Managing releases of Anagyrus vladimiri (Triapitsyn) to augment biocontrol of the citrus mealybug Planococcus citri (Risso) in South African citrus orchards
- Authors: Mommsen, Wayne Trevor
- Date: 2024-04-04
- Subjects: Uncatalogued
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/434952 , vital:73118
- Description: In May 2019, South Korean inspectors rejected numerous grapefruit consignments from Letsitele, Hoedspruit and Onderberg in South Arica, because of live mealybug found on fruit. Growers expressed deep concern as mealybug management to a phytosanitary level was almost unattainable. Regular spray interventions for control of citrus black spot fungus, Phyllosticta citricarpa, and citrus thrips, Scirtothrips aurantii, cause repercussions in mealybug populations because they undermine the naturally occurring biocontrol complex. As part of an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) strategy, release of commercially produced parasitoids is common practice, to augment the naturally occurring beneficial insect populations. Prior knowledge of the harmful effects of insecticides on parasitoids is essential to IPM planning and the success of the biocontrol component in such a programme. Timing of augmentative releases to coincide with the phenology of citrus and the mealybug pest is also considered important for the successful establishment and control. Consequently, field trials were conducted to compare efficacy of early vs. late releases of Anagyrus vladimiri (Triapitsyn), an effective parasitoid of the citrus mealybug, Planococcus citri (Risso). Semi-field bioassays were conducted concurrently to determine the impact of various thripicides on A. vladimiri. The impact of sulfoxaflor, spinetoram, spirotetramat and prothiofos were rated harmless, as A. vladimiri mortality was lower than 25% after coming into contact with aged residues between 7 and 14 days old. October and November releases of A. vladimiri resulted in early parasitism and lowered peak-infestation of mealybug. January releases are possibly too late in grapefruit and lemon, open field, orchards, considering parasitism by A. vladimiri peaked in February. In mandarin orchards under net, percentage parasitism of 3rd instar mealybug increased a month later. Notably, at harvest, the difference in efficacy between treatments was not clear. This could be explained by high levels of natural parasitism observed in the treated and untreated orchards, which emphasises the importance of conservation biocontrol. In a second season, the proportion of hyperparasitoids captured (61%) from samples of mealybug-infested fruit was larger than the proportion of primary parasitoids, Anagyrus vladimiri, Coccidoxenoides perminutus (Girault) and Leptomastix dactylopii (Howard) (39%), which was far lower than the captures of eclosing primary parasitoids the previous season, which was 60%. The new discovery of Pseudaphycus sp. in citrus orchards in South Africa could be a key in explaining the uncontrollable levels of mealybug experienced and has drawn attention to a need for further understanding of ecological factors that influence biological control in citrus. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, Zoology and Entomology, 2024
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2024-04-04
- Authors: Mommsen, Wayne Trevor
- Date: 2024-04-04
- Subjects: Uncatalogued
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/434952 , vital:73118
- Description: In May 2019, South Korean inspectors rejected numerous grapefruit consignments from Letsitele, Hoedspruit and Onderberg in South Arica, because of live mealybug found on fruit. Growers expressed deep concern as mealybug management to a phytosanitary level was almost unattainable. Regular spray interventions for control of citrus black spot fungus, Phyllosticta citricarpa, and citrus thrips, Scirtothrips aurantii, cause repercussions in mealybug populations because they undermine the naturally occurring biocontrol complex. As part of an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) strategy, release of commercially produced parasitoids is common practice, to augment the naturally occurring beneficial insect populations. Prior knowledge of the harmful effects of insecticides on parasitoids is essential to IPM planning and the success of the biocontrol component in such a programme. Timing of augmentative releases to coincide with the phenology of citrus and the mealybug pest is also considered important for the successful establishment and control. Consequently, field trials were conducted to compare efficacy of early vs. late releases of Anagyrus vladimiri (Triapitsyn), an effective parasitoid of the citrus mealybug, Planococcus citri (Risso). Semi-field bioassays were conducted concurrently to determine the impact of various thripicides on A. vladimiri. The impact of sulfoxaflor, spinetoram, spirotetramat and prothiofos were rated harmless, as A. vladimiri mortality was lower than 25% after coming into contact with aged residues between 7 and 14 days old. October and November releases of A. vladimiri resulted in early parasitism and lowered peak-infestation of mealybug. January releases are possibly too late in grapefruit and lemon, open field, orchards, considering parasitism by A. vladimiri peaked in February. In mandarin orchards under net, percentage parasitism of 3rd instar mealybug increased a month later. Notably, at harvest, the difference in efficacy between treatments was not clear. This could be explained by high levels of natural parasitism observed in the treated and untreated orchards, which emphasises the importance of conservation biocontrol. In a second season, the proportion of hyperparasitoids captured (61%) from samples of mealybug-infested fruit was larger than the proportion of primary parasitoids, Anagyrus vladimiri, Coccidoxenoides perminutus (Girault) and Leptomastix dactylopii (Howard) (39%), which was far lower than the captures of eclosing primary parasitoids the previous season, which was 60%. The new discovery of Pseudaphycus sp. in citrus orchards in South Africa could be a key in explaining the uncontrollable levels of mealybug experienced and has drawn attention to a need for further understanding of ecological factors that influence biological control in citrus. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, Zoology and Entomology, 2024
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2024-04-04
MeerKAT observations of the Abell 141 galaxy cluster
- Authors: Stanbury, Savannah Mae
- Date: 2024-04-04
- Subjects: Uncatalogued
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/435378 , vital:73152
- Description: This study is aimed at being an overview and investigation of the behaviour and morphology of radio quiet (RQ) active galactic nuclei (AGN) in the radio and optical/near-infrared (NIR) bands. It is hoped that a concise description of the relation that exists between accretion activity and star formation (SF) will be achieved through utilization of multiwavelength astronomy analysis. This analysis includes the processing of data acquired from the MeerKAT International GHz Tiered Extragalactic Exploration survey (MIGHTEE), the Southern African Large Telescope (SALT), the Hyper Suprime Camera (HSC) mounted on the Subaru telescope and the VISTA telescope. In this thesis, several targets were observed using SALT spectroscopy, but a redshift of only one of them was obtained. Lastly, it was established that for the sample of RQ AGN studied, the AGN contribute a large fraction of the radio emission observed. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, Physics and Electronics, 2024
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2024-04-04
- Authors: Stanbury, Savannah Mae
- Date: 2024-04-04
- Subjects: Uncatalogued
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/435378 , vital:73152
- Description: This study is aimed at being an overview and investigation of the behaviour and morphology of radio quiet (RQ) active galactic nuclei (AGN) in the radio and optical/near-infrared (NIR) bands. It is hoped that a concise description of the relation that exists between accretion activity and star formation (SF) will be achieved through utilization of multiwavelength astronomy analysis. This analysis includes the processing of data acquired from the MeerKAT International GHz Tiered Extragalactic Exploration survey (MIGHTEE), the Southern African Large Telescope (SALT), the Hyper Suprime Camera (HSC) mounted on the Subaru telescope and the VISTA telescope. In this thesis, several targets were observed using SALT spectroscopy, but a redshift of only one of them was obtained. Lastly, it was established that for the sample of RQ AGN studied, the AGN contribute a large fraction of the radio emission observed. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, Physics and Electronics, 2024
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2024-04-04
Paul and the soul: an analysis of the Apostle’s anthropology
- Authors: Pluke, Dylan Hay
- Date: 2024-04-04
- Subjects: Uncatalogued
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/435506 , vital:73164
- Description: It may be no exaggeration to say that every aspect of the Apostle Paul’s thought is debated. This is certainly the case for his anthropology, which is to say his beliefs regarding the nature of the human person. There is intense debate concerning what Paul believed about the human person. This is especially so when arguing about whether or not Paul believed in a human soul. In the thesis that follows, I use a linguistic analysis of Paul’s writings as well as those of two of his putative backgrounds, to determine what he believed regarding the nature of the human soul. The results of this analysis are that, of the potential backgrounds that may have influenced the Apostle, the Jewish background into which he was born is the most pertinent, and that neither of the two words that Paul uses mean soul, in the sense of something which is immaterial and survives death. Rather, the psyche refers to one’s life, and the pneuma to the part of the person that connects one with God and which will replace the psyche and animate the person in the new age to come. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Humanities, School of Languages and Literatures, 2024
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2024-04-04
- Authors: Pluke, Dylan Hay
- Date: 2024-04-04
- Subjects: Uncatalogued
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/435506 , vital:73164
- Description: It may be no exaggeration to say that every aspect of the Apostle Paul’s thought is debated. This is certainly the case for his anthropology, which is to say his beliefs regarding the nature of the human person. There is intense debate concerning what Paul believed about the human person. This is especially so when arguing about whether or not Paul believed in a human soul. In the thesis that follows, I use a linguistic analysis of Paul’s writings as well as those of two of his putative backgrounds, to determine what he believed regarding the nature of the human soul. The results of this analysis are that, of the potential backgrounds that may have influenced the Apostle, the Jewish background into which he was born is the most pertinent, and that neither of the two words that Paul uses mean soul, in the sense of something which is immaterial and survives death. Rather, the psyche refers to one’s life, and the pneuma to the part of the person that connects one with God and which will replace the psyche and animate the person in the new age to come. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Humanities, School of Languages and Literatures, 2024
