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Ideas of poetic form: aspects of the Romantic-Symbolist tradition

  • Authors: Oldert, David
  • Date: 2016
  • Language: English
  • Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MA
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/54554 , vital:26587
  • Description: The subject of the work is some of the formal and technical developments of modern poetry in the Romantic-Symbolist tradition. These developments were stimulated partly by the ideas of the non-intellectual Symbol inherited from the Romantics and the idea that poetry could be a musical medium inherited from some of the French Symbolists. Their combined influence led to a number of technical problems in the structuring of imagery and the handling of syntax. The work begins, therefore, by tracing the philosophical assumptions behind the ideas of the Symbol and of the musical analogy. I then go on to examine two of the difficulties that these ideas produced. One is the tension between the analogical structure of a poem’s imagery and its metaphorical texture: quite simply, the more compressed and complex a poet’s metaphors become, the more they tend to disrupt the poem’s structure of imagery. The other problem is obscurity, which is caused by insufficient objectification of private images in a symbolic structure, and by fused metaphor, which is essentially a metaphor with an obscured ground of resemblance. Finally, I show how these difficulties were solved by poets outside the tradition who used a more articulate kind of syntax, yet who also managed to combine that syntax with the ideal of symbolic form. The implicit argument, then, is that the Romantic-Symbolist ideas of form, and the New Critics’ theories of form which were largely based on them, are able to elucidate an essentially different kind of poetry, and thus have some degree of truth and use beyond the tradition that generated them.
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  • Date Issued: 2016

Identification of potential novel roles for Hsp70/Hsp90 organising protein (Hop) using proteomic analysis in human cells

  • Authors: Wingate, Ianthe
  • Date: 2016
  • Language: English
  • Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MSc
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/64758 , vital:28598
  • Description: Expected release date-May 2018
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  • Date Issued: 2016

If I still want to breathe

  • Authors: Billie, Ayanda
  • Date: 2016
  • Language: English , Xhosa
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
  • Identifier: vital:6012 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/1021231
  • Description: One theme of this collection is the joy and the deep seated grief of my community of Kwa-Nobuhle; the brightness of hope on the faces on children running around our streets, the strides made by their mothers, the confusion of factory workers who are lost in darkness since the dawn of new dispensation. Then there are more personal poems: my own joys as well as the difficulties that have kept me from sleep and strangled my dreams as a writer, even though like Mafika Gwala, I believe that “words are born the way mothers beget children/words are born to survive time”. My style is influenced by imagistic, mystic and soulful poetry, such as the haunting Spanish voice of Garcia Lorca who wrote “I lose myself in the heart of certain children” and the absorbing isiXhosa voice of S E K Mqhayi. In response to their poetry my offering will be words that enliven us; my style will be what I see in the mirror, through the window, the sound of rain on my zinc roof and what frightens me. , Ndixomoloze ndiboph’ amaxonya, ndisenza eli linge lokuzama ukuxhathalaza kulo msinga uzakutshayela ulwimi lwethu. Nantso ke incwadana ndiyithe qhiwu ngendebe endiyithiye ngegama elithi Umhlaba Umanzi. Umhlaba umanzi ziinyembezi zabalilayo, umanzi kukubila kwabasebenzi besombha eludakeni, ufumile ziinkathazo zeminyaka zesizukulwana sesizukulwana. Injongo endifuna ukuyifezekisa ngeli nqaku yeyokuba umntu achole ntwana ithile ngokujonga imeko esiphila kuzo gabalala, ekuhlaleni, emakhayeni ethu nakwii ndawo esixelenga kuzo. Mhlawumbi kuyakuvuseleleka iingcinga neenkumbulo zamhla-mnene, okanye ibophe nezilonda ezimanzi. Ukwanda kwaliwa ngumthakathi. . . Nangomso. , This thesis is presented in two parts: English and isiXhosa.
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  • Date Issued: 2016

