Spectroscopic and nonlinear optical properties of the four positional isomers of 4α-(4-tert-butylphenoxy) phthalocyanine
- Ngubeni, Grace N, Britton, Jonathan, Mack, John, New, Edward, Hancox, Ian, Walker, Marc, Nyokong, Tebello, Jones, Tim S, Khene,Samson M
- Authors: Ngubeni, Grace N , Britton, Jonathan , Mack, John , New, Edward , Hancox, Ian , Walker, Marc , Nyokong, Tebello , Jones, Tim S , Khene,Samson M
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/241448 , vital:50940 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1039/C5TC01601K"
- Description: The spectroscopic and nonlinear optical properties of the positional isomers of metal free 4α-(4-tert-butylphenoxy) phthalocyanine are presented. Second order nonlinear polarizability (β), imaginary hyperpolarizability (Im(γ)) and imaginary susceptibility (Im[χ(3)]) values were determined for the four positional isomers. The measured β values of the four isomers displayed the following trend, C4h (34.0 × 10−5 m MW−1) > D2h (28.8 × 10−5 m MW−1) > C2v (22.8 × 10−5 m MW−1) > Cs (13.7 × 10−5 m MW−1).
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
- Authors: Ngubeni, Grace N , Britton, Jonathan , Mack, John , New, Edward , Hancox, Ian , Walker, Marc , Nyokong, Tebello , Jones, Tim S , Khene,Samson M
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/241448 , vital:50940 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1039/C5TC01601K"
- Description: The spectroscopic and nonlinear optical properties of the positional isomers of metal free 4α-(4-tert-butylphenoxy) phthalocyanine are presented. Second order nonlinear polarizability (β), imaginary hyperpolarizability (Im(γ)) and imaginary susceptibility (Im[χ(3)]) values were determined for the four positional isomers. The measured β values of the four isomers displayed the following trend, C4h (34.0 × 10−5 m MW−1) > D2h (28.8 × 10−5 m MW−1) > C2v (22.8 × 10−5 m MW−1) > Cs (13.7 × 10−5 m MW−1).
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
Evaluation of water quality, selected metals and endocrine-disrupting compounds in the rivers and municipal wastewaters of Eastern Cape province, South Africa
- Authors: Farounbi, Adebayo Ibikunle
- Date: 2021-04
- Subjects: To be added
- Language: English
- Type: thesis , text , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/177327 , vital:42810
- Description: Thesis embargoed. Release date April 2022. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Science, Institute of Water Research, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-04
- Authors: Farounbi, Adebayo Ibikunle
- Date: 2021-04
- Subjects: To be added
- Language: English
- Type: thesis , text , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/177327 , vital:42810
- Description: Thesis embargoed. Release date April 2022. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Science, Institute of Water Research, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-04
Active learning in schools
- Lotz-Sisitka, Heila, Timmermans, Ingrid
- Authors: Lotz-Sisitka, Heila , Timmermans, Ingrid
- Date: 2001
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/389696 , vital:68475 , xlink:href="https://eeasa.org.za/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/Bulletin_vol21-_Sep-2001.pdf"
- Description: The Rhodes University Environmental Education Unit has initiated a project to support school-based environmental education work in Grahamstown. In line with national environmental education policy, the project supports a focus on environmental learning in the context of the OBE curriculum, and provides professional development support to teachers implementing the project (NEEP, 2000). An action research evaluation is taking place to monitor key aspects of the project and a number of interim evaluation reports have been produced (Mbanjwa, 2001).
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2001
- Authors: Lotz-Sisitka, Heila , Timmermans, Ingrid
- Date: 2001
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/389696 , vital:68475 , xlink:href="https://eeasa.org.za/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/Bulletin_vol21-_Sep-2001.pdf"
- Description: The Rhodes University Environmental Education Unit has initiated a project to support school-based environmental education work in Grahamstown. In line with national environmental education policy, the project supports a focus on environmental learning in the context of the OBE curriculum, and provides professional development support to teachers implementing the project (NEEP, 2000). An action research evaluation is taking place to monitor key aspects of the project and a number of interim evaluation reports have been produced (Mbanjwa, 2001).
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2001
Adoption and use of a learning management system at the University of Fort Hare: environmental factors
- Authors: Xazela, M W H M
- Date: 2010-12
- Subjects: Management information systems , Technology -- Management
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/25851 , vital:64498
- Description: Learning Management Systems are adopted and used by institutions of higher learning such as universities, universities of technology and colleges. The acceptance of integrating Learning Management Systems into the traditional classroom method of teaching and learning presents many challenges to academic staff, students, and management at various levels. If such challenges are not addressed they may lead to project failure. If such projects fail, institutions may not realise the returns on their investments as institutions usually allocate many of their resources to start such projects. This study addresses the question of which critical environmental and management success factors are necessary for the successful acceptance of such a technology and what is necessary for such a technology to be used continually. This study examines Information Systems literature, users‘ environmental and management factors, and perceptions in the context of an institution of higher learning to suggest Critical Success Factors for such a project. Critical Success Factors are identified and discussed under the contexts of Management Support, the appointment of a Project Champion, provision of training to project participants, provision of adequate access to computing resources, monitoring and evaluation of the project, the existence of strong communication channels, and creation of positive perceptions about the target technology. Acceptance models such as Technology Acceptance Model and the Expectation Confirmation Model in Information Systems literature are also taken into consideration in coming up with the suggested Critical Success Factors. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Management and Commerce, 2010
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010-12
- Authors: Xazela, M W H M
- Date: 2010-12
- Subjects: Management information systems , Technology -- Management
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/25851 , vital:64498
- Description: Learning Management Systems are adopted and used by institutions of higher learning such as universities, universities of technology and colleges. The acceptance of integrating Learning Management Systems into the traditional classroom method of teaching and learning presents many challenges to academic staff, students, and management at various levels. If such challenges are not addressed they may lead to project failure. If such projects fail, institutions may not realise the returns on their investments as institutions usually allocate many of their resources to start such projects. This study addresses the question of which critical environmental and management success factors are necessary for the successful acceptance of such a technology and what is necessary for such a technology to be used continually. This study examines Information Systems literature, users‘ environmental and management factors, and perceptions in the context of an institution of higher learning to suggest Critical Success Factors for such a project. Critical Success Factors are identified and discussed under the contexts of Management Support, the appointment of a Project Champion, provision of training to project participants, provision of adequate access to computing resources, monitoring and evaluation of the project, the existence of strong communication channels, and creation of positive perceptions about the target technology. Acceptance models such as Technology Acceptance Model and the Expectation Confirmation Model in Information Systems literature are also taken into consideration in coming up with the suggested Critical Success Factors. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Management and Commerce, 2010
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010-12
Photodynamic antimicrobial chemotherapy activity of gallium tetra-(4-carboxyphenyl) porphyrin when conjugated to differently shaped platinum nanoparticles
- Managa, Muthumuni, Nyokong, Tebello
- Authors: Managa, Muthumuni , Nyokong, Tebello
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/189088 , vital:44815 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.molstruc.2015.06.077"
