Engaging with media as a knowledge resource for making sense of climate change: a case study of the farmers of Nyanga, Zimbabwe
- Authors: Mandikonza, Blessing
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Climatic changes in mass media , Knowledge, Sociology of , Farms, Small -- Zimbabwe -- Nyanga , Crops and climate -- Zimbabwe -- Nyanga , Agriculture -- Economic aspects -- Zimbabwe , Agriculture -- Environmental aspects -- Zimbabwe -- Nyanga , Agriculture and politics -- Zimbabwe -- Nyanga , Agriculture -- Research -- Sociological aspects , Agricultural journalism -- Zimbabwe , Land reform -- Zimbabwe -- Nyanga
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/63764 , vital:28486
- Description: This study explores how small-scale farmers in Nyanga, Zimbabwe engage with the media as a knowledge resource for achieving agricultural productivity, particularly in context of climate change. The study is contextualised by means of a literature review that maps out the history of agricultural productivity in Zimbabwe. It is argued that this history has been shaped by changes in both socio-economic context and climatic conditions. Both kinds of change impact on the degree to which small-scale farmers have access to knowledge that is of relevance to agricultural productivity. The study then examines the Zimbabwean media landscape, focusing on how history has shaped the way in which different media define their social purpose. This examination draws on Hallin and Mancini‟s „models‟ of media systems as well as Christian et al‟s traditions of media practice. It is concluded that, due to the high level of conflict that has characterised Zimbabwean history, aspects of both the polarised pluralist and democratic corporatist models are present in its media landscape. The collaborative, monitorial and radical approaches to media also exist in contestation with each other. Indeed, the media is characterised by profound contestation around the conceptualisation of social purpose. Furthermore, international media is of particular significance as a resource of knowledge within the local media landscape. The empirical component of the study explores the implications for the extent to which media are likely to serve as valuable knowledge resources for small-scale farmers. This exploration is pursued by means of a case study of the experiences of three farmers in Nyanga who were granted farms as part of the government‟s land-reform programme. In context of episodic biographical interviews, the participants share their experience of becoming farmers and of managing their farms. Attention is paid to the challenges they face with regards to producing successful crops, both in context of socio-economic and climatic conditions. The study looks at the way in which participants draw on the media as a knowledge resource to help them overcome these challenges. The participants understand international media to be a more credible knowledge resource, but also refer to the need for local media which can provides them with knowledge of local relevance. In this context they identify an absence of collaborative, developmental media that engages with the unique challenges that they face in producing crops. It is concluded that the value of media for the farmers of Nyanga as a knowledge resource for making sense of climate change would only be achieved through the establishment of locally produced, participatory media that foregrounds the use of indigenous language.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
Enhanced nonlinear optical response of benzothiazole substituted ball-type phthalocyanines in the presence of metallic nanoparticles
- Authors: Nwaji, Njemuwa , Mack, John , Nyokong, Tebello
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/188149 , vital:44727 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.optmat.2018.05.052"
- Description: The synthesis of zinc-zinc, gallium-gallium and indium-indium ball-type phthalocyanines (complexes 4, 5 and 6) and the surface assembly of the complexes onto metallic gold and silver nanoparticles are reported in this work. Furthermore, their photophysical and nonlinear optical dynamics were investigated. Decreases in the fluorescence quantum yields with a corresponding increase in the triplet quantum yields of the nanoconjugates in comparison to complexes 4, 5 and 6 alone were observed. The mechanism of strong reverse saturable absorption observed was found to be predominantly dependent on excited state absorption. The optical limiting thresholds range from 0.09 to 0.19 J/cm2. Enhanced triplet parameters and nonlinear optical responses were found when the complexes were conjugated to metallic nanoparticles.
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- Date Issued: 2018
Enhancing employee engagement within exponential organisations
- Authors: Stander, Rizel
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Employee motivation , Employees -- Attitudes Organizational change Reengineering (Management)
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/35278 , vital:33690
- Description: Mayo (2016, p. 88) states that many researchers agree that investing in employee engagement has guaranteed great returns; the question for organisations are whether these returns will be linear or exponential for them. A new breed of company emerged called the “exponential organisation” which leverage accelerating technologies to achieve an unheard-of business model that shows exponential growth. However, this technology is still created, maintained and reinvented by employees. Therefore, the premise is that highly engaged employees are one of the key factors that fuel exponential organisations, and this was under investigation in this research study. Employee engagement has been extensively researched yet only a few organisations can claim the majority of their employees are highly engaged. The topic of employee engagement within exponential organisations, however, has barely been covered by scholars or practitioners. Subsequently, given that it is a new organisational phenomenon, little academic or practitioner’s research could be found. For this reason, the main purpose of this study was to find key drivers of employee engagement within exponential organisations to develop a theoretical framework and hypotheses which could be statistically tested. The outcomes could assist in enhancing employee engagement within exponential organisations, thereby achieving greater business success. An online survey questionnaire was used to gather empirical data within a financial technology exponential organisation. The sample consisted of 40 fulltime employees working in Australia, China and South Africa of which most were between the ages of 35 to 44 years old and have been with the organisation for less than two years. The results showed that organisational management and employee autonomy were found to have a direct positive relationship with the concept of employee engagement and is found to be key drivers of employee engagement within exponential organisations.