Image of Nelson Mandela Bay (NMB): an external stakeholder's perspective

  • Authors: Bush, Charmel Lolita
  • Date: 2016
  • Subjects: Tourism -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , South Africa -- Description and travel
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/9097 , vital:26464
  • Description: A distinctive destination image is required in order to compete with other destinations for tourists and investors alike. This main objective of this study is to develop a model for destination image formation for Nelson Mandela Bay as a secondary economy to boost its global competitiveness. Several researchers have studied destination image and based on the fact that tourists and investors usually have a limited knowledge of destinations they have not previously visited, destination image fulfils an important function insofar as destinations with strong, positive, discriminatory and recognisable images. A literature study was conducted to identify the key influencers on destination image as well as to identify which forces are likely to influence the destination image of Nelson Mandela Bay. The different factors of destination image were identified from the literature sources and these factors provided a basis for an empirical study that was conducted amongst external stakeholders. The primary research objective was to create a model of destination image for Nelson Mandela Bay and to explain the cause and effect relationship between the dependent and independent variables. Added to the primary research objective, eight secondary research objectives were identified. The primary research question for this study was to identify what influences the destination image of Nelson Mandela Bay. Added to the primary research question, the researcher also identified eight research questions as part of the study. The empirical analysis was used to test the hypotheses and ultimately develop a model for destination image formation for Nelson Mandela Bay. This study was exploratory in nature and thus used a limited sample to gain insights for further research. Data were obtained through questionnaires that were distributed electronically to 120 respondents. This study concluded with the development of a destination image model for Nelson Mandela Bay that can be expanded upon with further research. The results indicate that general infrastructure and social environment; leisure and recreation; and culture influence the Affective component of Nelson Mandela Bay. Information sources and Political stability and risk influence the Cognitive component of Nelson Mandela Bay. Together the Affective and Cognitive component makes up the overall image of Nelson Mandela Bay.
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  • Date Issued: 2016

Impact of a holistic lifestyle management education programme on health and education outcomes of socioeconomically disadvantaged university students

  • Authors: Morris-Paxton, Angela Ann
  • Date: 2016
  • Subjects: College students -- Mental health College students -- Health and hygiene Health promotion
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/11909 , vital:27003
  • Description: Disorders of lifestyle are increasing globally; countries in transition are suffering the double burden of both contagious and chronic disorders. The utilization of health education to address these issues has had variable results, but the most successful have incorporated human contact. The aim of this study was to measure the quantitative and qualitative impact of a wellness promotion programme on university students. The objective was to provide a structured facilitated holistic wellness education programme to a sample of socioeconomically disadvantaged students in Higher Education in the Eastern Cape Province, South Africa. Using a pragmatic mixed methodological approach to this critical evaluation, the impact on both wellness and academic progress was measured. Initial demographic data was gathered via a biographical questionnaire, pre- and post-intervention measurement of wellness, using the Wellness Questionnaire for Higher Education, as well as a semi-structured qualitative questionnaire and transcripts of academic results. Quantitative data was analysed using SPSS analysis software and qualitative data using the NVivo analysis package. The findings were that all students improved throughout the year in their overall wellness scores, in particular in areas such as avoiding excessive sun exposure and increasing the amount of physical exercise. This corresponded with an increase in the value that the participants attached to information on these aspects of wellness, which was attributed to the programme. Results revealed that there was a weak correlation between student wellness measured at the year-end and academic success overall, but a strong correlation between student wellness and academic success for the students that gained the highest marks. Analysis of the dimensions of wellness that correlated best with student success revealed that there was a particularly strong correlation between year-end career wellness and year-end academic success. In conclusion it was found that a positive and holistic salutogenic wellness education programme increased levels of student wellness overall, which translated into student academic success. The link between wellness and success was particularly strong in students that gained higher marks. Recommendations include that first-year higher education students receive a positive wellness education programme built into the curriculum of their first year of study and that the overall impact be monitored across a broader spectrum of students over the duration of their diploma or degree programme.
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  • Date Issued: 2016

Impact of a visual skills training program on visual performance of cricket fielders