- Description: This work reports on the conjugation of differently shaped Pt nanoparticles (PtNPs) with ClGa(III) 5,10,15,20-tetrakis-(4-carboxyphenyl) porphyrin (ClGaTCPP). The resulting conjugates were used for photodynamic antimicrobial chemotherapy against Staphylococcus aureus. The degree of photoinactivation is dependent on concentration of the conjugates, light dose (fluence) and illumination time. The log reduction obtained for ClGaTCPP when conjugated to cubic PtNPs was 4.64 log (which indicate 99.99% of the bacteria have been killed), which is much higher than 3.94 log unit for ClGaTCPPHexagonal PtNPs and 3.31 log units for ClGaTCPP-Unshaped PtNPs. ClGaTCPP alone gave a log unit reduction of less than 3, showing the importance of conjugation to PtNPs.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
- Authors: Managa, Muthumuni , Nyokong, Tebello
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/189088 , vital:44815 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.molstruc.2015.06.077"
- Description: This work reports on the conjugation of differently shaped Pt nanoparticles (PtNPs) with ClGa(III) 5,10,15,20-tetrakis-(4-carboxyphenyl) porphyrin (ClGaTCPP). The resulting conjugates were used for photodynamic antimicrobial chemotherapy against Staphylococcus aureus. The degree of photoinactivation is dependent on concentration of the conjugates, light dose (fluence) and illumination time. The log reduction obtained for ClGaTCPP when conjugated to cubic PtNPs was 4.64 log (which indicate 99.99% of the bacteria have been killed), which is much higher than 3.94 log unit for ClGaTCPPHexagonal PtNPs and 3.31 log units for ClGaTCPP-Unshaped PtNPs. ClGaTCPP alone gave a log unit reduction of less than 3, showing the importance of conjugation to PtNPs.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
Optical nonlinearities and photophysicochemical behaviour of green and blue forms of lutetium bisphthalocyanines
- Sekhosana, Kutloana Edith, Amuhaya, Edith, Mack, John, Nyokong, Tebello
- Authors: Sekhosana, Kutloana Edith , Amuhaya, Edith , Mack, John , Nyokong, Tebello
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/241606 , vital:50954 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1039/C4TC00505H"
- Description: A rare earth sandwich-type phthalocyanine: bis-{2,3,9,10,16,17,23,24-octa(4-tert-butylphenoxy) phthalocyaninato} lutetium(III) has been synthesized. The photophysical and nonlinear optical behavior of both the “green” and “blue” forms ([LuIIIPc2] and [LuIIIPc2]−, respectively) of the complex have been investigated. High triplet state and singlet oxygen quantum yield values were obtained for the neutral blue form which contains no unpaired electrons. Relatively high third order susceptibility and hyperpolarizability values of the order of 10−10 and 10−28 esu were obtained for both the green and blue forms, respectively. A very low threshold intensity of 0.00051 J cm−2 was obtained for the blue form. Hence the complex shows promise for non-linear optical applications.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
- Authors: Sekhosana, Kutloana Edith , Amuhaya, Edith , Mack, John , Nyokong, Tebello
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/241606 , vital:50954 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1039/C4TC00505H"
- Description: A rare earth sandwich-type phthalocyanine: bis-{2,3,9,10,16,17,23,24-octa(4-tert-butylphenoxy) phthalocyaninato} lutetium(III) has been synthesized. The photophysical and nonlinear optical behavior of both the “green” and “blue” forms ([LuIIIPc2] and [LuIIIPc2]−, respectively) of the complex have been investigated. High triplet state and singlet oxygen quantum yield values were obtained for the neutral blue form which contains no unpaired electrons. Relatively high third order susceptibility and hyperpolarizability values of the order of 10−10 and 10−28 esu were obtained for both the green and blue forms, respectively. A very low threshold intensity of 0.00051 J cm−2 was obtained for the blue form. Hence the complex shows promise for non-linear optical applications.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
Photophysical behavior of zinc monoaminophthalocyanines linked to mercaptopropionic acid-capped CdTe quantum dots
- D'Souza, Sarah, Antunes, Edith M, Litwinski, Christian, Nyokong, Tebello
- Authors: D'Souza, Sarah , Antunes, Edith M , Litwinski, Christian , Nyokong, Tebello
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/247634 , vital:51602 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jphotochem.2011.03.005"
- Description: Photosensitizing properties of zinc monoaminophthalocyanine (2) {in the absence or presence of mercaptopropionic acid (MPA) capped CdTe quantum dots (QDs)} were compared with those of mono-aminophenoxy zinc phthalocyanine (3), zinc tetrasulfonated phthalocyanine and zinc phthalocyanine. Complexes 2 and 3 were also linked to the MPA capped CdTe quantum dots through the formation of an amide bond. High triplet state quantum yields were obtained for the linked QD–phthalocyanine derivatives (complexes 2 and 3) compared to when complexes 2 and 3 were mixed with MPA QDs without a chemical bond.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
- Authors: D'Souza, Sarah , Antunes, Edith M , Litwinski, Christian , Nyokong, Tebello
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/247634 , vital:51602 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jphotochem.2011.03.005"
- Description: Photosensitizing properties of zinc monoaminophthalocyanine (2) {in the absence or presence of mercaptopropionic acid (MPA) capped CdTe quantum dots (QDs)} were compared with those of mono-aminophenoxy zinc phthalocyanine (3), zinc tetrasulfonated phthalocyanine and zinc phthalocyanine. Complexes 2 and 3 were also linked to the MPA capped CdTe quantum dots through the formation of an amide bond. High triplet state quantum yields were obtained for the linked QD–phthalocyanine derivatives (complexes 2 and 3) compared to when complexes 2 and 3 were mixed with MPA QDs without a chemical bond.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
Assessment of cytotoxic artemisinin and its derivatives as DNA damaging inducing agents in triple-negative breast cancer cells
- Authors: Mkhwanazi, Ntando
- Date: 2022-10-14
- Subjects: Breast Cancer , Artemisinin , DNA damage , Antineoplastic agents , Breast Cancer Treatment
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/362960 , vital:65378
- Description: In developing countries, including South Africa, breast cancer is the primary cause of cancer-related deaths among women. TNBC (triple-negative breast cancer) is an aggressive breast cancer subtype that is more prevalent in women of African descent. This subtype lacks the key receptors, namely the estrogen receptor (ER-), progesterone receptor (PR-), and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2-) that are the basis of successful targeted therapies for other subtypes of the disease. To date, there are no effective, standardized targeted therapies for TNBC. Artemisinin is an anti-malarial drug and numerous derivatives of the compound have been developed to improve the potency and solubility of the parent compound. Artemisinin and its derivatives have gained attention as potential anti-cancer agents; however, such studies have not yet progressed to clinical trials and the precise mechanism of action of these compounds is yet to be fully explained. In this study, artemisinin, and its known derivative artesunate, as well as a novel derivative, WHN11, were investigated as DNA damage-inducing agents in TNBC. WHN11 was found to be the most potent of the three compounds, displaying an IC50 of 3.20 μM against HCC70 cells, artemisinin displayed an IC50 of 214.70 μM and artesunate displayed an IC50 of 25.48 μM. The compounds were less toxic to the MCF12A non-cancerous cells, with IC50 values 298.30, 87.53, and 8.35 μM for artemisinin, artesunate, and WHN11, respectively, and displayed selectivity indices of 1.39, 3.44 and 2.61 μM for artemisinin, artesunate, and WHN11, respectively. In silico and in vitro studies revealed that the artemisinin compounds bind to DNA through the minor groove. While all three compounds were able to bind to DNA, a comet assay revealed that only artemisinin and artesunate, and not WHN11, were able to cause DNA damage compared to the vehicle control, DMSO. Finally, a topoisomerase I (TOPO I) enzyme assay demonstrated that while the compounds appeared to display a degree of inhibition of TOPO I, as evidenced by a downward shift in the plasmid band on the agarose gel, they were not able to fully inhibit the enzyme to return the plasmid to the supercoiled conformation. In addition, combination studies revealed that artemisinin, artesunate, and WHN11 acted synergistically in combination with camptothecin, but displayed either an additive (artemisinin) or antagonistic (artesunate and WHN11) relationship when used in combination with etoposide. In conclusion, artemisinin, its known derivative artesunate, and novel and highly toxic derivative WHN11, all bind to DNA via the minor groove, however only artemisinin and artesunate, and not WHN11, cause DNA damage, indicating a potentially different mechanism of action of the three artemisinins. All three compounds act synergistically with camptothecin, which suggests interference with topoisomerase activity, partially supported by slight inhibition of TOPO I activity, and could indicate either direct inhibition of the enzyme or interference with enzyme function by competitive binding to the DNA. Further studies could help explore alternate DNA damage assays, to validate these findings, and the effect of the compounds on TOPO II activity could also be assessed. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, Biochemistry and Microbiology, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-10-14
