A critical assessment of the relationship between the AfCFTA and World Trade Organisation dispute settlement mechanisms, in light of the Conflict of Jurisdiction
- Nhemachena, Tichakunda Charles
- Authors: Nhemachena, Tichakunda Charles
- Date: 2021-10-29
- Subjects: African Continental Free Trade Area , World Trade Organization , Dispute resolution (Law) , Conflict of judicial decisions , Good faith (Law)
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/192052 , vital:45191
- Description: This thesis interrogates the relationship between the Dispute Settlement Understanding and Africa Continental Free Trade Area dispute settlement mechanism, in light of the conflict of jurisdiction. The conflict of jurisdiction is an adverse effect of the fragmentation of international law. The uncoordinated proliferation of international treaties has increased occurrences of overlapping memberships and overlapping subject matter regulation amongst treaties. Whenever the overlaps mentioned above exist, and a dispute arises concerning matters of overlap, that dispute can be heard in more than one tribunal, giving rise to a conflict of jurisdiction. Jurisdictional conflicts are a problem because they breed uncertainty in the adjudication of disputes; they increase the risk of forum shopping, conflict of rulings, protracted litigation, and waste resources. There is a significant risk for jurisdictional conflicts between the World Trade Organisation and Africa Continental Free Trade Area agreements, because of membership and subject matter overlaps. To mitigate the problems caused by jurisdictional conflicts, the Africa Continental Free Trade Area agreement has incorporated a fork-in-the-road clause. Fork-in-the-road provisions allow parties to choose their preferred forum, and once the forum is chosen, the parties are prohibited from bringing the same dispute to another tribunal. Unfortunately, fork-in-the-road clauses are insufficient in resolving jurisdictional conflicts because they do not bind the Dispute Settlement Understanding. It is only bound to enforce World Trade Organisation obligations and not non-World Trade Organisation obligations. The extent to which non-World Trade Organisation norms apply in the Dispute Settlement Understanding is unsettled, making it difficult to conclude whether a fork-in-the-road provision will be effective an effective solution to potential jurisdictional conflicts. In this thesis, the researcher investigates the prospects of the World Trade Organisation applying the AfCFTA fork-in-the-road clause, directly, as a potential solution to the conflict of jurisdiction. In addition, the researcher will also investigate an alternative means of applying the AfCFTA fork-in-the-road provision, indirectly, using the World Trade Organisation procedural good faith provisions. In conclusion, the researcher provides recommendations on how the World Trade Organisation and the AfCFTA agreement can facilitate the application of fork-in-the-road clauses in the Dispute Settlement Understanding to resolve the conflict of jurisdiction. , Thesis (LLM) -- Faculty of Law, Law, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-10-29
- Authors: Nhemachena, Tichakunda Charles
- Date: 2021-10-29
- Subjects: African Continental Free Trade Area , World Trade Organization , Dispute resolution (Law) , Conflict of judicial decisions , Good faith (Law)
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/192052 , vital:45191
- Description: This thesis interrogates the relationship between the Dispute Settlement Understanding and Africa Continental Free Trade Area dispute settlement mechanism, in light of the conflict of jurisdiction. The conflict of jurisdiction is an adverse effect of the fragmentation of international law. The uncoordinated proliferation of international treaties has increased occurrences of overlapping memberships and overlapping subject matter regulation amongst treaties. Whenever the overlaps mentioned above exist, and a dispute arises concerning matters of overlap, that dispute can be heard in more than one tribunal, giving rise to a conflict of jurisdiction. Jurisdictional conflicts are a problem because they breed uncertainty in the adjudication of disputes; they increase the risk of forum shopping, conflict of rulings, protracted litigation, and waste resources. There is a significant risk for jurisdictional conflicts between the World Trade Organisation and Africa Continental Free Trade Area agreements, because of membership and subject matter overlaps. To mitigate the problems caused by jurisdictional conflicts, the Africa Continental Free Trade Area agreement has incorporated a fork-in-the-road clause. Fork-in-the-road provisions allow parties to choose their preferred forum, and once the forum is chosen, the parties are prohibited from bringing the same dispute to another tribunal. Unfortunately, fork-in-the-road clauses are insufficient in resolving jurisdictional conflicts because they do not bind the Dispute Settlement Understanding. It is only bound to enforce World Trade Organisation obligations and not non-World Trade Organisation obligations. The extent to which non-World Trade Organisation norms apply in the Dispute Settlement Understanding is unsettled, making it difficult to conclude whether a fork-in-the-road provision will be effective an effective solution to potential jurisdictional conflicts. In this thesis, the researcher investigates the prospects of the World Trade Organisation applying the AfCFTA fork-in-the-road clause, directly, as a potential solution to the conflict of jurisdiction. In addition, the researcher will also investigate an alternative means of applying the AfCFTA fork-in-the-road provision, indirectly, using the World Trade Organisation procedural good faith provisions. In conclusion, the researcher provides recommendations on how the World Trade Organisation and the AfCFTA agreement can facilitate the application of fork-in-the-road clauses in the Dispute Settlement Understanding to resolve the conflict of jurisdiction. , Thesis (LLM) -- Faculty of Law, Law, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-10-29
A modelling approach to the analysis of complex survey data
- Authors: Dlangamandla, Olwethu
- Date: 2021-10-29
- Subjects: Sampling (Statistics) , Linear models (Statistics) , Multilevel models (Statistics) , Logistic regression analysis , Complex survey data
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/192955 , vital:45284
- Description: Surveys are an essential tool for collecting data and most surveys use complex sampling designs to collect the data. Complex sampling designs are used mainly to enhance representativeness in the sample by accounting for the underlying structure of the population. This often results in data that are non-independent and clustered. Ignoring complex design features such as clustering, stratification, multistage and unequal probability sampling may result in inaccurate and incorrect inference. An overview of, and difference between, design-based and model-based approaches to inference for complex survey data has been discussed. This study adopts a model-based approach. The objective of this study is to discuss and describe the modelling approach in analysing complex survey data. This is specifically done by introducing the principle inference methods under which data from complex surveys may be analysed. In particular, discussions on the theory and methods of model fitting for the analysis of complex survey data are presented. We begin by discussing unique features of complex survey data and explore appropriate methods of analysis that account for the complexity inherent in the survey data. We also explore the widely applied logistic regression modelling of binary data in a complex sample survey context. In particular, four forms of logistic regression models are fitted. These models are generalized linear models, multilevel models, mixed effects models and generalized linear mixed models. Simulated complex survey data are used to illustrate the methods and models. Various R packages are used for the analysis. The results presented and discussed in this thesis indicate that a logistic mixed model with first and second level predictors has a better fit compared to a logistic mixed model with first level predictors. In addition, a logistic multilevel model with first and second level predictors and nested random effects provides a better fit to the data compared to other logistic multilevel fitted models. Similar results were obtained from fitting a generalized logistic mixed model with first and second level predictor variables and a generalized linear mixed model with first and second level predictors and nested random effects. , Thesis (MSC) -- Faculty of Science, Statistics, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-10-29
- Authors: Dlangamandla, Olwethu
- Date: 2021-10-29
- Subjects: Sampling (Statistics) , Linear models (Statistics) , Multilevel models (Statistics) , Logistic regression analysis , Complex survey data
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/192955 , vital:45284
- Description: Surveys are an essential tool for collecting data and most surveys use complex sampling designs to collect the data. Complex sampling designs are used mainly to enhance representativeness in the sample by accounting for the underlying structure of the population. This often results in data that are non-independent and clustered. Ignoring complex design features such as clustering, stratification, multistage and unequal probability sampling may result in inaccurate and incorrect inference. An overview of, and difference between, design-based and model-based approaches to inference for complex survey data has been discussed. This study adopts a model-based approach. The objective of this study is to discuss and describe the modelling approach in analysing complex survey data. This is specifically done by introducing the principle inference methods under which data from complex surveys may be analysed. In particular, discussions on the theory and methods of model fitting for the analysis of complex survey data are presented. We begin by discussing unique features of complex survey data and explore appropriate methods of analysis that account for the complexity inherent in the survey data. We also explore the widely applied logistic regression modelling of binary data in a complex sample survey context. In particular, four forms of logistic regression models are fitted. These models are generalized linear models, multilevel models, mixed effects models and generalized linear mixed models. Simulated complex survey data are used to illustrate the methods and models. Various R packages are used for the analysis. The results presented and discussed in this thesis indicate that a logistic mixed model with first and second level predictors has a better fit compared to a logistic mixed model with first level predictors. In addition, a logistic multilevel model with first and second level predictors and nested random effects provides a better fit to the data compared to other logistic multilevel fitted models. Similar results were obtained from fitting a generalized logistic mixed model with first and second level predictor variables and a generalized linear mixed model with first and second level predictors and nested random effects. , Thesis (MSC) -- Faculty of Science, Statistics, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-10-29
A self-emulsifying delivery system loaded with efavirenz: The case for flax-seed oil
- Authors: Mazonde, Priveledge
- Date: 2021-10-29
- Subjects: Drug delivery systems , Linseed oil , Antiretroviral agents , HIV (Viruses) , Drug carriers (Pharmacy) , Solubility , High performance liquid chromatography , Efavirenz
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/192944 , vital:45283
- Description: The feasibility of incorporating efavirenz (EFV), an antiretroviral agent against HIV into a lipid-based self-emulsifying drug delivery system (SEDDS) containing vegetable oils was investigated. EFV has poor aqueous solubility and is classified under the Biopharmaceutical Classification System (BCS) as a class II compound with highly permeability, its aqueous solubility is less than 10 mg/ml and is defined as a practically insoluble compound with a consequent poor bioavailability of approximately 40%, and erratic dissolution behaviour. SEDDS formulations have been shown to improve the aqueous solubility and consequently the bioavailability of BCS II compounds such as EFV. EFV is a first line antiviral agent used in combination with other agents in antiretroviral therapy (ART). Among the number of NNRTIs approved for use in HIV treatment, EFV is one of the most commonly prescribed drug. Statistical methods and Design of Experiments (DoE) using Response Surface Methodology (RSM), specifically a Central Composite Design (CCD), were used to facilitate the development of a reversed-phase high performance liquid chromatographic (HPLC) method for the quantitation of EFV during formulation product and process development studies. A rapid, accurate, precise and sensitive HPLC method with ultraviolet (UV) detection was developed, optimised and validated for the in-vitro analysis of EFV in a total run time under 10 minutes for the elution of both EFV and loratidine which was used as the internal standard (IS). The method was then successfully applied to the determination of EFV in commercially available tablets. Excipient screening was undertaken using solubility studies and revealed that EFV had highest solubility in flaxseed oil in comparison to soybean, macadamia, grapeseed, sunflower and olive oils. The non-ionic Tween® 80 and Span® 20 were selected as surfactant and co-surfactant, respectively with ethanol co-solvent as they exhibited improved miscibility with co-solvent. Pre-formulation studies were undertaken to investigate the compatibility of the API with excipients and to identify a nano-emulsion region and other emulsion types using pseudoternary phase diagrams. The phase behaviour of crude cold pressed flaxseed oil with the selected non-ionic surfactants revealed an area within pseudo-ternary phase diagrams for different surfactant-mixtures formed gels/semisolid structures which can be exploited for other drug delivery strategies that require such properties. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), powder x-ray diffraction (XRD) and Raman spectroscopy were used to identify and assess the compatibility of EFV with chosen excipients. 2 A reduction in the peak intensity was observed for EFV when combined with each hydrophobic/lipid excipient evaluated revealing that there was a marked reduction in the crystallinity of the EFV. A decrease in crystallinity in comparison with the bulk API may indicate that EFV were amorphous or sequestered in a molecular dispersion and exhibited an increased solubility for the molecule. Flaxseed oil was used as the oil phase in studies for the optimization of surfactant mixtures undertaken using DoE, specifically a D-optimal mixtures design with the flaxseed oil content set at 10% m/m was performed. Solutions from the desired optimization function were produced based on desirability and five nanoemulsion formulations were produced and characterized in terms of in vitro release of efavirenz, drug loading capacity, Zeta Potential, droplet sizes and polydispersity index (PDI). Kinetically stable nanoemulsions containing 10% m/m flaxseed oil were successfully manufactured and assessed. Droplet sizes ranged between 156 and 225 nm, Zeta Potential between −24 and −41 mV and all formulations were found to be monodisperse with polydispersity indices ≤ 0.487. SEDDS formulations of EFV in nano-sized carriers were developed and optimised, in vitro drug release varied with varying amounts of ethanol in the formulation producing formulations that exhibited differently modulated drug in-vitro release profiles that may be further manipulated for better performance and therapeutic outcomes in terms of solubility and possibly bioavailability of EFV when delivered using SEDDS rather than using tablets which in turn may lead to better therapeutic outcomes for patients with HIV. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Pharmacy, Pharmacy, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-10-29
