List of Titles

Disability and sexuality in Makhanda, in the Eastern Cape: a comparative exploration of how black queer physically disabled individuals vs heterosexual physically disabled individuals negotiate their sexualities

- Mzondo, Sinokuhle

Authors: Mzondo, Sinokuhle
Date: 2024-10-11
Subjects: Uncatalogued
Language: English
Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/466240 , vital:76710
Description: The study aimed to comparatively explore the sexualities of queer disabled people and heterosexual disabled people. The objectives of the study were to comparatively explore their negotiation of romantic and sexual lives, comparatively explore the construction of sexual identities that intersect with disability, and offer an understanding of how both groups experience other people’s perceptions of their identities. The social model of disability and queer theory were used to guide the study. The study was qualitative in nature. In-depth, semi-structured interviews were used to collect data. Three queer disabled and five heterosexual disabled individuals were interviewed. Thematic analysis methods were used to analyse the data. The findings of the study revealed how disability affected the romantic and sexual lives of the participants – both queer and heterosexual; their experience of others’ perceptions of their identities, how they grew up with disabilities, how they adapted to their acquired disabilities, and the construction of their sexual identities. , Thesis (MSocSci) -- Faculty of Humanities, Sociology, 2024
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Date Issued: 2024-10-11

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Double jeopardy: reflections of accessing and navigating public spaces during COVID-19 by blind and visually impaired (BVI) people in Gqeberha

- Sysaar, Nicay Courtlynn

Authors: Sysaar, Nicay Courtlynn
Date: 2024-10-11
Subjects: Uncatalogued
Language: English
Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/466306 , vital:76716
Description: Disability only exists in reference to ability, denoting that people are only disabled if considered and treated as disabled. The inherent social conditions and features of society significantly shape disability. The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic was significant in the lives of blind and visually impaired individuals (BVI) since these individuals “access the world” through tactile contact, a behaviour strongly opposed during the pandemic. Therefore, this study explored how BVI individuals struggled to access and navigate public spaces in Gqeberha and how their risk of contracting COVID-19 increased when accessing these spaces. The study was qualitative ethnographic research. It was conducted in Gqeberha and embedded within a non-governmental organisation (NGO). A heterogeneous purposive sampling method was used to recruit ten BVI individuals and four trainers. Data was generated through semi-structured interviews and participant observation and analysed thematically. The study's key findings demonstrate that the COVID-19 countermeasures implicated the lives of BVI individuals, as some felt the need to avoid public spaces not by choice but by obligation to protect themselves from the possible risk of infection. The research findings reveal the barriers encountered through social encounters, physical navigation of the built environment, and information access, thus making the social, digital, and physical spheres inaccessible. COVID-19 exacerbated these barriers while simultaneously revealing the perpetual debilitating barriers in the lives of BVI people before the pandemic, during the pandemic, and presently. The recommendations explored the implementation of awareness-based programmes, integration and inclusion in physical spheres, and inclusionary disaster communication during disasters. Ultimately, as a society, we have a lot to do to achieve accessibility and, fundamentally, social integration. It is recommended that when developing health safety policies in times of crisis, it is crucial to consider populations with unique challenges rather than having a blasé approach. , Thesis (MSocSci) -- Faculty of Humanities, Anthropology, 2024
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Date Issued: 2024-10-11

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Eastern Cape jazz heritage: the jazz tradition and veteran musicians of East London and Zwelitsha

