1.00 % v (of weight of rubber sample) devulcanisation agent, respectively. The presence of carbon black was found to have an effect on the degree of devulcanisation; 87.95 % and 81.33 % devulcanisation was observed for unfilled samples devulcanised using DD and MBTS respectively. Thermogravimetric analysis of the natural rubber/styrene butadiene rubber (NR/SBR respectively) relative composition of devulcanisates indicated uneven devulcanisation when using DD, whereas MBTS did not show any form of preference. DD showed preference for NR devulcanisation over SBR. Further analysis of the sol and gel fractions were performed using; Differential Scanning Calorimetry, Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy, Gel Permeation Chromatography and Gas Chromatography coupled with Mass Spectroscopy. Application of the optimised conditions to devulcanise ground tyre rubber (GTR) resulted in relatively lower degrees of devulcanisation for both DD and MBTS; 41.22 ± 4.22 and 22.41 ± 1.97 respectively. The differences in the degree of devulcanisation of the laboratory prepared vulcanisates and the GTR was determined to be due to sample differences; i.e. sample constituents, particle dimensions and crosslink network (crosslink distribution in particular).
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Mabuto, Briswell , Ogunlanja, A
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Vulcanization , Polymeric composites Rubber Carbon dioxide -- Thermal properties Environmental chemistry
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/40702 , vital:36224
- Description: A lot of work has been done in the recycling industry in an effort to increase the amount of reclaimed rubber used in new tyre formulations. The major drawback has been inferior physical and mechanical properties of reclaimed/virgin rubber blends in comparison to the virgin rubber material. Deterioration in these properties has been identified to be a result of chain degradation during reclamation processes as well as presence of crosslinks in the final reclaim product. Devulcanisation techniques have gained precedence due to the relatively improved properties of devulcanised/virgin rubber blends. The concept of devulcanisation is to reverse vulcanisation, resulting in total or partial cleavage of crosslinks. In this way, chain degradation is minimised while crosslink scission is maximised, thereby resulting in good quality devulcanised rubber. However, due to the persistence of chain degradation and crosslinks during devulcanisation processes, a very limited number of reports have claimed success in achieving this goal. Therefore there is still the need to develop a devulcanisation method that ensures improved quality and productivity of devulcanised rubber. Typical truck tyre tread vulcanisates were used for optimisation of time, temperature, heating rate, pressure and amount of devulcanising agent while monitoring percentage devulcanisation in supercritical carbon dioxide medium. Optimisation of the devulcanisation conditions was done by employing a twolevel central composite design in the isothermal and non-isothermal heating stages. This was followed by a single factor analysis of devulcanisation conditions in the non-isothermal stage. The effect of the presence of carbon black was investigated by comparing the percentage devulcanisation of carbon black filled and unfilled samples. The results show that supercritical carbon dioxide is an effective medium of devulcanisation using diphenyl disulphide (DD) and 2,2-dithiobis(benzothiazole) (MBTS). The relatively higher degree of devulcanisation observed during the non-isothermal stage compared to the isothermal stage, led to a shift of focus to non-isothermal devulcanisation. Temperature and time were found to have a significant antagonistic effect on the percentage devulcanisation, while changes in pressure above critical point and mass of devulcanising agent showed no effect on percentage devulcanisation. The heating rate was determined by the set-point, of which 180 ℃ set-point temperature resulted in desirable degree of devulcanisation for both DD and MBTS. 76.18 ± 5.50 % devulcanisation in 5 minutes at 102 ℃ was observed for DD whilst 70.92 ± 4.10 % devulcanisation in 4 minutes at 97 ℃ was observed for MBTS. Changes in pressure above critical point and mass of devulcanising agent used in devulcanisation showed no significant effect in the percentage devulcanisation and so they were kept constant at 80 bars and 1.00 % v (of weight of rubber sample) devulcanisation agent, respectively. The presence of carbon black was found to have an effect on the degree of devulcanisation; 87.95 % and 81.33 % devulcanisation was observed for unfilled samples devulcanised using DD and MBTS respectively. Thermogravimetric analysis of the natural rubber/styrene butadiene rubber (NR/SBR respectively) relative composition of devulcanisates indicated uneven devulcanisation when using DD, whereas MBTS did not show any form of preference. DD showed preference for NR devulcanisation over SBR. Further analysis of the sol and gel fractions were performed using; Differential Scanning Calorimetry, Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy, Gel Permeation Chromatography and Gas Chromatography coupled with Mass Spectroscopy. Application of the optimised conditions to devulcanise ground tyre rubber (GTR) resulted in relatively lower degrees of devulcanisation for both DD and MBTS; 41.22 ± 4.22 and 22.41 ± 1.97 respectively. The differences in the degree of devulcanisation of the laboratory prepared vulcanisates and the GTR was determined to be due to sample differences; i.e. sample constituents, particle dimensions and crosslink network (crosslink distribution in particular).
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
Differentiated Instruction: A Study of English Second Language Teachers’ Awareness and Implementation in Selected High Schools in the Eastern Cape Province
- Authors: Ndu, Onyinyechi Glory
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: English language -- Study and teaching Language and languages -- Study and teaching
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , D Lit. (English)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/11440 , vital:39072
- Description: The lack of visible academic excellence in South Africa has necessitated the search for a more in-depth approach in teaching and learning. The Department of Basic Education, school administrators and School Governing Bodies are not left out in the search for a distinct approach that would be able to assist teachers and also accommodate diverse learning abilities found in the classroom. The purpose of this study is to investigate English Second Language teachers’ awareness and implementation of differentiated instruction in selected high schools in the Eastern Cape Province, South Africa. The objectives were to find out the extent to which teachers adopt differentiated instructions in their classes: to examine teachers’ narratives about differentiated instruction and the alternative instruction teachers’ use in their classrooms. The study was anchored on the socio-cultural theory, multiple intelligence theory and learning style theory. It employed a mixed method research and triangulation, which was very beneficial for the validation of the research findings. It followed a case study exploratory design and descriptive survey design. A purposive sample of hundred and six (106) participants were used in the study. The quantitative data were analysed using tables, frequencies and percentages while the qualitative data were analysed thematically. The findings of the study revealed that ESL Grade 10 high school teachers were not aware of the term “Differentiated Instruction” even though to some extent they adopted DI approach. Teachers had mixed narratives about DI implementation and they used different alternative instructions during their lessons. The researcher recommended that teachers should be introduced to DI approach and be given more assistance, motivation, exposure and trainings in the form of conferences and seminars on proper DI implementation. Also teachers should be encouraged to continuously develop themselves academically in order to adjust to the new trend of managing the diverse learners that exist in their classes and in differentiating instruction with technology.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Ndu, Onyinyechi Glory
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: English language -- Study and teaching Language and languages -- Study and teaching
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , D Lit. (English)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/11440 , vital:39072
- Description: The lack of visible academic excellence in South Africa has necessitated the search for a more in-depth approach in teaching and learning. The Department of Basic Education, school administrators and School Governing Bodies are not left out in the search for a distinct approach that would be able to assist teachers and also accommodate diverse learning abilities found in the classroom. The purpose of this study is to investigate English Second Language teachers’ awareness and implementation of differentiated instruction in selected high schools in the Eastern Cape Province, South Africa. The objectives were to find out the extent to which teachers adopt differentiated instructions in their classes: to examine teachers’ narratives about differentiated instruction and the alternative instruction teachers’ use in their classrooms. The study was anchored on the socio-cultural theory, multiple intelligence theory and learning style theory. It employed a mixed method research and triangulation, which was very beneficial for the validation of the research findings. It followed a case study exploratory design and descriptive survey design. A purposive sample of hundred and six (106) participants were used in the study. The quantitative data were analysed using tables, frequencies and percentages while the qualitative data were analysed thematically. The findings of the study revealed that ESL Grade 10 high school teachers were not aware of the term “Differentiated Instruction” even though to some extent they adopted DI approach. Teachers had mixed narratives about DI implementation and they used different alternative instructions during their lessons. The researcher recommended that teachers should be introduced to DI approach and be given more assistance, motivation, exposure and trainings in the form of conferences and seminars on proper DI implementation. Also teachers should be encouraged to continuously develop themselves academically in order to adjust to the new trend of managing the diverse learners that exist in their classes and in differentiating instruction with technology.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