- Authors: Mazonde, Priveledge
- Date: 2021-10-29
- Subjects: Drug delivery systems , Linseed oil , Antiretroviral agents , HIV (Viruses) , Drug carriers (Pharmacy) , Solubility , High performance liquid chromatography , Efavirenz
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/192944 , vital:45283
- Description: The feasibility of incorporating efavirenz (EFV), an antiretroviral agent against HIV into a lipid-based self-emulsifying drug delivery system (SEDDS) containing vegetable oils was investigated. EFV has poor aqueous solubility and is classified under the Biopharmaceutical Classification System (BCS) as a class II compound with highly permeability, its aqueous solubility is less than 10 mg/ml and is defined as a practically insoluble compound with a consequent poor bioavailability of approximately 40%, and erratic dissolution behaviour. SEDDS formulations have been shown to improve the aqueous solubility and consequently the bioavailability of BCS II compounds such as EFV. EFV is a first line antiviral agent used in combination with other agents in antiretroviral therapy (ART). Among the number of NNRTIs approved for use in HIV treatment, EFV is one of the most commonly prescribed drug. Statistical methods and Design of Experiments (DoE) using Response Surface Methodology (RSM), specifically a Central Composite Design (CCD), were used to facilitate the development of a reversed-phase high performance liquid chromatographic (HPLC) method for the quantitation of EFV during formulation product and process development studies. A rapid, accurate, precise and sensitive HPLC method with ultraviolet (UV) detection was developed, optimised and validated for the in-vitro analysis of EFV in a total run time under 10 minutes for the elution of both EFV and loratidine which was used as the internal standard (IS). The method was then successfully applied to the determination of EFV in commercially available tablets. Excipient screening was undertaken using solubility studies and revealed that EFV had highest solubility in flaxseed oil in comparison to soybean, macadamia, grapeseed, sunflower and olive oils. The non-ionic Tween® 80 and Span® 20 were selected as surfactant and co-surfactant, respectively with ethanol co-solvent as they exhibited improved miscibility with co-solvent. Pre-formulation studies were undertaken to investigate the compatibility of the API with excipients and to identify a nano-emulsion region and other emulsion types using pseudoternary phase diagrams. The phase behaviour of crude cold pressed flaxseed oil with the selected non-ionic surfactants revealed an area within pseudo-ternary phase diagrams for different surfactant-mixtures formed gels/semisolid structures which can be exploited for other drug delivery strategies that require such properties. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), powder x-ray diffraction (XRD) and Raman spectroscopy were used to identify and assess the compatibility of EFV with chosen excipients. 2 A reduction in the peak intensity was observed for EFV when combined with each hydrophobic/lipid excipient evaluated revealing that there was a marked reduction in the crystallinity of the EFV. A decrease in crystallinity in comparison with the bulk API may indicate that EFV were amorphous or sequestered in a molecular dispersion and exhibited an increased solubility for the molecule. Flaxseed oil was used as the oil phase in studies for the optimization of surfactant mixtures undertaken using DoE, specifically a D-optimal mixtures design with the flaxseed oil content set at 10% m/m was performed. Solutions from the desired optimization function were produced based on desirability and five nanoemulsion formulations were produced and characterized in terms of in vitro release of efavirenz, drug loading capacity, Zeta Potential, droplet sizes and polydispersity index (PDI). Kinetically stable nanoemulsions containing 10% m/m flaxseed oil were successfully manufactured and assessed. Droplet sizes ranged between 156 and 225 nm, Zeta Potential between −24 and −41 mV and all formulations were found to be monodisperse with polydispersity indices ≤ 0.487. SEDDS formulations of EFV in nano-sized carriers were developed and optimised, in vitro drug release varied with varying amounts of ethanol in the formulation producing formulations that exhibited differently modulated drug in-vitro release profiles that may be further manipulated for better performance and therapeutic outcomes in terms of solubility and possibly bioavailability of EFV when delivered using SEDDS rather than using tablets which in turn may lead to better therapeutic outcomes for patients with HIV. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Pharmacy, Pharmacy, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-10-29
An analysis of citizen participation in service delivery in Zimbabwe’s small towns: A case study of Chiredzi Town Council
- Authors: Matsilele, Blessing
- Date: 2021-10-29
- Subjects: Municipal services Zimbabwe Chiredzi Rural District , Political participation Zimbabwe Chiredzi Rural District , Social capital (Sociology) Zimbabwe Chiredzi Rural District , Municipal services Zimbabwe Chiredzi Rural District Citizen participation , Community development Zimbabwe Chiredzi Rural District
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/190099 , vital:44963
- Description: Over the years, there have been complaints of poor service delivery in Zimbabwe’s Urban Councils. Newspapers in Zimbabwe have been filled with stories of poor service delivery and citizen grievances. Existing literature on service delivery has focused on the causes of poor service delivery, blaming them solely on the local government authorities. The literature has blamed poor service delivery in Zimbabwe on corruption, polarisation, politicisation, and incapacitation amongst other things. What is not highlighted is the role that citizens play and their responsibility in ensuring that there is proper service delivery. This thesis discusses the ways in which citizens participate in local government service delivery in Chiredzi which is an urban Council in Zimbabwe. To establish citizen participation in Chiredzi, this theory draws upon the social capital theory focusing on its trust, network, and norms aspect. Social capital facilitates an analysis of citizen participation and service delivery in Chiredzi. For this study,a qualitative research methodology was used. This methodology consisted of semi-structured telephone interviews with participants together with relevant documents. It was concluded that there is a need to educate citizens on their roles and responsibilities in local government to improve the state of service delivery. , Thesis (MSocSci) -- Faculty of Humanities, Sociology, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-10-29
- Authors: Matsilele, Blessing
- Date: 2021-10-29
- Subjects: Municipal services Zimbabwe Chiredzi Rural District , Political participation Zimbabwe Chiredzi Rural District , Social capital (Sociology) Zimbabwe Chiredzi Rural District , Municipal services Zimbabwe Chiredzi Rural District Citizen participation , Community development Zimbabwe Chiredzi Rural District
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/190099 , vital:44963
- Description: Over the years, there have been complaints of poor service delivery in Zimbabwe’s Urban Councils. Newspapers in Zimbabwe have been filled with stories of poor service delivery and citizen grievances. Existing literature on service delivery has focused on the causes of poor service delivery, blaming them solely on the local government authorities. The literature has blamed poor service delivery in Zimbabwe on corruption, polarisation, politicisation, and incapacitation amongst other things. What is not highlighted is the role that citizens play and their responsibility in ensuring that there is proper service delivery. This thesis discusses the ways in which citizens participate in local government service delivery in Chiredzi which is an urban Council in Zimbabwe. To establish citizen participation in Chiredzi, this theory draws upon the social capital theory focusing on its trust, network, and norms aspect. Social capital facilitates an analysis of citizen participation and service delivery in Chiredzi. For this study,a qualitative research methodology was used. This methodology consisted of semi-structured telephone interviews with participants together with relevant documents. It was concluded that there is a need to educate citizens on their roles and responsibilities in local government to improve the state of service delivery. , Thesis (MSocSci) -- Faculty of Humanities, Sociology, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-10-29
An analysis of technical efficiency and service effectiveness for freight railways in African and European countries
- Mfiyo, Azania https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0967-9756
- Authors: Mfiyo, Azania https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0967-9756
- Date: 2021-03
- Subjects: Freight and freightage , Railroads -- Freight
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/20186 , vital:45406
- Description: For the past decades, technical efficiency and service effectiveness have become topical as performance measures in various sectors. However, a comparison of technical efficiency and service effectiveness for freight rail transport has received less attention in African and European countries. To address this challenge the current study seeks to analyse technical efficiency and service effectiveness of rail freight in African and European countries. Due to data unavailability in other countries, this study selected four African countries (South Africa, Morocco, Democratic Republic of Congo and Algeria) and four European countries (Lithuania, Austria, France and Germany). The data has been collected from the World Bank, International Union of Railway Statistics and Knoema for the period 2017. Input oriented and output oriented data envelope analysis (DEA) were used to analyze technical efficiency and service effectiveness, respectively. The application of DEA requires the selection of appropriate inputs, production and output variables. This study selected a number of employees and length of rail lines as input variables, gross train tonne kilometres (km) as production variable, tonnes carried and tonne kilometres (km) as output variables. The result shows that five out of eight countries were technical efficient and their services effective with values equal to 1.00. The Pearson correlation coefficient was used to analyse the relationship between technical efficiency and service effectiveness. The results indicate that there is a statistically significant positive correlation between technical efficiency and service effectiveness. To determine the impact exogenous variables on technical efficiency and service effectiveness, a Tobit regression analysis was conducted. The results show that technical efficiency and service effectiveness are not significantly affected by exogenous variables. On the other hand, technical efficiency is significantly affected by the number of employees while service effectiveness is significantly affected by gross train tonne km. This study recommends the use of less labour intensive assets and monitoring of gross train tonne km should be viewed as important strategies to improve technical efficiency and service effectiveness, respectively. , Thesis (MCom) -- Faculty of Management and Commerce, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-03
- Authors: Mfiyo, Azania https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0967-9756
- Date: 2021-03
- Subjects: Freight and freightage , Railroads -- Freight
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/20186 , vital:45406