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2024-04-04
Perceptions of registered counselors’ ability to process clients’ narrated dreams during counselling
- Authors: Mpondo, Nontutuzelo
- Date: 2024-04-04
- Subjects: Uncatalogued
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/435468 , vital:73160
- Description: Research related to South African registered counsellors (RCs) have yet to show how RCs incorporate dreamwork in their counselling sessions. Dreamwork has largely been relegated to the periphery of clinical psychological practice, posing a challenge as clients on other levels of counselling practice bring dream material to mental health practitioners often lacking confidence and competence to respond effectively to this material. Clients' discussion of dreams can be beneficial in the counselling process. However, there appears to be a gap in educational opportunities for practitioners to develop skills and competency in working with dreams. This study's objective was to contribute to the sparse research material in this area. A qualitative research approach with an exploratory design using semi-structured interviews was used to explore and understand the meaning RCs ascribed to their work with dreams and clients. Purposive sampling was used to recruit 5 participants. Social constructionism was used as a theoretical framework for understanding and interpreting the data, and the data was analysed using thematic analysis. This knowledge is geared towards providing insight into what extent university or college curriculum covered content related to dreams, dreamwork, dream theories, and dream models, and to what extent RC's training prepared them to provide essential primary psychological services related to distress arising from dreams. This research highlighted how RCs engaged and perceived their competency with dream material. This study also highlighted that RCs were interested in dreamwork training and believed it would enhance their confidence and effectiveness in working with dream material during their sessions. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Humanities, Psychology, 2024
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2024-04-04
Perceptions of registered counselors’ ability to process clients’ narrated dreams during counselling
- Authors: Mpondo, Nontutuzelo
- Date: 2024-04-04
- Subjects: Uncatalogued
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/435468 , vital:73160
- Description: Research related to South African registered counsellors (RCs) have yet to show how RCs incorporate dreamwork in their counselling sessions. Dreamwork has largely been relegated to the periphery of clinical psychological practice, posing a challenge as clients on other levels of counselling practice bring dream material to mental health practitioners often lacking confidence and competence to respond effectively to this material. Clients' discussion of dreams can be beneficial in the counselling process. However, there appears to be a gap in educational opportunities for practitioners to develop skills and competency in working with dreams. This study's objective was to contribute to the sparse research material in this area. A qualitative research approach with an exploratory design using semi-structured interviews was used to explore and understand the meaning RCs ascribed to their work with dreams and clients. Purposive sampling was used to recruit 5 participants. Social constructionism was used as a theoretical framework for understanding and interpreting the data, and the data was analysed using thematic analysis. This knowledge is geared towards providing insight into what extent university or college curriculum covered content related to dreams, dreamwork, dream theories, and dream models, and to what extent RC's training prepared them to provide essential primary psychological services related to distress arising from dreams. This research highlighted how RCs engaged and perceived their competency with dream material. This study also highlighted that RCs were interested in dreamwork training and believed it would enhance their confidence and effectiveness in working with dream material during their sessions. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Humanities, Psychology, 2024
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2024-04-04
Performance evaluation of baseline-dependent window functions with several weighing functions
- Authors: Vanqa, Kamvulethu
- Date: 2024-04-04
- Subjects: Uncatalogued
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/435850 , vital:73206
- Description: Radio interferometric data volume is exponentially increasing with the potential to cause slow processing and data storage issues for radio observations recorded at high time and frequency resolutions. This necessitates that a sort of data compression is imposed. The conventional method to compress the data is averaging across time and frequency. However, this results in amplitude loss and source distortion at the edges of the field of view. To reduce amplitude loss and source distortion, baseline-dependent window functions (BDWFs) are proposed in theliterature. BDWFs are visibility data compression methods using window functions to retainthe signals within a field of interest (FoI) and to suppress signals outside this FoI. However,BDWFs are used with window functions as discussed in the signal processing field without any optimisation. This thesis evaluates the performance of BDWFs and then proposes to use machine learning with gradient descent to optimize the window functions employed in BDWFs. Results show that the convergence of the objective function is limited due to the band-limited nature of the window functions in the Fourier space. BDWFs performance is also investigated and discussed using several weighting schemes. Results show that there exists an optimal parameter tuning (not necessarily unique) that suggests an optimal combination of BDWFs and density sampling. With this, ∼ 4 % smearing is observed within the FoI, and ∼ 80 % source suppression is achieved outside the FoI using the MeerKAT telescope at 1.4 GHz, sampled at 1 s and 184.3 kHz then averaged with BDWFs to achieve a compression factor of 4 in time and 3 in frequency. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Science, Mathematics, 2024
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2024-04-04
- Authors: Vanqa, Kamvulethu
- Date: 2024-04-04
- Subjects: Uncatalogued
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/435850 , vital:73206
- Description: Radio interferometric data volume is exponentially increasing with the potential to cause slow processing and data storage issues for radio observations recorded at high time and frequency resolutions. This necessitates that a sort of data compression is imposed. The conventional method to compress the data is averaging across time and frequency. However, this results in amplitude loss and source distortion at the edges of the field of view. To reduce amplitude loss and source distortion, baseline-dependent window functions (BDWFs) are proposed in theliterature. BDWFs are visibility data compression methods using window functions to retainthe signals within a field of interest (FoI) and to suppress signals outside this FoI. However,BDWFs are used with window functions as discussed in the signal processing field without any optimisation. This thesis evaluates the performance of BDWFs and then proposes to use machine learning with gradient descent to optimize the window functions employed in BDWFs. Results show that the convergence of the objective function is limited due to the band-limited nature of the window functions in the Fourier space. BDWFs performance is also investigated and discussed using several weighting schemes. Results show that there exists an optimal parameter tuning (not necessarily unique) that suggests an optimal combination of BDWFs and density sampling. With this, ∼ 4 % smearing is observed within the FoI, and ∼ 80 % source suppression is achieved outside the FoI using the MeerKAT telescope at 1.4 GHz, sampled at 1 s and 184.3 kHz then averaged with BDWFs to achieve a compression factor of 4 in time and 3 in frequency. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Science, Mathematics, 2024
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2024-04-04
Social justice implications of the language of the court judgment genre and its development in pre- and post-independence Zimbabwe
- Authors: Nemaramba, Dylan
- Date: 2024-04-04
- Subjects: Uncatalogued
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/435605 , vital:73172
- Description: Access restricted. Expected release in 2026. , Thesis (PhD) -- Humanities, Linguistics and Applied Language Studies, 2024
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2024-04-04
- Authors: Nemaramba, Dylan
- Date: 2024-04-04
- Subjects: Uncatalogued
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/435605 , vital:73172
- Description: Access restricted. Expected release in 2026. , Thesis (PhD) -- Humanities, Linguistics and Applied Language Studies, 2024
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2024-04-04
The effect of Gracilaria gracilis (Rhodophyta) on growth and behaviour of farmed abalone Haliotis midae when included in the abalone diet
- Madlala, Njabulo Praiseworth
- Authors: Madlala, Njabulo Praiseworth
- Date: 2024-04-04
- Subjects: Uncatalogued
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/435332 , vital:73148
