A framework to integrate social entrepreneurship into development planning in South Africa
- Authors: Nwauche, Sokeibelemaye
- Date: 2021-04
- Subjects: Gqeberha (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/52982 , vital:44881
- Description: The thesis presents a framework to integrate social entrepreneurship (SE) into development planning in South Africa. Even though there is no consensus on a universally accepted definition of the term, there is concurrence that SE brings about social change that can influence the overall development of the community. In South Africa, SE is thus conceived of as one of the mechanisms for addressing the wicked and persistent socio-economic challenges that face the country. Social entrepreneurship occurs in areas such as education, health, skills development, youth programmes, rehabilitation, safety, food security, poverty, job creation, human rights activism, environmental issues, arts and culture, among others. However, it remains unclear how SE is integrated into the development planning and implementation processes. Questions of integrating SE into development planning are asked within the context of South Africa as a democratic developmental state that intervenes in the development process. It emphasises the mobilization of and engagement with all sectors towards the achievement of its development objectives as articulated in the national development plan (NDP). Also, government recognizes organizations in the social enterprise sector (such as NPOs and NPCs) as stakeholders and development partners who deliver relevant services towards the achievement of these development objectives. However, there is a lack of framework to mobilize and integrate the social enterprise sector and SE into the development planning process. Social entrepreneurship, therefore, tends to occur in insolation from other development programmes. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, School of Economics, Development and Tourism, 2021
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2021-04
A framework to measure employee engagement at Stefanutti Stocks RPM Business Unit
- Authors: Maher, Theresa
- Date: 2021-04
- Subjects: Port Elizabeth (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/53315 , vital:45142
- Description: Work gratification and expectancies are of the utmost importance to the skilled workforce in the South African construction industry. The price paid for a demotivated workforce in this industry is very high and it leads to friction in the workplace, displeasing work outcomes and time delays. Furthermore it leads to increased incidences of theft,absenteeism and outputs that arebelow standard in terms of productivityand thequality of the work.In order to motivate the workforce in the construction industry,a day-by-day, step-by-step,hands-on approachmust be used. The aforesaid aids site managers to manage effectively and this in turn leads to an increase in production by way of enhanced productivity. Research shows that a correlationbetweenmotivation, excelling at work, improved productivity and fulfilment and expectancyexist. The reason why individuals act in a specific manner and choose not to act in a certain way can be directly linked totheirmotivation and engagement.As a member ofthe construction industry in South Africa, Stefanutti Stocks isseen as one of the leading construction groups. Employing more than 12 000 workers it has the ability to provide a wide variety of different scale projects for a host of clients in varied markets. The division concentrated on in this study is the Roads, Pipelines and Mining Services (RPM)Business Unit. The MD of the RPM Business Unit when starting at the company a few years ago came to the conclusion that in order for the RPM Business Unit to function optimally certain business inconsistencies regarding employee engagement needed to be addressed. Based on this he decided to use a consulting firm, AIM,to establish what the exact concernswere and what interventions wererequired to deal with them. ivInterventions facilitatedby AIM includedManagement Training Programmes and Workshops as well as one-on-one coaching sessions with selected individuals.The methodology used in this study was to measurethe current level of employee engagement subsequent toengagement interventionsconcludedby AIM.The approach used was the use of surveys distributed through AIM in conjunction with the RPM Business Unit’sHR Department. The surveys were distributed via Survey Monkey Software owned by the RPM Business Unit of Stefanutti Stocks. , Thesis (MBA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, NMMU Business School, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-04
A Functional Data Analysis approach to understand patterns imbedded within various data types
- Authors: Mangisa, Siphumlile
- Date: 2021-04
- Subjects: Gqeberha (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , Data mining
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/52091 , vital:43426
- Description: The thesis investigates the use of the novel Functional Data Analysis (FDA) methods in tackling various data types. Strong motivation is provided for the use of interesting opportunities offered by FDA to analyse not only economic data, but generally, data from any domain. The use of these methods is illustrated using three unique self-contained case-studies from econometrics. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Science, School of Computer Science, Mathematics, Physics and Statistics, 2021
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2021-04
A model for smart factories in the consumer health sector
- Authors: Nherera, Bruce
- Date: 2021-04
- Subjects: Gqeberha (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/52959 , vital:44879