- Authors: Mkhwanazi, Ntando
- Date: 2022-10-14
- Subjects: Breast Cancer , Artemisinin , DNA damage , Antineoplastic agents , Breast Cancer Treatment
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/362960 , vital:65378
- Description: In developing countries, including South Africa, breast cancer is the primary cause of cancer-related deaths among women. TNBC (triple-negative breast cancer) is an aggressive breast cancer subtype that is more prevalent in women of African descent. This subtype lacks the key receptors, namely the estrogen receptor (ER-), progesterone receptor (PR-), and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2-) that are the basis of successful targeted therapies for other subtypes of the disease. To date, there are no effective, standardized targeted therapies for TNBC. Artemisinin is an anti-malarial drug and numerous derivatives of the compound have been developed to improve the potency and solubility of the parent compound. Artemisinin and its derivatives have gained attention as potential anti-cancer agents; however, such studies have not yet progressed to clinical trials and the precise mechanism of action of these compounds is yet to be fully explained. In this study, artemisinin, and its known derivative artesunate, as well as a novel derivative, WHN11, were investigated as DNA damage-inducing agents in TNBC. WHN11 was found to be the most potent of the three compounds, displaying an IC50 of 3.20 μM against HCC70 cells, artemisinin displayed an IC50 of 214.70 μM and artesunate displayed an IC50 of 25.48 μM. The compounds were less toxic to the MCF12A non-cancerous cells, with IC50 values 298.30, 87.53, and 8.35 μM for artemisinin, artesunate, and WHN11, respectively, and displayed selectivity indices of 1.39, 3.44 and 2.61 μM for artemisinin, artesunate, and WHN11, respectively. In silico and in vitro studies revealed that the artemisinin compounds bind to DNA through the minor groove. While all three compounds were able to bind to DNA, a comet assay revealed that only artemisinin and artesunate, and not WHN11, were able to cause DNA damage compared to the vehicle control, DMSO. Finally, a topoisomerase I (TOPO I) enzyme assay demonstrated that while the compounds appeared to display a degree of inhibition of TOPO I, as evidenced by a downward shift in the plasmid band on the agarose gel, they were not able to fully inhibit the enzyme to return the plasmid to the supercoiled conformation. In addition, combination studies revealed that artemisinin, artesunate, and WHN11 acted synergistically in combination with camptothecin, but displayed either an additive (artemisinin) or antagonistic (artesunate and WHN11) relationship when used in combination with etoposide. In conclusion, artemisinin, its known derivative artesunate, and novel and highly toxic derivative WHN11, all bind to DNA via the minor groove, however only artemisinin and artesunate, and not WHN11, cause DNA damage, indicating a potentially different mechanism of action of the three artemisinins. All three compounds act synergistically with camptothecin, which suggests interference with topoisomerase activity, partially supported by slight inhibition of TOPO I activity, and could indicate either direct inhibition of the enzyme or interference with enzyme function by competitive binding to the DNA. Further studies could help explore alternate DNA damage assays, to validate these findings, and the effect of the compounds on TOPO II activity could also be assessed. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, Biochemistry and Microbiology, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-10-14
Bioinformatic analysis of Aminoacyl tRNA Synthetases as potential antimalarial drug targets
- Authors: Nyamai, Dorothy Wavinya
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Uncatalogued
- Language: English
- Type: thesis , text , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/164579 , vital:41142 , doi:10.21504/10962/164579
- Description: Thesis (PhD)--Rhodes University, Faculty of Science, Biochemistry and Microbiology, 2020
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
- Authors: Nyamai, Dorothy Wavinya
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Uncatalogued
- Language: English
- Type: thesis , text , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/164579 , vital:41142 , doi:10.21504/10962/164579
- Description: Thesis (PhD)--Rhodes University, Faculty of Science, Biochemistry and Microbiology, 2020
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
Secularization processes in Malawi and Great Britain: a comparative inquiry
- Authors: Gama, Billy Lickson
- Date: 2013-12
- Subjects: Secularization (Theology)
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/25644 , vital:64346
- Description: The major purpose of the study was to critically examine the applicability of manifestations and factors of secularization in Britain to Malawi. In examining the manifestations and factors the study had to examine the process of secularization in Britain and its causal factors using theoretical frameworks and examine manifestations and causal factors of secularization in Malawi using field research work as a major source supported by the theoretical frame works of secularization. The study was guided by the key research question, “Are the manifestations and factors of secularization in Britain applicable to Malawi?” The question was supported by other follow up questions, namely, “What were the factors that contributed to the rise of secularization in Britain?” “What is the connection between Britain and Malawi?” “To what extent does secularization in Britain affect that in Malawi?” “Does Malawi have unique factors that are specific or are the same factors at work that have contributed to the process of secularization in Britain?” The conceptual framework for this research was derived from the literature on “secularization” from different scholars, in particular, the work of Dobbelaere (2002) whose analysis of secularization provided the theoretical frame work for this study. Learning from Dobbelaere (2002) the study used three types of secularizations, namely, societal, organizational and individual. Dobbelaere (2002:24ff) distinguishes the three types of secularization in a very simple way: individual secularization, the lack of individual practice, societal secularization, the loss of influence on society, and organizational secularization as the effect on religious organizations by changes in society. The methodological approach to the study was the mixed methods approach that involved three types of research methodologies: the qualitative, quantitative and case studies approaches. Data was collected through personal and focus group interviews. It was supported by secondary sources which include books, minutes of meetings in various institutions and the internet. The study notes that all the three types of secularization are being experienced in Malawi; societal secularization has been manifested by the removal of religious connected syllabus in schools, suspension of homosexuality laws and involvement of religious leaders in different immoral issues just like non-believers. Organizational secularization has been manifested by fights among religious institutions e.g. boarder disputes that have been given as case studies in chapter five and finally the individual secularization is being manifested in Malawi as membership records indicate that there is a big decline in church attendance and participation in religious activities. New knowledge that this study is proposing is that secularization is manifested in Malawi through the partial influence from Britain because of strong links between the two countries and the effects of modernization. The study further proposes that donor influences, Islam, lack of well educated religious leaders and African Traditional Religion are the unique factors of secularization in Malawi, while modernization, urbanization, industrialization are factors that are partially applicable to Malawi, and religious pluralism is fully applicable to both Britain and Malawi as a factor of secularization. Finally the study proposes that a proper training of religious leaders is vital for the sustainability of the church as it experiences the manifestations of secularization. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, 2013
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013-12
- Authors: Gama, Billy Lickson
- Date: 2013-12
- Subjects: Secularization (Theology)
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/25644 , vital:64346