  • Authors: Bonnesse, Matthew Gregory
  • Date: 2016
  • Subjects: Cricket -- Training , Cricket players Cricket. Vision
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/7733 , vital:23440
  • Description: The primary aim of this study was to determine whether a cricket specific visual skills training program has an impact on the visual performance of cricket fielders. The specific visual skills included accommodation, visual memory, speed of recognition, peripheral awareness, hand-eye coordination and saccadic eye movement. The study was exploratory and true-experimental in nature and utilized a quantitative approach. The pretest-posttest randomized group design was used. A total number of 20 participants that met the inclusion criteria were included in the study by means of purposive sampling. The 20 participants were randomly assigned to control (n=10) and experimental (n=10) groups. The experimental group underwent six-weeks of visual skills training. The tests used consisted of the Accumulator, Evasion, Corner Stretch and Flash tests on the Batak Pro, Hand-eye-coordination test, Hart Near Far Rock Chart and a Saccadic eye movement chart. Differences between the pre- and post-test scores were all positive and statistically (p<0.05) and practically (d>0.2) significant for the experimental group for the following visual skills tests: Hart Chart (M=7.90±3.73), Saccadic Chart (M=17.50±9.58), Accumulator (M=19.60±5.13), Corner Stretch (M=10.50±9.56) and Flash (M=5.40±3.75). The Evasion test (M=17.50±25.67) also showed a positive but insignificant improvement from pre- to post-test for the experimental group. The control group did not show any statistically significant improvements from pre- to post-test except in the case of Hart Chart (M=3.00±2.16) and Accumulator (M=2.40±2.55). Overall the experimental group produced significantly larger (p<0.05, d>0.20) pre- to post-test mean differences than the control group for six of the seven tests implemented. The Ball Toss test which was one of three hand-eye coordination tests did not show any significant differences between experimental and control groups even though the experimental group produced larger improvements. The other two tests that assessed hand-eye coordination (Accumulator and Corner Stretch) did, however reflect significant improvements for the experimental group. The findings of this study therefore revealed that improvements in visual skill performance of cricket players can be achieved through specific training.
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  • Date Issued: 2016

Impact of sectoral determinations in previously unregulated sectors: a case study of domestic work in Grahamstown

  • Authors: Nxokweni, Saphokazi
  • Date: 2016
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MSocSc
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/3761 , vital:20542
  • Description: Domestic labour is widely recognized as one of the most vulnerable labour sectors, both nationally and internationally. In South Africa, sectoral determination 7 was specifically developed to protect domestic workers’ rights and provide them with the means to negotiate with and hold employers to account. However, research over the past years has demonstrated that, while some areas of domestic labour have improved, many workers are still locked in exploitative labour relationships. This research shows that it may seem as if there are significant changes in this sector since the introduction of the sectoral determination, but paternalistic orientations, one-of-the-family myths, and food distribution suggest otherwise. The research concluded that continuities of exploitative and discriminatory practices are still prominent in the employment relationship when viewed through the lens of paternalistic care, food distribution, and the ‘one-of-the-family’ myth.
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  • Date Issued: 2016

Impact of smallholder irrigation schemes on rural livelihoods of farmers in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa: the case of Melani Irrigation Scheme

  • Authors: Magqibelo, Sinovuyo
  • Date: 2016
  • Subjects: Irrigation farming -- Economic aspects Irrigation -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Farms, Small -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Rural development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Agriculture -- Economic aspects -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/1774 , vital:27557
  • Description: Irrigation farming is one of the most important rural development investments that can have both direct and indirect impacts on poverty and food security. The irregular and unreliable rainfall in the Eastern Cape Province has caused the smallholder farmers to deepen the irrigation farming systems as a strategy to cope with food shortage, income and poverty. South Africa has invested substantially in smallholder irrigation to benefit smallholder farmers in the less developed areas. Although the investment on small scale irrigation was to improve the welfare of the people, the performance and welfare impact of smallholder irrigation schemes has been poor and fall far short of the expectations of many stakeholders. The broad objective of the study was to examine the contribution of smallholder irrigation scheme on rural livelihoods of smallholder farmers at the project area. The null hypothesis was that smallholder irrigation schemes have no impact on farmer’s livelihoods. The alternative hypothesis for this study was that Melani irrigation scheme is contributing in improving rural livelihoods of smallholder farmers in the area. Cross study research design was used in the methodology. The purposive sampling was applied in order to choose a sample of 107 respondents that were interviewed using questionnaires, including both irrigating and non-irrigating farmers. A multiple linear regression analysis was used to find out whether the performance of the two groups of farmers is different and to what extent. To determine the specific role of irrigation an Independent T-Test was ran. Out of the selected sample 68 percent of households were farmers, 7.5 percent informal employed and 27 percent unemployed. It was found that the majority of participants were males and were uneducated. They depended on social grants for a living. The findings from the study showed that 84 percent of the respondents agreed that there is no market available in the village and farmers had limited access to credits. The crop income was the most contributing factor to household income. The results showed that whether the farmer is a non-irrigator or an irrigator the performance is not significant. Irrigation scheme improvement attained by smallholder farmers need to be maintained.
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  • Date Issued: 2016