- Description: Abalone feed naturally on algae, but commercial abalone farms rely on formulated feed. The inclusion of algae with the formulated feed in the diet improves growth, health and feed conversion ratio (FCR). However, the kelp that is currently included in the feed is wild harvested and this resource is limited and under increasing pressure. Thus, there is a need to develop an alternative sustainable source of algae. The aim was to use Gracilaria gracilis algae (that was produced with mussel in an integrated multitrophic aquaculture system; IMTA) which was then included into abalone feeds and its influence on abalone growth, FCR and behaviour was evaluated. Sea-based G. gracilis was harvested off an existing IMTA system, manufactured into Abfeed® and fed to abalone to determine growth efficiency. Abalone (30 - 40 g abalone-1) originated from the same cohort at Whale Rock Abalone Farm (Pty) Ltd., Hermanus. Abalone were fed either: Abfeed® S34 only with no algae (G0, the control); Abfeed® with sea-based IMTA G. gracilis included in the formulated feed at 0.75 % (G0.75); 1.50 % (G1.50); 3.00 % (G3.00); 6.00 % (G6.00); and 12.00 % (G12.00) inclusion; and Abfeed® S34 with fresh-live G. gracilis (cultured at Whale Rock Abalone Farm (Pty) Ltd.; Gfresh + S34s). Abalone shell length, whole body mass and FCR were measured at a four-months interval over eight months (two growth cycles). Differences in behaviour (i.e., level of activity and feeding activity) were also monitored and comparing between treatments. There was significant difference in mean whole-body mass between treatments (RMANOVA, F(6, 29) = 3.71, p = 0.007). Abalone fed the diet with the highest inclusion of dry G. gracilis (G12.00) had a lower mean whole-body mass value (74.13 ± 2.94 g abalone-1) than abalone from all the other diets after eight months. There was a negative relationship between the condition factor and dry G. gracilis inclusion rate for the first growth cycle (y = - 0.0044x + 1.222, R2 = 0.24, p=0.009) and second-growth cycle (y = - 0.0096x + 1.2233, R2 = 0.51, p = 0.00002). Abalone receiving fresh G. gracilis were less quiescent and more alert on the first hours after food distribution (p < 0.05). The same proportion of abalone with G0, G0.75, and G6.00 G. gracilis inclusion were feeding all along the 9 hours post-feeding. This study will potentially reduce the dependence of abalone farms on wild-harvested kelp in formulated feed. This will improve their contribution to a more environmentally sustainable global production of sea food products, making them more competitive on international markets. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, Ichthyology and Fisheries Science, 2024
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2024-04-04
- Authors: Madlala, Njabulo Praiseworth
- Date: 2024-04-04
- Subjects: Uncatalogued
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/435332 , vital:73148
- Description: Abalone feed naturally on algae, but commercial abalone farms rely on formulated feed. The inclusion of algae with the formulated feed in the diet improves growth, health and feed conversion ratio (FCR). However, the kelp that is currently included in the feed is wild harvested and this resource is limited and under increasing pressure. Thus, there is a need to develop an alternative sustainable source of algae. The aim was to use Gracilaria gracilis algae (that was produced with mussel in an integrated multitrophic aquaculture system; IMTA) which was then included into abalone feeds and its influence on abalone growth, FCR and behaviour was evaluated. Sea-based G. gracilis was harvested off an existing IMTA system, manufactured into Abfeed® and fed to abalone to determine growth efficiency. Abalone (30 - 40 g abalone-1) originated from the same cohort at Whale Rock Abalone Farm (Pty) Ltd., Hermanus. Abalone were fed either: Abfeed® S34 only with no algae (G0, the control); Abfeed® with sea-based IMTA G. gracilis included in the formulated feed at 0.75 % (G0.75); 1.50 % (G1.50); 3.00 % (G3.00); 6.00 % (G6.00); and 12.00 % (G12.00) inclusion; and Abfeed® S34 with fresh-live G. gracilis (cultured at Whale Rock Abalone Farm (Pty) Ltd.; Gfresh + S34s). Abalone shell length, whole body mass and FCR were measured at a four-months interval over eight months (two growth cycles). Differences in behaviour (i.e., level of activity and feeding activity) were also monitored and comparing between treatments. There was significant difference in mean whole-body mass between treatments (RMANOVA, F(6, 29) = 3.71, p = 0.007). Abalone fed the diet with the highest inclusion of dry G. gracilis (G12.00) had a lower mean whole-body mass value (74.13 ± 2.94 g abalone-1) than abalone from all the other diets after eight months. There was a negative relationship between the condition factor and dry G. gracilis inclusion rate for the first growth cycle (y = - 0.0044x + 1.222, R2 = 0.24, p=0.009) and second-growth cycle (y = - 0.0096x + 1.2233, R2 = 0.51, p = 0.00002). Abalone receiving fresh G. gracilis were less quiescent and more alert on the first hours after food distribution (p < 0.05). The same proportion of abalone with G0, G0.75, and G6.00 G. gracilis inclusion were feeding all along the 9 hours post-feeding. This study will potentially reduce the dependence of abalone farms on wild-harvested kelp in formulated feed. This will improve their contribution to a more environmentally sustainable global production of sea food products, making them more competitive on international markets. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, Ichthyology and Fisheries Science, 2024
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2024-04-04
The feasibility of task-shifting prolonged exposure for Primary Care (PE-PC) for PTSD within a low resource community in the Eastern Cape
- Shabangu, Princess Noxolo Nonhlanhla
- Authors: Shabangu, Princess Noxolo Nonhlanhla
- Date: 2024-04-04
- Subjects: Uncatalogued
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/435479 , vital:73161
- Description: Although high levels of trauma exposure potentiate an alarming prevalence of PTSD, increasing the need for trauma-focused treatment, the South African health system is unable to care for the population. The South African healthcare system contains a range of systemic and structural inefficiencies, including suboptimal care and shortages of healthcare professionals. PE-PC offers a resource-constrained mental healthcare system solution by integrating an evidence-based intervention (EBI) in primary care settings. Likewise, the present study acknowledges the ratio of mental healthcare professionals to patients in low- and middle-income countries (LMIC). It explores task shifting to expand mental healthcare to primary care settings. The study follows qualitative healthcare design research to explore the experiences and perceptions of the two cohorts of trauma support workers (TSW) from Rhode University and the Joza community in Makhanda. The feasibility of the PE-PC intervention in Makhanda was illustrated through the data obtained from the TSWs' experiences and perceptions of the intervention's utility. The present study presents an essential contribution to the sparse research conducted on treating PTSD in LMIC with shortages in healthcare professionals. The thematic findings look at the trauma support workers (TSWs) role, including some of its challenges, to explore the feasibility of interventions. Some of the themes highlighted unpack the perceived utility of task-shifting in low-resource contexts, the limitations thereof and considerations for future research. Notwithstanding the challenges, the data from the present study indicates that PE-PC can be feasibly task-shifted in low-resource contexts such as Makhanda. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Humanities, Psychology, 2024
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2024-04-04
- Authors: Shabangu, Princess Noxolo Nonhlanhla
- Date: 2024-04-04
- Subjects: Uncatalogued
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/435479 , vital:73161
- Description: Although high levels of trauma exposure potentiate an alarming prevalence of PTSD, increasing the need for trauma-focused treatment, the South African health system is unable to care for the population. The South African healthcare system contains a range of systemic and structural inefficiencies, including suboptimal care and shortages of healthcare professionals. PE-PC offers a resource-constrained mental healthcare system solution by integrating an evidence-based intervention (EBI) in primary care settings. Likewise, the present study acknowledges the ratio of mental healthcare professionals to patients in low- and middle-income countries (LMIC). It explores task shifting to expand mental healthcare to primary care settings. The study follows qualitative healthcare design research to explore the experiences and perceptions of the two cohorts of trauma support workers (TSW) from Rhode University and the Joza community in Makhanda. The feasibility of the PE-PC intervention in Makhanda was illustrated through the data obtained from the TSWs' experiences and perceptions of the intervention's utility. The present study presents an essential contribution to the sparse research conducted on treating PTSD in LMIC with shortages in healthcare professionals. The thematic findings look at the trauma support workers (TSWs) role, including some of its challenges, to explore the feasibility of interventions. Some of the themes highlighted unpack the perceived utility of task-shifting in low-resource contexts, the limitations thereof and considerations for future research. Notwithstanding the challenges, the data from the present study indicates that PE-PC can be feasibly task-shifted in low-resource contexts such as Makhanda. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Humanities, Psychology, 2024
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2024-04-04
The mediating role of generational difference on the relationship between psychological capital, psychological empowerment, organisational support and the wellbeing of South African National Defence Force members
- Authors: Selepe, Babitsanang Annah
- Date: 2024-04-04
- Subjects: Uncatalogued
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/435616 , vital:73173 , DOI 10.21504/10962/435616
- Description: There is a growing concern in understanding the contribution of generational difference (as a mediating variable) and factors that increase soldiers' well-being. This study aimed to determine the relationship between Psychological Capital, Psychological Empowerment and Organisational Support, and well-being. Additionally, it proposes the generational differences as a potential mediating factor among these variables. The study was guided by a positivist philosophy and quantitative research method was employed. The sample for this research consisted of 777 members from both Internal deployed within borders of Free state and those going for external deployment at De-Brug. The results show most respondents were male (78.3%) and 21.7% female. Most respondents were categorised as Gen Y (between 1981 - 1996, 67.0%), followed by Gen X (1965 - 1980, 24.8%) and Gen Z (1997 - 2012, 8.2%). Most respondents were in the SA Army, followed by SAAF and SAMHS and the SA Navy. Spearman’s Correlation and ANOVA analyses were conducted to test the relationship between the variables. The results revealed significant relationships between the variables included in the empirical model. However, Well-being does not have a statistically significant correlation with the mediation variable, generation cohort. Similarly, generation cohorts (X, Y, Z) do not significantly correlate with the predictor variables, Perceived Organisational Support, Psychological Empowerment. However, there is a statistically significant small negative correlation between generation cohort (Age) and Psychological Capital. The multiple regression analysis exhibited a significant overall model fit, indicating that 30% of the variance in employee well-being was accounted for by the predictors. Thus, this research implicates that the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) would benefit from developing a culture and adopting policies as well as programmes that prioritises psychological well-being above physical prowess. For this reason, the present study is regarded as offering a potentially valuable contribution to the existing body of research in the positive psychology and reveals practical implications and applications within the military context. The study recommends that combat readiness requires prioritising mental health above physical strength. Policymakers should consider psychological factors like psychological capital and psychological 6 empowerment. Training programmes should include Psychological Capital and cognitive resilience. There should also be further research on positive psychology and troops' well-being. These factors can help improve peacekeeping and combat force readiness. Understanding generational variations' mediating effect can inform resilience and training programmes. Military organisations should cultivate confident, capable, and educated leaders to improve military proficiency. , Thesis (PhD) -- Humanities, Psychology, 2024