- Description: For the past decades, technical efficiency and service effectiveness have become topical as performance measures in various sectors. However, a comparison of technical efficiency and service effectiveness for freight rail transport has received less attention in African and European countries. To address this challenge the current study seeks to analyse technical efficiency and service effectiveness of rail freight in African and European countries. Due to data unavailability in other countries, this study selected four African countries (South Africa, Morocco, Democratic Republic of Congo and Algeria) and four European countries (Lithuania, Austria, France and Germany). The data has been collected from the World Bank, International Union of Railway Statistics and Knoema for the period 2017. Input oriented and output oriented data envelope analysis (DEA) were used to analyze technical efficiency and service effectiveness, respectively. The application of DEA requires the selection of appropriate inputs, production and output variables. This study selected a number of employees and length of rail lines as input variables, gross train tonne kilometres (km) as production variable, tonnes carried and tonne kilometres (km) as output variables. The result shows that five out of eight countries were technical efficient and their services effective with values equal to 1.00. The Pearson correlation coefficient was used to analyse the relationship between technical efficiency and service effectiveness. The results indicate that there is a statistically significant positive correlation between technical efficiency and service effectiveness. To determine the impact exogenous variables on technical efficiency and service effectiveness, a Tobit regression analysis was conducted. The results show that technical efficiency and service effectiveness are not significantly affected by exogenous variables. On the other hand, technical efficiency is significantly affected by the number of employees while service effectiveness is significantly affected by gross train tonne km. This study recommends the use of less labour intensive assets and monitoring of gross train tonne km should be viewed as important strategies to improve technical efficiency and service effectiveness, respectively. , Thesis (MCom) -- Faculty of Management and Commerce, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-03
An analysis of the medicines regulatory environment in sub-Saharan Africa and the African Medicines Regulatory Harmonization Initiative
- Authors: Feka, Cedric Nyahchong
- Date: 2021-10-29
- Subjects: Uncatalogued
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/192408 , vital:45223
- Description: Thesis (MSc (Pharm)) -- Faculty of Pharmacy, Pharmacy, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-10-29
- Authors: Feka, Cedric Nyahchong
- Date: 2021-10-29
- Subjects: Uncatalogued
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/192408 , vital:45223
- Description: Thesis (MSc (Pharm)) -- Faculty of Pharmacy, Pharmacy, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-10-29
An ethnographic investigation of the implementation of the bilingual-bicultural approach for educating deaf learners focusing on South African sign language teaching at FET level
- Authors: Tunzelana, Nomava Mercy
- Date: 2021-10-29
- Subjects: South African Sign Language Study and teaching (Higher) , Sign language acquisition South Africa , Education, Bilingual South Africa , Biculturalism South Africa , Ethnology South Africa , Culturally relevant pedagogy South Africa , Deaf students South Africa , South Africa. Department of Basic Education , Curriculum-based assessment South Africa , South African Curriculum Assessment and Policy Statement (CAPS)
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/192353 , vital:45218
- Description: This half-thesis reports on an ethnographic investigation of the implementation of the Bilingual-Bicultural Approach for educating Deaf learners, focusing on South African Sign Language (SASL) teaching at the Further Education and Training (FET) level in a South African School for the Deaf in the Eastern Cape. The investigation occurs within the context of the introduction, in 2015, of the SASL Curriculum and Assessment Policy Statement (CAPS) by the Department of Basic Education (DBE). The SASL CAPS introduces an approach to teaching the Deaf known as the Bilingual-Bicultural Approach. This is an approach in which natural sign language (such as SASL) is taught first and used to learn a spoken language such as English for reading and writing. Previous research on a contrastive analysis of South African English and SASL reveals that SASL is a Topic-Comment language. It is sometimes Object-Subject-Verb (OSV) or Subject-Object-Verb (SOV) while the word order of South African English is Subject-Verb-Object (SVO). Semi-structured interviews of hearing and Deaf participants reveal serious tensions between the staff and the hearing staff because Deaf culture is not adhered to by some of the hearing staff. These tensions have a negative impact on the culture of learning and teaching at the school. Observations of four lessons at an FET class taught by an SASL FET teacher show that in her teaching, SASL syntax is used in keeping with the principles of the Bilingual-Bicultural Approach. However, her signing is accompanied by unvoiced spoken language due to the influence of a previously used approach called Total Communication (TC). One of the learners, Lulu, who contributes considerably more often than other learners in the lesson, also shows the same influence of TC. Other learners are either withdrawn or copy signs from Lulu. The study concludes with the recommendation that SASL be used for initiating newcomers to school as opposed to Signed English because research in bilingualism suggests that second language learners need one natural language established first before attempting to learn a second language. Teachers are recommended to immerse themselves into Deaf culture to acquire fluency. Comments from some participants suggest that teachers require vigorous training in the Bilingual-Bicultural Approach on a continuous basis. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Humanities, Linguistics and Applied Languages Studies, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-10-29
- Authors: Tunzelana, Nomava Mercy
- Date: 2021-10-29
- Subjects: South African Sign Language Study and teaching (Higher) , Sign language acquisition South Africa , Education, Bilingual South Africa , Biculturalism South Africa , Ethnology South Africa , Culturally relevant pedagogy South Africa , Deaf students South Africa , South Africa. Department of Basic Education , Curriculum-based assessment South Africa , South African Curriculum Assessment and Policy Statement (CAPS)
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/192353 , vital:45218
- Description: This half-thesis reports on an ethnographic investigation of the implementation of the Bilingual-Bicultural Approach for educating Deaf learners, focusing on South African Sign Language (SASL) teaching at the Further Education and Training (FET) level in a South African School for the Deaf in the Eastern Cape. The investigation occurs within the context of the introduction, in 2015, of the SASL Curriculum and Assessment Policy Statement (CAPS) by the Department of Basic Education (DBE). The SASL CAPS introduces an approach to teaching the Deaf known as the Bilingual-Bicultural Approach. This is an approach in which natural sign language (such as SASL) is taught first and used to learn a spoken language such as English for reading and writing. Previous research on a contrastive analysis of South African English and SASL reveals that SASL is a Topic-Comment language. It is sometimes Object-Subject-Verb (OSV) or Subject-Object-Verb (SOV) while the word order of South African English is Subject-Verb-Object (SVO). Semi-structured interviews of hearing and Deaf participants reveal serious tensions between the staff and the hearing staff because Deaf culture is not adhered to by some of the hearing staff. These tensions have a negative impact on the culture of learning and teaching at the school. Observations of four lessons at an FET class taught by an SASL FET teacher show that in her teaching, SASL syntax is used in keeping with the principles of the Bilingual-Bicultural Approach. However, her signing is accompanied by unvoiced spoken language due to the influence of a previously used approach called Total Communication (TC). One of the learners, Lulu, who contributes considerably more often than other learners in the lesson, also shows the same influence of TC. Other learners are either withdrawn or copy signs from Lulu. The study concludes with the recommendation that SASL be used for initiating newcomers to school as opposed to Signed English because research in bilingualism suggests that second language learners need one natural language established first before attempting to learn a second language. Teachers are recommended to immerse themselves into Deaf culture to acquire fluency. Comments from some participants suggest that teachers require vigorous training in the Bilingual-Bicultural Approach on a continuous basis. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Humanities, Linguistics and Applied Languages Studies, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-10-29
An evolutionary study of legless skinks’ (Acontias Cuvier, 1817) head and vertebrae morphology
- Authors: Evlambiou, Anthony Andreas
- Date: 2021-10
- Subjects: Skinks South Africa , Acontias South Africa , Typhlosaurus South Africa , Acontias Morphology , Acontias Phylogeny , Acontias Evolution , Vertebrae , Skull Growth , Evolutionary developmental biology
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/190690 , vital:45018
- Description: Environmental factors and/or processes can produce differences in general shape between individuals or particular parts of individuals. Examples of these biological processes may include ontogenetic development, adaptation to local geographic factors, or long-term evolutionary diversification. An organism is not likely to be able to optimise a single structure for multiple purposes and so trade-offs are likely to occur. An example of such a structure is the cranium, as it can be used for multiple activities such as defensive and sexual behaviour, locomotion, prey capture, and ingestion. Morphological characteristics have historically been used in the description of species. Genetic analyses have gained popularity as species delineation techniques and have been particularly useful in identifying cryptic species, especially among morphological conserved species like legless skinks of the subfamily Acontinae (e.g. Acontias Cuvier, 1817 and Typhlosaurus Weigmann, 1834). However, completely doing away with morphological techniques during species descriptions is not the best option. Therefore, novel methods to identify species, especially those with similar body plans, are needed. In this dissertation, we explore the links between head shape and vertebral number to environmental pressures to determine whether the evolutionary process is driven by environmental pressures (soil or biome) or is retained through ancestry. A novel species/clade delineation linked to vertebral number is also investigated. Head shape was expected to have a close link to the environment and the number of vertebrae was expected to have a closer link to ancestry. The first chapter investigates the drivers behind Acontias head shape evolution using geometric morphometric techniques. We found that environmental pressures did affect the evolution of head shape especially in the “soil” and “biome” categories but further investigation is advised. The second chapter explores the viability of using vertebral counts as a novel method for species and/or clade delineation in Acontias and to determine whether vertebral number can be linked to the environment. Delineating species based on vertebral count is likely not an option, however, delineating clades proved to show promising results. A link between vertebral count and environment was found in Acontias with larger bodied species occurring in different environments to smaller body species. In conclusion, the genus Acontias is difficult to delineate morphologically. Genetic sequence analyses can indicate differences and delineate the species. Even though there were differences in morphology based on environmental factors, it is not sufficient to delineate this subfamily alone. Further research is advised and this dissertation provides a good basis to work with. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, Zoology and Entomology, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-10
- Authors: Evlambiou, Anthony Andreas
- Date: 2021-10
- Subjects: Skinks South Africa , Acontias South Africa , Typhlosaurus South Africa , Acontias Morphology , Acontias Phylogeny , Acontias Evolution , Vertebrae , Skull Growth , Evolutionary developmental biology
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/190690 , vital:45018
- Description: Environmental factors and/or processes can produce differences in general shape between individuals or particular parts of individuals. Examples of these biological processes may include ontogenetic development, adaptation to local geographic factors, or long-term evolutionary diversification. An organism is not likely to be able to optimise a single structure for multiple purposes and so trade-offs are likely to occur. An example of such a structure is the cranium, as it can be used for multiple activities such as defensive and sexual behaviour, locomotion, prey capture, and ingestion. Morphological characteristics have historically been used in the description of species. Genetic analyses have gained popularity as species delineation techniques and have been particularly useful in identifying cryptic species, especially among morphological conserved species like legless skinks of the subfamily Acontinae (e.g. Acontias Cuvier, 1817 and Typhlosaurus Weigmann, 1834). However, completely doing away with morphological techniques during species descriptions is not the best option. Therefore, novel methods to identify species, especially those with similar body plans, are needed. In this dissertation, we explore the links between head shape and vertebral number to environmental pressures to determine whether the evolutionary process is driven by environmental pressures (soil or biome) or is retained through ancestry. A novel species/clade delineation linked to vertebral number is also investigated. Head shape was expected to have a close link to the environment and the number of vertebrae was expected to have a closer link to ancestry. The first chapter investigates the drivers behind Acontias head shape evolution using geometric morphometric techniques. We found that environmental pressures did affect the evolution of head shape especially in the “soil” and “biome” categories but further investigation is advised. The second chapter explores the viability of using vertebral counts as a novel method for species and/or clade delineation in Acontias and to determine whether vertebral number can be linked to the environment. Delineating species based on vertebral count is likely not an option, however, delineating clades proved to show promising results. A link between vertebral count and environment was found in Acontias with larger bodied species occurring in different environments to smaller body species. In conclusion, the genus Acontias is difficult to delineate morphologically. Genetic sequence analyses can indicate differences and delineate the species. Even though there were differences in morphology based on environmental factors, it is not sufficient to delineate this subfamily alone. Further research is advised and this dissertation provides a good basis to work with. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, Zoology and Entomology, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-10