Impact of visual skills training on the visual ability of elite rugby players

  • Authors: Millard, Lourens , Raffan, Ryan
  • Date: 2016
  • Subjects: Sports sciences -- South Africa Visual learning -- Ability testing -- South Africa
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/12692 , vital:27107
  • Description: The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of visual skills training on the visual ability of elite rugby players. This study utilized a quantitative approach; and it employed a true experimental study design, in particular a pre-test-post-test randomized-group design. A total number of 26 participants (that met the specified criteria) were selected from the Eastern Province Rugby Academy squad. Those that met the criteria were then divided randomly into two groups (13 per group), which comprised the experimental and control groups, respectively. The control and experimental groups were tested on six visual skills, namely: accommodation, saccadic eye movements, speed of recognition, hand-eye co-ordination, visual memory and peripheral awareness. An optometric assessment was also conducted as a pre-test to ensure that the participant had “normal vision”, followed by a six week intervention (visual skills-training). The sessions were performed for thirty minutes three times per week for six weeks, followed by a post-test. Descriptive statistics were employed, both numerically, such as the mean standard deviation, and graphically by means of histograms. Inferential statistics were also used in the form of t-tests and Cohen’s d calculations to determine the statistical and practical significance of the mean score differences between the experimental and control groups. The pre- to post-test results indicated both statistical and practical significant differences in each of the visual skills tested among the experimental group; accommodation (hart near far rock test, p<.0005, d=2.34), saccadic eye movements (saccadic eye movement test, p<.0005, d=2.08), hand-eye coordination and peripheral awareness (accumulator test, p<.0005, d=2.20), speed of recognition (evasion test, p<.0005, d=1.14) and visual memory (flash program test, p<.0005, d=1.20). However, there were no statistically significant differences (p>.05) found when comparing the pre- and post-tests for the control group. It was concluded that the visual skills training program used had a significant positive impact on the visual performance of the Eastern Province rugby academy players.
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  • Date Issued: 2016

Impacts of HIV/AIDS on food consumption and wild food use in rural South Africa

  • Authors: Ncube, Keitometsi , Shackleton, Charlie M , Swallow, Brent M , Dassanayake, Wijaya
  • Date: 2016
  • Subjects: To be catalogued
  • Language: English
  • Type: text , article
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/180412 , vital:43385 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1007/s12571-016-0624-4"
  • Description: HIV/AIDS can affect household food consumption in many ways, including through reductions in availability and quality of labour, reductions in earned income, and increased expenditure on medications. In rural South Africa, these negative effects can be buffered by social safety net programs provided by government and collection of wild foods. Despite some acknowledgement of the potential safety net role of wild foods, however, their contribution relative to other food sources in the context of HIV/AIDS remains underexplored. Here we report empirical findings from two rural communities in the Eastern Cape province of South Africa. Qualitative and quantitative methods were used to characterise food sources, intake and calories from 68 HIV/AIDS afflicted households and 87 non-afflicted households every quarter over 12 months. Results show that diets were moderately well-balanced though limited in variety, with cereal items contributing 52 % to total calorie intake. The bulk of food consumed by households was purchased, with supplementation from own production, collected wild vegetables and collected wild fruits. Up to 20 % of respondents from both HIV/ AIDS afflicted and non-afflicted households had insufficient daily caloric intake. Multivariate analyses show that, all else equal, individuals living in households afflicted by HIV/AIDS consumed fewer calories, had less diverse diets, and were more dependent on wild foods than those living in non-afflicted households. Given the detrimental effects of HIV/AIDS on income and home production, wild foods represent a free and readily available food source for vulnerable households.
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  • Date Issued: 2016

Implementation of classroom action research in Zimbabwean teacher education colleges: implications for teacher education curriculum