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2024-04-04
- Authors: Selepe, Babitsanang Annah
- Date: 2024-04-04
- Subjects: Uncatalogued
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/435616 , vital:73173 , DOI 10.21504/10962/435616
- Description: There is a growing concern in understanding the contribution of generational difference (as a mediating variable) and factors that increase soldiers' well-being. This study aimed to determine the relationship between Psychological Capital, Psychological Empowerment and Organisational Support, and well-being. Additionally, it proposes the generational differences as a potential mediating factor among these variables. The study was guided by a positivist philosophy and quantitative research method was employed. The sample for this research consisted of 777 members from both Internal deployed within borders of Free state and those going for external deployment at De-Brug. The results show most respondents were male (78.3%) and 21.7% female. Most respondents were categorised as Gen Y (between 1981 - 1996, 67.0%), followed by Gen X (1965 - 1980, 24.8%) and Gen Z (1997 - 2012, 8.2%). Most respondents were in the SA Army, followed by SAAF and SAMHS and the SA Navy. Spearman’s Correlation and ANOVA analyses were conducted to test the relationship between the variables. The results revealed significant relationships between the variables included in the empirical model. However, Well-being does not have a statistically significant correlation with the mediation variable, generation cohort. Similarly, generation cohorts (X, Y, Z) do not significantly correlate with the predictor variables, Perceived Organisational Support, Psychological Empowerment. However, there is a statistically significant small negative correlation between generation cohort (Age) and Psychological Capital. The multiple regression analysis exhibited a significant overall model fit, indicating that 30% of the variance in employee well-being was accounted for by the predictors. Thus, this research implicates that the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) would benefit from developing a culture and adopting policies as well as programmes that prioritises psychological well-being above physical prowess. For this reason, the present study is regarded as offering a potentially valuable contribution to the existing body of research in the positive psychology and reveals practical implications and applications within the military context. The study recommends that combat readiness requires prioritising mental health above physical strength. Policymakers should consider psychological factors like psychological capital and psychological 6 empowerment. Training programmes should include Psychological Capital and cognitive resilience. There should also be further research on positive psychology and troops' well-being. These factors can help improve peacekeeping and combat force readiness. Understanding generational variations' mediating effect can inform resilience and training programmes. Military organisations should cultivate confident, capable, and educated leaders to improve military proficiency. , Thesis (PhD) -- Humanities, Psychology, 2024
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2024-04-04
The use of gabions as a tool for ecological engineering
- Authors: Seath, Jessica Lauren
- Date: 2024-04-04
- Subjects: Uncatalogued
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/434987 , vital:73121
- Description: Anthropogenic activities are centred in coastal ecosystems, including the development of harbours and/or marinas. The artificial structures used in coastal development typically has a different composition, orientation and level of complexity to that of natural ecosystems contributing to loss of biodiversity and increased incidence of invasive species. Ecological engineering research is attempting to identify different types of structures and materials that can increase species diversity and target species of conservation concern in coastal systems. The aim of this study was to investigate the efficacy of gabions (rock filled structures) as an ecological engineering tool by comparing community structure on these structures with pre-existing seawall structures within a small harbour and marina in South Africa (Knysna Harbour). The objectives of the study were to compare the differences in; 1) fish and; 2) colonising organisms’ diversity and composition between two artificial structures. Thirteen gabion boxes were deployed in Knysna Harbour and together with corresponding seawalls, monitored quarterly over a period of 12 months (August 2020 – August 2021) to assess taxon and functional richness, diversity, abundance and composition of fish, invertebrate and algal species. Physico-chemical characteristics of the water body were also monitored quarterly. Remote underwater video systems were used to quantify MaxN (maximum number of a fish species in the frame at any one time during each set that gives an indication of relative abundance) and identify fish species. The results of the two-way crossed ANOVAs indicated that gabion habitats recruited greater numbers and more types of fish species and from more functional groups than the seawalls, especially omnivorous and carnivorous fish. Additionally, photoquadrats were used to quantify percentage cover, counts and to identify colonising taxa. The results of the two-way crossed ANOVAs indicated that gabions hosted greater numbers of species resulting in a higher overall diversity and abundance of colonising organisms than seawalls. By contrast, the seawalls supported more types of functional groups of colonising organisms than gabions, largely due to abundances of different algal species. The results from the crossed PERMANOVAs indicated that the composition of fish and colonising organisms were vastly different from one another, and that each habitat was supporting very different functional groups. Results indicate that whilst both gabions and seawalls contain several alien species, that the ratio of native to alien species is higher in gabion habitats. Additionally, this research observed that gabion structures hosted four species listed on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. This study has highlighted that the use of gabions (with their natural increased complexity) could be important to consider for the future of urban coastal development in harbours such as in Knysna Harbour. Ecological engineering projects using gabions have the potential to be used in South Africa in projects that aim at increasing biodiversity in urban coastal environments. As well as increasing the settlement and abundance of habitat-forming ecosystem engineers to ensure the long-term stability of these ecosystems. They can be used both in the development of new costal development projects as well as in an ad-hoc fashion where they can be interspersed on seawalls in harbours. Additionally, gabions have the potential to be used in projects that target species of conservation concern such as the endangered Knysna Seahorse (Hippocampus capensis). It is, however, important to monitor the invasion by non-native species in future ecological engineering projects in South Africa as well as their potential for creating ecological traps (a situation in which an organism may be convinced to settle in a low-quality habitat) for certain species. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, Zoology and Entomology, 2024
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2024-04-04
- Authors: Seath, Jessica Lauren
- Date: 2024-04-04
- Subjects: Uncatalogued
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/434987 , vital:73121
- Description: Anthropogenic activities are centred in coastal ecosystems, including the development of harbours and/or marinas. The artificial structures used in coastal development typically has a different composition, orientation and level of complexity to that of natural ecosystems contributing to loss of biodiversity and increased incidence of invasive species. Ecological engineering research is attempting to identify different types of structures and materials that can increase species diversity and target species of conservation concern in coastal systems. The aim of this study was to investigate the efficacy of gabions (rock filled structures) as an ecological engineering tool by comparing community structure on these structures with pre-existing seawall structures within a small harbour and marina in South Africa (Knysna Harbour). The objectives of the study were to compare the differences in; 1) fish and; 2) colonising organisms’ diversity and composition between two artificial structures. Thirteen gabion boxes were deployed in Knysna Harbour and together with corresponding seawalls, monitored quarterly over a period of 12 months (August 2020 – August 2021) to assess taxon and functional richness, diversity, abundance and composition of fish, invertebrate and algal species. Physico-chemical characteristics of the water body were also monitored quarterly. Remote underwater video systems were used to quantify MaxN (maximum number of a fish species in the frame at any one time during each set that gives an indication of relative abundance) and identify fish species. The results of the two-way crossed ANOVAs indicated that gabion habitats recruited greater numbers and more types of fish species and from more functional groups than the seawalls, especially omnivorous and carnivorous fish. Additionally, photoquadrats were used to quantify percentage cover, counts and to identify colonising taxa. The results of the two-way crossed ANOVAs indicated that gabions hosted greater numbers of species resulting in a higher overall diversity and abundance of colonising organisms than seawalls. By contrast, the seawalls supported more types of functional groups of colonising organisms than gabions, largely due to abundances of different algal species. The results from the crossed PERMANOVAs indicated that the composition of fish and colonising organisms were vastly different from one another, and that each habitat was supporting very different functional groups. Results indicate that whilst both gabions and seawalls contain several alien species, that the ratio of native to alien species is higher in gabion habitats. Additionally, this research observed that gabion structures hosted four species listed on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. This study has highlighted that the use of gabions (with their natural increased complexity) could be important to consider for the future of urban coastal development in harbours such as in Knysna Harbour. Ecological engineering projects using gabions have the potential to be used in South Africa in projects that aim at increasing biodiversity in urban coastal environments. As well as increasing the settlement and abundance of habitat-forming ecosystem engineers to ensure the long-term stability of these ecosystems. They can be used both in the development of new costal development projects as well as in an ad-hoc fashion where they can be interspersed on seawalls in harbours. Additionally, gabions have the potential to be used in projects that target species of conservation concern such as the endangered Knysna Seahorse (Hippocampus capensis). It is, however, important to monitor the invasion by non-native species in future ecological engineering projects in South Africa as well as their potential for creating ecological traps (a situation in which an organism may be convinced to settle in a low-quality habitat) for certain species. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, Zoology and Entomology, 2024