An exploration of how schools and teachers interpret and implement the Language in Education Policy for their classroom practice: a case study
- Authors: Sibanda, Sikhumbuzo
- Date: 2021-10-29
- Subjects: Language policy South Africa , Education and state South Africa , Critical discourse analysis , Native language and education South Africa Kuruman , Educational change South Africa , South Africa Colonial influence , South African Language in Education Policy
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/192035 , vital:45190
- Description: This case study explored how schools and teachers interpret and implement the Language in Education Policy for their classroom practices. Scholars like Alexander and Block (2012) note that the South African Language in Education Policy (LiEP) is one of the advanced policies globally. Other scholars like Perry (2015) and Ngcobo (2015) state that the policy in South Africa has failed when it comes to implementation. It is against this background that the research explored how schools and teachers interpret and implement the Language in Education Policy for their classroom practice in three primary schools in Kuruman, Northern Cape. The research methodology was qualitative and it used a case study approach. The study is informed and framed by the Language Policy framework and the CDA (Critical Discourse Analysis). The research sites were three Grade 4 classes and the participants were three teachers, three principals and three SGB Chairpersons from three different schools (one school in deep rural, another in semi-urban and the third in urban) in Kuruman. This case study, located in the interpretive paradigm, employed individual semi-structured interviews, non-participant classroom observations, document analyses and field notes for data collection. The study revealed that teachers are not versed in LiEP and their classroom practice is therefore not based on policy but on their own perceptions. Classroom practices were incongruent with what the Language in Education Policy requires. Even other documents which support the Language in Education Policy like the school language policies, were not used as guiding documents for classroom practice. Lastly, this study revealed that, despite a plethora of literature on how practice engages and disengages with Language in Education Policy (LiEP), the deconstruction of colonial and apartheid education is still a challenge especially in language use, perceptions of mother tongue instruction and the hegemony of English. One of the recommendations of this study is that teachers must be taught to use Languages of Learning and teaching required in their areas and they should also be given continuous professional development courses on policies so as to improve their practice. Language Policy Units should be set up within the provincial and district Departments of Education that would support the implementation of LiEP. , Thesis (MEd) -- Faculty of Education, Education, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-10-29
- Authors: Sibanda, Sikhumbuzo
- Date: 2021-10-29
- Subjects: Language policy South Africa , Education and state South Africa , Critical discourse analysis , Native language and education South Africa Kuruman , Educational change South Africa , South Africa Colonial influence , South African Language in Education Policy
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/192035 , vital:45190
- Description: This case study explored how schools and teachers interpret and implement the Language in Education Policy for their classroom practices. Scholars like Alexander and Block (2012) note that the South African Language in Education Policy (LiEP) is one of the advanced policies globally. Other scholars like Perry (2015) and Ngcobo (2015) state that the policy in South Africa has failed when it comes to implementation. It is against this background that the research explored how schools and teachers interpret and implement the Language in Education Policy for their classroom practice in three primary schools in Kuruman, Northern Cape. The research methodology was qualitative and it used a case study approach. The study is informed and framed by the Language Policy framework and the CDA (Critical Discourse Analysis). The research sites were three Grade 4 classes and the participants were three teachers, three principals and three SGB Chairpersons from three different schools (one school in deep rural, another in semi-urban and the third in urban) in Kuruman. This case study, located in the interpretive paradigm, employed individual semi-structured interviews, non-participant classroom observations, document analyses and field notes for data collection. The study revealed that teachers are not versed in LiEP and their classroom practice is therefore not based on policy but on their own perceptions. Classroom practices were incongruent with what the Language in Education Policy requires. Even other documents which support the Language in Education Policy like the school language policies, were not used as guiding documents for classroom practice. Lastly, this study revealed that, despite a plethora of literature on how practice engages and disengages with Language in Education Policy (LiEP), the deconstruction of colonial and apartheid education is still a challenge especially in language use, perceptions of mother tongue instruction and the hegemony of English. One of the recommendations of this study is that teachers must be taught to use Languages of Learning and teaching required in their areas and they should also be given continuous professional development courses on policies so as to improve their practice. Language Policy Units should be set up within the provincial and district Departments of Education that would support the implementation of LiEP. , Thesis (MEd) -- Faculty of Education, Education, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-10-29
An interpretative phenomenological analysis of mothers’ experiences raising an autistic child
- Authors: Hewson, Aimee Jessica
- Date: 2021-10-29
- Subjects: Autism spectrum disorders South Africa , Autism spectrum disorders in children South Africa , Mothers of children with disabilities South Africa , Phenomenological psychology , Qualitative research , Interpretative phenomenological analysis
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/190725 , vital:45022
- Description: There has been an increasing research focus on Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and the experiences of those affected by autism. Previous research has demonstrated that mothers experience difficulties in all spheres related to their autistic child. Mothers were focused on exclusively in this study as previous research found that it is mostly mothers who take on the primary caring role for their children. As a result, this research aimed to explore the perceptions and experience of six South African mothers raising their ASD child. This research used a qualitative research approach and an interpretative phenomenological analysis methodology. Two semi-structured interviews were held with each participant, with interviews being audio recorded. After analysis, five themes were found, namely: (1) learning their child has a condition or diagnosis, (2) learning and sharing about ASD, (3) the mothering experience, (4) interventions and cost and (5) supportive resources. Careful anonymisation choices were made in this research to ensure the anonymity of participants as best as possible, due to the recruitment through a gatekeeper organisation and snowball sampling. The main findings of this study were that mothers experienced difficulties and challenges as they navigated the medical world in search of a diagnosis for their child. Mothers also reported following their intuition when it came to their children’s care, interventions, and schooling. The passage of time was a significant issue to mothers, as they described several delays and waiting periods. Mothers also described their concerns regarding their children’s future and the fact that their child would be dependent on them and would not be able to form autonomous mature relationships with others. They also reported various thoughts on disclosing their child’s diagnosis to their children. This research, therefore, added to and expanded upon South African literature on the experiences of mothers raising their ASD child. Concurring with previous research, this project found that mothers experience many challenges in the raising of their ASD child. , Thesis (MSocSci) -- Faculty of Humanities, Psychology, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-10-29
- Authors: Hewson, Aimee Jessica
- Date: 2021-10-29
- Subjects: Autism spectrum disorders South Africa , Autism spectrum disorders in children South Africa , Mothers of children with disabilities South Africa , Phenomenological psychology , Qualitative research , Interpretative phenomenological analysis
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/190725 , vital:45022
- Description: There has been an increasing research focus on Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and the experiences of those affected by autism. Previous research has demonstrated that mothers experience difficulties in all spheres related to their autistic child. Mothers were focused on exclusively in this study as previous research found that it is mostly mothers who take on the primary caring role for their children. As a result, this research aimed to explore the perceptions and experience of six South African mothers raising their ASD child. This research used a qualitative research approach and an interpretative phenomenological analysis methodology. Two semi-structured interviews were held with each participant, with interviews being audio recorded. After analysis, five themes were found, namely: (1) learning their child has a condition or diagnosis, (2) learning and sharing about ASD, (3) the mothering experience, (4) interventions and cost and (5) supportive resources. Careful anonymisation choices were made in this research to ensure the anonymity of participants as best as possible, due to the recruitment through a gatekeeper organisation and snowball sampling. The main findings of this study were that mothers experienced difficulties and challenges as they navigated the medical world in search of a diagnosis for their child. Mothers also reported following their intuition when it came to their children’s care, interventions, and schooling. The passage of time was a significant issue to mothers, as they described several delays and waiting periods. Mothers also described their concerns regarding their children’s future and the fact that their child would be dependent on them and would not be able to form autonomous mature relationships with others. They also reported various thoughts on disclosing their child’s diagnosis to their children. This research, therefore, added to and expanded upon South African literature on the experiences of mothers raising their ASD child. Concurring with previous research, this project found that mothers experience many challenges in the raising of their ASD child. , Thesis (MSocSci) -- Faculty of Humanities, Psychology, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-10-29
An Updated Catalogue and Review of Afrotherian (Afroplacentalia) Mammals in the Amathole Museum Collection, Eastern Cape Province, South Africa
- Authors: Mahala, Buyiswa
- Date: 2021-03
- Subjects: Mammals
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/20741 , vital:46513
- Description: The Mammalogy Collection of the Amathole Museum is one of the most comprehensive mammal collections in Africa, with a specialisation in southern African fauna. It was accumulated over almost 100 years, in some instances from areas that no longer support sustainable populations of wildlife. The collection, therefore, is irreplaceable. A museum collection is only as good as its accessibility to students and researchers for it to perform its functions as a biodiversity archive. Accessibility, in turn, depends on up-to-date taxonomy and classification; good curation practices; public awareness of the collection; and electronic access to the details of the collection’s composition. The higher-level taxonomy of the Class Mammalia has undergone extensive changes since the adoption of molecular systematic techniques. Phylogenetic reconstructions based on large DNA sequence databases consistently group placental mammals into four superorders: Laurasiatheria (carnivores, bats, ungulates, whales); Euarchontoglires, a super-clade that includes primates (apes, monkeys and allies), rodents (mouse, rat and guinea pig), lagomorphs, (rabbit and hares), dermopterans (flying lemurs or colugos) and scandentians (tree shrew); Xenarthra (armadillos, anteaters, sloths), and Afrotheria (elephants, sea cows, tenrecs, aardvarks, sengis, golden moles, hyraxes). New relationships have been recognised that have required the erection of new taxonomic groups. Most of the Amathole Museum mammal collection was assembled and accessioned long before this new system was devised, and I undertook this project to begin the re-organisation of the collection according to the new information. I conducted and audit and inventory of all specimens of Afrotheria, or the mammals of African origin, housed in the Amathole Museum collection. I photographed the specimens and corrected and updated their taxonomic details. As we now live in an age of digital information, natural history collections need to be available online to extend public access. Specimen details were entered into Excel files, and their localities were mapped. This kind of information has the possibility of transforming biological curricula to include more authentic and inquiry-driven educational experiences. My future goals are to acquire Malagasy tenrecs for the Amathole Afrotheria collection, and to investigate the taxonomic validity of the Amathole hyrax collection, as many specimens were found with confusing and out-of-date classifications. , Thesis (MSc) (Zoology) -- University of Fort Hare, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-03