  • Authors: Banda, Wilson
  • Date: 2016
  • Subjects: Action research in education , Education -- Research , Curriculum planning
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD (Education)
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/10604 , vital:35632
  • Description: It was the purpose of this study to interrogate the implementation of classroom action research (CAR) in identified Zimbabwean teachers’ colleges to provide the basis for future policy directions and related day-to-day CAR practice. The study leaned on the progressive educationists’ stance that teaching is an intricate profession that has more to it than mere technical skills. Teaching is viewed as a lifelong profession that requires pre-service teachers to be capacitated with CAR skills and competencies to ensure that they systematically, intentionally and critically consider a myriad of learner related psychosocial factors in their tour of duty. In that way teachers are made to appreciate why they should teach the way they teach, without necessarily turning them into some kind of public intellectuals, philosophers or theorists. The study utilised the mixed methods research approach in tune with the adopted pragmatism paradigm. The research paradigm draws on the strengths of both empirical data and the theoretical sentiments drawn from the respondents. The study used the concurrent triangulation design, rooted in the post-positivist research paradigm that integrates concurrent procedures in the collection, analysis and interpretation of research data. It was guided by three theoretical frameworks, namely, the experiential learning theory, the curriculum implementation framework and the living educational theory. The theories have a strong bearing on reflective practice and they acknowledge the subjectivity of truth. The study’s purposive sample comprised of sixty-four teacher educators and seventy-six preservice teachers. Several research instruments were utilised to solicit the requisite CAR implementation quantitative and qualitative data. These were questionnaires, interview schedules, focus group discussions and documents. The Statistical Packages for Social Sciences were used to summarise the solicited data through graphical representations and related frequency tables depicting descriptive statistics such as range, mean and mode. Qualitative data were analysed using content analysis through emerging themes, iv related to the sub-research questions. The study established that although the bulk of the teacher educators had the requisite professional qualifications, maturity and experiential background, more curricular and organisational reconstruction was required to improve on the status quo. For instance, solicited data demonstrated that the lecturers’ appetite for educational research was low. Furthermore, the teacher educators’ CAR skills and competencies were compromised by the research component’s inadequate contact time. In addition, it was instituted that the teachers’ colleges produced student teachers who lacked sound grasp of the CAR process. The mediocrity was attributed to a series of teacher educator and student teacher factors which were exacerbated by several other organisational and administrative impediments. Overall, the study concluded that teacher educators were incapacitated to effectively deliver CAR, owing partly to the nature of teacher educator preparation they got and the watered down professional induction. It further revealed that it was wrong to assume that all lecturers had operational capacity to effectively teach and supervise CAR projects. Furthermore, the study recommended that the teacher educators’ capacity in CAR needs enhancement. Identified CAR implementation strategies need further reconstruction and enforcement.
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  • Date Issued: 2016

Implementation of gender equality policies to enhance female leadership in Zimbabwean universities : towards a comprehensive framework

  • Authors: Chitsamatanga, Bellita Banda
  • Date: 2016
  • Subjects: Sex differences in education Discrimination in education Women executives
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/13571 , vital:39680
  • Description: This study critically examined the implementation of gender equality policies to enhance female leadership in Zimbabwean universities. Three theoretical frameworks were adopted for this study which were: The feminist critical policy analysis, top-down and bottom-up policy implementation theories. Within this study an interpretive paradigm which aligned with the qualitative approach and the case study design to better understand the phenomena were adopted. The study covered two state universities in Zimbabwe which were purposively selected. The participants who comprised Pro Vice Chancellors, Deputy Registrars Human Resources, Faculty Deans, Director of Gender Schools, Senior Administrative Registrars, Chairpersons of Departments and males and female academics were also purposively selected. Semi structured interviews, focus group discussion and document analysis were used as data collection instruments. Data were analysed using content analysis and the emerging results were organised into different themes reflective of the participant’s responses. The findings of the study presuppose that the state universities Zimbabwe were implementing gender sensitive organisational culture through open door policy and this promoted transformational leadership in both universities. The study revealed that both universities consulted internal and external gender experts and top-down and bottom-up consultations were made during policy formulation. It was discovered from the study that both universities had also utilised gender mainstreaming and affirmative action as strategies for promoting female leadership and gender equality. Despite teaching and learning, community engagement, research, recruitment and promotions which were used to promote the gender agenda, there were indications that these were being implemented in a haphazard manner. This adversely influenced active participation of females in decision making processes. The collected data also showed that both universities had enacted gender structures which were in line with international, regional and national gender policies and conventions and were being used to irradiate the importance of having gender parity in top positions. The findings of the study further illuminated that monitoring and evaluation of the gender equality policy and programs in place to advance females to leadership positions had not been done, leading to major impediments to achievement of gender balance. There also emerged a number of challenges which were uniform in both universities namely; lack of gender knowledge; commitment, lack of gender training and workshops, lack of consultation using bottom-up approach, gender budgeting and inadequate resources. Though the above mentioned were identified as encumbering features in both universities there was a substantiation of pockets of good practices. These were; implementation of gender equality policy, involvement of internal and external gender experts to policy formulation; promotion of shared power and authentic leadership through transparent selection of chairperson of departments; gender workshop and training; staff development programmes; enactment of gender structures, enhanced community engagement and liaison with NGOs to promote gender agenda at all levels. Regardless of the number of hurdles that indicate that universities continue to be fraught with challenges in promoting female leadership, the pockets of good practices are evidence that both universities are making positive strides through the implementation of gender equality policies to enhance female leadership. Therefore, to benchmark changes in universities, the study recommends that transformational leadership must permeate in all university structures to promote an organisational culture that is gender sensitive. There must be adequate resources, gender training and workshops; focal persons and points; commitment and political will, gender experts from governmental to ministerial levels and satellite gender structures. Monitoring and evaluation should be carried out in both universities and this should be guided by a framework so as to assist universities to tap into female empowerment and gender equality that will promote the interests of both genders, while retaining the quality and excellence in universities. Lastly, the findings of the study and the extant literature are indicative that enhancement of female leadership in universities is currently affected by a number of challenges. Therefore, as part of redress, the researcher recommends a comprehensive framework which illuminates pockets of good practices in implementing gender equality policies to enhance female leadership in universities.
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  • Date Issued: 2016