- Giyose, Thandikile Qhawekazi

Authors: Giyose, Thandikile Qhawekazi
Date: 2024-10-11
Subjects: Uncatalogued
Language: English
Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/465964 , vital:76672
Description: This thesis explores the memories of musicians and music collectors as evident in the performance of traditional jazz songs in East London and Zwelitsha. I ask, how may research on musicians and their songs develop new knowledge about the aesthetics of jazz in the Eastern Cape and contribute to transforming notions of memories and archives? I argue that these songs are repositories of collective memory about the musical pasts of Eastern Cape modernity. We commemorate cities such as Johannesburg and Cape Town for nurturing South African jazz but what is known of the jazz musicians who remained in the country, and those musicians whose musicality was nurtured in the Eastern Cape? Where are the stories of their musical journeys and compositions located? How did these musicians contribute to the development of a form of South African jazz, which now represents and forms a large part of our heritage and our various identities as musicians, fans and performers in South Africa? In-depth and semi-structured interviews were conducted with veteran jazz musicians, jazz music collectors and members of the younger generation of jazz musicians who are originally from or reside in East London and Zwelitsha, Eastern Cape. The research follows a qualitative methodology, using an exploratory case study with a focused ethnographic approach, to understand how these musicians’ songs have retained memories of their lived experiences. The research is derived from oral histories of musicians to understand how the songs survive in the collective memory of musicians and their fans, contributing to the preservation of Eastern Cape’s jazz heritage. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Humanities, Music and Musicology, 2024
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Date Issued: 2024-10-11

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Encroaching species are stronger anisohydric “water spenders” under elevated CO2 conditions: implications for savanna seedling establishment rates

- Reynolds, Liam Macleod

Authors: Reynolds, Liam Macleod
Date: 2024-10-11
Subjects: Uncatalogued
Language: English
Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/465091 , vital:76572
Description: Plant water transport systems play a fundamental role in the productivity and survival of terrestrial plants due to the vascular architecture placing a physical limit on metabolic function. Savannas have high variability in rainfall, leading multiple studies to suggest that plant water-use strategies are key mechanisms affecting seedling establishment rates. Many savannas are seeing a directional shift towards an increase in the abundance of certain woody species through a process known as bush encroachment, which has been largely attributed to the fertilising effect of rising atmospheric [CO2] on C3 trees. These species are classified as encroachers. While there have been multiple studies investigating changes in the physiology of savanna species under elevated CO2 (eCO2), few have examined how climate and eCO2 affects the fundamental water-use strategies in the seedling stage, a crucial demographic bottleneck. Here, this research provides valuable insights into the mechanisms behind bush encroachment in the context of eCO2 using results from a pot experiment at the Rhodes University Elevated CO2 facility and a field experiment. All species showed water use strategies characteristic of anisohydric “water-spenders”, however, the vulnerability to embolism and rates of water-use were different between encroachers and non-encroachers. Encroachers are better at taking advantage of water pulses, particularly under eCO2 and grass competition. This comes at the cost of higher xylem vulnerability during drought, leading to reductions in conductance when exposed to heavy water stress. The response of the photosynthetic parameters mirrored this, with encroaching species had higher rates of photosynthesis and photosystem II quantum yield than non-encroachers under the well-watered treatments. Field experiments revealed that small trees are particularly vulnerable to drought stress, when compared to medium and large trees. The outcomes of this complex response will largely depend on the extent of changes to biotic and abiotic factors across spatial and temporal zones caused by climate change. This research highlights potential hydraulic mechanisms contributing to the increase in bush encroachment, as well as providing important insights into the determinant factors that make a savanna species capable of encroachment. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, Botany, 2024
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Date Issued: 2024-10-11

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Enhancing licence plate recognition for a robust vehicle re-identification system