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2024-04-04
Towards an artificial intelligence-based agent for characterising the organisation of primes
- Authors: Oyetunji, Nicole Armlade
- Date: 2024-04-04
- Subjects: Uncatalogued
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/435389 , vital:73153
- Description: Machine learning has experienced significant growth in recent decades, driven by advancements in computational power and data storage. One of the applications of machine learning is in the field of number theory. Prime numbers hold significant importance in mathematics and its applications, for example in cryptography, owing to their distinct properties. Therefore, it is crucial to efficiently obtain the complete list of primes below a given threshold, with low relatively computational cost. This study extensively explores a deterministic scheme, proposed by Hawing and Okouma (2016), that is centered around Consecutive Composite Odd Numbers, showing the link between these numbers and prime numbers by examining their internal structure. The main objective of this dissertation is to develop two main artificial intelligence agents capable of learning and recognizing patterns within a list of consecutive composite odd numbers. To achieve this, the mathematical foundations of the deterministic scheme are used to generate a dataset of consecutive composite odd numbers. This dataset is further transformed into a dataset of differences to simplify the prediction problem. A literature review is conducted which encompasses research from the domains of machine learning and deep learning. Two main machine learning algorithms are implemented along with their variations, Long Short-Term Memory Networks and Error Correction Neural Networks. These models are trained independently on two separate but related datasets, the dataset of consecutive composite odd numbers and the dataset of differences between those numbers. The evaluation of these models includes relevant metrics, for example, Root Mean Square Error, Mean Absolute Percentage Error, Theil U coefficient, and Directional Accuracy. Through a comparative analysis, the study identifies the top-performing 3 models, with a particular emphasis on accuracy and computational efficiency. The results indicate that the LSTM model, when trained on difference data and coupled with exponential smoothing, displays superior performance as the most accurate model overall. It achieves a RMSE of 0.08, which significantly outperforms the dataset’s standard deviation of 0.42. This model exceeds the performance of basic estimator models, implying that a data-driven approach utilizing machine learning techniques can provide valuable insights in the field of number theory. The second best model, the ECNN trained on difference data combined with exponential smoothing, achieves an RMSE of 0.28. However, it is worth mentioning that this model is the most computationally efficient, being 32 times faster than the LSTM model. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, Mathematics, 2024
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2024-04-04
- Authors: Oyetunji, Nicole Armlade
- Date: 2024-04-04
- Subjects: Uncatalogued
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/435389 , vital:73153
- Description: Machine learning has experienced significant growth in recent decades, driven by advancements in computational power and data storage. One of the applications of machine learning is in the field of number theory. Prime numbers hold significant importance in mathematics and its applications, for example in cryptography, owing to their distinct properties. Therefore, it is crucial to efficiently obtain the complete list of primes below a given threshold, with low relatively computational cost. This study extensively explores a deterministic scheme, proposed by Hawing and Okouma (2016), that is centered around Consecutive Composite Odd Numbers, showing the link between these numbers and prime numbers by examining their internal structure. The main objective of this dissertation is to develop two main artificial intelligence agents capable of learning and recognizing patterns within a list of consecutive composite odd numbers. To achieve this, the mathematical foundations of the deterministic scheme are used to generate a dataset of consecutive composite odd numbers. This dataset is further transformed into a dataset of differences to simplify the prediction problem. A literature review is conducted which encompasses research from the domains of machine learning and deep learning. Two main machine learning algorithms are implemented along with their variations, Long Short-Term Memory Networks and Error Correction Neural Networks. These models are trained independently on two separate but related datasets, the dataset of consecutive composite odd numbers and the dataset of differences between those numbers. The evaluation of these models includes relevant metrics, for example, Root Mean Square Error, Mean Absolute Percentage Error, Theil U coefficient, and Directional Accuracy. Through a comparative analysis, the study identifies the top-performing 3 models, with a particular emphasis on accuracy and computational efficiency. The results indicate that the LSTM model, when trained on difference data and coupled with exponential smoothing, displays superior performance as the most accurate model overall. It achieves a RMSE of 0.08, which significantly outperforms the dataset’s standard deviation of 0.42. This model exceeds the performance of basic estimator models, implying that a data-driven approach utilizing machine learning techniques can provide valuable insights in the field of number theory. The second best model, the ECNN trained on difference data combined with exponential smoothing, achieves an RMSE of 0.28. However, it is worth mentioning that this model is the most computationally efficient, being 32 times faster than the LSTM model. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, Mathematics, 2024
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2024-04-04
A critical analysis of the factors influencing knowledge sharing in Indian family owned businesses in South Africa
- Authors: Sha, Shafeek
- Date: 2024-04-03
- Subjects: Uncatalogued
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/434817 , vital:73107 , DOI 10.21504/10962/434817
- Description: Access restricted. The expected release date is 2025. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Commerce, Management, 2024
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2024-04-03
- Authors: Sha, Shafeek
- Date: 2024-04-03
- Subjects: Uncatalogued
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/434817 , vital:73107 , DOI 10.21504/10962/434817
- Description: Access restricted. The expected release date is 2025. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Commerce, Management, 2024
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2024-04-03
An exploratory study of leadership and organisational change through the lens of organisational behaviour: a secondary school in Makhanda
- Authors: Yedwa, Sesonasipho
- Date: 2024-04-03
- Subjects: Uncatalogued
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/434595 , vital:73088
- Description: Access restricted. Expected release in 2025. , Thesis (MSocSci) -- Faculty of Humanities, Sociology, 2024
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2024-04-03
- Authors: Yedwa, Sesonasipho
- Date: 2024-04-03
- Subjects: Uncatalogued
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/434595 , vital:73088
- Description: Access restricted. Expected release in 2025. , Thesis (MSocSci) -- Faculty of Humanities, Sociology, 2024
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2024-04-03
Dictionaries as pedagogic tools: a case study of selected schools in Makhanda, Eastern Cape
- Authors: Wababa, Zola Richman
- Date: 2024-04-03
- Subjects: Uncatalogued
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/434651 , vital:73093 , DOI 10.21504/10962/434656
- Description: The importance of dictionaries in society has been confirmed in relevant literature while their specific role in education is underlined by several studies focused on the use of dictionaries in teaching and learning. This study focuses on mother-tongue or first language (L1) isiXhosa learners and their use of dictionaries across subjects in the Intermediate Phase of primary schooling. The research sought to examine how dictionaries are used in teaching and learning and how they could be used more effectively in the teaching and learning processes, with a focus on isiXhosa L1 learners in the Makhanda area of the Sarah Baartman District of education, Eastern Cape. The general aim of this study was to improve the process and practice of using and producing Language for General Purpose (LGP) and Language for Specific Purpose (LSP) dictionaries across subjects. The study also sought to contribute to improving the functional value and user-friendliness of teaching support materials, such as dictionaries. The Curriculum and Assessment Policy Statement (CAPS) policy document states that dictionaries are essential in teaching and learning of both language and content subjects. In relation to language subjects, the CAPS is explicit about the use of dictionaries in the acquisition of vocabulary, meaning, spelling, pronunciation, and grammar, among other types of information that are integral in language attainment and learning. Nonetheless, the CAPS document does not clearly articulate the use of dictionaries in content subjects. The study draws on two branches of lexicography – namely, dictionary user research and dictionary criticism – to examine the extent to which dictionaries are problem-solving tools which assist users to meet their cognitive and communicative needs. Thus, the study seeks to influence policy and practice of the use of dictionaries as teaching and learning resource materials that could help teachers and learners better understand key concepts across subjects. A mixed-method approach was used to collect both quantitative and qualitative data using a variety of data collection instruments, viz., observation schedules, questionnaires, and interviews. The study found that although teachers were aware of dictionaries, they did not use them as a resource in teaching. Furthermore, teachers lacked skills in the use of dictionaries, therefore, they were not able to effectively integrate dictionaries in their lessons. The research also found that learners had little awareness of dictionaries and did not fully understand their role in language acquisition or content. Lastly, the study offered some insights on how dictionaries could be integrated in teaching and learning, and how their use could address some communicative and cognitive problems faced by non-mother tongue English speakers in a context where English dominates teaching and learning at the expense of learners’ L1. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Humanities, School of Languages and Literatures, 2024