Digital colonialism: South Africa’s education transformation in the shadow of Silicon Valley
- Authors: Kwet, Michael
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Operation Phakisa Education (South Africa) , Educational technology -- South Africa , Internet in education -- South Africa , Educational sociology -- South Africa , Technological innovations -- South Africa , Technological literacy -- South Africa , Education and state -- South Africa , Open source software -- South Africa , Electronic surveillance -- Social aspects -- South Africa , Privacy, Right of -- South Africa , Business and education -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/93767 , vital:30936
- Description: This dissertation investigates the social implications of technology choices for the emerging education transformation of the South African basic education sector. In October 2015, then President Jacob Zuma launched Operation Phakisa Education (OPE), an initiative designed behind closed doors to fast-track digital education into all South African public schools. This study identifies and analyses policy choices and perspectives regarding the technology considered and deployed for the national education rollout. It documents the OPE proposal, and examines how e-education policy choices relate to humanitarian objectives. Theoretically, this study draws upon libertarian socialist theory (anarchism) to examine the sociology of education technology policy. Using anarchist theory, it assesses the perspective, aims, and choices of e-education policy at the national level. It also draws on the Free Software philosophy for society as articulated by Richard Stallman and Eben Moglen. Finally, it compares classic colonialism with global power in the digital era, and posits a theory of digital colonialism. Synthesizing anarchism and the Free Software philosophy into a single theoretical framework – placed into the context of colonial relations – it is the first work to apply anarchist sociological theory to education technology policy, and the first doctoral study on digital colonialism. For its methodology, this dissertation utilizes two qualitative methods: document analysis and semi-structured interviews. Interview subjects include high-level e-education policymakers and administrators in government, key stakeholders, and experts at the intersection of technology innovation and human rights. These methods were used to both identify and interrogate e-education policy as it relates to the humanitarian objectives of education policy at the national level. The findings demonstrate that South African education policy is beholden to largely United States-based corporations and models for e-education. The study found that the types of technologies for consideration in education are rooted in surveillance capitalism, which is spreading across the world. It contends that current e-education policy choices will entrench the power and exploitation of US state-corporate power in South African education, economy, and society. It argues that an alternative set of choices, People’s Technology for People’s Power, is consistent with the spirit of South African technology policy, and should be chosen for South African schools in order to counter the power of foreign power and resist surveillance capitalism. This dissertation is the first publication to document and analyze what the new government education policy is about and how it relates to equality and human rights. It argues that present South African e-education policy constitutes a new form of digitally-driven technocratic neoliberalism which ultimately favors ruling class interests in the United States and South Africa. It also argues that OPE violates South Africa’s Free and Open Source policy and the spirit of democracy outlined in the Phakisa methodology and the Batho Pele principles. This study found that OPE replicates the latest trends in e-education implementation popular in Silicon Valley. Tech multinationals are providing both the products and models for use in South Africa. The dissertation concludes that US technological and conceptual dominance in South African education constitutes digital colonialism. It emphasizes the need for public inclusion in the policy process, and proposes alternative policies and technologies for e-education based on the idea of People’s Technology for People’s Power. It also argues that current scholarship on education technology neglects the political and sociological importance of People’s Technology to education, economy, and society, as well as the global significance of Big Tech dominance vis-a-vis digital colonialism, and that subsequent literature would be enriched by addressing these issues.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Kwet, Michael
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Operation Phakisa Education (South Africa) , Educational technology -- South Africa , Internet in education -- South Africa , Educational sociology -- South Africa , Technological innovations -- South Africa , Technological literacy -- South Africa , Education and state -- South Africa , Open source software -- South Africa , Electronic surveillance -- Social aspects -- South Africa , Privacy, Right of -- South Africa , Business and education -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/93767 , vital:30936
- Description: This dissertation investigates the social implications of technology choices for the emerging education transformation of the South African basic education sector. In October 2015, then President Jacob Zuma launched Operation Phakisa Education (OPE), an initiative designed behind closed doors to fast-track digital education into all South African public schools. This study identifies and analyses policy choices and perspectives regarding the technology considered and deployed for the national education rollout. It documents the OPE proposal, and examines how e-education policy choices relate to humanitarian objectives. Theoretically, this study draws upon libertarian socialist theory (anarchism) to examine the sociology of education technology policy. Using anarchist theory, it assesses the perspective, aims, and choices of e-education policy at the national level. It also draws on the Free Software philosophy for society as articulated by Richard Stallman and Eben Moglen. Finally, it compares classic colonialism with global power in the digital era, and posits a theory of digital colonialism. Synthesizing anarchism and the Free Software philosophy into a single theoretical framework – placed into the context of colonial relations – it is the first work to apply anarchist sociological theory to education technology policy, and the first doctoral study on digital colonialism. For its methodology, this dissertation utilizes two qualitative methods: document analysis and semi-structured interviews. Interview subjects include high-level e-education policymakers and administrators in government, key stakeholders, and experts at the intersection of technology innovation and human rights. These methods were used to both identify and interrogate e-education policy as it relates to the humanitarian objectives of education policy at the national level. The findings demonstrate that South African education policy is beholden to largely United States-based corporations and models for e-education. The study found that the types of technologies for consideration in education are rooted in surveillance capitalism, which is spreading across the world. It contends that current e-education policy choices will entrench the power and exploitation of US state-corporate power in South African education, economy, and society. It argues that an alternative set of choices, People’s Technology for People’s Power, is consistent with the spirit of South African technology policy, and should be chosen for South African schools in order to counter the power of foreign power and resist surveillance capitalism. This dissertation is the first publication to document and analyze what the new government education policy is about and how it relates to equality and human rights. It argues that present South African e-education policy constitutes a new form of digitally-driven technocratic neoliberalism which ultimately favors ruling class interests in the United States and South Africa. It also argues that OPE violates South Africa’s Free and Open Source policy and the spirit of democracy outlined in the Phakisa methodology and the Batho Pele principles. This study found that OPE replicates the latest trends in e-education implementation popular in Silicon Valley. Tech multinationals are providing both the products and models for use in South Africa. The dissertation concludes that US technological and conceptual dominance in South African education constitutes digital colonialism. It emphasizes the need for public inclusion in the policy process, and proposes alternative policies and technologies for e-education based on the idea of People’s Technology for People’s Power. It also argues that current scholarship on education technology neglects the political and sociological importance of People’s Technology to education, economy, and society, as well as the global significance of Big Tech dominance vis-a-vis digital colonialism, and that subsequent literature would be enriched by addressing these issues.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
Discursive psychological analysis on the construction and performance of identity through rights talk on social media related to #FeesMustFall
- Authors: Mashaba, Tumelo Thabo
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Identity , Right to education , Human rights , Social media -- Political aspects -- South Africa , College students -- Political activity -- South Africa , College students -- Attitudes -- South Africa , College students, Black -- Psychology -- South Africa , College students, Black -- Attitudes -- South Africa , College students -- Psychology -- South Africa , Student protestors -- Attitudes -- South Africa , Student movements -- South Africa , Internet and activisim -- South Africa , Internet in political campaigns -- South Africa , Higher education and state -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/96668 , vital:31306