- Description: The manufacturing sector, globally, is facing significant challenges due to current societal, economic, environmental, and technological developments. To overcome the challenges into the future, manufacturing organisations will need new capabilities to manage their end to end supply chains to make sure that it is responsive and agile. The Smart factories, as an element of Industry 4.0, drive efficient operations while at the same time ensure that employees are safe, and operations are environmentally sustainable. The ability to be flexible, to be reconfigured and to be connected to customers allows Smart factories to mass customise their customers’ orders and maintain the same efficiencies when compared to mass production operations. Technologies such as the Internet of Things (IoT) in Smart factories must be employed to further drive efficiencies, agility and ease of production by giving operations the capability to respond in real time to problems with machines and customer requests. Smart factory technology allows operational sustainability through the efficient use of resources. The Smart factory revolution is significantly changing the relationship between humans and machines. Based on the literature review conducted, a theoretical model was constructed which was tested at a Consumer Health Organisation to identify the relationship between the dependent and independent factors. The independent factors, specified in the model were job security, organisation culture, training and skills, trust, costs and resources, parent company and standards. , Thesis (MBA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, NMU Business School, 2021
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2021-04
A study of the airflow on the windward slope of a transverse dune in the Alexandria coastal dunefield
- Authors: Burkinshaw, Jennifer Ruth
- Date: 2021-04
- Subjects: Port Elizabeth (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/52734 , vital:43883
- Description: Our understanding of the evolution of dune morphology has been hampered by a lack of empirical observations of airflow behaviour over dune forms. Sand dunes intrude into the atmospheric boundary layer and convergence of streamlines results in an acceleration of airflow up the windward slopes of dunes. This study examines the airflow structure and corresponding bedform development on the windward slope of a 7 m high transverse dune on the edge of the Alexandria coastal dunefield, Algoa Bay, South Africa. The Alexandria dunefield is subjected to a trimodal wind regime, consisting of the dominant south-westerly which blows all year round, summer easterlies and winter northwesterlies. The morphology of the study dune, Dune13, is controlled by the easterlies and north-westerlies, and reverses seasonally with respect to these two winds. Seven section lines 30 m apart and normal to the dune crest were surveyed regularly over the period of a year to monitor the reversal process. Three detailed topographic surveys were also done during this period. Airflow behaviour was monitored during the year. Wind speed profiles on the windward slope of the dune were measured using 4 to 5 vertical arrays of anemometers positioned from the base of the dune to the crest on a 1 selected section line. Usually 4 to 5 anemometers were deployed in each vertical array, from a height of 6 to 10 cm above the surface, up to a height of 150 cm above the surface. Initially 8 microanemometers were available; ultimately 28 anemometers were run simultaneously. An independent weather station at an elevation of 6 m recorded the unaccelerated flow. Local gradient measurements and erosion and deposition rates were recorded along selected section lines. Strong summer easterly winds (14 m/sec at 1.4 m above the dune crest) were measured on a dune slope in the process of being transformed from a slipface to a stoss slope. The following winter, light north-westerly winds (typically B m/sec at 1.6 m above the dune crest) were measured on the new windward slope already reversed by the prevailing winter wind. Airflow data confirm the compression of airflow against the windward slope resulting in a non-logarithmic wind speed profile. Compression results in an increased shear velocity within 30 cm of the dune surface, and the dune slope is eroded. Higher up in the wind speed profile, shear velocity decreases to 0.1 m/sec. It is not known at what height the wind speed profile recovers from the intrusion of the dune into the boundary layer. High values of shear velocity (1.6 m/sec) above the rounded crestal area of the dune record the recovery of the wind speed profile from flow divergence, which is a response to the rapid reduction of dune gradient and is accompanied by deposition of sand in this region. 2 The erosion pin data act as a simple and sensitive test for changes in gradient, reflecting the dune's response to changes in the airflow regime. The shape of the dune plays a major role in determining the extent of the compression and the distribution of shear velocity up the slope. Increased shear velocity is experienced on that part of the slope which is nonaerodynamic with respect to the prevailing wind. Under unidirectional conditions, feedback between flow and form results ultimately in a slope with a curvature such that shear velocity increases systematically upslope. The survey data and erosion pin data record the reversal process as the dune achieves a new steady state during each wind season. The existence of a non-logarithmic wind speed profile makes it difficult to know what relevant measure of shear velocity is to be used in sand transport equations. Future work should include wind speed measurements within 10 cm of the surface. An ideal study modelling aeolian bedform development would utilise wind tunnel measurements, combined with field measurements such as obtained in this study, for comparison with numerical modelling. The study needs to be extended to 3-dimensional airflow measurements. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, School of Environmental Sciences, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-04