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2024-04-03
- Authors: Wababa, Zola Richman
- Date: 2024-04-03
- Subjects: Uncatalogued
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/434651 , vital:73093 , DOI 10.21504/10962/434656
- Description: The importance of dictionaries in society has been confirmed in relevant literature while their specific role in education is underlined by several studies focused on the use of dictionaries in teaching and learning. This study focuses on mother-tongue or first language (L1) isiXhosa learners and their use of dictionaries across subjects in the Intermediate Phase of primary schooling. The research sought to examine how dictionaries are used in teaching and learning and how they could be used more effectively in the teaching and learning processes, with a focus on isiXhosa L1 learners in the Makhanda area of the Sarah Baartman District of education, Eastern Cape. The general aim of this study was to improve the process and practice of using and producing Language for General Purpose (LGP) and Language for Specific Purpose (LSP) dictionaries across subjects. The study also sought to contribute to improving the functional value and user-friendliness of teaching support materials, such as dictionaries. The Curriculum and Assessment Policy Statement (CAPS) policy document states that dictionaries are essential in teaching and learning of both language and content subjects. In relation to language subjects, the CAPS is explicit about the use of dictionaries in the acquisition of vocabulary, meaning, spelling, pronunciation, and grammar, among other types of information that are integral in language attainment and learning. Nonetheless, the CAPS document does not clearly articulate the use of dictionaries in content subjects. The study draws on two branches of lexicography – namely, dictionary user research and dictionary criticism – to examine the extent to which dictionaries are problem-solving tools which assist users to meet their cognitive and communicative needs. Thus, the study seeks to influence policy and practice of the use of dictionaries as teaching and learning resource materials that could help teachers and learners better understand key concepts across subjects. A mixed-method approach was used to collect both quantitative and qualitative data using a variety of data collection instruments, viz., observation schedules, questionnaires, and interviews. The study found that although teachers were aware of dictionaries, they did not use them as a resource in teaching. Furthermore, teachers lacked skills in the use of dictionaries, therefore, they were not able to effectively integrate dictionaries in their lessons. The research also found that learners had little awareness of dictionaries and did not fully understand their role in language acquisition or content. Lastly, the study offered some insights on how dictionaries could be integrated in teaching and learning, and how their use could address some communicative and cognitive problems faced by non-mother tongue English speakers in a context where English dominates teaching and learning at the expense of learners’ L1. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Humanities, School of Languages and Literatures, 2024
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2024-04-03
Electricity demand and supply in South Africa: is nuclear energy a feasible alternative to coal for baseload energy supply in South Africa?
- Authors: Maqanda, Vuyani
- Date: 2024-04-03
- Subjects: Uncatalogued
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/434802 , vital:73106 , DOI 10.21504/10962/434802
- Description: Climate change mitigation has created pressure on the energy mix choices of all countries. Highly polluting energy sources are increasingly unpopular. Renewable energy options have emerged as preferred choices for the low-emissions transition. Proponents of nuclear power have promoted the technology as a low-emissions technology by focusing on the operational phase and ignoring the other polluting phases. South Africa generated about 83% of its electricity supply from coal in 2019 and was rated as the 12th most polluting country in the world. In addition to the high pollution levels, the ageing coal fleet suffered from poor maintenance that resulted in frequent power blackouts. One of the government’s energy plans from 2010 proposed the addition of 9 600 MW of nuclear capacity by 2030. However, this plan was not implemented. This study investigates why nuclear power historically never expanded beyond a single power facility in South Africa as well as the possible future role of nuclear power in alleviating South Africa’s current electricity supply constraints and emissions commitments in the period up to 2050. Qualitative analysis is used for this study with a focus on historical document analysis and interviews with energy experts. Two research methods, case studies, and expert opinions were used in this study with data sourced from policy documents, Statistics South Africa, the World Bank, and published articles from various platforms. The Hotelling model, focusing on the impact of price differentials on energy transitions, was used as a theoretical framework. The conclusion from applying the model was that nuclear power was more expensive than the other options even when internalisation of pollution externalities was considered and therefore nuclear power could not displace the cheaper alternatives like coal based on price factors alone. The Multi-Level Perspective, working through institutions, revealed that the institutional setting did not support a transition to nuclear energy. The lack of coordination of strategies derailed the transition. The comparative case study analysis of Germany, the UK, Australia, and India reaffirmed this as countries with better coordination succeeded in transitions. Energy experts offered differing views on the feasibility of nuclear power but many agreed that South Africa should focus on technologies it has better competencies in. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Commerce, Economics and Economic History, 2024
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2024-04-03
- Authors: Maqanda, Vuyani
- Date: 2024-04-03
- Subjects: Uncatalogued
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/434802 , vital:73106 , DOI 10.21504/10962/434802
- Description: Climate change mitigation has created pressure on the energy mix choices of all countries. Highly polluting energy sources are increasingly unpopular. Renewable energy options have emerged as preferred choices for the low-emissions transition. Proponents of nuclear power have promoted the technology as a low-emissions technology by focusing on the operational phase and ignoring the other polluting phases. South Africa generated about 83% of its electricity supply from coal in 2019 and was rated as the 12th most polluting country in the world. In addition to the high pollution levels, the ageing coal fleet suffered from poor maintenance that resulted in frequent power blackouts. One of the government’s energy plans from 2010 proposed the addition of 9 600 MW of nuclear capacity by 2030. However, this plan was not implemented. This study investigates why nuclear power historically never expanded beyond a single power facility in South Africa as well as the possible future role of nuclear power in alleviating South Africa’s current electricity supply constraints and emissions commitments in the period up to 2050. Qualitative analysis is used for this study with a focus on historical document analysis and interviews with energy experts. Two research methods, case studies, and expert opinions were used in this study with data sourced from policy documents, Statistics South Africa, the World Bank, and published articles from various platforms. The Hotelling model, focusing on the impact of price differentials on energy transitions, was used as a theoretical framework. The conclusion from applying the model was that nuclear power was more expensive than the other options even when internalisation of pollution externalities was considered and therefore nuclear power could not displace the cheaper alternatives like coal based on price factors alone. The Multi-Level Perspective, working through institutions, revealed that the institutional setting did not support a transition to nuclear energy. The lack of coordination of strategies derailed the transition. The comparative case study analysis of Germany, the UK, Australia, and India reaffirmed this as countries with better coordination succeeded in transitions. Energy experts offered differing views on the feasibility of nuclear power but many agreed that South Africa should focus on technologies it has better competencies in. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Commerce, Economics and Economic History, 2024
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2024-04-03
Evaluating perceptions of co-management on small-scale fisheries in the Wild Coast of South Africa
- Authors: Mthombeni, Vusi Gedla
- Date: 2024-04-03
- Subjects: Uncatalogued
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/434678 , vital:73095