Implementing the green city policy in municipal spatial planning : the case of Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality

  • Authors: Dlani, Abongile
  • Date: 2016
  • Subjects: Climatic changes--South Africa--Eastern Cape City planning--Environmental aspects--South Africa--Eastern Cape Sustainable buildings--South Africa--Eastern Cape
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , Administration
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/15583 , vital:40476
  • Description: The term “eco-city,” and similar concepts such as “green” and “sustainable” cities, has evolved over time concurrent to the development of the understanding of social change and mankind’s impact on environmental and economic health. With the advent of climate change impacts, modern economies developed the green city policy to create sustainable urban development, low emission, and environmentally friendly cities. In South Africa municipalities, including Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality (BCMM) have been tasked to develop and implement the green city policy. However, BCMM is yet to develop the green city policy that clearly articulate how the municipality will combat climate change and reduce its GHG omissions in its spatial planning designs.
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  • Date Issued: 2016

Improved singlet oxygen generation by a novel bodipy dye and a study of upconverison nanoparticles mixed with a functionalized bodipy compound

  • Authors: Wildervanck, Martijn Johannes
  • Date: 2016
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/3718 , vital:20538
  • Description: This research explores the use of the versatile 4,4-difluoro-4-boro-3a,4a-diaza-s-indacene (BODIPY) dyes and the modification of their spectroscopic properties. The synthesis of a tetramethyl-BODIPY bearing a sterically hindered meso-phenyl ring with an ethynyl functional group at the para-position was compared to that of its freely rotating counterpart with no methyl substituents on the BODIPY core, with the fluorescence properties in particular proving to be markedly different. These phenyl-ethynyl-substituted BODIPYs were used as the starting materials for the synthesis of novel BODIPY dyes for sensor applications via Sonogashira coupling reactions at the ethynyl position, but this resulted instead in the serendipitous synthesis of a novel BODIPY dimer in which the para-positions of the meso-phenyl rings are linked by a diethynyl bridge. Following iodination at the 2, 6-positions, the dimer was found to have a singlet oxygen quantum yield of 0.88, compared to the value of 0.86 that was obtained for the analogous monomer. Since the εmax values for the main spectral bands of the dimers are significantly higher, the compounds may be of interest for singlet oxygen generation applications. A second study was carried out on the interaction between methyl ester functionalized BODIPY dyes and upconversion nanoparticles (UCNPs) to explore the possible use of BODIPY-UCNP conjugates in biomedical applications. The singlet oxygen generation properties of the BODIPY were tested following iodination at the 2, 6-positions, a singlet oxygen quantum yield value of 0.86 was obtained. Three sets of oleate capped UCNPs were synthesized with different diameters and were rendered water dispersible with the addition of a silica shell. The necessary scaffolding for conjugation to the BODIPY was provided by amine groups following functionalization of this shell. All of the sets of oleate capped and silica coated UCNPs were characterized by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and X-ray diffractometry (XRD) and their emission properties were studied upon excitation at 978 nm with a diode laser with a Picoquant Fluotime 300 spectrophotometer that enables the measurement of anti-Stokes emission. The potential utility of UCNP-BODIPY conjugates for singlet oxygen applications, such as PDT, was then assessed.
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  • Date Issued: 2016

Improvement of nonlinear optical properties of phthalocyanine bearing diethyleneglycole chains