A systematic review of research into working capital management in South Africa
- Authors: Watson, Storm Brandon
- Date: 2021-04
- Subjects: Gqeberha (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/52995 , vital:44906
- Description: This study is set out to apply mixed methods approach to a systematic review of research into working capital management in South Africa. Research into working capital management has primarily focused on the effect it has on a business’s profitability, liquidity and performance. There is, however, limited research on the topic working capital management in South Africa and, as such, the primary objective of this study is to review research outputs on working capital management in South Africa. The purpose is to identify research gaps in the current body of knowledge by means of the development of a recommendation’s framework. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, School of Management Sciences, 2021
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2021-04
A theoretical study of alkoxyl radical and radical cation mediated cyclisation reactions in unsaturated alkanols
- Authors: Lee, Peter Mattison Clarke
- Date: 2021-04
- Subjects: Gqeberha (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , Density functionals
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/52130 , vital:43430
- Description: A large part of this computational study focussed on selectivity patterns for 4-penten- 1-oxyl radical 1,5- and 1,6-cyclisations and for those of analogous 5-hexenyl, 4- penten-1-aminyl, 4-penten-1-iminyl and 3-phenylpropan-1-oxyl radicals. The study furthermore included cyclisation reactions of the radical cations of 4-penten-1-ol and 3-phenylpropan-1-ol. Calculations were performed for all applicable species involved in the two cyclisation modes studied, i.e. 1,5- and 1,6-cyclisation. These species included radical and radical cation precursors, as well as relevant radical transition state structures and radical adducts. All cyclisation systems investigated used the Density Functional Theory (DFT) functional B3LYP with a combination of eight basis sets. Each basis set used was a progressively higher level of theory than B3LYP/6-31G* which was used as a starting point. Cyclisations for unsubstituted species, e.g. the 4-penten-1-oxyl radical 1,5- and 1,6-cyclisations, were also simulated using the ωB97X-D and ωB97X-V functionals which account for dispersive effects. The same set of eight basis sets were used with these two functionals. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Science, School of Computer Science, Mathematics, Physics and Statistics, 2021
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2021-04
An anthropological enquiry on the perceptions of adults on female sterilisation: a case of Gunguluza township
- Authors: Mbanjwa, Mpho
- Date: 2021-04
- Subjects: Port Elizabeth (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/54859 , vital:48085
- Description: The purpose of the study was to make an enquiry on the perceptions on female sterilisation adult participants, residing in Gunguluza Township, Uitenhage had. A qualitative research approach was used to collect the responses of 10 participants. These included eight women, one man and one traditional healer registered within the Traditional Healers Association of South Africa. The interviews had been semistructured with open-ended questions pre-set to help the researcher guide the conversation. Conversation analysis was the technique used to transform the information into research data that would attempt to answer the research question. The question this research attempted to answer was to form an understanding of how information and education resources provided by both Western and Traditional sources, including their availability and accessibility with regards to female sterilisation, as a form of contraception, have been understood, received and interpreted by adults residing in the research area of Gunguluza township. Gunguluza forms part of the area formally known as the Kwanobuhle 10 and Kwanobuhle 11 respectively. Some limitations, including limiting resources that resulted in only 10 participants being interviewed. The results had shown that participants had shown interest in acquiring more knowledge about female sterilisation and other reproductive health issues, in order to make informed decisions about their bodies, with contraceptive choice and use in particular. Most felt the need to engage with their partners about the choice of sterilisation largely due to the support they would need. With regard to traditional health as an alternative or interchangeable method of contraception, participants had very little knowledge of, with some expressing some importance and relevance in acquiring such knowledge, in a modern context. These findings came with sets of recommendations which placed an emphasis on the building of indigenous knowledge and its inclusion in formal spaces for open engagement and discussion. Traditional knowledge needed to be transferred from an oral to being documented into literature for future preservation and to eliminate any distortion. There was a gap for formal western medicine to collaborate or accommodate traditional medicine. The study made use of female sterilisation as a conceptual framework, with time and more future research could build and produce new theoretical understandings of the concept, from an Afrocentric context in particular. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Humanities, School of Governmental and Social Sciences, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-04
An anthropological investigation on academic performance of grade 12 learners: selected schools in King William’s Town, Eastern Cape
- Authors: Stuart, Sinaed
- Date: 2021-04
- Subjects: Port Elizabeth (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/54816 , vital:47910