- Description: #FeesMustFall emerged at the end of 2015 after an announcement that tuitions would increase. The student protests occurred across higher education institutions within the country in which mass shutdowns were initiated, there was the presence of violence and the use of social media. The protests occurred in 2016 but experienced a shift in tone in terms of the violence present in the protests. The research sought to unpack how identity was constructed and performed through rights talk in regards to #FeesMustFall on social media. The methodology worked from a social constructionist perspective where the research consisted of a discursive psychological analytical approach to the texts presented. The discursive repertoires that were identified were: emotions repertoire; struggle repertoire; apartheid repertoire; racial repertoire; and rights repertoire. The subject positions revealed through the repertoires indicated that protesters and supporters constructed and performed their identity in particular ways. They were positioned as black; working class; victims who are enacting a sense of agency; denied their rights; have moral authority and are a parallel to the protesters under apartheid. The repertoire of struggle, racial and apartheid all link with each other. The rights repertoire is the foundation and the emotions repertoire is the tone of the student protests.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Mashaba, Tumelo Thabo
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Identity , Right to education , Human rights , Social media -- Political aspects -- South Africa , College students -- Political activity -- South Africa , College students -- Attitudes -- South Africa , College students, Black -- Psychology -- South Africa , College students, Black -- Attitudes -- South Africa , College students -- Psychology -- South Africa , Student protestors -- Attitudes -- South Africa , Student movements -- South Africa , Internet and activisim -- South Africa , Internet in political campaigns -- South Africa , Higher education and state -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/96668 , vital:31306
- Description: #FeesMustFall emerged at the end of 2015 after an announcement that tuitions would increase. The student protests occurred across higher education institutions within the country in which mass shutdowns were initiated, there was the presence of violence and the use of social media. The protests occurred in 2016 but experienced a shift in tone in terms of the violence present in the protests. The research sought to unpack how identity was constructed and performed through rights talk in regards to #FeesMustFall on social media. The methodology worked from a social constructionist perspective where the research consisted of a discursive psychological analytical approach to the texts presented. The discursive repertoires that were identified were: emotions repertoire; struggle repertoire; apartheid repertoire; racial repertoire; and rights repertoire. The subject positions revealed through the repertoires indicated that protesters and supporters constructed and performed their identity in particular ways. They were positioned as black; working class; victims who are enacting a sense of agency; denied their rights; have moral authority and are a parallel to the protesters under apartheid. The repertoire of struggle, racial and apartheid all link with each other. The rights repertoire is the foundation and the emotions repertoire is the tone of the student protests.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
Dismissal for ill health or injury and reasonable accommodation for disabled employees
- Authors: Mabenge, Mfundiso Samson
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Employees -- Dismissal of -- Law and legislation -- South Africa , Labor laws and legislation -- South Africa Discrimination in employment -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , LLM
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/34755 , vital:33437
- Description: This treatise examines the challenges faced by people with disabilities, in particular, dismissal and discrimination at the workplace. The study employed a qualitative approach to explore and address the research questions. It highlights that the Constitution provides protection against discrimination on the ground of disability. This right not to be discriminated against or unfairly dismissed is further given effect by the Codes of Good Practice in both the EEA and the LRA. Dismissal on a prohibited ground of discrimination, such as disability, is not merely unfair, but automatically unfair. Despite the above legislative protection, the findings in this study indicate that South Africa still faces huge challenges of disability discrimination and dismissal. Notwithstanding the increased sensitivity of this subject across the country, applicants for work and employees generally find themselves to be the victims of employment discrimination as well as dismissal due to their disability. Those who are in the working sector are not reasonably accommodated. The study submits that people with disabilities should be reasonably accommodated and be retained in the working sector as they have a positive role to play in the economy. In terms of legislation, the study found that although well written in theory, they are practically ineffective given that they are fragmented. This study observes that single legislation dealing comprehensively with disability management, like in other jurisdictions does not exist in South Africa. The lack of such single legislation is a significant weakness in the South African disability management framework. Therefore, this has resulted in a fragmented approach to implementation. The study suggests that trade union representatives and employers should be well trained, particularly on issues relating to dismissal for incapacity in general. From a global perspective, international organisations through ratifying Conventions have also heeded to the plight of disabled persons. This is proof that disability can no longer be confined to the borders of one nation. Many disability organisations have emerged over the years and are representing the interests of the disabled. The findings of this study may help companies, organisations and institutions improve their policy practices regarding the dismissal of employees associated with ill health or injury.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Mabenge, Mfundiso Samson
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Employees -- Dismissal of -- Law and legislation -- South Africa , Labor laws and legislation -- South Africa Discrimination in employment -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , LLM
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/34755 , vital:33437
- Description: This treatise examines the challenges faced by people with disabilities, in particular, dismissal and discrimination at the workplace. The study employed a qualitative approach to explore and address the research questions. It highlights that the Constitution provides protection against discrimination on the ground of disability. This right not to be discriminated against or unfairly dismissed is further given effect by the Codes of Good Practice in both the EEA and the LRA. Dismissal on a prohibited ground of discrimination, such as disability, is not merely unfair, but automatically unfair. Despite the above legislative protection, the findings in this study indicate that South Africa still faces huge challenges of disability discrimination and dismissal. Notwithstanding the increased sensitivity of this subject across the country, applicants for work and employees generally find themselves to be the victims of employment discrimination as well as dismissal due to their disability. Those who are in the working sector are not reasonably accommodated. The study submits that people with disabilities should be reasonably accommodated and be retained in the working sector as they have a positive role to play in the economy. In terms of legislation, the study found that although well written in theory, they are practically ineffective given that they are fragmented. This study observes that single legislation dealing comprehensively with disability management, like in other jurisdictions does not exist in South Africa. The lack of such single legislation is a significant weakness in the South African disability management framework. Therefore, this has resulted in a fragmented approach to implementation. The study suggests that trade union representatives and employers should be well trained, particularly on issues relating to dismissal for incapacity in general. From a global perspective, international organisations through ratifying Conventions have also heeded to the plight of disabled persons. This is proof that disability can no longer be confined to the borders of one nation. Many disability organisations have emerged over the years and are representing the interests of the disabled. The findings of this study may help companies, organisations and institutions improve their policy practices regarding the dismissal of employees associated with ill health or injury.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
Disrupting the familiar family in postcolonial literature
- Authors: Laubscher, Emma Kate
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Postcolonialism in literature , Families -- Fiction , Interpersonal relations in literature , Families in literature , Gender identity in literature , Gappah, Petina, 1971- -- Criticism and interpretation , Enright, Anne, 1962- -- Criticism and interpretation , Owuor, Yvonne Adhiambo
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/153757 , vital:39516