- Boby, Alden Zachary

Authors: Boby, Alden Zachary
Date: 2024-10-11
Subjects: Automobile theft South Africa , Deep learning (Machine learning) , Object detection , YOLOv7 , YOLO , Pattern recognition systems , Image processing Digital techniques , Automobile license plates
Language: English
Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/464322 , vital:76501
Description: Vehicle security is a growing concern for citizens of South Africa. Law enforcement relies on reports and security camera footage for vehicle identification but struggles to match the increasing number of carjacking incidents and low vehicle recovery rates. Security camera footage offers an accessible means to identify stolen vehicles, yet it often poses hurdles like anamorphic plates and low resolution. Furthermore, depending on human operators proves inefficient, requiring faster processes to improve vehicle recovery rates and trust in law enforcement. The integration of deep learning has revolutionised object detection algorithms, increasing the popularity of vehicle tracking for security purposes. This thesis investigates advanced deep-learning methods for a comprehensive vehicle search and re-identification system. It enhances YOLOv7’s algorithmic capabilities and employs preprocessing techniques like super-resolution and perspective correction via the Improved Warped Planar Object Detection network for more effective licence plate optical character recognition. Key contributions include a specifically annotated dataset for training object detection models, an optical character recognition model based on YOLOv7, and a method for identifying vehicles in unrestricted data. The system detected rectangular and square licence plates without prior shape knowledge, achieving a 98.7% character recognition rate compared to 95.31% in related work. Moreover, it outperformed traditional optical character recognition by 28.25% and deep-learning EasyOCR by 14.18%. Its potential applications in law enforcement, traffic management, and parking systems can improve surveillance and security through automation. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, Computer Science, 2024
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Date Issued: 2024-10-11

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Evaluating baculovirus mixtures against false codling moth Thaumatotibia leucotreta Meyrick. (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae)

- Tole, Siviwe

Authors: Tole, Siviwe
Date: 2024-10-11
Subjects: False codling moth Biological control , Baculoviruses , Integrated pest management , Natural pesticides , Granulovirus
Language: English
Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/463996 , vital:76464
Description: False codling moth (FCM), Thaumatotibia leucotreta, is an important pest of citrus, stone fruit, avocados, peppers, and other important agricultural crops in southern Africa. Baculovirus-based biopesticides are components in an integrated pest management (IPM) programme to manage the pest in the field. Cryptogran™ and Cryptex™ which are CrleGV-SA based-biopesticides have been effective in the control of T. leucotreta for the past 15 years. Recently, CrpeNPV-based Multimax™ and Codlmax™ have been commercialised to control T. leucotreta and other important agricultural pests. Despite these viruses being relatively host-specific and safe to humans and animals in comparison to chemical insecticides, their application is hindered by their slow speed of kill, sensitivity to UV light, and the potential for insect resistance. Research investigating the effects of mixed baculoviral interactions against target pests has been a growing field of interest due to their potential to overcome such shortcomings. Previous studies using a combination of CrleGV-SA and CrpeNPV against T. leucotreta observed a reduction in lethal concentration in laboratory bioassays, indicating that such mixtures may have the potential for application in the field. This has led to the motivation to investigate further interactions between CrleGV-SA in combination with CrpeNPV, CpGV-M, and HearNPV-Au