- Description: The Eastern Cape is one of the poorest provinces in South Africa. The level of poverty, and lack of basic resources has given way to inadequacies in many of the services available to communities. From improper infrastructure, to a flawed or lacking public education system. Past and future research into the inadequacies and inequity that exists in the public education system need to act as a catalyst to policy changes, and intervention implementations to solve the issues that continue to persist. This study focuses on the factors that influence the academic performance of learners in matric in King Williams Town. The importance of this research is to investigate the issues that negatively impact on the performance of Grade 12 learners at Breidbach High School. Further, the importance of this study is to share the findings of the research with community members as well as the Department of Basic Education with the view and hope that they will address these issues. The research question is: What are the factors influencing academic performance of Grade 12 learners at Breidbach High School in Breidbach outside King Williams Town? The research objectives are as follows: to investigate and highlight factors associated with poor academic performance in the participating high school at Breidbach in King Williams Town, to contribute within the anthropology of education, adding to an already existing body of knowledge, with specific reference to the participating high school in King William’s Town and to come up with the recommendations with the view of addressing some of the challenges faced by the participating high school in King Williams Town. The study followed a qualitative approach which included various techniques and ethical compliance was adhered to. For the proposed study, the researcher will use ‘academic performance’ as a guideline for the conceptual framework. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Humanities, Department of Sociology and Anthropology, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-04
An assessment of different methods for measuring mammal diversity in two Southern African arid ecosystems.
- Authors: Burt, Chloe
- Date: 2021-04
- Subjects: Gqeberha (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , Biodiversity -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/52338 , vital:43591
- Description: A current critical environmental problem is the loss of biodiversity. To allow for adaptive management and effective conservation interventions, reliable data needs to be readily available and effectively collected. To gather reliable data, the most appropriate method must be used. The aim of this thesis was to compare the effectiveness and efficiency of different mammal diversity sampling techniques, including discussing specificities and complementarity of each. I also assessed the limitation of methods in terms of the influence of species traits on detectability. I used standard mammal field methods such as block transects, camera traps, track plates, spotlight surveys, mist nets, acoustic surveys, and live traps for a wide range of mammal taxa, and also included the use of local knowledge in the comparison. I assessed the cost-efficiency of each method by determining the cost per species. The efficiency of each method was assessed by observing when the species accumulation curve reached an asymptote. The effectiveness was determined by the species richness and the taxonomic groups the method detected. My results indicated that block transects were the most efficient and effective method to assess species richness. However, a combination of methods allowed for a more comprehensive survey and my results indicate that block transects and live traps were the best combination. It is important to note, not only the effectiveness and efficiency of methods be assessed, but also their limitations. I therefore also assessed the influence of species traits on the detectability of five methods. The species traits that I tested were body size, diet, activity, and if they lived in groups. On both study areas, body size was the main trait that influenced detectability with most field methods. Diet and activity had varying influence on detectability depending on the method. Group living did not significantly influence detectability. Based on my results, I provide guidelines for choosing the most appropriate survey method for targeted studies on mammals in arid ecosystems as well as guidelines for choosing the most appropriate methods for a terrestrial mammal inventory. Survey methods selection and guidelines provided here can allow for effective monitoring and therefore effective and adaptive management and having reliable and repeatable outcomes from surveys. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, School of Natural Resource Management, 2021
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2021-04
An assessment of risk management in a State-Owned Enterprise (SOE): a case of Transnet engineering
- Authors: Mnyiphika, Aphiwe
- Date: 2021-04
- Subjects: Gqeberha (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/53009 , vital:44868