  • Authors: Britton, Jonathan , Martynov, Alexander G , Oluwole, David O , Gorbunova, Yulia G , Tsivadze, Yulia G , Nyokong, Tebello
  • Date: 2016
  • Subjects: To be catalogued
  • Language: English
  • Type: text , article
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/239812 , vital:50769 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1142/S1088424616501042"
  • Description: This paper reports the successful synthesis of the low symmetry phthalocyanines: metal-free 2,3-bis[2′-(2′′-hydroxyethoxy)ethoxy]-9,10,16,17,23,24-hexa-nn-butoxyphthalocyanine 1H22 and its zinc complex 1Zn along with their nonlinear optical (NLO) behavior in solution and in thin films. 1H NMR investigations evidenced of higher dissymmetry of electronic density in 1H22 in comparison with 1Zn. This dissymmetry is responsible for unusually higher values of Im[χ(3)χ(3)]/αα, βeffβeff, and γγ for 1H22in contrast to 1Zn, where the notable effect of heavy-metal enhancement of ISC was expected. Both compounds showed Im[χ(3)χ(3)]/αα values of the order of 10−11−11 in chloroform which are higher in comparison to the symmetrical octabutoxyphthalocyanine H2[(BuO)8Pc]. NLO properties of 1H22 were improved via its incorporation into polycarbonate polymeric matrix together with CdSe@CdS-TOPO quantum dots. In such composite the value of Im[χ(3)χ(3)]/αα was almost three times higher in comparison with 1H22 solution in chloroform. The obtained composites are expected to be perspective components of optical materials, capable of protection against strong light irradiation
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  • Date Issued: 2016

Improving employee engagement within a contemporary call centre in the Western Cape

  • Authors: Pillay, Lesharin
  • Date: 2016
  • Subjects: Employee motivation -- Research Employees -- Rating of , Employees -- Attitudes
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/48025 , vital:40464
  • Description: Call centres can be regarded as one of the most stressful working environments, where a number of challenges are experienced, such as a high staff turnover and a high level of absenteeism. Call centres have evolved over the past decade and will continue to evolve as technology progresses. The call centre industry, has experienced approximately an eight percent growth from 2013 to 2014 in terms of job creation within the Western Cape. The number of jobs increased from 38 000 to 41 000 year on year with a R9 billion contribution being made to the provincial gross domestic product. In investigating the call centre industry in the Western Cape, a core problem was identified which revealed a number of questions. Call centre agents experience low levels of satisfaction, mainly as a result of the repetitiveness and monotonous nature of their work. This leads to the main research problem, namely that of improving employee engagement within a contemporary call centre in the Western Cape. In order to resolve this problem, employee engagement need to be defined as well as various levels of engagement needed to be investigated. Furthermore, an understanding of the key drivers of engagement as well as an understanding on how employee engagement can be improved, is needed. This study aims at providing call centre managers with insight into various engagement factors which could impact on: absenteeism, attrition rates and performance of call centre agents as well as customer experience. In order to address the problem and answer the various questions described above, the researcher conducted a literature review in order to create an understanding of the employee engagement concept as well as identify the various levels of employee engagement and the key drivers of engagement. Based on the literature review conducted, a hypothesis was developed on key drivers that impact the engagement of call centre agents. The key drivers in accordance with the hypothesised model are communication, team support, autonomy, management support, rewards and recognition as well as career development. A further literature review was conducted on how to improve employee engagement based on the key drivers identified. Based on the literature review done a questionnaire has been constructed in order to test the hypothesis. Electronic surveys based on the questionnaire constructed were sent out to a sample of call centre agents. All results from the survey were captured onto excel spreadsheets and various statistical calculations were conducted. The results from empirical study were analysed in conjunction with the literature in order to address the objective of the research. The biographical statistics showed a greater composition of female respondents in comparison to male. The predominant age group was found to be 26-35 years and the predominant period of service towards the organisation was more than 3 years. Descriptive statistics per variable revealed a number of high positive indicators such as regular communication and relationships with managers as well as a sense of belonging in a team. The descriptive statistics also revealed various areas of concern of which the highest frequency of negative responses related to employees feeling like a professional associate and not just a simple worker as well as growth opportunities. All drivers in accordance with the hypothesised model, were positively correlated to employee engagement. The empirical research was conducted on a call centre within the Western Cape and thus it can be concluded that an improvement in the drivers of engagement should lead to improved employee engagement within a contemporary call centre in the Western Cape.
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  • Date Issued: 2016