to understand better how these viruses interact and to determine whether synergistic, additive, or antagonistic interactions can occur against T. leucotreta. The outcome of these interactions will inform researchers and farmers about best practices concerning these viruses should they be combined against T. leucotreta in the future. Prior to performing mixed baculovirus infections in laboratory bioassays, oligonucleotides targeting unique regions in the viral genomes of CrleGV-SA, CrpeNPV, CpGV-M, and HearNPV-Au were designed using Primer-BLAST. The specificity of these oligonucleotides was further tested in silico using Geneious R11 software (11.1.5). The stocks of CrpeNPV, CpGV-M, and HearNPV-Au were purified using crude OB extraction from diseased C. peltastica, C. pomonella, and H. armigera larval cadavers provided by River Bioscience (Pty) Ltd (Gqeberha, South Africa). The stock of CrleGV-SA was purified using crude OB extraction from infected T. leucotreta cadavers. Subsequently, the unique oligonucleotides were used in PCR assays to detect if the samples contained the baculoviruses of interest. Amplicons of the expected sizes were generated indicating the presence of CrleGV-SA, CrpeNPV, CpGV-M, and HearNPV-Au in each of the samples. The OBs were counted using darkfield microscopy and a counting chamber before the single and mixed infections were initiated against T. leucotreta neonate larvae. Surface-dose biological assays were used to evaluate the relative virulence in terms of lethal concentration of CrleGV-SA, CrpeNPV, and CpGV-M, alone against T. leucotreta. After 7 days, the dose mortality data was analysed using “drc” in R studio and the LC50 and LC90 were compared amongst each virus. The CrleGV-SA treatment was estimated to be the most virulent in comparison to CrpeNPV and CpGV-M. A dose discriminate assay confirmed that HearNPV does not cause mortality in T. leucotreta. Similarly, the relative virulence in terms of lethal concentration of CrleGV-SA in various ratios in combination with CrpeNPV, CpGV-M, and HearNPV-Au was determined using 7-day surface dose biological assays. The CrleGV/CrpeNPV was the most virulent mixture with lower LC50 and LC90 values measured in comparison to CrleGV/CpGV and CrleGV/HearNPV, respectively. The Tammes Bakuniak graphic method confirmed the CrleGV/CrpeNPV, CrleGV/CpGV, and CrleGV/HearNPV mixtures to be antagonistic against T. leucotreta neonate larvae in terms of lethal concentration. The last aspect of the study was to determine the probable cause of larval death. A modified CTAB protocol was used to extract genomic DNA from neonate-sized T. leucotreta cadavers collected in single and mixed infection assays. The gDNA served as templates in PCR assays using the unique oligonucleotides. In single infections, the presence of CrleGV-SA in CrpeNPV and HearNPV inoculated larvae was observed. The results suggest possible covert infections of CrleGV-SA in the T. leucotreta colony which may be caused by virus infection or an unknown stress factor. The results from the mixed infections showed the presence of each virus in all replicates except for the CrleGV/CpGV and CrleGV/HearNPV mixtures. In the CrleGV/CpGV mixture, only CrleGV-SA was present in the last replicate, suggesting a possible competition for host resources. In the CrleGV/HearNPV mixture, only CrleGV-SA was detected in all 3 replicates, suggesting that HearNPV did not have any effect and the larvae died of the CrleGV-SA infection. This is the first study to report mixtures of CrleGV-SA in combination with CpGV-M and HearNPV-Au against T. leucotreta neonate larvae. Despite the antagonistic interactions observed in the evaluated mixtures, this study has laid a foundation to further investigate how these viruses interact in dual infections for the improved control of T. leucotreta. This may be done by evaluating different ratios and combinations of baculoviruses to those used in this study. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, Biochemistry, Microbiology & Bioinformatics, 2024
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Date Issued: 2024-10-11