- Description: State-owned enterprises are facing several challenges. The challenges are associated with several risks in the business environment. Risk management has become increasingly important in the day to operations of any enterprise. This study is conducted to assess risk management implementation and execution within a state-owned enterprise (SOE). The main reason behind this research is that very little is known about risk management in the SOE sector in South Africa, as can be seen by the perpetual failure of these organisations. Therefore, this research focused on assessing the implementation and execution of risk management at Transnet Engineering because it continues to suffer losses as a result of “state capture”. The study sought to find out the role of organisational culture on the adoption of risk management in a state-owned enterprise. the main objectives of the research focused on the impact of commitment on the adoption of risk management in a state-owned enterprise; the function of implementation on the adoption of risk management in a state-owned enterprise; and the impact of monitoring on the adoption of risk management in a state-owned enterprise. A qualitative research methodology was utilised to attain results for these research objectives.The areas focused on Transnet Engineering with it regions and excluded other subdivisions of Transnet such as Transnet National Ports Authority, Freight rail, Port Terminals Pipelines and Properties. Convenience sampling was used to select 10 appropriate participants who were willing to provide the needed information to furnish the study’s findings. Interviews were utilised to collect data for this study. The data that was collected in this study was analysed using thematic analysis. The main findings of this study show that the organisational culture of Transnet Engineering is not enhancing the adoption and implementation of Enterprise Risk Management (ERM). , Thesis (MBA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, NMMU Business School, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-04
An assessment of the key factors that may impact the future demand for red meat in South Africa
- Authors: Pearce, Nathan
- Date: 2021-04
- Subjects: Gqeberha (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/53019 , vital:44887
- Description: The global human population is estimated to be in excess of nine billion by the year 2050, and the added population is expected to put further pressure on already over- extended resources such as food and water. Increased demand, positive growth and record high prices should be encouraging for the red meat industry. Despite all the positives such as the growth in the world population and the consumer’s ability to spend, the popularity of red meat around the world and in South Africa is continually declining in favour of white meat and other non-meat proteins. Although red meat will often be the most expensive component of any diet, the nutritional value that red meat offers as part of a healthy and balanced eating plan, should not be understated. This study intends to identify and assess factors that may impact on the future sustainable demand for red meat. Sixty-two adults were surveyed through an electronic questionnaire to assess their views on red meat consumption in South Africa. A set of 52 questions were deduced from the main focus and objectives. The data was analysed and conclusions derived from it. The results show that the demand for red meat is sustainable if outlets selling red meat are accessible and the preference for red meat remains, even with stiff competition from substitutes like pork, chicken and vegetables. , Thesis (MBA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, NMU Business School, 2021
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2021-04
An investigation into the effects of nano-carbons on the negative electrode morphology of lead acid batteries under high rate partial state of capacity cycling
- Authors: Bolo, Lukanyo
- Date: 2021-04
- Subjects: Port Elizabeth (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/53324 , vital:45132
- Description: New technological developments in the field of Hybrid Electric Vehicles (HEV’s), vehicle stop-start applications and electrical power utility devices have brought about new demands on the use of energy storage devices such as the Pb-acid battery. These applications require a new understanding and research into the material chemistry of the battery where it has to functionin a Partial State of Capacity Cycling (PSoCC) or High Rate Partial State of Capacity Cycling (HRPSoCC)duty. The Pb-acid battery is well known for its use in the automotive industry where it had worked for decades as a typical Starter, Lighting and Ignition (SLI) power source. However, the conventional Pb-acid battery is not suitable for the new types of vehicle demands and applications. When the Pb-lead acid battery is subjected to PSoCC conditions, very quickly excessive amount of non-conducting PbSO4crystals are formed on the negative plates of the battery that then drastically reduce its useful life in application. Over the years, researchers have shown that the small addition of certain carbon types to the negative plate active material (NAM) during battery manufacturing can reduce the sulfation effect thereby increasing its use the modern vehicle applications. This study investigated industrial manufactured cells that contained up to 0.5 % by weight two types of carbons in the NAM. These were compared to standard built cells in terms of their standard achievable capacities at various rates, their Cold Cranking Ability (CCA), their Dynamic Charge Acceptance (DCA) and a simplified PSoCC test. The carbons were classified as an activated carbon and a carbon nano-fiber and were included as a dry weight additive during the standard paste manufacturing process of the negative plate. Cells were built with a 9-plate configuration using standard expanded grid positive plates with a nominal rated capacity of 36 Ah. The cells were formed and subjected to a number of electrochemical tests, of which selected negative plates were then studied using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and Electrochemical in-situ Atomic Force Microscopy (EC-AFM). The microscopic study was then used to try and relate the observed material characteristics of the NAM with the carbons to the electrochemical results observed when testing a built cell. , Thesis (MA) --Faculty of Science, School of Biomolecular and Chemical Sciences, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-04
Antifungal activity of silver nanoparticles on Cryptococcus species
- Authors: Roman, Nasstasja
- Date: 2021-04