- Description: The major purpose of the study was to critically examine the applicability of manifestations and factors of secularization in Britain to Malawi. In examining the manifestations and factors the study had to examine the process of secularization in Britain and its causal factors using theoretical frameworks and examine manifestations and causal factors of secularization in Malawi using field research work as a major source supported by the theoretical frame works of secularization. The study was guided by the key research question, “Are the manifestations and factors of secularization in Britain applicable to Malawi?” The question was supported by other follow up questions, namely, “What were the factors that contributed to the rise of secularization in Britain?” “What is the connection between Britain and Malawi?” “To what extent does secularization in Britain affect that in Malawi?” “Does Malawi have unique factors that are specific or are the same factors at work that have contributed to the process of secularization in Britain?” The conceptual framework for this research was derived from the literature on “secularization” from different scholars, in particular, the work of Dobbelaere (2002) whose analysis of secularization provided the theoretical frame work for this study. Learning from Dobbelaere (2002) the study used three types of secularizations, namely, societal, organizational and individual. Dobbelaere (2002:24ff) distinguishes the three types of secularization in a very simple way: individual secularization, the lack of individual practice, societal secularization, the loss of influence on society, and organizational secularization as the effect on religious organizations by changes in society. The methodological approach to the study was the mixed methods approach that involved three types of research methodologies: the qualitative, quantitative and case studies approaches. Data was collected through personal and focus group interviews. It was supported by secondary sources which include books, minutes of meetings in various institutions and the internet. The study notes that all the three types of secularization are being experienced in Malawi; societal secularization has been manifested by the removal of religious connected syllabus in schools, suspension of homosexuality laws and involvement of religious leaders in different immoral issues just like non-believers. Organizational secularization has been manifested by fights among religious institutions e.g. boarder disputes that have been given as case studies in chapter five and finally the individual secularization is being manifested in Malawi as membership records indicate that there is a big decline in church attendance and participation in religious activities. New knowledge that this study is proposing is that secularization is manifested in Malawi through the partial influence from Britain because of strong links between the two countries and the effects of modernization. The study further proposes that donor influences, Islam, lack of well educated religious leaders and African Traditional Religion are the unique factors of secularization in Malawi, while modernization, urbanization, industrialization are factors that are partially applicable to Malawi, and religious pluralism is fully applicable to both Britain and Malawi as a factor of secularization. Finally the study proposes that a proper training of religious leaders is vital for the sustainability of the church as it experiences the manifestations of secularization. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, 2013
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013-12
Enhanced mitochondria destruction on MCF-7 and HeLa cell lines in vitro using triphenyl-phosphonium-labelled phthalocyanines in ultrasound-assisted photodynamic therapy activity
- Nene, Lindokuhle Cindy, Magadla, Aviwe, Nyokong, Tebello
- Authors: Nene, Lindokuhle Cindy , Magadla, Aviwe , Nyokong, Tebello
- Date: 2022
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/295766 , vital:57376 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jphotobiol.2022.112553"
- Description: This work reports on the reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation and the therapeutic activities of new triphenyl-phosphonium-labelled phthalocyanines (Pcs), the 2,9,16,23-tetrakis(N-(N-butyl-4-triphenyl-phosphonium)- pyridine-4-yloxy) Zn(II) Pc (3) and 2,9,16,23-tetrakis-(N-(N-butyl-4-triphenyl-phosphonium)-morpholino) Zn(II) Pc (4) upon exposure to light, ultrasound and the combination of light and ultrasound. Two types of ROS were detected: the singlet oxygen (1O2) and hydroxyl radicals. For light irradiations, only the 1O2 was detected. An increase in the ROS generation was observed for samples treated with the combination of light and ultrasound compared to the light and ultrasound mono-treatments. The in vitro anticancer activity through photodynamic (PDT) and sonodynamic (SDT) therapy for the Pcs were also determined and compared to the photo-sonodynamic combination therapy (PSDT). The two cancer cell lines used for the in vitro studies included the Michigan Cancer Foundation-7 (MCF-7) breast cancer and Henrietta Lacks (HeLa) cervical cancer cell lines. The SDT treatments showed improved therapeutic efficacy on the cancer cells for both the Pcs compared to PDT. PSDT showed better therapeutic efficacy compared to both the PDT and SDT mono-treatments.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022
- Authors: Nene, Lindokuhle Cindy , Magadla, Aviwe , Nyokong, Tebello
- Date: 2022
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/295766 , vital:57376 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jphotobiol.2022.112553"
- Description: This work reports on the reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation and the therapeutic activities of new triphenyl-phosphonium-labelled phthalocyanines (Pcs), the 2,9,16,23-tetrakis(N-(N-butyl-4-triphenyl-phosphonium)- pyridine-4-yloxy) Zn(II) Pc (3) and 2,9,16,23-tetrakis-(N-(N-butyl-4-triphenyl-phosphonium)-morpholino) Zn(II) Pc (4) upon exposure to light, ultrasound and the combination of light and ultrasound. Two types of ROS were detected: the singlet oxygen (1O2) and hydroxyl radicals. For light irradiations, only the 1O2 was detected. An increase in the ROS generation was observed for samples treated with the combination of light and ultrasound compared to the light and ultrasound mono-treatments. The in vitro anticancer activity through photodynamic (PDT) and sonodynamic (SDT) therapy for the Pcs were also determined and compared to the photo-sonodynamic combination therapy (PSDT). The two cancer cell lines used for the in vitro studies included the Michigan Cancer Foundation-7 (MCF-7) breast cancer and Henrietta Lacks (HeLa) cervical cancer cell lines. The SDT treatments showed improved therapeutic efficacy on the cancer cells for both the Pcs compared to PDT. PSDT showed better therapeutic efficacy compared to both the PDT and SDT mono-treatments.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022
State antiquity and early agricultural transition as deep economic roots in Africa
- Authors: Fani, Sisipho
- Date: 2022-04
- Subjects: Port Elizabeth (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/55487 , vital:52374
- Description: Growth economists identified that current failures and successes of economies can be traced far in their histories. The Unified Growth Model has been developed to analyse the process of development. Economic researchers have developed and identified ‘deep roots’ variables that elaborate modern growth, institutions and development. These variables include State Antiquity and Early agricultural transition. The study is an examination of the effects of State Antiquity and Early agricultural transition in the 54 African economies. The study examines these effects employing the following years: 1990, 1995, 2000, 2005, 2010, 2015, and 2020. The study employs econometric models namely, Ordinary Least Squares, Ridge and Lasso regularization models to examine the effects of these deep root variables. The study borrows baseline regressions from the works of Bockstette, Chanda and Putterman (2002), Putterman and Weil (2010) and Borcan, Olsson and Putterman (2018). This study, to the best of our knowledge, is the first to empirically examine the effects of State Antiquity and Early agricultural transition in Africa. The results of the study suggest that African economies that have low level of state antiquity experience a positive effect on modern economic growth and development whilst African economies with high levels of state antiquity experience negative effect on modern economic growth and development. The results also suggest that African economies that transition at a later stage toward agriculture experience a positive effect on modern economic growth and development. The implications of these findings indicate that state antiquity and early agricultural transition influence modern economic development only when states have reached a certain level. Countries that transitioned early towards agriculture experience a negative effect on modern economic growth and development depicting a reversal of fortune. The study recommends that the implementation of polices should corelate with the state experience of the specific economy. , Thesis (M.Com.) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, School of Economics, Development & Tourism, 2022
- Full Text:
- Authors: Fani, Sisipho
- Date: 2022-04
- Subjects: Port Elizabeth (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/55487 , vital:52374