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Evaluation of traditional and residual momentum strategies during the Covid period on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange

- Yengwa, Mphathi Lubabalo

Authors: Yengwa, Mphathi Lubabalo
Date: 2024-10-11
Subjects: Uncatalogued
Language: English
Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/462834 , vital:76339
Description: Traditional momentum is a concept which was first discovered by Jegadeesh and Titman (1993), defined as a tendency of stocks to experience a continuation in their relative performance. A stock that performed relatively well will continue to perform relatively well, and vice versa. It has been observed by other researchers that during market crises, traditional momentum tends to produce large negative returns for investors, defined as a momentum crash. To mitigate momentum crashes, many researchers have developed new momentum strategies which have better performance than traditional momentum during market crises; such strategies include residual momentum. While both residual and traditional momentum have been studied in international markets and locally, the performance of both the residual and traditional momentum strategies have not been examined in the most recent Covid-fuelled financial crisis on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange. The study compares the performance of hypothetical long-only winner traditional and residual momentum portfolios (from 2018–2022) using various risk metrics, which include the tracking error, Sharpe ratio, Jensen’s alpha and information ratio. To compare the statistical significance of the difference in mean returns of residual and traditional momentum strategies to the benchmark (FTSE/Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE) Top 40) the study uses Welch’s t-test. The study uses an Auto regressive distributed lag (ARDL) regression to examine the effect that various market conditions (bull market, bear market and extreme volatility) have on the returns of residual and traditional momentum strategies. Given the limited period examined in this study, the Monte Carlo simulation was used to extrapolate potential outcomes of how the momentum strategies might perform under different market conditions (as mentioned) in 1 000 iterations of each condition. The simple return analysis undertaken in this research revealed that traditional momentum outperformed residual momentum both before and throughout the COVID period. In the risk-adjusted performance measures, traditional momentum outperformed at all four risk indicators during the 2020 COVID year. The statistical significance tests, which compared the strategies' mean returns to the benchmark, demonstrated no statistically significant difference in returns over the COVID year. Furthermore, when evaluating the strategies over a five-year period (2018-2022), the difference in mean returns was shown to be statistically insignificant. However, statistical significance in returns was shown in some individual years. The ARDL regression findings show that bull, bear, and volatility factors explain relatively little of the returns for both momentum strategies, which is consistent with previous research. The Monte Carlo simulation, using the bear variable, forecasted that traditional momentum would result in negative returns during market declines, but residual momentum would provide positive returns and surpass traditional momentum with a probability of 26%. When using the bull variable, the simulation discovered that both traditional and residual momentum strategies resulted in positive returns. However, the residual momentum strategy outperformed in terms of returns and had an 84% likelihood of outperforming the traditional momentum strategy across 1,000 iterations. Nevertheless, when the simulation included the volatility variable, it projected negative returns for residual momentum and positive returns for traditional momentum. Additionally, it estimated a 14% probability of residual momentum surpassing traditional momentum under volatile market circumstances. , Thesis (MCom) -- Faculty of Commerce, Economics and Economic History, 2024
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Date Issued: 2024-10-11

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Examining the direct and indirect effect that individual and contextual risk factors have in predicting substance abuse