- Authors: Mahala, Buyiswa
- Date: 2021-03
- Subjects: Mammals
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/20741 , vital:46513
- Description: The Mammalogy Collection of the Amathole Museum is one of the most comprehensive mammal collections in Africa, with a specialisation in southern African fauna. It was accumulated over almost 100 years, in some instances from areas that no longer support sustainable populations of wildlife. The collection, therefore, is irreplaceable. A museum collection is only as good as its accessibility to students and researchers for it to perform its functions as a biodiversity archive. Accessibility, in turn, depends on up-to-date taxonomy and classification; good curation practices; public awareness of the collection; and electronic access to the details of the collection’s composition. The higher-level taxonomy of the Class Mammalia has undergone extensive changes since the adoption of molecular systematic techniques. Phylogenetic reconstructions based on large DNA sequence databases consistently group placental mammals into four superorders: Laurasiatheria (carnivores, bats, ungulates, whales); Euarchontoglires, a super-clade that includes primates (apes, monkeys and allies), rodents (mouse, rat and guinea pig), lagomorphs, (rabbit and hares), dermopterans (flying lemurs or colugos) and scandentians (tree shrew); Xenarthra (armadillos, anteaters, sloths), and Afrotheria (elephants, sea cows, tenrecs, aardvarks, sengis, golden moles, hyraxes). New relationships have been recognised that have required the erection of new taxonomic groups. Most of the Amathole Museum mammal collection was assembled and accessioned long before this new system was devised, and I undertook this project to begin the re-organisation of the collection according to the new information. I conducted and audit and inventory of all specimens of Afrotheria, or the mammals of African origin, housed in the Amathole Museum collection. I photographed the specimens and corrected and updated their taxonomic details. As we now live in an age of digital information, natural history collections need to be available online to extend public access. Specimen details were entered into Excel files, and their localities were mapped. This kind of information has the possibility of transforming biological curricula to include more authentic and inquiry-driven educational experiences. My future goals are to acquire Malagasy tenrecs for the Amathole Afrotheria collection, and to investigate the taxonomic validity of the Amathole hyrax collection, as many specimens were found with confusing and out-of-date classifications. , Thesis (MSc) (Zoology) -- University of Fort Hare, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-03
Assessing the invasive status and reproductive ecology of two Crataegus species in South Africa; Crataegus monogyna Jacq and C. mexicana DC
- Authors: Tshilingalinga, Sydney
- Date: 2021-03
- Subjects: Crataegus monogyna , Nonindigenous pests , Biological invasions
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/20904 , vital:46740
- Description: In South Africa different species, from the genus Crataegus, including Crataegus monogyna Jacq and C. mexicana DC have been introduced for various reasons in the past. Populations of these plants have now established in multiple provinces. However, the invasive status, risk and insect pollinators that promote their reproduction and dispersal have never been studied in South Africa. This study was aimed at 1) Assessing the risk of, and mapping two Crataegus species, Crataegus monogyna Jacq and C. mexicana DC in South Africa, 2) Determining the role and effectiveness of insects pollinators to fruiting of C. monogyna and C. mexicana, 3) Identifying flower visitors of C. monogyna and C. mexicana, and 4) documenting potential dispersal vectors for both species in the Eastern Cape Province. A framework entitled “Framework and guideline for conducting risk analysis under NEM: BA Alien and Invasive Species Regulation of 2014” was used to assess the risk of the two Crataegus spp, and we conducted field trips to various provinces in SA to map their distribution. The author conducted an exclusion experiment to determine the role and effectiveness of insect pollinators. Observations were conducted to identify flower visitors and potential dispersal vectors for both species. The risk analysis results suggested that both species pose a high risk of becoming invasive in South Africa. The eradication feasibility of both species was found to be medium with C. monogyna having an eradication feasibility score of 5 and C. mexicana having an eradication feasibility score of 4. This meant that there was a 50 percent chance for both species to be eradicated in South Africa currently. After a thorough risk analysis, it was recommended that both species be listed under category 1b on the National Environmental Management Biodiversity Act. Category 1b species are invasive species that need to be controlled, and if possible, they must be eradicated, trading of species from this category is not allowed. Crataegus mexicana was found to be widespread in South Africa with ten relatively small populations distributed in 5 provinces; Limpopo, Mpumalanga, KwaZulu-Natal, Free State and Eastern Cape Province. Crataegus monogyna was found not to be widespread in South Africa, with only three populations found in the Eastern Cape Province. Insect pollinators contribute to the fruiting of both species in SA. However, the exotic plants were also observed to be able to self-pollinate when insects are excluded. Flowers of C. monogyna were visited by various insect species from orders Lepidoptera, Hymenoptera, Coleoptera and Diptera, while C. mexicana is visited by species from the order Hymenoptera, Diptera, Lepidoptera and Coleoptera. Seventy-seven percent (77 percent) of potential dispersal vectors observed for C. monogyna were birds, and 15 percent were mammals. For C. mexicana, 71 percent of potential dispersal vectors observed were mammals, and 29 percent were birds. Crataegus monogyna and C. mexicana are emerging invasive alien species in South Africa, and not much is known about them. Although the two species are listed as invasive weeds in South Africa, very little is known about their invasive status in other parts of the world. This study has managed to give baseline information and data about both species which are already in South Africa. The baseline information and data include the population structure of both species, their distribution, the risk they pose to South Africa biodiversity and their reproduction ecology. Currently, there are no management plans in place for both species in South Africa, and this is because they are not listed yet in the National Environmental Management Biodiversity Act of South Africa. However, this study recommends that current populations continue to be monitored, awareness of both species in various provinces be initiated to help in the discovery of new and emerging populations, and management options of large populations developed in the future. , Thesis (MSc) (Entomology) -- University of Fort Hare, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-03
- Authors: Tshilingalinga, Sydney
- Date: 2021-03
- Subjects: Crataegus monogyna , Nonindigenous pests , Biological invasions
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/20904 , vital:46740
- Description: In South Africa different species, from the genus Crataegus, including Crataegus monogyna Jacq and C. mexicana DC have been introduced for various reasons in the past. Populations of these plants have now established in multiple provinces. However, the invasive status, risk and insect pollinators that promote their reproduction and dispersal have never been studied in South Africa. This study was aimed at 1) Assessing the risk of, and mapping two Crataegus species, Crataegus monogyna Jacq and C. mexicana DC in South Africa, 2) Determining the role and effectiveness of insects pollinators to fruiting of C. monogyna and C. mexicana, 3) Identifying flower visitors of C. monogyna and C. mexicana, and 4) documenting potential dispersal vectors for both species in the Eastern Cape Province. A framework entitled “Framework and guideline for conducting risk analysis under NEM: BA Alien and Invasive Species Regulation of 2014” was used to assess the risk of the two Crataegus spp, and we conducted field trips to various provinces in SA to map their distribution. The author conducted an exclusion experiment to determine the role and effectiveness of insect pollinators. Observations were conducted to identify flower visitors and potential dispersal vectors for both species. The risk analysis results suggested that both species pose a high risk of becoming invasive in South Africa. The eradication feasibility of both species was found to be medium with C. monogyna having an eradication feasibility score of 5 and C. mexicana having an eradication feasibility score of 4. This meant that there was a 50 percent chance for both species to be eradicated in South Africa currently. After a thorough risk analysis, it was recommended that both species be listed under category 1b on the National Environmental Management Biodiversity Act. Category 1b species are invasive species that need to be controlled, and if possible, they must be eradicated, trading of species from this category is not allowed. Crataegus mexicana was found to be widespread in South Africa with ten relatively small populations distributed in 5 provinces; Limpopo, Mpumalanga, KwaZulu-Natal, Free State and Eastern Cape Province. Crataegus monogyna was found not to be widespread in South Africa, with only three populations found in the Eastern Cape Province. Insect pollinators contribute to the fruiting of both species in SA. However, the exotic plants were also observed to be able to self-pollinate when insects are excluded. Flowers of C. monogyna were visited by various insect species from orders Lepidoptera, Hymenoptera, Coleoptera and Diptera, while C. mexicana is visited by species from the order Hymenoptera, Diptera, Lepidoptera and Coleoptera. Seventy-seven percent (77 percent) of potential dispersal vectors observed for C. monogyna were birds, and 15 percent were mammals. For C. mexicana, 71 percent of potential dispersal vectors observed were mammals, and 29 percent were birds. Crataegus monogyna and C. mexicana are emerging invasive alien species in South Africa, and not much is known about them. Although the two species are listed as invasive weeds in South Africa, very little is known about their invasive status in other parts of the world. This study has managed to give baseline information and data about both species which are already in South Africa. The baseline information and data include the population structure of both species, their distribution, the risk they pose to South Africa biodiversity and their reproduction ecology. Currently, there are no management plans in place for both species in South Africa, and this is because they are not listed yet in the National Environmental Management Biodiversity Act of South Africa. However, this study recommends that current populations continue to be monitored, awareness of both species in various provinces be initiated to help in the discovery of new and emerging populations, and management options of large populations developed in the future. , Thesis (MSc) (Entomology) -- University of Fort Hare, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-03
Biton’s Lost Siege Engine: Experimental archaeology in Classical Studies
- Authors: Rademan, David John
- Date: 2021-10-29
- Subjects: Pergamum (Extinct city) , Dimensional analysis , Engineering History To 168 B.C. , Fluid mechanics History To 168 B.C. , Byzantine literature History and criticism , Siege warfare History To 168 B.C. , Biton of Pergamon , Isidorus of Abydos , Poliorcetics
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/192330 , vital:45216
- Description: This thesis entails an examination of several problems inherent in placing a technical treatise by the Hellenistic Greek engineer, Biton of Pergamon, at a siege of 156-154BCE, with a view to galvanising the existing case of previous scholarship through a combined approach of literary, textual, geographical, and technical analysis. Particular focus is given to the following problems: technical errors in current translations of the treatise of Biton; technical considerations in scholars’ reproductions of a particular engine in the treatise; an assessment of the practical implications of the treatise in situ at the physical site of the ancient city of Pergamon in the second century BCE, as evidenced by archaeological findings and surveys; assessment of those implications by way of historical records of similar conflicts from the Hellenistic period; and suggesting a procedure of dimensional analysis for testing a hypothesis regarding the feasibility of the ancient engineer’s recommended engines as a stand-in for the city’s original defenses, in a manner that harmonises the methodologies of historicism and experimental archaeology with sound and appropriate modern engineering practice from the field of Fluid Mechanics. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Humanities, School of Languages and Literatures, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-10-29
- Authors: Rademan, David John
- Date: 2021-10-29
- Subjects: Pergamum (Extinct city) , Dimensional analysis , Engineering History To 168 B.C. , Fluid mechanics History To 168 B.C. , Byzantine literature History and criticism , Siege warfare History To 168 B.C. , Biton of Pergamon , Isidorus of Abydos , Poliorcetics
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/192330 , vital:45216