- Description: Growth economists identified that current failures and successes of economies can be traced far in their histories. The Unified Growth Model has been developed to analyse the process of development. Economic researchers have developed and identified ‘deep roots’ variables that elaborate modern growth, institutions and development. These variables include State Antiquity and Early agricultural transition. The study is an examination of the effects of State Antiquity and Early agricultural transition in the 54 African economies. The study examines these effects employing the following years: 1990, 1995, 2000, 2005, 2010, 2015, and 2020. The study employs econometric models namely, Ordinary Least Squares, Ridge and Lasso regularization models to examine the effects of these deep root variables. The study borrows baseline regressions from the works of Bockstette, Chanda and Putterman (2002), Putterman and Weil (2010) and Borcan, Olsson and Putterman (2018). This study, to the best of our knowledge, is the first to empirically examine the effects of State Antiquity and Early agricultural transition in Africa. The results of the study suggest that African economies that have low level of state antiquity experience a positive effect on modern economic growth and development whilst African economies with high levels of state antiquity experience negative effect on modern economic growth and development. The results also suggest that African economies that transition at a later stage toward agriculture experience a positive effect on modern economic growth and development. The implications of these findings indicate that state antiquity and early agricultural transition influence modern economic development only when states have reached a certain level. Countries that transitioned early towards agriculture experience a negative effect on modern economic growth and development depicting a reversal of fortune. The study recommends that the implementation of polices should corelate with the state experience of the specific economy. , Thesis (M.Com.) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, School of Economics, Development & Tourism, 2022
- Full Text:
Detonation nanodiamonds-phthalocyanine photosensitizers with enhanced photophysicochemical properties and effective photoantibacterial activity
- Openda, Yolande I, Nyokong, Tebello
- Authors: Openda, Yolande I , Nyokong, Tebello
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/186012 , vital:44455 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pdpdt.2020.102072"
- Description: The nanophotosensitizers based on acetophenoxy tetrasubstituted metallophthalocyanines (MPc) and detonation nanodiamonds (DNDs) were successfully formed and their photophysicochemical properties were determined. The zinc(II)Pc and indium(III)Pc complexes along with their nanoconjugates were found to have high singlet oxygen quantum yields (0.72 − 0.84) associated with the heavy central metal effect. The ability of the functional groups present on the DNDs to bind to the bacteria cell and the improved solubility of the nanoconjugates due to DNDs resulted in effective photodynamic antimicrobial therapy (PACT) activity against S. aureus planktonic cells, with the highest log reduction of 9.72 ± 0.02 for the conjugate of InPc conjugate with DNDs after 30 min irradiation. PACT studies were investigated at a dose of 10 μg/mL for each sample. The results suggest that the readily synthesized nanoconjugates can be used as appropriate PACT agents.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
- Authors: Openda, Yolande I , Nyokong, Tebello
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/186012 , vital:44455 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pdpdt.2020.102072"
- Description: The nanophotosensitizers based on acetophenoxy tetrasubstituted metallophthalocyanines (MPc) and detonation nanodiamonds (DNDs) were successfully formed and their photophysicochemical properties were determined. The zinc(II)Pc and indium(III)Pc complexes along with their nanoconjugates were found to have high singlet oxygen quantum yields (0.72 − 0.84) associated with the heavy central metal effect. The ability of the functional groups present on the DNDs to bind to the bacteria cell and the improved solubility of the nanoconjugates due to DNDs resulted in effective photodynamic antimicrobial therapy (PACT) activity against S. aureus planktonic cells, with the highest log reduction of 9.72 ± 0.02 for the conjugate of InPc conjugate with DNDs after 30 min irradiation. PACT studies were investigated at a dose of 10 μg/mL for each sample. The results suggest that the readily synthesized nanoconjugates can be used as appropriate PACT agents.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
Plastic particle characterization and concentrations found in the river and marine water environment of Algoa Bay, South Africa
- Authors: Moss, Kerry-Leigh
- Date: 2021-12
- Subjects: Marine pollution , Plastic marine debris --Environmental aspects , Algoa Bay -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/55645 , vital:53403
- Description: With just 4% of published plastic pollution research, the African region remains one of the most poorly 221 understood areas, leaving a large knowledge gap in our understanding of this global pollution problem 222 (Hurley, Woodward, & Rothwell, 2018). It is estimated that 64 to 90% of the ocean’s plastics originate 223 from fluxes in the terrestrial environment, however determining the exact source is not a simple task 224 (Andrady, 2011; Hurley et al., 2018). Plastic items, including the biodegradable plastic items, 225 breakdown in the marine environment through mechanical action resulting in non-degradable 226 microscopic fragments of synthetic polymers (Thompson et al., 2004). However, the consequences of 227 these microplastic fragments.This research intends to address two aims; first, to provide an estimation of the quantity of plastic 235 transportation via African rivers to the greater body of knowledge of global plastic emissions. This aim 236 will specifically focus on determining plastic output via Port Elizabeth rivers into the Algoa Bay marine 237 environment. The second aim of this research is to quantify and characterize the amount of microplastic 238 in the marine environment of Algoa Bay. The second aim will focus on identifying microplastic (MP) 239 throughout the water column. 240 This research consists of six objectives; first, to identify, design and field test a cost-effective system for 241 monitoring macroplastic quantity output from riverine to marine environments. Second, to contribute to 242 the body of knowledge of African river plastic pollution through quantification and characterisation of 243 macroplastics in the Port Elizabeth rivers. Third, to compare three very different rivers with different 244 levels of urbanisation (industrial, urban, and remote) to ascertain the impact of population and 245 government pollution management protocols on plastic emissions. Fourth, to measure microplastic 246 quantities at three depths from eight locations across the marine environment of Algoa Bay. Fifth, quantitatively characterize the microplastics in Algoa Bay to highlight any patterns of distribution. Sixth, 248 to compare the Algoa Bay concentrations with published international marine microplastic findings. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, Ocean Science, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-12
- Authors: Moss, Kerry-Leigh
- Date: 2021-12
- Subjects: Marine pollution , Plastic marine debris --Environmental aspects , Algoa Bay -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/55645 , vital:53403
- Description: With just 4% of published plastic pollution research, the African region remains one of the most poorly 221 understood areas, leaving a large knowledge gap in our understanding of this global pollution problem 222 (Hurley, Woodward, & Rothwell, 2018). It is estimated that 64 to 90% of the ocean’s plastics originate 223 from fluxes in the terrestrial environment, however determining the exact source is not a simple task 224 (Andrady, 2011; Hurley et al., 2018). Plastic items, including the biodegradable plastic items, 225 breakdown in the marine environment through mechanical action resulting in non-degradable 226 microscopic fragments of synthetic polymers (Thompson et al., 2004). However, the consequences of 227 these microplastic fragments.This research intends to address two aims; first, to provide an estimation of the quantity of plastic 235 transportation via African rivers to the greater body of knowledge of global plastic emissions. This aim 236 will specifically focus on determining plastic output via Port Elizabeth rivers into the Algoa Bay marine 237 environment. The second aim of this research is to quantify and characterize the amount of microplastic 238 in the marine environment of Algoa Bay. The second aim will focus on identifying microplastic (MP) 239 throughout the water column. 240 This research consists of six objectives; first, to identify, design and field test a cost-effective system for 241 monitoring macroplastic quantity output from riverine to marine environments. Second, to contribute to 242 the body of knowledge of African river plastic pollution through quantification and characterisation of 243 macroplastics in the Port Elizabeth rivers. Third, to compare three very different rivers with different 244 levels of urbanisation (industrial, urban, and remote) to ascertain the impact of population and 245 government pollution management protocols on plastic emissions. Fourth, to measure microplastic 246 quantities at three depths from eight locations across the marine environment of Algoa Bay. Fifth, quantitatively characterize the microplastics in Algoa Bay to highlight any patterns of distribution. Sixth, 248 to compare the Algoa Bay concentrations with published international marine microplastic findings. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, Ocean Science, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-12