- Fouten, Elron Steve

Authors: Fouten, Elron Steve
Date: 2024-10-11
Subjects: Structural equation modeling , Substance abuse South Africa , Ecological Systems Theory , Path analysis (Statistics) , Personality , Confirmatory factor analysis
Language: English
Type: Academic theses , Doctoral theses , text
Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/467006 , vital:76806 , DOI https://doi.org/10.21504/10962/467006
Description: Substance abuse levels in South Africa have continued to rise, with the age of first experimentation with drugs reported as being 10 years. Several studies have shown that substance abuse has an adverse impact on users, their families and their communities, resulting in a number of social, psychological and economic struggles. Moreover, substance abuse places an increased psychological, social and financial burden on the individual and the family, as it has been related to the destabilisation of the nuclear and extended family units, permeating every area of life and affecting the very social fabric of society. This study therefore endeavoured to determine which of the individual and contextual risk factors measured by the South African Substance Use Contextual Risk Instrument (SASUCRI) best predicts substance abuse in a sample of self-identified substance abusers. Additionally, the study sought to determine the magnitude, strength and direction of the interaction of the individual and contextual risk factors in predicting substance abuse. The specific aims of the study were: 1) to build a theoretical model that best approximates the identified and measured individual and contextual factors associated with substance abuse, 2) to use structural equation modelling (SEM) to test the adequacy of the model’s fit to the data that have been collected, 3) to use SEM to statistically determine which of the perceived individual or contextual factors best predict substance abuse, and 4) to use SEM to statistically determine which combination of perceived individual and contextual factors best predict substance abuse. To achieve these aims, the study applied SEM to data collected from individuals seeking either inpatient or outpatient treatment for substance abuse in the Eastern Cape and Western Cape Provinces of South Africa, respectively. The purpose of SEM is to a priori specify a theoretical causal model consisting of a set of predicted covariances between variables, and then test whether it is plausible when compared to the observed data. The appropriateness of performing SEM exists in its ability and suitability to examine the nature and magnitude of postulated dependence relationships, while simultaneously assessing the direct and indirect relations of the variables. The theoretical causal model that was tested contained latent and manifest variables that were identified as risk factors for substance abuse. The causal model was informed by Bronfenbrenner’s (1977a, 1986) ecological systems theory (EST) and was specified to approximate the different systems of the theory. Data for the study were collected using the relatively newly developed and validated SASUCRI. The results of the confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) showed that the SASUCRI was a reliable and valid instrument to use with this population, and that the results of the structural model can be interpreted with confidence. The fit statistics, for the normal theory and related bootstrap latent path SEM, all indicate that the model is an excellent fit to the data CMIN/DF = 2.82, NFI = .946, CFI = .97, RMSEA = .04., thus achieving the study’s objective. The normal theory analysis of the paths in the diagram identified the microsystem, “Access/proximity to drugs” (APTD) and “Concerns for future” (CFF) as significant predictors of substance abuse, whereas the bootstrap analysis of the paths identified the macrosystem, APTD and CFF as significant predictors of substance abuse. This study identified 10 risk profiles that interact in the prediction of substance abuse; these are: individuals with low self-efficacy (SE) who perceive their family as lacking or having low intra-family communication, who lack positive peer support, who perceive criminal behaviours as normal, who feel a strong need to fit in, who are less religious, who have easy access to drugs, who lack a sense of community traditions and belonging, who see public displays of substance use (SU) as normal, and who lack concern for the future, are at 59% greater risk of substance abuse. Though micro level factors (low SE, lack of or low intra-family communication, and a lack of positive peer support) and meso-level factors (normalisation of criminal activity, a strong need to fit in, and being less religious) does not significantly predict abuse, they significantly interact with external factors in predicting substance abuse. Thus, it is only when they interact with factors located in the other systems (exosystem, macrosystem and chronosystem) that they become significant predictors of substance abuse. Conversely, exosystem (easy access to drugs), macrosystem (lack of a sense of community traditions and belonging, commonplace public displays of SU), and chronosystem factors (lack of concern for the future), independently are significant predictors of substance abuse. These findings carry significant public health implications by challenging the prevailing focus on individual-based interventions. Recognising that the drivers of substance abuse extend beyond individual factors, this study therefore advocates for interventions that address the broader systems contributing to the issue. This has the potential to inform more effective and holistic public health strategies. Finally, this study emphasises the need for comprehensive strategies that span different systems, acknowledging the role of family, community and societal factors. This call for complex interventions aligns with the ecological systems perspective, advocating for a paradigm shift in how we address SU by considering the broader environmental influences that contribute to the problem. In summary, this study not only contributes to the academic understanding of SU, but also has practical implications for public health policies and interventions. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Humanities, Psychology, 2024
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Date Issued: 2024-10-11

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Exploring a new model for science engagement through documentary video production

- Mchunu, Nontokozo Philile

Authors: Mchunu, Nontokozo Philile
Date: 2024-10-11
Subjects: Uncatalogued
Language: English
Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/465897 , vital:76666
Description: This study presents a model for science engagement that incorporates journalistic approaches. This model emerges from a project that aimed to create engagement and communication around a genetically modified sugar cane variety, developed by the South African Sugarcane Research Institute (SASRI). In this project, we engaged with small scale growers in the North and South Coast region of KwaZulu-Natal. This study’s methodology is based in action research and an iterative approach to science communication and engagement. It draws and reflects on an action research cycle captured through video documentary as a way to effectively and thoroughly collect, analyse and interpret data and produce through the case study. Based on this action research process a model for science engagement is proposed and reflected on and interrogated by scientists and science communicators through a focus group engagement (see model here as part of this thesis): https://drive.google.com/file/d/14UD1qd4fPcqIZrkESq5v2wgJ1Y2Q7hON/view?usp=sharing. I reflect, using video, on this model and how it incorporates principles and techniques for public engagement drawn from different approaches to journalism and communication studies, I argue that science engagement can benefit from drawing from journalistic approaches to public engagement such as those emerging from development communication, public journalism and development journalism. The submission of this thesis includes various other videos as part of the overall thesis. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Humanities, Journalism and Media Studies, 2024
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Date Issued: 2024-10-11