- Description: Shared perceptions by stakeholders can improve the understanding of managing natural resources. This study aimed to evaluate stakeholders’ perceptions towards co-management of small-scale fisheries to improve the management of these resources. Eleven participants were purposively sampled from government agencies, non-profit organisations and community representatives from Coffee Bay, Port St Johns, Lusikisiki and Xolobeni on the Wild Coast of South Africa. Predetermined themes derived from the literature were used to develop the interview schedule. Semi-structured, one-on-one interviews were conducted to probe the participants’ understanding of the term “co-management” and its objectives, benefits, processes, and outcomes. Data were recorded and transcribed into text, and thematic analysis was used to detect themes that emerged from the data. The results indicated that all participants perceived co-management of Small-scale fisheries as beneficial. Securing access rights through fishing permits was a benefit that was exclusive to the fishers, whereas self-regulation, sharing of information, and mobilising and utilising the strengths of different stakeholders were the benefits noted by all stakeholder participants. Government representatives viewed the involvement of government in the co-management structures of SSF as necessary, whereas the other representatives’ views were that government should be excluded. Incorporating the traditional and government regulatory systems was recommended to manage fisheries resources effectively. The benefits of co-management exceeded costs, suggesting that co-management was viable for the Wild Coast. , Thesis (MBA) -- Faculty of Commerce, Rhodes Business School, 2024
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2024-04-03
- Authors: Mthombeni, Vusi Gedla
- Date: 2024-04-03
- Subjects: Uncatalogued
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/434678 , vital:73095
- Description: Shared perceptions by stakeholders can improve the understanding of managing natural resources. This study aimed to evaluate stakeholders’ perceptions towards co-management of small-scale fisheries to improve the management of these resources. Eleven participants were purposively sampled from government agencies, non-profit organisations and community representatives from Coffee Bay, Port St Johns, Lusikisiki and Xolobeni on the Wild Coast of South Africa. Predetermined themes derived from the literature were used to develop the interview schedule. Semi-structured, one-on-one interviews were conducted to probe the participants’ understanding of the term “co-management” and its objectives, benefits, processes, and outcomes. Data were recorded and transcribed into text, and thematic analysis was used to detect themes that emerged from the data. The results indicated that all participants perceived co-management of Small-scale fisheries as beneficial. Securing access rights through fishing permits was a benefit that was exclusive to the fishers, whereas self-regulation, sharing of information, and mobilising and utilising the strengths of different stakeholders were the benefits noted by all stakeholder participants. Government representatives viewed the involvement of government in the co-management structures of SSF as necessary, whereas the other representatives’ views were that government should be excluded. Incorporating the traditional and government regulatory systems was recommended to manage fisheries resources effectively. The benefits of co-management exceeded costs, suggesting that co-management was viable for the Wild Coast. , Thesis (MBA) -- Faculty of Commerce, Rhodes Business School, 2024
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2024-04-03
Factors that influence the adoption and implementation of sustainable procurement: a case of a South African public university
- Authors: Mpapha, Sive
- Date: 2024-04-03
- Subjects: Uncatalogued
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/434663 , vital:73094
- Description: Climate change and resource scarcity have become some of the world's most critical problems and are among the most significant megatrends influencing world leaders' agendas in decision- making (Rothkopf & Casey, 2014; International Social Security Association, 2014). Sustainable procurement has been identified as one of the strategic tools that can resolve these issues to help the world move towards a more sustainable and resilient future (World Bank, 2019). Through sustainable procurement practices, organisations can meet their demand and supply of goods and services while minimising environmental harm, maximising financial returns, and enhancing socioeconomic status (Villena & Gioa, 2020; Bonnemaison, Eldandsson, Ibach & Spiller, 2021). This qualitative research used an Eastern Cape-based higher education institution in South Africa as a case study to investigate factors that influence adopting and implementing sustainable procurement, with resilience as a theoretical foundation, in higher education. The research obtained approval from the participating university as a gatekeeper for the study; it began by drafting a research proposal and securing ethical clearance from Rhodes University. Semi-structured interviews were used with seven higher education procurement staff members to get the data working in procurement in higher education. The findings from the study revealed that managerial support and knowledge of sustainable procurement were determining factors for whether or not a university developed and implemented a strategy for sustainable procurement.Secondly, the participants mostly cited barriers as inadequate financial resources resulting in limitations for the university, therefore partially implementing sustainable practices. Thirdly, the data revealed that university staff in procurement had a basic understanding of sustainable procurement. , Thesis (MBA) -- Faculty of Commerce, Rhodes Business School, 2024
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2024-04-03
- Authors: Mpapha, Sive
- Date: 2024-04-03
- Subjects: Uncatalogued
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/434663 , vital:73094
- Description: Climate change and resource scarcity have become some of the world's most critical problems and are among the most significant megatrends influencing world leaders' agendas in decision- making (Rothkopf & Casey, 2014; International Social Security Association, 2014). Sustainable procurement has been identified as one of the strategic tools that can resolve these issues to help the world move towards a more sustainable and resilient future (World Bank, 2019). Through sustainable procurement practices, organisations can meet their demand and supply of goods and services while minimising environmental harm, maximising financial returns, and enhancing socioeconomic status (Villena & Gioa, 2020; Bonnemaison, Eldandsson, Ibach & Spiller, 2021). This qualitative research used an Eastern Cape-based higher education institution in South Africa as a case study to investigate factors that influence adopting and implementing sustainable procurement, with resilience as a theoretical foundation, in higher education. The research obtained approval from the participating university as a gatekeeper for the study; it began by drafting a research proposal and securing ethical clearance from Rhodes University. Semi-structured interviews were used with seven higher education procurement staff members to get the data working in procurement in higher education. The findings from the study revealed that managerial support and knowledge of sustainable procurement were determining factors for whether or not a university developed and implemented a strategy for sustainable procurement.Secondly, the participants mostly cited barriers as inadequate financial resources resulting in limitations for the university, therefore partially implementing sustainable practices. Thirdly, the data revealed that university staff in procurement had a basic understanding of sustainable procurement. , Thesis (MBA) -- Faculty of Commerce, Rhodes Business School, 2024
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2024-04-03
Improving the first-generation students’ alumni awareness at Sol Plaatje University
- Authors: Sompondo, Qondakele Beuc
- Date: 2024-04-03
- Subjects: Uncatalogued
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/434690 , vital:73096
- Description: This research study aimed to improve the alumni awareness of FGS at Sol Plaatje University in order to enjoy a lifelong connection with their alma mater. Furthermore, this study provides recommendations to Sol Plaatje University on how engage first-generation students (FGS) and alumni more effectively in the future. This study used a mixed-method research design to collect and analyse data. The first phase of data collection used a quantitative research method in the form of a survey to obtain biographical information about the final-year students and to identify FGS as key participants for this study. The second data collection phase employed qualitative research to gain insight into alumni awareness among FGS through an alumni awareness workshop and a follow-up questionnaire. The survey findings revealed that students needed to be informed about alumni and related activities on campus. In addition, all were eager to attend the alumni workshop in the second phase of the study. The study findings revealed that FGS showed improved knowledge of alumni and related activities after attending the alumni awareness workshop. They also indicated their willingness to attend university alumni events such as reunions, homecoming, and fundraising events after graduation. Recommendations include suggestions for Sol Plaatje University to identify FGS at registration and tailor its extracurricular and support programmes to cater for such students. The university should also introduce alumni awareness workshops to prepare students for life after graduation as alumni and for the world of work. Lastly, the university should develop a mentoring programme for its FGS and alumni at an earlier stage to help them transition into and out of the university. , Thesis (MBA) -- Faculty of Commerce, Rhodes Business School, 2024
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2024-04-03
- Authors: Sompondo, Qondakele Beuc
- Date: 2024-04-03
- Subjects: Uncatalogued
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/434690 , vital:73096
- Description: This research study aimed to improve the alumni awareness of FGS at Sol Plaatje University in order to enjoy a lifelong connection with their alma mater. Furthermore, this study provides recommendations to Sol Plaatje University on how engage first-generation students (FGS) and alumni more effectively in the future. This study used a mixed-method research design to collect and analyse data. The first phase of data collection used a quantitative research method in the form of a survey to obtain biographical information about the final-year students and to identify FGS as key participants for this study. The second data collection phase employed qualitative research to gain insight into alumni awareness among FGS through an alumni awareness workshop and a follow-up questionnaire. The survey findings revealed that students needed to be informed about alumni and related activities on campus. In addition, all were eager to attend the alumni workshop in the second phase of the study. The study findings revealed that FGS showed improved knowledge of alumni and related activities after attending the alumni awareness workshop. They also indicated their willingness to attend university alumni events such as reunions, homecoming, and fundraising events after graduation. Recommendations include suggestions for Sol Plaatje University to identify FGS at registration and tailor its extracurricular and support programmes to cater for such students. The university should also introduce alumni awareness workshops to prepare students for life after graduation as alumni and for the world of work. Lastly, the university should develop a mentoring programme for its FGS and alumni at an earlier stage to help them transition into and out of the university. , Thesis (MBA) -- Faculty of Commerce, Rhodes Business School, 2024