- Description: Anne Enright’s The Green Road, Petina Gappah’s The Book of Memory and Yvonne Adhiambo Owuor’s Dust offer various disruptive representations that challenge the normative family, and allow for an excavation of the potency and pervasiveness of the notion of family as an organising social principle, in a postcolonial context. Through these novels’ depictions of unorthodox families, it becomes possible to unpack the metaphorical architecture that underpins the normative family – by which I mean that social formation which enables and relies upon gender binaries, heteronormative constructions of sexuality and exclusionary racial structures. Additionally, I will attempt to examine the role that the normative family plays in shaping the subject, and determining its avenues of association, through encountering the disruptive possibilities portrayed in Gappah, Owuor and Enright’s works. My analysis is concerned with how the family orientates the subject in particular ways that regulate and delimit the subject’s means of relating to herself, those who surround her and the historic and mnemonic pasts in which she is embedded. In representing alternate kinship structures, these novels expand the aesthetic and imaginative landscape of the family and allow for new forms of relation to emerge. These transgressive and radical ways of being, knowing and loving have disruptive consequences for those social formations which are structured by, and draw on, the family – in particular the nation state. This reworking of the nation state, as well as the destabilisation of the relations between nations states, provides new avenues for inhabiting the postcolonial world. In particular, my reading argues that representations of the unfamiliar family offer different ways of receiving and relating to the self, others, and the past within a social order ruptured by the violent legacies of colonisation.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Laubscher, Emma Kate
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Postcolonialism in literature , Families -- Fiction , Interpersonal relations in literature , Families in literature , Gender identity in literature , Gappah, Petina, 1971- -- Criticism and interpretation , Enright, Anne, 1962- -- Criticism and interpretation , Owuor, Yvonne Adhiambo
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/153757 , vital:39516
- Description: Anne Enright’s The Green Road, Petina Gappah’s The Book of Memory and Yvonne Adhiambo Owuor’s Dust offer various disruptive representations that challenge the normative family, and allow for an excavation of the potency and pervasiveness of the notion of family as an organising social principle, in a postcolonial context. Through these novels’ depictions of unorthodox families, it becomes possible to unpack the metaphorical architecture that underpins the normative family – by which I mean that social formation which enables and relies upon gender binaries, heteronormative constructions of sexuality and exclusionary racial structures. Additionally, I will attempt to examine the role that the normative family plays in shaping the subject, and determining its avenues of association, through encountering the disruptive possibilities portrayed in Gappah, Owuor and Enright’s works. My analysis is concerned with how the family orientates the subject in particular ways that regulate and delimit the subject’s means of relating to herself, those who surround her and the historic and mnemonic pasts in which she is embedded. In representing alternate kinship structures, these novels expand the aesthetic and imaginative landscape of the family and allow for new forms of relation to emerge. These transgressive and radical ways of being, knowing and loving have disruptive consequences for those social formations which are structured by, and draw on, the family – in particular the nation state. This reworking of the nation state, as well as the destabilisation of the relations between nations states, provides new avenues for inhabiting the postcolonial world. In particular, my reading argues that representations of the unfamiliar family offer different ways of receiving and relating to the self, others, and the past within a social order ruptured by the violent legacies of colonisation.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
Distribution of virulence determinants in some members of the ESKAPE pathogens isolated from selected hospital wastewater effluents in the Eastern Cape, South Africa
- Authors: Mapipa, Qaqamba
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Effluent quality Water -- Purification
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc (Microbiology)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/14704 , vital:40061
- Description: Members of ESKAPE pathogens are grouped under the acronymn made up of Enterococcus faecium, Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Acinetobacter baumannii, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Enterobacter species. ESKAPE pathogens, isolated from hospitals and communities, have just been characterized for new pathogenesis and transmission patterns and overcoming the usefulness of available drugs, this leads to infections that tend to increase the rate of disease in a population and death rate and cost our society massively. The distribution of virulence determinants and the antibiotic susceptibility patterns in some members of the ESKAPE pathogens isolated from hospital wastewater facilities that were selected within the Eastern Cape Province, South Africa was evaluated. Water samples from the hospital wastewater facilities were collected fortnightly over a period of three (3) months (February to April). Spread plate technique was employed for the enumeration and isolation of the members of ESKAPE pathogens. A total of 725 presumptive ESKAPE isolates were collected, screened and Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) amplification of target determinants was performed. Results showed that Klebsiella pneumoniae tested positive for ninety two (92=35.9%) samples, Enterobacter cloacae fifty seven (57=22.2%) samples tested positive, Pseudomonas aeruginosa fifty four (54=21.09%) isolates tested positive and fifty three (53=20.7%) isolates tested positive for Acinetobacter baumannii making a total of 256 isolates which tested positive for some members of ESKAPE pathogens. The detection of some members of the ESKAPE pathogens in these Hospitals is a cause of concern to public health. A total of 256 ESKAPE isolates that were obtained from the hospital wastewater facilities; were subjected to antibiotic susceptibility test in order to determine their antibiotic-resistant profiles. ESKAPE isolates recovered from the three hospital effluents showing resistance to antimicrobial agents in this study were further evaluated for resistance determinants namely, sulfonamides resistance determinants (sulI and sulII), β-lactams (ampC, blaTEM and blaZ), tetracyclines (tetA, tetB, tetC and tetM), 10 chloramphenicol’s (catI and catII) and aminoglycoside resistance determinants (aacC2, apHAI and apHAII). The resistant determinants targeted have been evaluated through their prevalence and the following distributions were obtained: [β-Lactams; ampC (80%), blaTEM (77%)]; [Tetracyclines; tetA (87%)]; [Sulfonamides; sulI (79%)]; [Aminoglycosides; aacC2 (12%), aphA2 (52%) and aadA (18%)]. With the worldwide increase in these resistant occurrences, the execution of strict infection control policies and treatment with different antimicrobials needs hasty detection. Comprehensive data are therefore needed so that the history of infection, identification of genes present in organisms and monitoring of changes in infection patterns can be traced correctly.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Mapipa, Qaqamba
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Effluent quality Water -- Purification
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc (Microbiology)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/14704 , vital:40061
- Description: Members of ESKAPE pathogens are grouped under the acronymn made up of Enterococcus faecium, Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Acinetobacter baumannii, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Enterobacter species. ESKAPE pathogens, isolated from hospitals and communities, have just been characterized for new pathogenesis and transmission patterns and overcoming the usefulness of available drugs, this leads to infections that tend to increase the rate of disease in a population and death rate and cost our society massively. The distribution of virulence determinants and the antibiotic susceptibility patterns in some members of the ESKAPE pathogens isolated from hospital wastewater facilities that were selected within the Eastern Cape Province, South Africa was evaluated. Water samples from the hospital wastewater facilities were collected fortnightly over a period of three (3) months (February to April). Spread plate technique was employed for the enumeration and isolation of the members of ESKAPE pathogens. A total of 725 presumptive ESKAPE isolates were collected, screened and Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) amplification of target determinants was performed. Results showed that Klebsiella pneumoniae tested positive for ninety two (92=35.9%) samples, Enterobacter cloacae fifty seven (57=22.2%) samples tested positive, Pseudomonas aeruginosa fifty four (54=21.09%) isolates tested positive and fifty three (53=20.7%) isolates tested positive for Acinetobacter baumannii making a total of 256 isolates which tested positive for some members of ESKAPE pathogens. The detection of some members of the ESKAPE pathogens in these Hospitals is a cause of concern to public health. A total of 256 ESKAPE isolates that were obtained from the hospital wastewater facilities; were subjected to antibiotic susceptibility test in order to determine their antibiotic-resistant profiles. ESKAPE isolates recovered from the three hospital effluents showing resistance to antimicrobial agents in this study were further evaluated for resistance determinants namely, sulfonamides resistance determinants (sulI and sulII), β-lactams (ampC, blaTEM and blaZ), tetracyclines (tetA, tetB, tetC and tetM), 10 chloramphenicol’s (catI and catII) and aminoglycoside resistance determinants (aacC2, apHAI and apHAII). The resistant determinants targeted have been evaluated through their prevalence and the following distributions were obtained: [β-Lactams; ampC (80%), blaTEM (77%)]; [Tetracyclines; tetA (87%)]; [Sulfonamides; sulI (79%)]; [Aminoglycosides; aacC2 (12%), aphA2 (52%) and aadA (18%)]. With the worldwide increase in these resistant occurrences, the execution of strict infection control policies and treatment with different antimicrobials needs hasty detection. Comprehensive data are therefore needed so that the history of infection, identification of genes present in organisms and monitoring of changes in infection patterns can be traced correctly.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