- Description: This thesis entails an examination of several problems inherent in placing a technical treatise by the Hellenistic Greek engineer, Biton of Pergamon, at a siege of 156-154BCE, with a view to galvanising the existing case of previous scholarship through a combined approach of literary, textual, geographical, and technical analysis. Particular focus is given to the following problems: technical errors in current translations of the treatise of Biton; technical considerations in scholars’ reproductions of a particular engine in the treatise; an assessment of the practical implications of the treatise in situ at the physical site of the ancient city of Pergamon in the second century BCE, as evidenced by archaeological findings and surveys; assessment of those implications by way of historical records of similar conflicts from the Hellenistic period; and suggesting a procedure of dimensional analysis for testing a hypothesis regarding the feasibility of the ancient engineer’s recommended engines as a stand-in for the city’s original defenses, in a manner that harmonises the methodologies of historicism and experimental archaeology with sound and appropriate modern engineering practice from the field of Fluid Mechanics. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Humanities, School of Languages and Literatures, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-10-29
Building the field component of a smart irrigation system: A detailed experience of a computer science graduate
- Authors: Pipile, Yamnkelani Yonela
- Date: 2021-10
- Subjects: Irrigation efficiency Computer-aided design South Africa , Irrigation projects Computer-aided design South Africa , Internet of things , Machine-to-machine communications , Smart water grids South Africa , Raspberry Pi (Computer) , Arduino (Programmable controller) , ZigBee , MQTT (MQ Telemetry Transport) , MQTT-SN , XBee
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/191814 , vital:45167
- Description: South Africa is a semi-arid area with an average annual rainfall of approximately 450mm, 60 per cent of which goes towards irrigation. Current irrigation systems generally apply water in a uniform manner across a field, which is both inefficient and can kill the plants. The Internet of Things (IoT), an emerging technology involving the utilization of sensors and actuators to build complex feedback systems, present an opportunity to build a smart irrigation solution. This research project illustrates the development of the field components of a water monitoring system using off the shelf and inexpensive components, exploring at the same time how easy or difficult it would be for a general Computer Science graduate to use hardware components and associated tools within the IoT area. The problem was initially broken down through a classical top-down process, in order to identify the components such as micro-computers, micro- controllers, sensors and network connections, that would be needed to build the solution. I then selected the Raspberry Pi 3, the Arduino Arduino Uno, the MH-Sensor-Series hygrometer, the MQTT messaging protocol, and the ZigBee communication protocol as implemented in the XBee S2C. Once the components were identified, the work followed a bottom-up approach: I studied the components in isolation and relative to each other, through a structured series of experiments, with each experiment addressing a specific component and examining how easy was to use the component. While each experiment allowed the author to acquire and deepen her understanding of each component, and progressively built a more sophisticated prototype, towards the complete solution. I found the vast majority of the identified components and tools to be easy to use, well documented, and most importantly, mature for consumption by our target user, until I encountered the MQTT-SN (MQTT-Sensor Network) implementation, not as mature as the rest. This resulted in us designing and implementing a light-weight, general ZigBee/MQTT gateway, named “yoGa” (Yonella's Gateway) from the author. At the end of the research, I was able to build the field components of a smart irrigation system using the selected tools, including the yoGa gateway, proving practically that a Computer Science graduate from a South African University can become productive in the emerging IoT area. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, Computer Science, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-10
- Authors: Pipile, Yamnkelani Yonela
- Date: 2021-10
- Subjects: Irrigation efficiency Computer-aided design South Africa , Irrigation projects Computer-aided design South Africa , Internet of things , Machine-to-machine communications , Smart water grids South Africa , Raspberry Pi (Computer) , Arduino (Programmable controller) , ZigBee , MQTT (MQ Telemetry Transport) , MQTT-SN , XBee
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/191814 , vital:45167
- Description: South Africa is a semi-arid area with an average annual rainfall of approximately 450mm, 60 per cent of which goes towards irrigation. Current irrigation systems generally apply water in a uniform manner across a field, which is both inefficient and can kill the plants. The Internet of Things (IoT), an emerging technology involving the utilization of sensors and actuators to build complex feedback systems, present an opportunity to build a smart irrigation solution. This research project illustrates the development of the field components of a water monitoring system using off the shelf and inexpensive components, exploring at the same time how easy or difficult it would be for a general Computer Science graduate to use hardware components and associated tools within the IoT area. The problem was initially broken down through a classical top-down process, in order to identify the components such as micro-computers, micro- controllers, sensors and network connections, that would be needed to build the solution. I then selected the Raspberry Pi 3, the Arduino Arduino Uno, the MH-Sensor-Series hygrometer, the MQTT messaging protocol, and the ZigBee communication protocol as implemented in the XBee S2C. Once the components were identified, the work followed a bottom-up approach: I studied the components in isolation and relative to each other, through a structured series of experiments, with each experiment addressing a specific component and examining how easy was to use the component. While each experiment allowed the author to acquire and deepen her understanding of each component, and progressively built a more sophisticated prototype, towards the complete solution. I found the vast majority of the identified components and tools to be easy to use, well documented, and most importantly, mature for consumption by our target user, until I encountered the MQTT-SN (MQTT-Sensor Network) implementation, not as mature as the rest. This resulted in us designing and implementing a light-weight, general ZigBee/MQTT gateway, named “yoGa” (Yonella's Gateway) from the author. At the end of the research, I was able to build the field components of a smart irrigation system using the selected tools, including the yoGa gateway, proving practically that a Computer Science graduate from a South African University can become productive in the emerging IoT area. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, Computer Science, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-10
Cellphones and whistles: Exploring the communicative ecology and sociality of the Enkanini informal settlement in Makhanda
- Authors: Baloyi, Karabo
- Date: 2021-10-29
- Subjects: Communication models , Cell phones Social aspects South Africa Makhanda , Cell phones Economic aspects South Africa Makhanda , Squatter settlements South Africa Makhanda , South Africa Social conditions 1994- , South Africa Economic conditions 1991- , South Africa Social life and customs , Communication Economic aspects South Africa Makhanda , Whistles South Africa Makhanda , Decolonization South Africa Makhanda , Communicative ecology
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/191046 , vital:45053
- Description: This thesis explores the communicative ecology in the Enkanini informal settlement in Makhanda, and in particular their use of mobile phones and whistles to build a sense of community. It makes the case for word-of-mouth as an integral part of the communicative ecology despite not being a technological device. It then examines the sociality that arises from the use of these devices, and how coloniality impacts on the participants’ everyday experiences. The research was conducted through telephonic in-depth interviews with participants. To corroborate some of the content drawn from interviews, I used Grocott’s Mail, Makhanda’s only independent newspaper as an archival source, as well as some of the participants’ Facebook profiles. This research argues that as a consequence of coloniality, Enkanini’s residents suffer socio-economic challenges, and thus are unable to use digital technologies as much as they might like to, to communicate with their neighbours. As a consequence, word-of-mouth is their main form of communication with one another. Whistles are the ‘low-tech’ device used for community-wide communication to alert residents of an emergency, or about a meeting or protest. My findings contest generalised claims of society moving towards a network sociality, where individuality and project-based communication is valued over more communal forms of living. They also demonstrate the ways in which coloniality shapes almost every aspect of marginalised people’s lives, making word of mouth the most significant form of communication, notwithstanding the apparent availability of digital technology. It also shows how a marginalised group uses the resources it has to pressure local government officials to provide them with the basis infrastructure they need for survival. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Humanities, Journalism and Media Studies, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-10-29
- Authors: Baloyi, Karabo
- Date: 2021-10-29
- Subjects: Communication models , Cell phones Social aspects South Africa Makhanda , Cell phones Economic aspects South Africa Makhanda , Squatter settlements South Africa Makhanda , South Africa Social conditions 1994- , South Africa Economic conditions 1991- , South Africa Social life and customs , Communication Economic aspects South Africa Makhanda , Whistles South Africa Makhanda , Decolonization South Africa Makhanda , Communicative ecology
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/191046 , vital:45053
- Description: This thesis explores the communicative ecology in the Enkanini informal settlement in Makhanda, and in particular their use of mobile phones and whistles to build a sense of community. It makes the case for word-of-mouth as an integral part of the communicative ecology despite not being a technological device. It then examines the sociality that arises from the use of these devices, and how coloniality impacts on the participants’ everyday experiences. The research was conducted through telephonic in-depth interviews with participants. To corroborate some of the content drawn from interviews, I used Grocott’s Mail, Makhanda’s only independent newspaper as an archival source, as well as some of the participants’ Facebook profiles. This research argues that as a consequence of coloniality, Enkanini’s residents suffer socio-economic challenges, and thus are unable to use digital technologies as much as they might like to, to communicate with their neighbours. As a consequence, word-of-mouth is their main form of communication with one another. Whistles are the ‘low-tech’ device used for community-wide communication to alert residents of an emergency, or about a meeting or protest. My findings contest generalised claims of society moving towards a network sociality, where individuality and project-based communication is valued over more communal forms of living. They also demonstrate the ways in which coloniality shapes almost every aspect of marginalised people’s lives, making word of mouth the most significant form of communication, notwithstanding the apparent availability of digital technology. It also shows how a marginalised group uses the resources it has to pressure local government officials to provide them with the basis infrastructure they need for survival. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Humanities, Journalism and Media Studies, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-10-29
Climate change and small-scale farmer livelihood adaptation in rural border communities in Southern Africa: A case study of Ezondweni Village in Mchinji, Malawi
- Authors: Simango, Kennedy Khuzwayo
- Date: 2021-10-29
- Subjects: Farms, Small Malawi Mchinji , Climatic changes Economic aspects Malawi Mchinji , Climatic changes Risk management Malawi Mchinji , Crops and climate Malawi Mchinji , Sustainable agriculture Malawi Mchinji , Farmers Social networks Malawi Mchinji , Farm income Malawi Mchinji
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/190008 , vital:44955
- Description: Southern Africa is a region increasingly experiencing the detrimental effects of climate change and variability. The rural areas in particular face unprecedented climate change-induced challenges in relation to small-scale farmers being able to pursue household-based livelihoods, and these farmers seek ways of adapting to climate change and variability in doing so. Some rural communities exist along territorial borders and their attempts at adapting to climate change entails cross-border networks and activities. In this context, this thesis examines small-scale farmer adaptation to climate change and variability in the small village of Ezondweni in Malawi near the Zambian border. Analytically, the study draws upon the Sustainable Livelihoods Framework as well as social network theory and the theory of reflexive agency put forward by Margaret Archer. A qualitative research design entailed informal interviews with a small number of Ezondweni villagers, focusing on their perceptions of climate change and their practices of climate change adaptation. The study demonstrates the diverse activities pursued by villagers, both within Malawi and beyond, in seeking to maintain household-based livelihoods, as well as the significance of mutually-supportive social networks which facilitate these livelihood processes. , Thesis (MSocSci) -- Faculty of Humanities, Social Science, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-10-29
- Authors: Simango, Kennedy Khuzwayo
- Date: 2021-10-29
- Subjects: Farms, Small Malawi Mchinji , Climatic changes Economic aspects Malawi Mchinji , Climatic changes Risk management Malawi Mchinji , Crops and climate Malawi Mchinji , Sustainable agriculture Malawi Mchinji , Farmers Social networks Malawi Mchinji , Farm income Malawi Mchinji
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/190008 , vital:44955