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2024-04-03
Issues in language acquisition planning in Zimbabwe: the case of Ndebele within the primary education system
- Authors: Masuku, Seabird
- Date: 2024-04-03
- Subjects: Uncatalogued
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/434626 , vital:73091 , DOI 10.21504/10962/434627
- Description: This thesis discusses pertinent language issues within the primary school system in Zimbabwe in view of complaints (over many years) of communities in the two Matabeleland provinces and Bulawayo about high failure rates of learners in the final grade 7 examinations. It also interrogates the government’s commitment to the development of indigenous languages in the primary school system, particularly in the three provinces mentioned above as mirrored in the 2013 constitution of the country. The study conducted traces the language trends exhibited currently back to their beginnings during the colonial era in language planning by the government and the policies that informed such planning. What obtains on the ground seems to be violating the principles behind the declaration of the International Mother Language Day (30C/62) proclaimed by the General Conference of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) in November 1999. On 16 May 2007 the United Nations General Assembly, in its resolution A/RES/61/266, called upon Member States (Zimbabwe included) "to promote the preservation and protection of all languages used by peoples of the world". The amended education act of 2006 states that in Zimbabwe’s primary schools early learning must be done through mother tongue instruction then switch to English in grade 4 upwards. As a first step of a child’s academic life, the lower primary education needs to be conducted in the child’s mother tongue to bridge the gap between the child’s home environment and the new school environment as well as to reduce culture shock associated with the sudden introduction of a new language. Studies, such as those done by Noormohamadi, (2008) and Mackenzie, (2013) have shown that children tend to understand better if they are taught in their mother tongue. In this thesis I seek to establish if the teaching of Ndebele at primary school reveals the socio-cultural ideology (awareness of circumstances surrounding individuals and how their behaviours are affected, specifically by their surroundings, social and cultural factors) and political ideology (thinking structures about the way policies should be run) underpinning language planning in Zimbabwe. It is my observation and argument that the Education Act proclaims what has not been practised on the ground through teacher training and deployment practices. To establish if the teaching of Ndebele at primary school reveals the socio-cultural and political ideologies underpinning language planning in Zimbabwe, I carried out research in Matabeleland South, Bulawayo and Matabeleland North provinces covering a total of 27 schools, 27 heads of school and 135 teachers. The research’s main aims were to find out if Ndebele was taught at school, by who and using what materials. It should be noted that mother tongue, in learning, acts as a basis of interpretation of subsequent concepts. When a child is learning new concepts or words in the second language, he or she first searches the equivalent in his or her mother tongue. If the primary language has not been developed well enough to have such equivalents, such a child is likely to have problems in forming new concepts in the second language. The role of language in meaning, therefore, is a variable that depends on the socio-geographical location of the languages and their speakers. The research established that, indigenous languages, Ndebele included, are not developed by the government through financial support for teaching material production and qualified teacher deployment. Instead, it was discovered that in Matabeleland there are some learners at primary school who are taught by a Shona-speaking teacher who cannot communicate properly with the learners. It should be remembered that a primary language is used by a child as the foundation to learn the basic concepts in his or her own language and to give him or her freedom to express himself or herself without the inhibitions imposed by an insufficient mastery of the medium of instruction. As a way of concluding the research I found it necessary that the use of mother tongue by learners at lower grades of primary school be strengthened through the deployment of teachers who can teach Ndebele properly because it provides a strong foundation for further education. Using the mother tongue, students learn to think, communicate and acquire an intuitive understanding of grammar. The mother tongue is; therefore, the greatest asset and vital tool people use to acquire new concepts. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Humanities, School of Languages and Literatures, 2024
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2024-04-03
- Authors: Masuku, Seabird
- Date: 2024-04-03
- Subjects: Uncatalogued
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/434626 , vital:73091 , DOI 10.21504/10962/434627
- Description: This thesis discusses pertinent language issues within the primary school system in Zimbabwe in view of complaints (over many years) of communities in the two Matabeleland provinces and Bulawayo about high failure rates of learners in the final grade 7 examinations. It also interrogates the government’s commitment to the development of indigenous languages in the primary school system, particularly in the three provinces mentioned above as mirrored in the 2013 constitution of the country. The study conducted traces the language trends exhibited currently back to their beginnings during the colonial era in language planning by the government and the policies that informed such planning. What obtains on the ground seems to be violating the principles behind the declaration of the International Mother Language Day (30C/62) proclaimed by the General Conference of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) in November 1999. On 16 May 2007 the United Nations General Assembly, in its resolution A/RES/61/266, called upon Member States (Zimbabwe included) "to promote the preservation and protection of all languages used by peoples of the world". The amended education act of 2006 states that in Zimbabwe’s primary schools early learning must be done through mother tongue instruction then switch to English in grade 4 upwards. As a first step of a child’s academic life, the lower primary education needs to be conducted in the child’s mother tongue to bridge the gap between the child’s home environment and the new school environment as well as to reduce culture shock associated with the sudden introduction of a new language. Studies, such as those done by Noormohamadi, (2008) and Mackenzie, (2013) have shown that children tend to understand better if they are taught in their mother tongue. In this thesis I seek to establish if the teaching of Ndebele at primary school reveals the socio-cultural ideology (awareness of circumstances surrounding individuals and how their behaviours are affected, specifically by their surroundings, social and cultural factors) and political ideology (thinking structures about the way policies should be run) underpinning language planning in Zimbabwe. It is my observation and argument that the Education Act proclaims what has not been practised on the ground through teacher training and deployment practices. To establish if the teaching of Ndebele at primary school reveals the socio-cultural and political ideologies underpinning language planning in Zimbabwe, I carried out research in Matabeleland South, Bulawayo and Matabeleland North provinces covering a total of 27 schools, 27 heads of school and 135 teachers. The research’s main aims were to find out if Ndebele was taught at school, by who and using what materials. It should be noted that mother tongue, in learning, acts as a basis of interpretation of subsequent concepts. When a child is learning new concepts or words in the second language, he or she first searches the equivalent in his or her mother tongue. If the primary language has not been developed well enough to have such equivalents, such a child is likely to have problems in forming new concepts in the second language. The role of language in meaning, therefore, is a variable that depends on the socio-geographical location of the languages and their speakers. The research established that, indigenous languages, Ndebele included, are not developed by the government through financial support for teaching material production and qualified teacher deployment. Instead, it was discovered that in Matabeleland there are some learners at primary school who are taught by a Shona-speaking teacher who cannot communicate properly with the learners. It should be remembered that a primary language is used by a child as the foundation to learn the basic concepts in his or her own language and to give him or her freedom to express himself or herself without the inhibitions imposed by an insufficient mastery of the medium of instruction. As a way of concluding the research I found it necessary that the use of mother tongue by learners at lower grades of primary school be strengthened through the deployment of teachers who can teach Ndebele properly because it provides a strong foundation for further education. Using the mother tongue, students learn to think, communicate and acquire an intuitive understanding of grammar. The mother tongue is; therefore, the greatest asset and vital tool people use to acquire new concepts. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Humanities, School of Languages and Literatures, 2024
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2024-04-03
The impact of influencer characteristics on parasocial relationships and purchase intentions
- Ngobeni, Marina Precious Sibongile
- Authors: Ngobeni, Marina Precious Sibongile
- Date: 2024-04-03
- Subjects: Uncatalogued
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/434734 , vital:73100
- Description: Access restricted. Expected release in 2026. , Thesis (MCom) -- Faculty of Commerce, Management, 2024
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2024-04-03
- Authors: Ngobeni, Marina Precious Sibongile
- Date: 2024-04-03
- Subjects: Uncatalogued
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/434734 , vital:73100
- Description: Access restricted. Expected release in 2026. , Thesis (MCom) -- Faculty of Commerce, Management, 2024
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2024-04-03