- Subjects: Gqeberha (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , Cryptococcus
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/52089 , vital:43445
- Description: Cryptococcus neoformans is responsible for cryptococcal infections, which have become a great concern particularly in immunocompromised patients. This pulmonary disease causes damage to lung tissue and is presumed to be responsible for approximately 650,000 deaths annually. There is a major need for novel antimicrobial agents to avoid the emergence of resistant strains due to extended use of known antifungal drugs. Silver has become an important antimicrobial agent used in medical devices, cosmetics and even house-hold or clothing products. It is highly toxic and has a reduced risk of resistance. Silver nanoparticles have been broadly explored as an antimicrobial agent due to its high reactivity, large surface area and small size. They have been reported to display antimicrobial activity towards bacteria, viruses and fungi. C. neoformans is a pathogenic microorganism that possesses a number of virulence factors which increases the infectivity of the microorganism in immunocompromised individuals. Some of these include the presence of a polysaccharide capsule, melanin, urease and phospholipase production. Owing to limited availability of antifungal drugs and the possibility of drug resistance, this study focused on an alternative antimicrobial agent, namely silver nanoparticles, and the effects that silver nanoparticles had on fungal β-glucan, chitin and urease, phospholipase and melanin virulence factors. Results from our study show that silver nanoparticles inhibited the growth of C. neoformans at concentrations between 3.125 ƒM and 25 ƒM. Both 26.4 nm and 28.4 nm nanoparticles displayed growth inhibition, but were unable to kill the organism at concentrations of 200 ƒM and above. The silver nanoparticles caused a reduction in βglucan content. There was also an accumulation of intracellular ROS, and phospholipase activity, was reduced. In contrast, the organism displayed an increase in chitin content, melanin and urease activity upon exposure to the nanoparticles. This study shows that chemically synthesized silver nanoparticles are an effective antifungal alternative that greatly reduces or inhibits C. neoformans growth at very low concentrations (ƒM). For future studies it may be feasible to investigate the use of these nanoparticles in combination with known antifungal agents, to prevent the emergence of resistance and inhibit possible defense mechanisms displayed by the organism. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, School of Biomolecular and Chemical Sciences, 2021
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2021-04
Antiproliferative activity of novel rhenium complexes and medicinal plant extracts
- Authors: Oosthuizen, Kenneth Thomas , Venables, Luanne
- Date: 2021-04
- Subjects: Gqeberha (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , Medicinal plants -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/52028 , vital:43441
- Description: Cancer is a complex, multifactorial disease that affects millions of individuals every year. The adverse side effects and escalating costs of current therapies coupled with the increased incidence of resistance to these therapies make it imperative that we explore novel treatments for the disease. This study investigated two avenues for novel drug design namely, novel synthetic compounds and medicinal plant extracts. The benzimidazole ring system has shown potential as a scaffold for designing novel anticancer agents. Conjugation of the metal rhenium to novel variants of this ring system open up the possibility of designing novel drugs that serve both a diagnostic and a therapeutic function. This study investigated the in vitro anticancer potential of ten such complexes against selected breast and cervical cancer cell lines. The selectivity of the complexes for cancer cells over normal cells was also investigated while the mechanism of action of effective complexes was determined by exploring cell cycle arrest, biochemical markers of apoptosis and mitochondrial membrane disruption. All ten complexes were screened against MCF7 breast and HeLa cervical cancer cell lines with four showing antiproliferative activity against both cancer cell lines and one showing cell line specific toxicity against MCF7 breast cancer cells. When looking at the SAR of the compounds it was noted that activity was higher in compounds which contain two potentially bidentate benzothiazole ligands, while compounds with potentially tridentate ligands show good activity, but only if the benzothiazole moiety is not involved in coordination. The complexes showed greater antiproliferative activity against the MCF7 breast cancer cells with IC50 values ranging from 3.2 to 7.0 µM versus a range of 7.6 to 24.4 µM being obtained on the HeLa cervical cancer cells. Antiproliferative complexes were tested against confluent and log phase Vero cells at their respective IC50 values to determine their effect on “normal” cells. Confluent Vero cells showed less cell death than those in log phase indicating that the complexes show preference for proliferating cells. The mechanism of action of the complexes was studied on both cancer cell lines via cell cycle analysis and apoptosis assays investigating phosphatidylserine translocation, caspase -3 and -8 activation and mitochondrial membrane potential with most complexes inducing cell cycle arrest followed by cell death via both the extrinsic and intrinsic pathways of apoptosis. Since 1940, 49% of all the available anticancer drugs approved for cancer treatment were natural products or directly derived from natural products. Plants are an excellent source of secondary metabolites, many of which are unique chemical compounds that cannot be synthesized in a laboratory. Ethnobotanical surveys conducted in conjunction with Traditional Health