Diversity, host plant range and ecology of Lepidoptera stem borers in South Africa
- Authors: Stemele, Mxolisi Arnold
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Lepidoptera Host plants Stem borers
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/15409 , vital:40405
- Description: The biology and ecology of Lepidopteran pests stem borers has been extensively studied because of the economic importance of pest species such as Busseola fusca (Fuller) (Noctuidae), Sesamia calamistis (Hampson) (Noctuidae), Chilo partellus (Swinhoe) (Crambidae), and Eldana saccharina (Walker) (Pyralidae). Knowledge relating to diversity, infestation dynamics, and host plant range is readily available. In natural vegetation, the variety of stem borers is higher than that found in agroecosystems. However, there is a paucity of South African studies that explain the observed differences in diversity between the two systems. Stem borers are also known to exhibit species-specific ecological requirements, which influence their distribution between African countries. South African biomes are classified based on vegetation structure and climate, which happens to be the most critical factors that affect the distribution of phytophagous insects. This makes biomes an excellent model to investigate diversity and distribution of stem borer species. In this study, we investigated diversity, distribution and species composition in four biomes. The results showed that diversity and distribution of the stem borers in natural vegetation was determined by host plant distribution. Stem borer diversity correlated with high diversity of host plants. Thirty-two stem borer species were collected from 27 host plants and another three from light traps. Widely distributed host plants supported a higher diversity of stem borers, which is consistent with the resource availability hypotheses. Non-metric dimensional scale unfolding revealed disparity in host plant preference and plant species composition between the various stem borer families (Kruskal’s Stress = 0.16). Tortricidae species and Sesamia typhae (Le rü) (Noctuidae) feed exclusively on hydrophytic Cyperaceae species. The majority of Noctuidae, Crambidae and Phycitidae species collected were oligophagous on terrestrial Poaceae, with a few polyphagous exceptions feeding on hydrophytic Cyperaceae and Typhaceae. Additionally, species composition of Poaceae host plants differed between 8 Crambidae and the Phycitidae species. Stem borer species composition between biomes revealed the presence of distinct host plants (2D stress = 0.09) and stem borer (2D stress = 0.13) communities. The stem borer abundance and diversity were strongly correlated (R2 = 0.64), but species diversity (R2 = - 0.95) and host plant diversity (R2 = - 0.85) were inversely correlated to altitude. Based on these results it was concluded that stem borer diversity and distribution in natural vegetation was influenced by host plant diversity and distribution as well as climate associated with altitudinal gradients. In the last two decades, four stem borer species previously known on wild host plants; Busseola segeta (Bowden), Busseola phaia (Bowden), Pirateolea piscator (Fletcher) and Conicofrontia sesamoides (Hampson) have invaded cultivated crops. These invasions remained undetected because of a shortage of surveys, habitat transformation and misidentifications. Misidentifications are common among stem borers due to the considerable resemblance between morphospecies. In this study, we assessed the capacity of the mitochondrial gene Cytochrome c oxidase (COI) to delineate closely related species to develop monitoring and early detection of invasive species and to assess migration patterns and gene flow between the populations. The results demonstrated that COI is an effective DNA marker for species delineation and assessment of intra- and interspecific genetic relationship. The K2P distances and phylogenetic tree defined boundaries between Noctuidae species with high resolution. No divergence distance was detected between intraspecific species, but for the congener species, divergence distance was 0.044%-0.111% with an average of 0.076%. The average interspecies K2P distance (0.57%) was 5-15 times higher than the congener species distances. Phylogenetic analysis revealed the presence of two clades. Busseola and Sesamia species were connected in a monophyletic clade with a strong (93%) bootstrap. The second monophyletic clade comprised of a cluster of Pirateolea, Acrapex and Conicofrontia species, and this was also supported with 9 a strong bootstrap (100%). The gene flow study revealed low levels of genetic differentiation between the populations of B. fusca collected from different maize producing areas in South Africa. This low genetic differentiation was consistent with high gene flow. The number of effective migrants between the populations was between 8 and 99 individuals per generation. These results indicate high connectivity between the populations.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Stemele, Mxolisi Arnold
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Lepidoptera Host plants Stem borers
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/15409 , vital:40405
- Description: The biology and ecology of Lepidopteran pests stem borers has been extensively studied because of the economic importance of pest species such as Busseola fusca (Fuller) (Noctuidae), Sesamia calamistis (Hampson) (Noctuidae), Chilo partellus (Swinhoe) (Crambidae), and Eldana saccharina (Walker) (Pyralidae). Knowledge relating to diversity, infestation dynamics, and host plant range is readily available. In natural vegetation, the variety of stem borers is higher than that found in agroecosystems. However, there is a paucity of South African studies that explain the observed differences in diversity between the two systems. Stem borers are also known to exhibit species-specific ecological requirements, which influence their distribution between African countries. South African biomes are classified based on vegetation structure and climate, which happens to be the most critical factors that affect the distribution of phytophagous insects. This makes biomes an excellent model to investigate diversity and distribution of stem borer species. In this study, we investigated diversity, distribution and species composition in four biomes. The results showed that diversity and distribution of the stem borers in natural vegetation was determined by host plant distribution. Stem borer diversity correlated with high diversity of host plants. Thirty-two stem borer species were collected from 27 host plants and another three from light traps. Widely distributed host plants supported a higher diversity of stem borers, which is consistent with the resource availability hypotheses. Non-metric dimensional scale unfolding revealed disparity in host plant preference and plant species composition between the various stem borer families (Kruskal’s Stress = 0.16). Tortricidae species and Sesamia typhae (Le rü) (Noctuidae) feed exclusively on hydrophytic Cyperaceae species. The majority of Noctuidae, Crambidae and Phycitidae species collected were oligophagous on terrestrial Poaceae, with a few polyphagous exceptions feeding on hydrophytic Cyperaceae and Typhaceae. Additionally, species composition of Poaceae host plants differed between 8 Crambidae and the Phycitidae species. Stem borer species composition between biomes revealed the presence of distinct host plants (2D stress = 0.09) and stem borer (2D stress = 0.13) communities. The stem borer abundance and diversity were strongly correlated (R2 = 0.64), but species diversity (R2 = - 0.95) and host plant diversity (R2 = - 0.85) were inversely correlated to altitude. Based on these results it was concluded that stem borer diversity and distribution in natural vegetation was influenced by host plant diversity and distribution as well as climate associated with altitudinal gradients. In the last two decades, four stem borer species previously known on wild host plants; Busseola segeta (Bowden), Busseola phaia (Bowden), Pirateolea piscator (Fletcher) and Conicofrontia sesamoides (Hampson) have invaded cultivated crops. These invasions remained undetected because of a shortage of surveys, habitat transformation and misidentifications. Misidentifications are common among stem borers due to the considerable resemblance between morphospecies. In this study, we assessed the capacity of the mitochondrial gene Cytochrome c oxidase (COI) to delineate closely related species to develop monitoring and early detection of invasive species and to assess migration patterns and gene flow between the populations. The results demonstrated that COI is an effective DNA marker for species delineation and assessment of intra- and interspecific genetic relationship. The K2P distances and phylogenetic tree defined boundaries between Noctuidae species with high resolution. No divergence distance was detected between intraspecific species, but for the congener species, divergence distance was 0.044%-0.111% with an average of 0.076%. The average interspecies K2P distance (0.57%) was 5-15 times higher than the congener species distances. Phylogenetic analysis revealed the presence of two clades. Busseola and Sesamia species were connected in a monophyletic clade with a strong (93%) bootstrap. The second monophyletic clade comprised of a cluster of Pirateolea, Acrapex and Conicofrontia species, and this was also supported with 9 a strong bootstrap (100%). The gene flow study revealed low levels of genetic differentiation between the populations of B. fusca collected from different maize producing areas in South Africa. This low genetic differentiation was consistent with high gene flow. The number of effective migrants between the populations was between 8 and 99 individuals per generation. These results indicate high connectivity between the populations.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
Do FDI and public investment crowd in/out domestic private investment in the SADC region?