The potential of social learning to upscale the Community Based Water Quality Management (CBWQM) process: A case study of the Mpophomeni and Baynespruit Enviro Champs project
- Authors: Sithole, Nkosingithandile
- Date: 2023-10-13
- Subjects: Community of practice , Social learning , Water quality management South Africa Pietermaritzburg Citizen participation , Citizen science , Water quality South Africa Pietermaritzburg
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/402966 , vital:69910
- Description: Water is an essential component of human survival, with a wide variety of uses such as washing, cooking, drinking and growing food. Covering approximately 70% of the Earth’s surface, water is necessary for all human survival, and is a source of life for plants and animals. Only 0.036% of freshwater can be accessed and utilised by humans, which is not enough to support the rapidly growing population and economic development. This water is further exhausted by pollution caused by sewage leaks, littering, agricultural runoff and industry discharge which deteriorate water quality significantly. To exacerbate these water issues, the major issue of water accessibility is not directly linked to quantity but has been primarily attributed to poor water governance, at a global and local level (in South Africa). Poorly maintained water infrastructure and inadequate cooperative governance have resulted in the establishment of many Community Based Water Quality Management (CBWQM) projects in South Africa, to respond to water quality monitoring and management challenges. The aim of this study was firstly, to investigate how social learning was occurring within two CBWQM Communities of Practice (CoPs) located in KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg, namely, the Baynespruit and the Mpophomeni Enviro Champs project (Case Study 1 and 2 respectively), and the potential of social learning to upscale CBWQM. Additionally, it sought to identify the type of support required for the scaling of social learning outcomes in CBWQM communities of practice, along two potential scaling pathways that were identified in a national study on scaling of CBWQM: Scaling Pathway 1(Policy engagement and support) and Scaling Pathway 2 (Capacity building). The research was undertaken as a qualitative case study approach, with data collected through semi-structured interviews, document, and questionnaire analysis to investigate social learning within the two selected case studies. The data was coded and indexed using a thematic analysis technique and an analytical framework as a tool to investigate how social learning was occurring in both case studies and explore the potential required to upscale it. The study found that there is an existing gap between policy and practice with regard to CBWQM support by government structures. Despite South African water policy advocating for public participation in water resource management, there has been limited support from government to support and resource CBWQM projects over a long period of time. To upscale the practice of CBWQM, the study found that capacity building and learning needs to be improved and better supported practically through models such as the 5Ts of learning, and through supporting CBWQM participants’ learning journey to establish learning pathways for them. , Thesis (MEd) -- Faculty of Education, Education, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-10-13
- Authors: Sithole, Nkosingithandile
- Date: 2023-10-13
- Subjects: Community of practice , Social learning , Water quality management South Africa Pietermaritzburg Citizen participation , Citizen science , Water quality South Africa Pietermaritzburg
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/402966 , vital:69910
- Description: Water is an essential component of human survival, with a wide variety of uses such as washing, cooking, drinking and growing food. Covering approximately 70% of the Earth’s surface, water is necessary for all human survival, and is a source of life for plants and animals. Only 0.036% of freshwater can be accessed and utilised by humans, which is not enough to support the rapidly growing population and economic development. This water is further exhausted by pollution caused by sewage leaks, littering, agricultural runoff and industry discharge which deteriorate water quality significantly. To exacerbate these water issues, the major issue of water accessibility is not directly linked to quantity but has been primarily attributed to poor water governance, at a global and local level (in South Africa). Poorly maintained water infrastructure and inadequate cooperative governance have resulted in the establishment of many Community Based Water Quality Management (CBWQM) projects in South Africa, to respond to water quality monitoring and management challenges. The aim of this study was firstly, to investigate how social learning was occurring within two CBWQM Communities of Practice (CoPs) located in KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg, namely, the Baynespruit and the Mpophomeni Enviro Champs project (Case Study 1 and 2 respectively), and the potential of social learning to upscale CBWQM. Additionally, it sought to identify the type of support required for the scaling of social learning outcomes in CBWQM communities of practice, along two potential scaling pathways that were identified in a national study on scaling of CBWQM: Scaling Pathway 1(Policy engagement and support) and Scaling Pathway 2 (Capacity building). The research was undertaken as a qualitative case study approach, with data collected through semi-structured interviews, document, and questionnaire analysis to investigate social learning within the two selected case studies. The data was coded and indexed using a thematic analysis technique and an analytical framework as a tool to investigate how social learning was occurring in both case studies and explore the potential required to upscale it. The study found that there is an existing gap between policy and practice with regard to CBWQM support by government structures. Despite South African water policy advocating for public participation in water resource management, there has been limited support from government to support and resource CBWQM projects over a long period of time. To upscale the practice of CBWQM, the study found that capacity building and learning needs to be improved and better supported practically through models such as the 5Ts of learning, and through supporting CBWQM participants’ learning journey to establish learning pathways for them. , Thesis (MEd) -- Faculty of Education, Education, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-10-13
The design of a Hydrotherapy center on the Swartkops River
- Authors: Heuer, Morgan
- Date: 2011-12
- Subjects: Health resorts --South Africa -- Port Elizabeth --Designs and plans , Recreational therapy – South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/58728 , vital:60032
- Description: This treatise deals with the design of a Hydrotherapy Center, as well as it’s direct link to nature. Contemporary lifestyles in a technologically-advanced world have caused increased amounts of stress, anxiety, and chronic illness. The goal is to design a place of healing by reinforcing and establishing the connection between man and nature. Wellness is multidimensional; it deals with both mental and physical health. The design concept is a building that is one with nature, that leaves a small footprint on the natural landscape and that gives back more than it takes. The focus point is to work with the concept of healing in four different spheres: Psychological, Physiological, Sociological, and Environmental. By understanding the physical properties and applications of water to treat both mental and physical healthcare issues, an innovative center of natural healing can be established. The conventional healthcare facilities are mostly hostile, clinical, and institutional-like environments that do not contribute to a healthy state of mind. The mind is uneasy in distracting environments, and one is unable to focus solely on restoration. By bringing people to a natural environment and to the water source, their minds are at ease and they can focus on healing process, allowing them to reach a higher potential of functioning naturally. , Thesis (MArch) -- Faculty of Engineering, the Built Environment and Technology, School of Architecture, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011-12
- Authors: Heuer, Morgan
- Date: 2011-12
- Subjects: Health resorts --South Africa -- Port Elizabeth --Designs and plans , Recreational therapy – South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/58728 , vital:60032