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Exploring fatigue challenges and contributing factors in the South African aviation industry amidst the COVID-19 pandemic: insights from blunt-end stakeholders

- Clark, Darryl Malcolm

Authors: Clark, Darryl Malcolm
Date: 2024-10-11
Subjects: Fatigue , Aircraft industry South Africa , COVID-19 Pandemic, 2020- Influence , Executives Attitudes , Fatigue in the workplace , Aeronautics Law and legislation South Africa
Language: English
Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/464743 , vital:76541
Description: Background: Despite the global aviation industry's ongoing commitment to safety, crew fatigue remains a persistent and pressing issue. Within South Africa, fatigue management was primarily governed by regulations, however, there was ongoing debate about whether these regulations adequately reflected the latest scientific evidence and operational demands. This study addressed this gap by investigating perceptions about fatigue and fatigue management from management and decision-makers (blunt-end stakeholders) within the South African aviation sector. This study aimed to investigate the perceptions surrounding fatigue and fatigue management among management and decision-makers (blunt-end stakeholders) within the South African aviation sector. Specifically, it sought to contribute to ongoing research dedicated to developing a better understanding of whether, how, and why regulations pertaining to fatigue management may need to change. By exploring the perspectives of blunt-end stakeholders, the study aimed to uncover insights into the challenges and potential gaps in current regulations, with the ultimate goal of informing potential regulatory adjustments to enhance aviation safety. Methodology: A cross-sectional, qualitative exploratory design investigated perceptions about fatigue and fatigue management among blunt-end stakeholders in the South African aviation industry. Data was collected through online semi-structured interviews and written open-ended questionnaires to capture diverse perspectives. The methodology aimed to comprehensively understand fatigue-related experiences and perceptions among pilots and cabin crew, considering the unique challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. Participants were selected using purposive and snowball sampling, ensuring representation from various regulatory categories and industry sectors. The study employed a thematic analysis approach to analyse data collected through online semi-structured interviews and written open-ended questionnaires. Thematic analysis facilitated the identification of key patterns and themes in the perceptions of blunt-end stakeholders within the South African aviation industry regarding fatigue and fatigue management Results: The thematic analysis of data from thirteen South African aviation industry stakeholders unveiled insights into crew fatigue challenges and regulatory concerns. Participants emphasized crew fatigue as a significant safety risk linked to entrenched crew mentalities, where instances of disregarding fatigue management protocols posed imminent safety risks. Additionally, outdated regulations were cited, hindering optimal crew rest periods and modern fatigue mitigation technologies, with discrepancies in regulatory support exacerbating challenges across operational contexts. Aviation stakeholders expressed apprehensions regarding the efficacy of existing Flight and Duty Regulations, advocating for amendments to enhance fatigue management practices. The COVID-19 pandemic further exacerbated fatigue issues, leading to shifts in crew morale, increased stress levels, and regulatory challenges, necessitating adaptive fatigue management strategies and proposed risk mitigation plans, including regulatory adjustments and enhanced stakeholder engagement. Discussion: The study investigated the intricate landscape of fatigue-related risks within the aviation industry, recognizing the systemic and context-specific nature of these challenges. It is evident from our findings, in line with previous research, that fatigue within the aviation sector is not merely an isolated issue but a multifaceted consequence of systemic factors. Our study highlights the pressing need for revisiting the current Flight and Duty Periods (FDPs) and overall fatigue management strategies to address these underlying systemic issues effectively. Unlike static safety concerns, fatigue-related risks evolve dynamically, influenced by technological advancements, industry practices, and external factors such as the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Our analysis elucidated the complex interplay between safety protocols, operational standards, and the well-being of crew members, emphasizing the need for a nuanced approach in mitigating fatigue-related risks. Central to our findings is the recognition of the limitations of existing regulations in adequately addressing emerging challenges associated with crew fatigue. Our study underscores the imperative of regulatory agility in safeguarding both passengers and crew members, advocating for continuous evaluation and refinement of regulatory frameworks. Specifically, there is a critical need to revisit and adapt current FDPs and fatigue management strategies to align with the systemic causes of fatigue identified in our research. Conclusion: This study contributed a comprehensive analysis of crew fatigue in South African aviation, focusing on perspectives of blunt-end stakeholders. It highlighted widespread recognition of fatigue's safety implications, exacerbated by factors like economic stressors and regulatory deficiencies, including those intensified by the COVID-19 pandemic. Participants advocated for regulatory reforms to enhance crew rest provisions and address scheduling challenges. The research underscored the need for a proactive, collaborative approach prioritizing aviation professionals' well-being. Recommendations emphasized tailored regulations, technology integration, and ongoing collaboration among stakeholders to refine fatigue management strategies and ensure industry resilience. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, Human Kinetics and Ergonomics, 2024
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Date Issued: 2024-10-11