- Authors: Ngeendepi, Eslon J
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Investments, Foreign -- Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/49997 , vital:41968
- Description: This paper attempts to contribute to empirical literature on investment theory by examining whether FDI inflows and government capital expenditure crowd-in/out domestic private investment in 15 SADC member states for the period 1991-2017. In order to realise the study objective, the panel Pool Mean Group (PMG)/ARDL technique was employed in estimating the shot-run and long-run relationship between FDI, government capital expenditure, domestic private investment and a further three more variables (interest rate, GDP growth rate and trade openness.) added to the model to form multivariate framework. Findings from the study show that FDI inflow crowd-in domestic private investment in both the short and long run, while government capital expenditure is found to crowd-out domestic private investment in the long-run and crowd-in domestic private investment in the short-run. The study concludes by providing policy recommendations and suggesting areas for further research.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Ngeendepi, Eslon J
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Investments, Foreign -- Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/49997 , vital:41968
- Description: This paper attempts to contribute to empirical literature on investment theory by examining whether FDI inflows and government capital expenditure crowd-in/out domestic private investment in 15 SADC member states for the period 1991-2017. In order to realise the study objective, the panel Pool Mean Group (PMG)/ARDL technique was employed in estimating the shot-run and long-run relationship between FDI, government capital expenditure, domestic private investment and a further three more variables (interest rate, GDP growth rate and trade openness.) added to the model to form multivariate framework. Findings from the study show that FDI inflow crowd-in domestic private investment in both the short and long run, while government capital expenditure is found to crowd-out domestic private investment in the long-run and crowd-in domestic private investment in the short-run. The study concludes by providing policy recommendations and suggesting areas for further research.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
E-books preference compared to print books based on student perceptions: a case of University of Fort Hare students
- Authors: Makwanya, Comfort
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Electronic books College students
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom (Business Management)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/13653 , vital:39688
- Description: Technology has been shifting students’ perceptions and preferences on how they learn. The way in which students perceive print books and e-books greatly affects which format they prefer to use for academic purposes. In recent years, e-book accessibility on a variety of mobile gadgets has become a substitute to print based resources which are costly in terms of production, sharing and heavy in terms of their physical nature. Institutions of higher learning have decided that e-books and related resources are the most preferred options among students. This, however, is in contrary to the research findings which propound that students do not actually favour e-books. The intention of this study was to determine students’ perceptions with regards to using e-books and print books in meeting information needs. In addition, the study aimed to determine students’ awareness, usage, preference and students’ plan to adopt e-books as their only source of information in the future. Contrasting views exist on which format (print or e-book) students prefer for academic purposes to enhance their learning experience with most studies being done in developed countries. Hence, the investigation that uncovers students’ perceptions and preferences towards the two formats in South Africa can provide a better comprehension and conclusion on an African student. This will consequently lead to improved student engagement and improved learning outcomes. A cross-sectional research design was used and a questionnaire administered to a sample of 307 students at the University of Fort Hare’s East London Campus through convenience sampling. Findings from this study showed that students at the University of Fort Hare’s Faculty of Management and Commerce preferred using both (e-books and print books) for their information needs. They also perceived e-books as good as print books, easier and friendly to use and capable of providing adequate information to meet study needs. The findings will assist practitioners to understand readers’ needs, improve awareness, and develop e-book collections and designs that improve the learning process.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Makwanya, Comfort
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Electronic books College students
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom (Business Management)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/13653 , vital:39688
- Description: Technology has been shifting students’ perceptions and preferences on how they learn. The way in which students perceive print books and e-books greatly affects which format they prefer to use for academic purposes. In recent years, e-book accessibility on a variety of mobile gadgets has become a substitute to print based resources which are costly in terms of production, sharing and heavy in terms of their physical nature. Institutions of higher learning have decided that e-books and related resources are the most preferred options among students. This, however, is in contrary to the research findings which propound that students do not actually favour e-books. The intention of this study was to determine students’ perceptions with regards to using e-books and print books in meeting information needs. In addition, the study aimed to determine students’ awareness, usage, preference and students’ plan to adopt e-books as their only source of information in the future. Contrasting views exist on which format (print or e-book) students prefer for academic purposes to enhance their learning experience with most studies being done in developed countries. Hence, the investigation that uncovers students’ perceptions and preferences towards the two formats in South Africa can provide a better comprehension and conclusion on an African student. This will consequently lead to improved student engagement and improved learning outcomes. A cross-sectional research design was used and a questionnaire administered to a sample of 307 students at the University of Fort Hare’s East London Campus through convenience sampling. Findings from this study showed that students at the University of Fort Hare’s Faculty of Management and Commerce preferred using both (e-books and print books) for their information needs. They also perceived e-books as good as print books, easier and friendly to use and capable of providing adequate information to meet study needs. The findings will assist practitioners to understand readers’ needs, improve awareness, and develop e-book collections and designs that improve the learning process.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
Early Jurassic dolerites of the Karoo Large Igneous Province ( KLIP): an analysis of their age and emplacement history from sea level to the Drakensberg Mountains in the Eastern Cape , South Africa Submitted
- Authors: Muedi, Thomas Tshifhiwa
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Geological time , Geochemistry Geology -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/41908 , vital:36608
- Description: South Africa hosts one of the largest Large Igneous Provinces (LIPs that is likely linked to the early separation of East and West Gondwana. However, despite many studies, the relationship between dolerites and volcanic basalts of this LIP (also known as the Karoo Large Igneous Province or KLIP) remains unsolved, because of poorly linked age dates (timing), geochemistry and emplacement mechanisms. This problem is in part because different unreliable dating techniques with large margin of errors have been applied This study aims to address these issues by performing new geo chemical and high resolution geochronological analyses on a number of dolerites (sills and dykes), volcanic s also referred to in the literature as the Drakensberg flood basalts) and samples from drill cores and field outcrops. This project is focused on dolerites in the Eastern Cape Province and provides results from field mapping of dolerites (sills and dykes) from the sea level to an elevation of circa 1350 metres above sea level (MASL) and their link to the volcanic in the Eastern Cape Province. The dolerite dykes observed trends from metres to hundreds of kilometres and cut across volcanic, which have similar geochemistry. The intrusive dolerites collected from the field and from d rill core samples were likely emplaced by magma infiltration through pre-existing sub vertical brittle fractures and fissures and then emplaced horizontally as sills circa 183 Ma Detailed fracture mapping across host rock to the dolerite was carried out to test if they acted as possible pathways for magmatic emplacements. The dolerite dykes and fractures mapped in the host sedimentary rocks have a dominant NW direction, especially towards volcanic basalts. The project provides tests based on the geochemical relationships of the dolerites and basalts from sixty-six (66) cores and field outcrop samples. The results confirm that the chemical analyses from the volcanic basalts an d dolerites are closely related and reveal that most samples are Ocean Island Basalt OIB), but some also reveal subduction related processes. This is consistent with models that suggest subduction along south west Gondwana may have influenced plumemagmatism derived from the lower mantle that initiated break up of this supercontinent e.g de Wit and Stern 1981 Storey et al , 1992 ; Torsvik et al., 2006 and Burke et al., 2008)
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Muedi, Thomas Tshifhiwa
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Geological time , Geochemistry Geology -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/41908 , vital:36608