Improving Fidelity in Internet Simulation through Packet Injection

  • Authors: Koorn, Craig , Irwin, Barry V W , Herbert, Alan
  • Date: 2016
  • Language: English
  • Type: text , article
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/427786 , vital:72462 , https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Barry-Ir-win/publication/327622877_Improving_Fidelity_in_Internet_Simulation_through_Packet_Injection/links/5b9a1a47458515310583fd8a/Improving-Fidelity-in-Internet-Simulation-through-Packet-Injection.pdf
  • Description: This paper describes the of extension implemented to the NKM Internet simulation system, which allows for the improved of injection of packet traffic at arbitrary nodes, and the replay of previously recorded streams. The latter function allows for the relatively easy implementation of Internet Background Radiation (IBR) within the simulated portion of the Internet. This feature thereby enhances the degree of realism of the simulation, and allows for certain pre-determined traffic, such as scanning activity, to be injected and observed by client systems connected to the simulator.
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  • Date Issued: 2016

Improving organisational commitment in a selected telecommunications company

  • Authors: Shandu, Sizwesihle Derrick
  • Date: 2016
  • Subjects: Organizational commitment , Employee motivation , Telecommunication
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/4507 , vital:20610
  • Description: As human resources become part of strategic management in many organisations, employees are said to play a crucial role in helping their organisations fulfil their goals. It is a fact that organisations are now relying heavily on the competence of their human resources to gain a competitive edge over their competitors. It is therefore important that organisations should have employees that are committed and motivated in order to be able to compete. This study seeks to improve organisational commitment of the employees in the maintenance section of the selected telecommunications company, by investigating whether variables such as appreciative leadership, organisational citizenship behaviour, psychological empowerment (as measured by perceived control, perceived competence and goal internalisation), job satisfaction and employee rewards are significantly or not significantly related to the organisational commitment of the employees in the selected company. A sample, consisting of 120 employees, including technicians, supervisors and managers, was selected. The study achieved a response rate of about 52% (51.7) after 120 questionnaires were distributed. The empirical results of the study showed that only psychological empowerment (as measured by goal internalisation) and job satisfaction were significantly related to organisational commitment of the employees of the selected company. The implementation of the recommendations of this study should contribute to increased organisational commitment in the selected company.
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  • Date Issued: 2016

Improving the claims business process in a South African car rental company

  • Authors: Nomadolo, Xolile Claude
  • Date: 2016
  • Subjects: Automobile leasing and renting -- South Africa Claims Business cycles
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/12650 , vital:27103
  • Description: The ultimate aim of this study is to identify and eliminate inefficiencies associated with the current claims management processes, thereby ensuring cost reduction, high damages recoveries while ensuring that the company is positioned to be able to apply its resources in the best way possible to respond to satisfying the needs of the customer.
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  • Date Issued: 2016

In search of the African voice in higher education: the language question

  • Authors: Kaschula, Russell H
  • Date: 2016
  • Subjects: African languages -- Study and teaching (Higher) -- South Africa , Educational change -- South Africa , Education, Higher -- South Africa , Multiligualism , Language and languages -- Study and teaching
  • Language: English
  • Type: article , text
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/59274 , vital:27539 , http://dx.doi.org/10.5842/49-0-658
  • Description: This article seeks to understand what South African universities are doing by making use of language as a tool or as an enabling voice towards Africanisation and transformation with particular reference to Rhodes University, which serves as a case study. Although many universities now have language policies in place and are part of an enabling policy environment, when it comes to using language as part of transformation and asserting an African voice, there are still policy implementation challenges. It is argued in this article that implementation of policy, including university language policies, is now a key indicator for two levels of transformation; namely the more superficially visible or visual representation transformation, as well as deeper curriculum transformation through appropriate language usage. It is the latter form of transformation that largely eludes the contemporary South African university, whether these are historically black universities (HBUs) or historically white universities (HWUs). With the exception of a few best practices that are highlighted in this article, it is argued that transformation of the curriculum remains a long-term process, in the same way that language policy implementation is an ongoing process and requires commitment at all levels of university managerial and academic culture. The African voice in higher education remains an elusive one; though it is gaining ground, as evidenced by the recent removal of the Cecil John Rhodes Statue at the University of Cape Town. Furthermore, there is evidence of selected ongoing curriculum and pedagogic transformation, as presented in this article.
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  • Date Issued: 2016
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