Practitioners of the Mkuranga and Same districts in Tanzania identified 25 plants that are used for the treatment of cancer. Four of these plants (A. mossambicensis, C. adenocaule, C. pseudopulchelusis and R. natalensis) with ethnobotanically reported anticancer usage showed cytotoxic activity against brine shrimp and were selected for further in vitro anticancer studies. All four plants were found to have antiproliferative activity against HeLa cervical cancer cells with IC50 values ranging from 3.4 to 50.8 µg/mL. This study was also tasked with investigating the mechanism of action of C. pseudopulchelus on HeLa cervical cancer cells by exploring cell cycle arrest, biochemical markers of apoptosis and mitochondrial membrane x disruption. C. pseudopulchelus caused early M phase arrest followed by slippage and subsequent cell death via the extrinsic pathway of apoptosis. In conclusion, this study showed that both novel complexes as well as medicinal plant extracts represent an interesting avenue for the development of novel anticancer drugs that are cheaper and produce less side effects than current therapies. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, School of Biomolecular and Chemical Sciences, 2021
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2021-04
Assessing community engagement programmes to mitigate uncontrolled, deliberately ignited fires in forestry plantation-communal land interface, Kwazulu-Natal, South Africa
- Authors: Ramantswana, Nontethelelo
- Date: 2021-04
- Subjects: Gqeberha (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , Forest fires -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/52008 , vital:43439
- Description: Forestry plantations in South Africa are surrounded by poor local communities that normally depend on the forestry resources for subsistence. This interface area is faced with human induced uncontrolled fires. There is a lack of understanding regarding the reasons for deliberate ignition of uncontrolled fires. There is also lack of information on the success of community engagement programs (CEPs) as fire protection intervention and / or their implementation barriers. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, School of Natural Resource Management, 2021
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2021-04
Bayesian tolerance intervals and their application to ballistic grouping consistency in competitive shooting
- Authors: Gardiner, Marcell
- Date: 2021-04
- Subjects: Gqeberha (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , Bayesian statistical decision theory -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/52456 , vital:43662
- Description: Competitive shooting has become immensely popular since the first modern Games held in 1896. Competitive shooting remains the fastest growing segment in the firearm industry, catering to individuals of all ages. Elite shooters are capable of reaching extreme levels of precision and accuracy, despite many factors existing that affect performance in Olympic shooting. One such factor is speed variability, which is dependent on the mass of the bullet, how constant is the lead being used, and, how constant the gunpowder is. The study focusses on the Bayesian simulation method proposed by Wolfinger (1998) for determining three kinds of tolerance intervals when applied to competitive shooting data, particularly examining speed variability. These tolerance intervals included the (𝛼𝛼,𝛿𝛿) tolerance interval (where 𝛼𝛼 is the content and 𝛿𝛿 is the confidence), the 𝛼𝛼 - expectation tolerance interval (where 𝛼𝛼 is the expected coverage of the interval) and the fixed-in advance tolerance interval in which the interval is held fixed and the proportion of process measurements it contains, is estimated. Speed measurements of individual shots fired were measured with either an Oeler 35P or Magneto Speed V3 chronograph and the data was fitted to a one-way random effects model. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, School of Computer Science, Mathematics, Physics and Statistics, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-04
Benthic habitat mapping using marine geophysics and machine learning on the continental shelf of South Africa
- Authors: Pillay, Talicia
- Date: 2021-04
- Subjects: Gqeberha (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , Marine geophysics
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/52061 , vital:43452
- Description: A method to map seafloor substrates using machine learning, based primarily on hydroacoustic data including multibeam bathymetry, backscatter, and side-scan sonar, has been developed. The aim was to produce a customdesigned benthic habitat classification method that digitally integrates marine geophysics and biological science data, with relevance to all elements of the local substrate, and this was the first time it was attempted in a South African context. The algorithm developed is able to produce bio-physical benthic habitat maps and this can be extended along the continental shelf of South Africa as new data setsare collected and the algorithm is supplemented. At the outset, this work has focused on broad categories of rock and detailed categories of sediment. Four study sites with varying substrate were selected to holistically build the algorithm that followed a tiered approach of machine learning: Table Bay, Clifton, Koeberg Harbour and Cape St Francis. Table Bay was used to develop a new method of physical seafloor classification, by comparing and contrasting a number of statistical algorithms and software programs. Clifton was used to test the developed clustering algorithm, and Koeberg which is 35 km to the north was used to validate the algorithm because sediment samples, along with drop camera footage, were integrated to better define the results. The resultant verified algorithm was tested at Cape St Francis, where Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV) footage