- Description: South Africa hosts one of the largest Large Igneous Provinces (LIPs that is likely linked to the early separation of East and West Gondwana. However, despite many studies, the relationship between dolerites and volcanic basalts of this LIP (also known as the Karoo Large Igneous Province or KLIP) remains unsolved, because of poorly linked age dates (timing), geochemistry and emplacement mechanisms. This problem is in part because different unreliable dating techniques with large margin of errors have been applied This study aims to address these issues by performing new geo chemical and high resolution geochronological analyses on a number of dolerites (sills and dykes), volcanic s also referred to in the literature as the Drakensberg flood basalts) and samples from drill cores and field outcrops. This project is focused on dolerites in the Eastern Cape Province and provides results from field mapping of dolerites (sills and dykes) from the sea level to an elevation of circa 1350 metres above sea level (MASL) and their link to the volcanic in the Eastern Cape Province. The dolerite dykes observed trends from metres to hundreds of kilometres and cut across volcanic, which have similar geochemistry. The intrusive dolerites collected from the field and from d rill core samples were likely emplaced by magma infiltration through pre-existing sub vertical brittle fractures and fissures and then emplaced horizontally as sills circa 183 Ma Detailed fracture mapping across host rock to the dolerite was carried out to test if they acted as possible pathways for magmatic emplacements. The dolerite dykes and fractures mapped in the host sedimentary rocks have a dominant NW direction, especially towards volcanic basalts. The project provides tests based on the geochemical relationships of the dolerites and basalts from sixty-six (66) cores and field outcrop samples. The results confirm that the chemical analyses from the volcanic basalts an d dolerites are closely related and reveal that most samples are Ocean Island Basalt OIB), but some also reveal subduction related processes. This is consistent with models that suggest subduction along south west Gondwana may have influenced plumemagmatism derived from the lower mantle that initiated break up of this supercontinent e.g de Wit and Stern 1981 Storey et al , 1992 ; Torsvik et al., 2006 and Burke et al., 2008)
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
Ecological assessment and biogeography of coastal vegetation and flora in southern Mozambique
- Authors: Massingue, Alice Obed
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Coastal plants -- Mozambique , Coastal plants Marine biodiversity -- Mozambique Coastal biodiversity -- Mozambique
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/40988 , vital:36280
- Description: This study considered aspects of the vegetation of the coastal zone of southern Mozambique, an area with a rich biodiversity. The vegetation and flora were assessed in their current state including the associated anthropogenic pressures. The environmental conditions that determined the distribution of the vegetation were evaluated. A hierarchical classification, description and ecological interpretation of the vegetation and flora of the coastal zone in southern Mozambique are presented. Analysis was based on 242 sample quadrats that were distributed in a stratified manner throughout the study area. The vegetation could be grouped into six distinct types of vegetation: Dune Forest, Coastal Forest, Coastal Grassland, Coastal Miombo, Coastal Savanna and Coastal Woodland. Species diversity was high for the all the vegetation types, particularly in the woody elements. A total of 673 species in 410 genera was recorded. They represented 104 families with Fabaceae and Rubiaceae being the most common. Of these, 6.6% were endemic or near-endemic to the coastal zone of southern Mozambique with Coastal Forest being the habitat with the greatest endemism. All soils from different vegetation types had poor agricultural potential. Soil properties were the strongest defining environmental feature separating the vegetation types: e.g. pH was high in Dune Forest compared to the others. Results from Maxent modelling suggest that the distribution of endemic species is influenced by a combination of climatic and non-climatic variables. Soil type, temperature annual range and precipitation of the driest month were the most important predictor variables. Overlaying the potential distributions of the seven selected species indicated two areas of abundance of endemic species – these should be given attention for conservation. Endemic species are not well protected in southern Mozambique – their sampled and potential habitats are largely outside protected areas. Hence, additional reserves should be created to improve their protection. Most endemic and near-endemics species were found in the south, from Ponta de Ouro (Matutuine, south of Maputo Province) to Manhica district (north of the Maputo Province) forming part of the Maputaland Centre of Endemism. A second concentration of endemism was found in the Inhambane Province, specifically the Inhassoro and Vilanculos districts. This is proposed to be an Important Plants Area (IPA). Because most endemics and near-endemics are found in the Coastal Forest, their main threat is harvesting for charcoal production, although none of the endemic species are specifically targeted for charcoal production. In Inhambane they are also threatened by the tourism industry, agriculture and settlements. The impact of the habitat destruction on endemic species is expected to cause severe declines in the near future. The tourism industry and harvesting of trees for charcoal production and over-frequent fires are the main drivers of vegetation loss in this region. Shifting agriculture, harvesting for firewood and construction materials, cattle grazing (at a minor scale) are also impacts, but these were only observed in a small area of Maputo Province. Although the study was done in coastal zone of southern Mozambique, effective management of whole coastal zone of the country will be required to maintain a functioning and diverse ecosystem. Priorities for management are to ensure that forests are protected, in particular, Dune Forest. Actions are required to minimise degradation of coastal vegetation. Further research on Coastal Forest restoration should be planned, as field observations in this study confirm that forest in the coastal zone of southern Mozambique has resilience.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Massingue, Alice Obed
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Coastal plants -- Mozambique , Coastal plants Marine biodiversity -- Mozambique Coastal biodiversity -- Mozambique
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/40988 , vital:36280
- Description: This study considered aspects of the vegetation of the coastal zone of southern Mozambique, an area with a rich biodiversity. The vegetation and flora were assessed in their current state including the associated anthropogenic pressures. The environmental conditions that determined the distribution of the vegetation were evaluated. A hierarchical classification, description and ecological interpretation of the vegetation and flora of the coastal zone in southern Mozambique are presented. Analysis was based on 242 sample quadrats that were distributed in a stratified manner throughout the study area. The vegetation could be grouped into six distinct types of vegetation: Dune Forest, Coastal Forest, Coastal Grassland, Coastal Miombo, Coastal Savanna and Coastal Woodland. Species diversity was high for the all the vegetation types, particularly in the woody elements. A total of 673 species in 410 genera was recorded. They represented 104 families with Fabaceae and Rubiaceae being the most common. Of these, 6.6% were endemic or near-endemic to the coastal zone of southern Mozambique with Coastal Forest being the habitat with the greatest endemism. All soils from different vegetation types had poor agricultural potential. Soil properties were the strongest defining environmental feature separating the vegetation types: e.g. pH was high in Dune Forest compared to the others. Results from Maxent modelling suggest that the distribution of endemic species is influenced by a combination of climatic and non-climatic variables. Soil type, temperature annual range and precipitation of the driest month were the most important predictor variables. Overlaying the potential distributions of the seven selected species indicated two areas of abundance of endemic species – these should be given attention for conservation. Endemic species are not well protected in southern Mozambique – their sampled and potential habitats are largely outside protected areas. Hence, additional reserves should be created to improve their protection. Most endemic and near-endemics species were found in the south, from Ponta de Ouro (Matutuine, south of Maputo Province) to Manhica district (north of the Maputo Province) forming part of the Maputaland Centre of Endemism. A second concentration of endemism was found in the Inhambane Province, specifically the Inhassoro and Vilanculos districts. This is proposed to be an Important Plants Area (IPA). Because most endemics and near-endemics are found in the Coastal Forest, their main threat is harvesting for charcoal production, although none of the endemic species are specifically targeted for charcoal production. In Inhambane they are also threatened by the tourism industry, agriculture and settlements. The impact of the habitat destruction on endemic species is expected to cause severe declines in the near future. The tourism industry and harvesting of trees for charcoal production and over-frequent fires are the main drivers of vegetation loss in this region. Shifting agriculture, harvesting for firewood and construction materials, cattle grazing (at a minor scale) are also impacts, but these were only observed in a small area of Maputo Province. Although the study was done in coastal zone of southern Mozambique, effective management of whole coastal zone of the country will be required to maintain a functioning and diverse ecosystem. Priorities for management are to ensure that forests are protected, in particular, Dune Forest. Actions are required to minimise degradation of coastal vegetation. Further research on Coastal Forest restoration should be planned, as field observations in this study confirm that forest in the coastal zone of southern Mozambique has resilience.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
Educators and school governing bodies’ perceptions on rationalisation and redeployment in the Alfred-Nzo West District: advancing an argument for policy change
- Authors: Mgojo, Vuyani Sybriel