- Description: This treatise deals with the design of a Hydrotherapy Center, as well as it’s direct link to nature. Contemporary lifestyles in a technologically-advanced world have caused increased amounts of stress, anxiety, and chronic illness. The goal is to design a place of healing by reinforcing and establishing the connection between man and nature. Wellness is multidimensional; it deals with both mental and physical health. The design concept is a building that is one with nature, that leaves a small footprint on the natural landscape and that gives back more than it takes. The focus point is to work with the concept of healing in four different spheres: Psychological, Physiological, Sociological, and Environmental. By understanding the physical properties and applications of water to treat both mental and physical healthcare issues, an innovative center of natural healing can be established. The conventional healthcare facilities are mostly hostile, clinical, and institutional-like environments that do not contribute to a healthy state of mind. The mind is uneasy in distracting environments, and one is unable to focus solely on restoration. By bringing people to a natural environment and to the water source, their minds are at ease and they can focus on healing process, allowing them to reach a higher potential of functioning naturally. , Thesis (MArch) -- Faculty of Engineering, the Built Environment and Technology, School of Architecture, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011-12
The design of a social incubator in Lombok, Utrecht, the Netherlands - a regeneration of 'terrain vague' space
- Authors: Holm, Alma
- Date: 2021-12
- Subjects: Terrain vague—Netherlands – designs and plans , Landscape architecture --Netherlands
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/58705 , vital:60021
- Description: ‘Terrain vague’, a collective term coined by Spanish architect Ignasi Sola-Morales, denotes the unused, forgotten spaces located in between categorised spaces and artefacts. It is an omnipresent typology found within productive structures of urban environments, yet ‘mentally exterior to them’ , in other words detached from the energies that surround them. Physically, these spaces are identified as traffic circles, parking lots, open plots, spaces underneath highways, or forgotten buildings. These spaces have a strangeness to them, the detachedness from the conventions of their surrounds gives them a sense of mobility, freedom, and liberty. This creates a perfect environment for the exploration of new ideas. Therefore, this unrealised potential makes these spaces best understood as a relationship between the absence of use, and the sense of expectancy. Mobile interconnectedness has created a transition in the way we work and live together. According to Raumlabor (2018), these new socio-cultural and economic challenges demand new types of solutions which cannot be solved by top-down monofunctional implementations (Raumlabor, 2018). According to design studio Knoll (2020) “the home has become less home, and the office type has vanished. Instead, the work space has changed into a playground where connections are made and interaction is fostered”. This socio-cultural transition creates a shift in the appropriation of space, therefore creating a demand for new types of solutions (Knoll, 2020). This treatise investigates a process of renegotiation of leftover space on Westplein in Utrecht in the Netherlands. The site is an example of ‘terrain vague’ centrally located in the city. The municipality of Utrecht has initiated a temporary intervention on Westplein run by local societies and residents of the neighbourhood Lombok. The aim of this intervention is to generate input from locals through the act of placemaking before the reconstruction of the area into a public park. Furthermore, this intervention also aims to stimulate interaction and connection between local residents as a means to negate the potential for another gentrification process. Therefore, this project is a continuation of temporary activities run by the societies Stichting Perron West, Lucrative Dumpsterdives and Pluktuin. These activities include providing flexible workspace for local residents, collaborative public art workshops, events, concerts, gardening and other activities that connect local artists with residents. This project proposes an ‘architecture a communal and continuous process’ which reflect the needs of the current users, but is capable of being adapted to the technical ability of everyone in order to fulfil the needs of the future users without the creation of waste during its transformation. The proposed typologies, namely citylab and social incubator, aim to create a platform for connection, to stimulate small scale social entrepreneurship that contributes to the creation of a better local urban environment. , Thesis (MArch) -- Faculty of Engineering, the Built Environment and Technology, School of Architecture, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-12
- Authors: Holm, Alma
- Date: 2021-12
- Subjects: Terrain vague—Netherlands – designs and plans , Landscape architecture --Netherlands
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/58705 , vital:60021
- Description: ‘Terrain vague’, a collective term coined by Spanish architect Ignasi Sola-Morales, denotes the unused, forgotten spaces located in between categorised spaces and artefacts. It is an omnipresent typology found within productive structures of urban environments, yet ‘mentally exterior to them’ , in other words detached from the energies that surround them. Physically, these spaces are identified as traffic circles, parking lots, open plots, spaces underneath highways, or forgotten buildings. These spaces have a strangeness to them, the detachedness from the conventions of their surrounds gives them a sense of mobility, freedom, and liberty. This creates a perfect environment for the exploration of new ideas. Therefore, this unrealised potential makes these spaces best understood as a relationship between the absence of use, and the sense of expectancy. Mobile interconnectedness has created a transition in the way we work and live together. According to Raumlabor (2018), these new socio-cultural and economic challenges demand new types of solutions which cannot be solved by top-down monofunctional implementations (Raumlabor, 2018). According to design studio Knoll (2020) “the home has become less home, and the office type has vanished. Instead, the work space has changed into a playground where connections are made and interaction is fostered”. This socio-cultural transition creates a shift in the appropriation of space, therefore creating a demand for new types of solutions (Knoll, 2020). This treatise investigates a process of renegotiation of leftover space on Westplein in Utrecht in the Netherlands. The site is an example of ‘terrain vague’ centrally located in the city. The municipality of Utrecht has initiated a temporary intervention on Westplein run by local societies and residents of the neighbourhood Lombok. The aim of this intervention is to generate input from locals through the act of placemaking before the reconstruction of the area into a public park. Furthermore, this intervention also aims to stimulate interaction and connection between local residents as a means to negate the potential for another gentrification process. Therefore, this project is a continuation of temporary activities run by the societies Stichting Perron West, Lucrative Dumpsterdives and Pluktuin. These activities include providing flexible workspace for local residents, collaborative public art workshops, events, concerts, gardening and other activities that connect local artists with residents. This project proposes an ‘architecture a communal and continuous process’ which reflect the needs of the current users, but is capable of being adapted to the technical ability of everyone in order to fulfil the needs of the future users without the creation of waste during its transformation. The proposed typologies, namely citylab and social incubator, aim to create a platform for connection, to stimulate small scale social entrepreneurship that contributes to the creation of a better local urban environment. , Thesis (MArch) -- Faculty of Engineering, the Built Environment and Technology, School of Architecture, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-12
Electronic and nonlinear optical properties of 3-(((2-substituted-4-nitrophenyl) imino) methyl) phenol
- Ojo, Nathanael D, Krause, Rui W M, Obi-Egbedi, Nelson O
- Authors: Ojo, Nathanael D , Krause, Rui W M , Obi-Egbedi, Nelson O
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/193408 , vital:45329 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.comptc.2020.113050"
- Description: This work entails the study of electronic and nonlinear optical (NLO) properties of two synthesized Schiff bases namely 3-(((2-methyl-4-nitrophenyl)imino)methyl)phenol (MMP) and 3-(((2,4-dinitrophenyl)imino)methyl)phenol (DMP). Electronic absorption properties studied using UV–Visible spectrophotometry in ethanol reveal low-energy absorption indicating a low band gap. Time-dependent density functional calculations on their excited state properties with ωB97X-D/6-311++G(d,p) method show comparable transition energies and intensities with the experimental results. Energy gaps (ΔE) and NLO properties were evaluated from the frontier orbitals and hyperpolarizabilities (βtot and γ) in gas, cyclohexane and ethanol. Low ΔE obtained shows the potentials of the systems as organic semiconductor with remarkable band gap stabilization in ethanol. Higher βtot and γ than urea imply that the Schiff bases possess potentials for NLO applications. The solvatochromic shift in transition energies and perturbation of electronic properties reveal the solvent dependence of the electronic and optical properties of MMP and DMP due to solute-solvent interactions.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
- Authors: Ojo, Nathanael D , Krause, Rui W M , Obi-Egbedi, Nelson O
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/193408 , vital:45329 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.comptc.2020.113050"