- Description: Southern Africa is a region increasingly experiencing the detrimental effects of climate change and variability. The rural areas in particular face unprecedented climate change-induced challenges in relation to small-scale farmers being able to pursue household-based livelihoods, and these farmers seek ways of adapting to climate change and variability in doing so. Some rural communities exist along territorial borders and their attempts at adapting to climate change entails cross-border networks and activities. In this context, this thesis examines small-scale farmer adaptation to climate change and variability in the small village of Ezondweni in Malawi near the Zambian border. Analytically, the study draws upon the Sustainable Livelihoods Framework as well as social network theory and the theory of reflexive agency put forward by Margaret Archer. A qualitative research design entailed informal interviews with a small number of Ezondweni villagers, focusing on their perceptions of climate change and their practices of climate change adaptation. The study demonstrates the diverse activities pursued by villagers, both within Malawi and beyond, in seeking to maintain household-based livelihoods, as well as the significance of mutually-supportive social networks which facilitate these livelihood processes. , Thesis (MSocSci) -- Faculty of Humanities, Social Science, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-10-29
Concerning Marya Schechtman’s narrative account
- Authors: Simuja, Clement
- Date: 2021-10-29
- Subjects: Schechtman, Marya, 1960- Criticism and interpretation , Narrative inquiry (Research method) , Identity (Psychology) , Identity (Philosophical concept) , Self , Individuality
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/190748 , vital:45024
- Description: The persistence of personal identity stands at the heart of many human practices, such as paying individuals for their work or holding people responsible for their actions. As such, it seems important that theories of personal identity are able to account for the practical implications of continuity of personal identity. Mindful of the practical importance of personal identity, Marya Schechtman (1994) argues that her narrative view only accounts for the four features that persons must possess. Any account of personal identity is supposed to make persons capable of possessing these features. She then posits her narrative self-constitution view as an account of personal identity she feels is capable of explaining the link between personal identity and certain features of persons. In this thesis project, I present how the narrative views, as described by Schechtman and others, are interpretive enterprises and that this leads them to a potentially devastating conclusion. The narratives must be constructed from something, and I argue that it is memory. But empirical facts about memory do not allow for it to persist in a quantitative way, but rather in a qualitative way, much like persons. Upon making this argument, I further argue that if mainstream psychological views is correct, this reduces the persistence of memory to resemblance relations. And memory is the building blocks of narrative. If this is the case, then narrative is also reduced to resemblance relations. Narrative, therefore, does not persist through time in a non-qualitative way, and one is better off accepting a psychological theory by virtue of parsimony. Ultimately, I argue that Schechtman and narrative theorists may save narrative views by adopting what I call as a ‘causal narrative view’. A causal narrative view will encapsulate all of the relevant features of the typical narrative view, including the emphasis on construction, but will also add the addendum that narrative states must be placed in a causal relation to each other. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Humanities, Philosophy, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-10-29
- Authors: Simuja, Clement
- Date: 2021-10-29
- Subjects: Schechtman, Marya, 1960- Criticism and interpretation , Narrative inquiry (Research method) , Identity (Psychology) , Identity (Philosophical concept) , Self , Individuality
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/190748 , vital:45024
- Description: The persistence of personal identity stands at the heart of many human practices, such as paying individuals for their work or holding people responsible for their actions. As such, it seems important that theories of personal identity are able to account for the practical implications of continuity of personal identity. Mindful of the practical importance of personal identity, Marya Schechtman (1994) argues that her narrative view only accounts for the four features that persons must possess. Any account of personal identity is supposed to make persons capable of possessing these features. She then posits her narrative self-constitution view as an account of personal identity she feels is capable of explaining the link between personal identity and certain features of persons. In this thesis project, I present how the narrative views, as described by Schechtman and others, are interpretive enterprises and that this leads them to a potentially devastating conclusion. The narratives must be constructed from something, and I argue that it is memory. But empirical facts about memory do not allow for it to persist in a quantitative way, but rather in a qualitative way, much like persons. Upon making this argument, I further argue that if mainstream psychological views is correct, this reduces the persistence of memory to resemblance relations. And memory is the building blocks of narrative. If this is the case, then narrative is also reduced to resemblance relations. Narrative, therefore, does not persist through time in a non-qualitative way, and one is better off accepting a psychological theory by virtue of parsimony. Ultimately, I argue that Schechtman and narrative theorists may save narrative views by adopting what I call as a ‘causal narrative view’. A causal narrative view will encapsulate all of the relevant features of the typical narrative view, including the emphasis on construction, but will also add the addendum that narrative states must be placed in a causal relation to each other. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Humanities, Philosophy, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-10-29
Curriculum adjustment and adaptive leadership in two service-learning courses at Rhodes University as a consequence of the COVID-19 pandemic
- Authors: Khuhlane, Heide Nozuko
- Date: 2021-10-29
- Subjects: COVID-19 (Disease) , Curriculum planning South Africa Makhanda , Rhodes University , Service learning South Africa Makhanda , Educational leadership South Africa Makhanda , Educational change South Africa Makhanda , Adaptive leadership
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/191192 , vital:45069
- Description: The COVID-19 global pandemic altered many aspects of learning. Learning through service, a component of community engagement in higher education linking academic learning and the community was no exception. Informed by Experiential Learning Theory, this study investigated the curriculum adjustment of two service-learning courses at Rhodes University and the leadership development of those who lead the courses as a consequence of COVID-19. The study’s initial goal was to highlight the position of service-learning as a component of academic learning. With the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic the goal was extended to understanding the impact of the pandemic not only on service-learning, but on leadership as well. Furthermore, the study sought to determine the responsiveness of service-learning policies at Rhodes University at a time of crisis. The study was designed as an interpretivist case study with four participants and one secondary participant. The study employed document analysis, individual interviews and a focus group interview to collect data. Data analysis took the form of content analysis and coding, through the lens of Experiential Learning Theory and an alternative service-based model. The study findings revealed that as a result of the COVID-19 global pandemic both service-learning courses had to be adapted to ensure successful completion. The adaptations included attention to scaffolded learning, assessment and course outcomes; in one course the service engagement aspect with the community was lost entirely to ensure the saftey of students through adherence to COVID-19 safety regulations. The study also found that the participants developed adaptive leadership competencies and skills, technological and collaboration skills as well as a heightened regard for pastoral care and social justice. However, it was evident that the pandemic revealed gaps in the conceptual understanding of service-learning in the context of the two courses, a need for responsive policy, and practical strategies to implement those policies in smaller units in the institution. The study thus recommends an alternative service-based model approach to service-learning, increased policy responsiveness to issues posed by the ‘new normal’ to support adaptive leadership development, re-defining of the university-community partnership and the identification of opportunities for innovation and collaboration intra-departmentally through service-learning. , Thesis (MEd) -- Faculty of Education, Education, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-10-29
- Authors: Khuhlane, Heide Nozuko
- Date: 2021-10-29
- Subjects: COVID-19 (Disease) , Curriculum planning South Africa Makhanda , Rhodes University , Service learning South Africa Makhanda , Educational leadership South Africa Makhanda , Educational change South Africa Makhanda , Adaptive leadership
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/191192 , vital:45069
- Description: The COVID-19 global pandemic altered many aspects of learning. Learning through service, a component of community engagement in higher education linking academic learning and the community was no exception. Informed by Experiential Learning Theory, this study investigated the curriculum adjustment of two service-learning courses at Rhodes University and the leadership development of those who lead the courses as a consequence of COVID-19. The study’s initial goal was to highlight the position of service-learning as a component of academic learning. With the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic the goal was extended to understanding the impact of the pandemic not only on service-learning, but on leadership as well. Furthermore, the study sought to determine the responsiveness of service-learning policies at Rhodes University at a time of crisis. The study was designed as an interpretivist case study with four participants and one secondary participant. The study employed document analysis, individual interviews and a focus group interview to collect data. Data analysis took the form of content analysis and coding, through the lens of Experiential Learning Theory and an alternative service-based model. The study findings revealed that as a result of the COVID-19 global pandemic both service-learning courses had to be adapted to ensure successful completion. The adaptations included attention to scaffolded learning, assessment and course outcomes; in one course the service engagement aspect with the community was lost entirely to ensure the saftey of students through adherence to COVID-19 safety regulations. The study also found that the participants developed adaptive leadership competencies and skills, technological and collaboration skills as well as a heightened regard for pastoral care and social justice. However, it was evident that the pandemic revealed gaps in the conceptual understanding of service-learning in the context of the two courses, a need for responsive policy, and practical strategies to implement those policies in smaller units in the institution. The study thus recommends an alternative service-based model approach to service-learning, increased policy responsiveness to issues posed by the ‘new normal’ to support adaptive leadership development, re-defining of the university-community partnership and the identification of opportunities for innovation and collaboration intra-departmentally through service-learning. , Thesis (MEd) -- Faculty of Education, Education, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-10-29
Development of a 3D bioprinting and standalone bioreactor unit for the production and maintenance of bioscaffolds in vitro
- Authors: Hundling, Jethro Daniel
- Date: 2021-10-29
- Subjects: Bioreactors , Tissue scaffolds , Cell culture , Polyethylene glycol Biotechnology , 3D bioprinting , Poly(ethylene glycol) diacrylate (PEGDA)
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/192063 , vital:45192
- Description: The most common method for in vitro cell culture currently is to grow a specific cell type in isolation, in monolayer format, adhered to a 2D culture surface. This brings about many limitations in comparison to in vivo models due to altered cell phenotypes, as caused by the culturing technique itself, and the lack of naturally occurring cell-to-cell interactions. Three dimensional mammalian cell culture technologies have the potential to overcome these limitations, and provide models more representative of natural systems. Unfortunately, the cost and difficulty associated with achieving sustainable and useful 3D mammalian cell culture is still very high, preventing its widespread adoption across scientific platforms. In this research, we investigate the feasibility of developing and producing a visible light-based 3D stereolithographic bioprinter to produce 3D scaffolds for cell culture. Furthermore, we investigate the possibility of developing and implementing a forced perfusion bioreactor system, which would support the produced scaffold and improve longer-term culture conditions. The developed 3D bioprinter, and bioreactor designs were developed and tested alongside Poly (ethylene glycol) diacrylate (PEGDA), a versatile synthetic scaffold material. PEGDA itself was also evaluated for its printability, robustness in culture conditions over time, and its ability to maintain 3D mammalian cell culture. This research showed that both the developed 3D bioprinter, and bioreactor unit were capable of producing and maintaining an easily modifiable PEGDA scaffold, in culture conditions. In addition, the PEGDA formulation developed was shown to allow for the effective and reproducible 3D cell culture conditions over the medium term, with automated media feeding. The research presented here aimed to illustrate a proof of concept that the low-cost development and production of 3D culture scaffold production and maintenance systems was feasible to the scientific research environment. This technology can then be built upon, into a system that would then allow for the broader adoption and investigation of 3D cell culture as a tool within the scientific community. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, Biotechnology Innovation Centre, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-10-29