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Schools boards School administrators School management and organization
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD (Education)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/16643 , vital:40739
- Description: The focus of this study was to report on the exploration of educators and school governing body members’ perceptions on the aspects of rationalisation and redeployment in the Alfred Nzo West District. In 1996 the Department introduced a policy on rationalisation and redeployment of teachers, based on Resolution 3 of the Education Labour Relations Council (ELRC) with the aim of phasing in a learner – teacher ratio of 40:1 in primary schools and 35:1 in high schools. A case study design using a qualitative approach was adopted for the study. Data was gathered from ten purposively selected participants using semi-structured interviews, observations and documents reviews. A thematic approach was followed for the data analysis of this study. The overall findings of the study showed that the Department of Education followed a top-down approach with no interactive communication and consultation with school stakeholders during the implementation process of this policy. Participants cast doubt on principals’ understanding when implementing this policy, which inevitably leads to low morale, anxiety and uncertainty amongst teachers. It appears that this policy has not been internalized as an instrument to promote quality and access to schools, as it has been argued that the implementation thereof has resulted in lack of physical and human resources which is compromising the quality of teaching and learning. Moreover, participants were ambivalent about rationalisation and redeployment as an enabler and as a barrier to improvement as some participants view it as an alternative to retrenchment and a cost saving measure for the Department of Education. Given the aforementioned findings, it can be concluded that if the aims of rationalisation and redeployment are to be achieved, there is a need for policy change
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Mgojo, Vuyani Sybriel
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Schools boards School administrators School management and organization
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD (Education)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/16643 , vital:40739
- Description: The focus of this study was to report on the exploration of educators and school governing body members’ perceptions on the aspects of rationalisation and redeployment in the Alfred Nzo West District. In 1996 the Department introduced a policy on rationalisation and redeployment of teachers, based on Resolution 3 of the Education Labour Relations Council (ELRC) with the aim of phasing in a learner – teacher ratio of 40:1 in primary schools and 35:1 in high schools. A case study design using a qualitative approach was adopted for the study. Data was gathered from ten purposively selected participants using semi-structured interviews, observations and documents reviews. A thematic approach was followed for the data analysis of this study. The overall findings of the study showed that the Department of Education followed a top-down approach with no interactive communication and consultation with school stakeholders during the implementation process of this policy. Participants cast doubt on principals’ understanding when implementing this policy, which inevitably leads to low morale, anxiety and uncertainty amongst teachers. It appears that this policy has not been internalized as an instrument to promote quality and access to schools, as it has been argued that the implementation thereof has resulted in lack of physical and human resources which is compromising the quality of teaching and learning. Moreover, participants were ambivalent about rationalisation and redeployment as an enabler and as a barrier to improvement as some participants view it as an alternative to retrenchment and a cost saving measure for the Department of Education. Given the aforementioned findings, it can be concluded that if the aims of rationalisation and redeployment are to be achieved, there is a need for policy change
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
Educators’ management of the learning environment for enhanced teaching and learning in selected primary schools in the East London Education District
- Olabode, Sadiat Adewumi, Adu, E O
- Authors: Olabode, Sadiat Adewumi , Adu, E O
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Classroom management -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/16231 , vital:40701
- Description: Classroom environment has been conceptually and practically conceived as a place where learning takes place. However, despite the importance of classrooms in enhancing learning, most classrooms, especially in the sub-Saharan African countries are poorly arranged and situated in noisy and crowded environments. In addition to this, most teachers lack basic skills to manage classrooms. In the light of the above-mentioned issues, the main purpose of this study was to investigate educators’ management of the learning environments for enhanced teaching and learning in selected primary schools in the East London Education District, Eastern Cape Province, South Africa. In achieving this aim, the researcher adopted mixed method research approach. The population for this study was selected from intermediate phase educators in the East London Education District. The sample size was 76 intermediate phase educators, which was conveniently selected. Questionnaire (quantitative), interview and observation (qualitative) research instruments were used to collect the data. A structured questionnaire was administered to 76 respondents; while five Head of Departments (HOD) from study population were interviewed and observed. The SPSS was used to conduct both descriptive and inferential analysis. Quantitative data analysis was used to measure perceived stress level situations among intermediate phase educators, while content analysis was used to analyse narratives of the participants. The study found that giving motivational talks, asking about learners parents/guardians, asking about their experiences at home, knowing their needs, and having discussion with their parents/guardians, telling them interesting stories, learning how to call their names properly, giving them responsibilities in the classroom and motivating them to participate in learning activities are important techniques and approaches for dealing with the emotional problems of the learners in the classroom. This implies that teachers should be more compassionate about their learners, because learners with serious emotional problems cannot learn and be productive in the classroom. The study concludes that involving the learners in the decision-making on the procedures, approaches and strategies to classroom management are fundamental for ensuring efficient and productive classroom. Moreover, the educators should adopt varied approaches in the management of the classroom. This is because an approach that works for one teacher/learner may not work for other teacher/learner. Based on this conclusion, the study recommends that the teachers should set classroom rules and ensure that the learners follow these rules strictly in order to avoid rowdiness in the classroom. Failure to set rules and ensure that the learners follow classroom rules might be counter-productive to learning process.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Olabode, Sadiat Adewumi , Adu, E O
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Classroom management -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/16231 , vital:40701
- Description: Classroom environment has been conceptually and practically conceived as a place where learning takes place. However, despite the importance of classrooms in enhancing learning, most classrooms, especially in the sub-Saharan African countries are poorly arranged and situated in noisy and crowded environments. In addition to this, most teachers lack basic skills to manage classrooms. In the light of the above-mentioned issues, the main purpose of this study was to investigate educators’ management of the learning environments for enhanced teaching and learning in selected primary schools in the East London Education District, Eastern Cape Province, South Africa. In achieving this aim, the researcher adopted mixed method research approach. The population for this study was selected from intermediate phase educators in the East London Education District. The sample size was 76 intermediate phase educators, which was conveniently selected. Questionnaire (quantitative), interview and observation (qualitative) research instruments were used to collect the data. A structured questionnaire was administered to 76 respondents; while five Head of Departments (HOD) from study population were interviewed and observed. The SPSS was used to conduct both descriptive and inferential analysis. Quantitative data analysis was used to measure perceived stress level situations among intermediate phase educators, while content analysis was used to analyse narratives of the participants. The study found that giving motivational talks, asking about learners parents/guardians, asking about their experiences at home, knowing their needs, and having discussion with their parents/guardians, telling them interesting stories, learning how to call their names properly, giving them responsibilities in the classroom and motivating them to participate in learning activities are important techniques and approaches for dealing with the emotional problems of the learners in the classroom. This implies that teachers should be more compassionate about their learners, because learners with serious emotional problems cannot learn and be productive in the classroom. The study concludes that involving the learners in the decision-making on the procedures, approaches and strategies to classroom management are fundamental for ensuring efficient and productive classroom. Moreover, the educators should adopt varied approaches in the management of the classroom. This is because an approach that works for one teacher/learner may not work for other teacher/learner. Based on this conclusion, the study recommends that the teachers should set classroom rules and ensure that the learners follow these rules strictly in order to avoid rowdiness in the classroom. Failure to set rules and ensure that the learners follow classroom rules might be counter-productive to learning process.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019