was acquired in addition to hydroacoustic data. In the first phase of the process towards developing an algorithm, a customised tool was created within ArcGIS using python scripting language to classify seafloor bathymetry, which can be applied to any area of seafloor whatsoever. The tool was based on pioneering work done by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) on a benthic terrain modelling toolbox and adapted to include side-scan sonar data. In the second phase of work, multibeam bathymetry, backscatter and side-scan sonar data that were processed using Qimera, Fledermaus Geocoder Toolbox, and Navlog processing software, were classified using different machine learning techniques including Decision Trees, Random Forests, and k-means clustering computer algorithms. The results from these algorithms were compared to manually-digitised polygons which were created to classify the seafloor substrate distribution by identification of different textures. Integrating all results facilitated a quantitative comparison that illuminated advantages and disadvantages of each machine learning technique and ultimately the k-means clustering techniques were found to be the simplest to implement and understand and worked most efficiently based on their seafloor segmentation capabilities in Table Bay, against all three hydroacoustic data sets (multibeam bathymetry, backscatter and side-scan sonar). In the third phase of work, ground-truthed seafloor characterisation maps were produced for the two study areas of Clifton and Koeberg Harbour. This applied multibeam bathymetry and backscatter data that were collected and processed with machine learning clustering techniques. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, Ocean Sciences, 2021
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2021-04
Challenges faced by state owned entities and economic development in South Africa
- Authors: Willie, Ntsikelelo Mike Mncedi
- Date: 2021-04
- Subjects: Gqeberha (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/52976 , vital:44907
- Description: Background: State Owned Enterprises (SOEs) play a vital role in government activities and the delivery of basic services to the people. The Government is active in the key sectors, such as, services, utilities, transportation and construction. Presumably, the distribution of basic resources and infrastructure development is to some extent dependent on SOEs. South Africa is inundated with challenges in SOE’s, such as, lack of service delivery, poor financial management, less growth, massive unemployment, corruption and low business confidence. These are a threat to economic and financial sustainability of a country. Twenty years into democracy, South Africa’s SOEs environment had many scandals in both private and public sectors. SOEs such as SABC, Eskom, and Transnet had their share of malpractice, fraud and corruption in management and at board level. These incidents call for interrogation at all levels as the impact undermines political, economic stability and growth prospects. One of today’s core challenges is to justify the existence of some of the SOEs in our economy. Looking at South Africa, most of the SOEs financial performances are severely deteriorating. Due to their financial constraints, they receive a bailout from government to enable them to continue to operate. Aim: This study identified specific governance challenges faced by SOEs and economic development in South Africa, over the period of 10 years (2014 - 2018). The study made recommendations to restore good governance in SOEs. Setting: This study reviewed articles and literature on the challenges faced by SOEs and economic development in South Africa. Primary sources for the document review took the form of newspapers, various official reports and ongoing records of SOEs activities, government departments, student transcripts, mission statements, annual reports, policy, manuals, student handbooks, and strategic plans, and press releases, theses from academic institutions, trade journals, business journals, government publications and business review publications. Secondary sources used were published books and journal articles. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences , School of Economics, Development and Tourism, 2021
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2021-04
Cluster analysis for group selection in launch sales predictions
- Authors: Watchurst, Lee
- Date: 2021-04
- Subjects: Gqeberha (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , Cluster analysis
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/52003 , vital:43447
- Description: One way for businesses to stay ahead in a competitive market is through the launch of new products and planning for these launches optimally. This includes ordering the correct quantity of stock in advance as well as maintaining these stock levels while the item launches. However, holding too much stock in warehouses can affect the business costs adversely. This research proposes the use of cluster analysis techniques to determine the up-front purchase quantity by identifying similar items and using their initial quantities sold. Products will be grouped based on their numerical and categorical attributes. Once the data is clustered, the Bass model will be used to obtain a sales profile for the new item. The Bass model is a popular choice for product life cycle planning due to the emphasis placed on the timing of adoption. The study will make use of data from a retail and wholesale company that sells, in part, single use items. With the planning for new launches being a key problem point in many companies, this research aims to optimise the planning process and ensure product launch success across stores. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, School of Computer Science, Mathematics, Physics and Statistics, 2021
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2021-04