- Description: This work entails the study of electronic and nonlinear optical (NLO) properties of two synthesized Schiff bases namely 3-(((2-methyl-4-nitrophenyl)imino)methyl)phenol (MMP) and 3-(((2,4-dinitrophenyl)imino)methyl)phenol (DMP). Electronic absorption properties studied using UV–Visible spectrophotometry in ethanol reveal low-energy absorption indicating a low band gap. Time-dependent density functional calculations on their excited state properties with ωB97X-D/6-311++G(d,p) method show comparable transition energies and intensities with the experimental results. Energy gaps (ΔE) and NLO properties were evaluated from the frontier orbitals and hyperpolarizabilities (βtot and γ) in gas, cyclohexane and ethanol. Low ΔE obtained shows the potentials of the systems as organic semiconductor with remarkable band gap stabilization in ethanol. Higher βtot and γ than urea imply that the Schiff bases possess potentials for NLO applications. The solvatochromic shift in transition energies and perturbation of electronic properties reveal the solvent dependence of the electronic and optical properties of MMP and DMP due to solute-solvent interactions.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
Bond market integration in the Common Monetary Area (CMA)
- Ramoriting, Retšelisitsoe Silvia
- Authors: Ramoriting, Retšelisitsoe Silvia
- Date: 2022-04-06
- Subjects: Globalization , Globalization Economic aspects , Bond market , Rand area , Africa, Southern Economic integration , Autoregressive distributed lag (ARDL) model
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/284592 , vital:56077
- Description: The study reviews the phenomenon of financial integration. During the late 1980s and 1990s, financial market integration around the world increased due to globalisation of investments and the need for higher returns and international risk diversification. The increase was accompanied by a significant increase in private capital flows into developing countries from developed countries. The main goal of the study is to examine bond market integration in the common monetary area The study therefore investigates the co-movement of government bond returns within the CMA using data from Eswatini, Namibia, and South Africa. The study attempts to find the short-run and long-run relationship of these government bond returns using the ARDL cointegration technique. The study uses daily data of 10-year government bond yields spanning from August 2014 to September 2019. The empirical results reveal that there exists a short-run and long-run relationship between South Africa and Eswatini. Between South Africa and Namibia, there only exist a short-run relationship. Just like the previously mentioned studies, the short-run relationship is a result of policy convergence. The lack of long-run relationship between South and Namibia was due to poor institutional developments and limited investment opportunities. In this case, policy measures (or reforms) and a review of the union are necessary to increase integration of these bond markets. , Thesis (MCom) -- Faculty of Commerce, Economics and Economic History, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-04-06
- Authors: Ramoriting, Retšelisitsoe Silvia
- Date: 2022-04-06
- Subjects: Globalization , Globalization Economic aspects , Bond market , Rand area , Africa, Southern Economic integration , Autoregressive distributed lag (ARDL) model
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/284592 , vital:56077
- Description: The study reviews the phenomenon of financial integration. During the late 1980s and 1990s, financial market integration around the world increased due to globalisation of investments and the need for higher returns and international risk diversification. The increase was accompanied by a significant increase in private capital flows into developing countries from developed countries. The main goal of the study is to examine bond market integration in the common monetary area The study therefore investigates the co-movement of government bond returns within the CMA using data from Eswatini, Namibia, and South Africa. The study attempts to find the short-run and long-run relationship of these government bond returns using the ARDL cointegration technique. The study uses daily data of 10-year government bond yields spanning from August 2014 to September 2019. The empirical results reveal that there exists a short-run and long-run relationship between South Africa and Eswatini. Between South Africa and Namibia, there only exist a short-run relationship. Just like the previously mentioned studies, the short-run relationship is a result of policy convergence. The lack of long-run relationship between South and Namibia was due to poor institutional developments and limited investment opportunities. In this case, policy measures (or reforms) and a review of the union are necessary to increase integration of these bond markets. , Thesis (MCom) -- Faculty of Commerce, Economics and Economic History, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-04-06
The relationship between childhood trauma and schizophrenia in the Genomics of Schizophrenia in the Xhosa people (SAX) study in South Africa
- Mall, Sumaya, Platt, Jonathan M, Temmingh, Henk, Musenge, Eustasius, Campbell, Megan, Susser, Ezra, Stein, Dan J
- Authors: Mall, Sumaya , Platt, Jonathan M , Temmingh, Henk , Musenge, Eustasius , Campbell, Megan , Susser, Ezra , Stein, Dan J
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/302567 , vital:58208 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1017/S0033291719001703"
- Description: Background. Evidence from high-income countries suggests that childhood trauma is associated with schizophrenia. Studies of childhood trauma and schizophrenia in low and middle income (LMIC) countries are limited. This study examined the prevalence of childhood traumatic experiences among cases and controls and the relationship between specific and cumulative childhood traumatic experiences and schizophrenia in a sample in South Africa. Methods. Data were from the Genomics of Schizophrenia in the South African Xhosa people study. Cases with schizophrenia and matched controls were recruited from provincial hospitals and clinics in the Western and Eastern Cape regions in South Africa. Childhood traumatic experiences were measured using the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire (CTQ). Adjusted logistic regression models estimated associations between individual and cumulative childhood traumatic experiences and schizophrenia. Results. Traumatic experiences were more prevalent among cases than controls. The odds of schizophrenia were 2.44 times higher among those who experienced any trauma than those who reported no traumatic experiences (95% CI 1.77–3.37). The odds of schizophrenia were elevated among those who experienced physical/emotional abuse (OR 1.59, CI 1.28–1.97), neglect (OR 1.39, CI 1.16–1.68), and sexual abuse (OR 1.22, CI 1.03–1.45) compared to those who did not. Cumulative physical/emotional abuse and neglect experiences increased the odds of schizophrenia as a dose–response relationship. Conclusion. Childhood trauma is common in this population. Among many other benefits, interventions to prevent childhood trauma may contribute to a decreasing occurrence of schizophrenia.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
- Authors: Mall, Sumaya , Platt, Jonathan M , Temmingh, Henk , Musenge, Eustasius , Campbell, Megan , Susser, Ezra , Stein, Dan J
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/302567 , vital:58208 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1017/S0033291719001703"
- Description: Background. Evidence from high-income countries suggests that childhood trauma is associated with schizophrenia. Studies of childhood trauma and schizophrenia in low and middle income (LMIC) countries are limited. This study examined the prevalence of childhood traumatic experiences among cases and controls and the relationship between specific and cumulative childhood traumatic experiences and schizophrenia in a sample in South Africa. Methods. Data were from the Genomics of Schizophrenia in the South African Xhosa people study. Cases with schizophrenia and matched controls were recruited from provincial hospitals and clinics in the Western and Eastern Cape regions in South Africa. Childhood traumatic experiences were measured using the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire (CTQ). Adjusted logistic regression models estimated associations between individual and cumulative childhood traumatic experiences and schizophrenia. Results. Traumatic experiences were more prevalent among cases than controls. The odds of schizophrenia were 2.44 times higher among those who experienced any trauma than those who reported no traumatic experiences (95% CI 1.77–3.37). The odds of schizophrenia were elevated among those who experienced physical/emotional abuse (OR 1.59, CI 1.28–1.97), neglect (OR 1.39, CI 1.16–1.68), and sexual abuse (OR 1.22, CI 1.03–1.45) compared to those who did not. Cumulative physical/emotional abuse and neglect experiences increased the odds of schizophrenia as a dose–response relationship. Conclusion. Childhood trauma is common in this population. Among many other benefits, interventions to prevent childhood trauma may contribute to a decreasing occurrence of schizophrenia.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020