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Exploring first year medical students’ use of mobile learning to support their self-regulated learning in a developing country

- Nyirenda, Ishmael Kamtagwala

Authors: Nyirenda, Ishmael Kamtagwala
Date: 2024-10-11
Subjects: Uncatalogued
Language: English
Type: Academic theses , Doctoral theses , text
Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/466447 , vital:76729 , DOI https://doi.org/10.21504/10962/466447
Description: In order to manage the demands of university studies, research suggests that university students should possess efficient self-regulated learning (SRL) skills. The use of mobile learning is believed to enhance SRL skills. Yet, despite the potential benefits of mobile learning, many first-year students encounter challenges in using mobile devices to foster self-regulated learning skills. It is against this backdrop that this study aimed to examine how first-year medical students utilisee mobile learning to foster self-regulated learning. This study employed a Explanatory Sequential Study Design , combining both quantitative and qualitative data. It used the interpretativist and pragmatic paradigms to understand how students perceive and use mobile devices for self-regulated learning. The interpretivist paradigm focused on understanding students’ perspectives, while the pragmatic paradigm aimed to identify effective ways of using mobile devices to promote self-regulated learning. Participants to this study were first-year medical students. The mixed-methods approach aimed to provide a comprehensive understanding of the research problem by collecting data through various methods. Questionnaires gathered quantitative data, while participatory observation, reflective workshops, and focus group discussions provided qualitative data. The theoretical frameworks that guide the study include the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology model (UTAUT) (Venkatesh et al., 2003) and Vygotsky's (1978) socio-cultural theory (SCT). The study findings revealed that mobile devices were used by first year medical students to manage and control their learning, both inside and outside the classroom. Notably, significant improvements were observed in cognitive learning strategies, metacognitive self-regulation strategies and resource management learning strategies, including time management. Additionally, the study found that first-year medical students had a positive perception of mobile learning. Furthermore, mobile devices were generally perceived as enablers of self-regulated learning (SRL), providing flexibility, convenience, and access to diverse learning resources. However, distractions and interruptions posed challenges to focus and attention. To mitigate these challenges, strategies such as device management and setting boundaries were suggested. Moreover, first-year medical students expressed the need for support in developing SRL through mobile learning. Guidance in selecting effective mobile applications, opportunities for collaborative learning, and technological skill training were identified as essential forms of support. The study thus recommends integrating mobile learning into curricula to enhance self-regulated learning skills in higher education students, especially among first-year students. Higher education institutions should establish deliberate policies and initiatives for mobile learning programs, especially for first-year students. Educators should offer guidance and training on using mobile learning tools effectively, including information searching skill. However, students should be cautious about distractions from the use of mobile devices. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Education, Secondary and Post-School Education, 2024
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Date Issued: 2024-10-11

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