- Authors: Hundling, Jethro Daniel
- Date: 2021-10-29
- Subjects: Bioreactors , Tissue scaffolds , Cell culture , Polyethylene glycol Biotechnology , 3D bioprinting , Poly(ethylene glycol) diacrylate (PEGDA)
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/192063 , vital:45192
- Description: The most common method for in vitro cell culture currently is to grow a specific cell type in isolation, in monolayer format, adhered to a 2D culture surface. This brings about many limitations in comparison to in vivo models due to altered cell phenotypes, as caused by the culturing technique itself, and the lack of naturally occurring cell-to-cell interactions. Three dimensional mammalian cell culture technologies have the potential to overcome these limitations, and provide models more representative of natural systems. Unfortunately, the cost and difficulty associated with achieving sustainable and useful 3D mammalian cell culture is still very high, preventing its widespread adoption across scientific platforms. In this research, we investigate the feasibility of developing and producing a visible light-based 3D stereolithographic bioprinter to produce 3D scaffolds for cell culture. Furthermore, we investigate the possibility of developing and implementing a forced perfusion bioreactor system, which would support the produced scaffold and improve longer-term culture conditions. The developed 3D bioprinter, and bioreactor designs were developed and tested alongside Poly (ethylene glycol) diacrylate (PEGDA), a versatile synthetic scaffold material. PEGDA itself was also evaluated for its printability, robustness in culture conditions over time, and its ability to maintain 3D mammalian cell culture. This research showed that both the developed 3D bioprinter, and bioreactor unit were capable of producing and maintaining an easily modifiable PEGDA scaffold, in culture conditions. In addition, the PEGDA formulation developed was shown to allow for the effective and reproducible 3D cell culture conditions over the medium term, with automated media feeding. The research presented here aimed to illustrate a proof of concept that the low-cost development and production of 3D culture scaffold production and maintenance systems was feasible to the scientific research environment. This technology can then be built upon, into a system that would then allow for the broader adoption and investigation of 3D cell culture as a tool within the scientific community. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, Biotechnology Innovation Centre, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-10-29
Ecological infrastructure importance for drought mitigation in rural South African catchments: the Cacadu Catchment case example
- Authors: Xoxo, Beauten Sinetemba
- Date: 2021-10
- Subjects: Sustainable Development Goals , Water security South Africa , Remote sensing , Watershed restoration South Africa , Restoration ecology South Africa , Ecosystem services South Africa , SDG 15.3.1
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/191203 , vital:45070
- Description: Water scarcity is recognised as one of the significant challenges facing many countries, including South Africa. The threat of water scarcity is exacerbated by the coupled impacts of climate and anthropogenic drivers. Ongoing droughts and continued land cover change and degradation influence the ability of catchments to partition rainwater runoff, thereby affecting streamflow returns. However, quantifying land degradation accurately remains a challenge. This thesis used the theoretical lens of investing in ecological infrastructure to improve the drought mitigation function in rural catchments. This theoretical framework allows for a social-ecological systems approach to understand and facilitate science-based strategies for promoting ecosystem recovery. Specifically, this study aimed to explore the role and benefit of ecological infrastructure for improving drought mitigation, and consequently, water security for rural communities. Thus, this study sought to assess the consequences of human actions to catchment health status using the 15th Sustainable Development Goal indicator for the proportion of degraded land over the total land area as a surrogate. Secondly, hydrological modelling was used to describe how different land covers influence catchment hydrology, which related to how ecological infrastructure enables drought risk-reduction for mitigation regulation. Finally, this study developed a spatial prioritisation plan for restoration to improve drought mitigation for four focal ecological infrastructure (EI) categories (i.e. wetlands, riparian margins, abandoned agricultural fields and grasslands). The focal EI categories were selected for their importance in delivering water-related ecosystem services when sustainably managed. Chapter 1 sets the scene (i.e. provides the study background) and Chapter 2 provides a review of the literature. In Chapter 3, the recently released global GIS toolbox (TRENDS.EARTH) was used for tracking land change and for assessing the SDG 15.3.1 degradation indicator of i.e. Cacadu catchment over 15 years at a 300 m resolution. The results showed a declining trend in biomass productivity within the Cacadu catchment led to moderate degradation, with 16.79% of the total landscape degraded, which was determined by the pugin using the one-out, all-out rule. The incidence of degradation was detected in middle reaches of the catchment (i.e. S10F-J), while some improvement was detected in upper reaches (S10A-C) and lower reaches (S10J). In Chapter 4, a GIS-based Analytic Hierarchical Process (AHP) based on community stakeholder priorities, open-access spatial datasets and expert opinions, was used to identify EI focal areas that are best suitable for restoration to increase the drought mitigation capacity of the Cacadu catchment. The collected datasets provided three broad criteria (ecosystem health, water provision and social benefit) for establishing the AHP model using 12 spatial attributes. Prioritisation results show that up to 89% of the Cacadu catchment is suitable for restoration to improve drought mitigation. Catchments S10B-D, and S10F, S10G and S10J were highly prioritised while S10A, S10E and S10H received low priority, due to improving environmental conditions and low hydrological potential. Areas that were prioritised with consideration for local livelihoods overlap the areas for drought mitigation and form a network of villages from the middle to lower catchment reaches. Prioritised restoration areas with a consideration of societal benefit made up 0.56% of wetlands, 4.27% of riparian margins, 92.06% of abandoned croplands, and 51.86% of grasslands. Chapter 5 reports on use of the Pitman groundwater model to help understand the influence of land modification on catchment hydrology, and highlight the role of restoration interventions. The Cacadu catchment is ungauged, therefore the neighbouring Indwe catchment was used for parameter transfer through a spatial regionalisation technique. Results suggest that degradation increases surface runoff and aggravates recharge reduction, thereby reducing streamflow during low flow periods. In areas where there is natural land cover recovery, the Pitman Model simulated similar dry season streamflow to the natural land cover. Combining the outcomes from the three assessments allowed the study to highlight the role and benefits of ecological infrastructure in terms of drought mitigation. Study findings were interpreted to make recommendations for the role and benefit of ecological infrastructure for drought mitigation at a landscape scale and tertiary catchment level, within the context of available management options. The results support the notion that multiple science data sources can promote investments in ecological infrastructure. However, better spatial and temporal resolution datasets at a national level are still needed to improve the accuracy of studies such as the one outlined in this thesis. The study recommends adopting better ecosystem protection approaches and collaborative governance at multiple levels to reduce the vulnerability of rural communities to drought impacts. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, Institute for Water Research, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-10
- Authors: Xoxo, Beauten Sinetemba
- Date: 2021-10
- Subjects: Sustainable Development Goals , Water security South Africa , Remote sensing , Watershed restoration South Africa , Restoration ecology South Africa , Ecosystem services South Africa , SDG 15.3.1
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/191203 , vital:45070
- Description: Water scarcity is recognised as one of the significant challenges facing many countries, including South Africa. The threat of water scarcity is exacerbated by the coupled impacts of climate and anthropogenic drivers. Ongoing droughts and continued land cover change and degradation influence the ability of catchments to partition rainwater runoff, thereby affecting streamflow returns. However, quantifying land degradation accurately remains a challenge. This thesis used the theoretical lens of investing in ecological infrastructure to improve the drought mitigation function in rural catchments. This theoretical framework allows for a social-ecological systems approach to understand and facilitate science-based strategies for promoting ecosystem recovery. Specifically, this study aimed to explore the role and benefit of ecological infrastructure for improving drought mitigation, and consequently, water security for rural communities. Thus, this study sought to assess the consequences of human actions to catchment health status using the 15th Sustainable Development Goal indicator for the proportion of degraded land over the total land area as a surrogate. Secondly, hydrological modelling was used to describe how different land covers influence catchment hydrology, which related to how ecological infrastructure enables drought risk-reduction for mitigation regulation. Finally, this study developed a spatial prioritisation plan for restoration to improve drought mitigation for four focal ecological infrastructure (EI) categories (i.e. wetlands, riparian margins, abandoned agricultural fields and grasslands). The focal EI categories were selected for their importance in delivering water-related ecosystem services when sustainably managed. Chapter 1 sets the scene (i.e. provides the study background) and Chapter 2 provides a review of the literature. In Chapter 3, the recently released global GIS toolbox (TRENDS.EARTH) was used for tracking land change and for assessing the SDG 15.3.1 degradation indicator of i.e. Cacadu catchment over 15 years at a 300 m resolution. The results showed a declining trend in biomass productivity within the Cacadu catchment led to moderate degradation, with 16.79% of the total landscape degraded, which was determined by the pugin using the one-out, all-out rule. The incidence of degradation was detected in middle reaches of the catchment (i.e. S10F-J), while some improvement was detected in upper reaches (S10A-C) and lower reaches (S10J). In Chapter 4, a GIS-based Analytic Hierarchical Process (AHP) based on community stakeholder priorities, open-access spatial datasets and expert opinions, was used to identify EI focal areas that are best suitable for restoration to increase the drought mitigation capacity of the Cacadu catchment. The collected datasets provided three broad criteria (ecosystem health, water provision and social benefit) for establishing the AHP model using 12 spatial attributes. Prioritisation results show that up to 89% of the Cacadu catchment is suitable for restoration to improve drought mitigation. Catchments S10B-D, and S10F, S10G and S10J were highly prioritised while S10A, S10E and S10H received low priority, due to improving environmental conditions and low hydrological potential. Areas that were prioritised with consideration for local livelihoods overlap the areas for drought mitigation and form a network of villages from the middle to lower catchment reaches. Prioritised restoration areas with a consideration of societal benefit made up 0.56% of wetlands, 4.27% of riparian margins, 92.06% of abandoned croplands, and 51.86% of grasslands. Chapter 5 reports on use of the Pitman groundwater model to help understand the influence of land modification on catchment hydrology, and highlight the role of restoration interventions. The Cacadu catchment is ungauged, therefore the neighbouring Indwe catchment was used for parameter transfer through a spatial regionalisation technique. Results suggest that degradation increases surface runoff and aggravates recharge reduction, thereby reducing streamflow during low flow periods. In areas where there is natural land cover recovery, the Pitman Model simulated similar dry season streamflow to the natural land cover. Combining the outcomes from the three assessments allowed the study to highlight the role and benefits of ecological infrastructure in terms of drought mitigation. Study findings were interpreted to make recommendations for the role and benefit of ecological infrastructure for drought mitigation at a landscape scale and tertiary catchment level, within the context of available management options. The results support the notion that multiple science data sources can promote investments in ecological infrastructure. However, better spatial and temporal resolution datasets at a national level are still needed to improve the accuracy of studies such as the one outlined in this thesis. The study recommends adopting better ecosystem protection approaches and collaborative governance at multiple levels to reduce the vulnerability of rural communities to drought impacts. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, Institute for Water Research, 2021
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- Date Issued: 2021-10