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- Date Issued: 2018
Enhancing parental involvement in children’s academic work: Implications for teaching and learning
- Authors: Fihla, Gcobisa Victoria
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Education -- Parent participation Parent-teacher relationships Academic achievement
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD (Education)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/8042 , vital:31485
- Description: Partnership between schools and parents seems to substandard, leading to both parties questioning each other on why children underperform. Most parents view the school as an instrument for the achievement of children and parents with limited or no education may have little or no interest in supporting children’s academic work. The aim of this study was to investigate how parental involvement in children’s academic work can be enhanced. It focused on three rural secondary schools in the Amathole West Education District in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa. The study particularly investigated how school schools involved parents in children’s academic work and how they, together with principals, teachers and learners view their involvement in children’s academic work. Guided by Epstein’s theory of parental involvement, this qualitative study was premised on the interpretative paradigm. Face to face interviews and focus group discussions were used to collect data from three high schools in the Amathole West Education District. Purposive sampling was used to select participants who comprised a target population of 24 participants. It emerged from the data that although schools were trying to involve parents in children’s academic work, their activities were uncoordinated, occurred at school level rather than classroom level and focused less on learners’ academic work. Parent’ involvement in their children’s academic work was not touching the real curriculum issues; rather it touched on the outside. The data also showed that parents’ academic statuses influenced their participation as those who had little education seemed to be reluctant to participate on academic issues. The study concludes that there was lack of coordinated strategies by schools to involve parents in children’s academic work. The study, therefore, recommends that Coordinated Grade-based Parent-Teacher Forums be established. This will assist in opening a planform for teachers and parents to engage on teaching and learning discussions and curriculum debates.
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- Date Issued: 2018
Environmental health community service in the Eastern Cape Province, South Africa
- Authors: Mbola, Patience
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Environmental health -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Environmental health -- Administration -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Environmental health -- Evaluation -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Community health services -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/32028 , vital:31920
- Description: In terms of the Health Professions Act (Act 56 of 1974), Environmental Health graduates are required to conduct a year of Community Service before they are allowed to register as independent Environmental Health Practitioners at the Health Professions Council of South Africa. The main purpose of Community Service by these graduates is to assist Environmental Health Practitioners in the execution of their daily tasks, thereby contributing to more effective service delivery, especially to the disadvantaged communities, within the sphere of government where they are deployed. Several studies have been conducted in an effort to identify problem areas in other health care professions during the Community Service year, but no such study could be found on Environmental Health. The aim of this study was to do the same for the Environmental Health profession in South Africa, by focusing on problems and challenges during Community Service placement, specifically the 2013 to 2016 intakes of Community Service practitioners in the Eastern Cape Province and the administrators responsible for the program at national, provincial and municipal spheres of government. The study employed both quantitative and qualitative research designs (mixed method) and was by nature explorative, descriptive and contextual. Two populations were involved; namely, twenty four Environmental Health graduates who completed their Community Service during 2013 to 2016 within the Eastern Cape Province, and ten Environmental Health Practitioners who were responsible for the administration of the Community Service program at the provincial and municipal spheres of government during the same period. A purposive sample was drawn from each population. Qualitative data was collected by means of interviews and quantitative data through questionnaires. Qualitative data was analysed using Tech’s method of data analysis and quantitative data was statistically analysed. The results of the study revealed that the Eastern Cape Department of Health needs to review the Community Service program for Environmental Health graduates and further initiate resolutions in terms of the identified problems, such as maladministration of Community Service which related to the lack of consistency of communication during the organisation of the Community Service program; declined/decreasing number of Environmental Health Community Service posts in the Eastern Cape Province which led to a shortage of human resources; Inadequate provision of material resources for Community Service; lack of induction training and inconsistent supervision of Environmental Health Community Service practitioners; and lack of evaluation of the success of the Environmental Health Community Service program. The study findings suggest important inequalities and non-compliances which should deserve urgent attention. Based on the challenges that have been identified regarding the organisation and implementation of the Community Service program, this study concludes by presenting recommendations for the improvement of the Community Service program in the Environmental Health profession.
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- Date Issued: 2018
Environmental management of wetlands on an urban periphery: the case of Bay West
- Authors: Domoney, Nicola Leah
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Wetland management -- South Africa -- Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality , Remote sensing Chlorophyll
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/30854 , vital:31183
- Description: South Africa is a semi-arid country and thus depends on sound management of its water resources. Wetlands, despite their importance to water resource storage and water quality, among their other ecological and social significance, remain the most threatened of South Africa’s ecosystems. One of their greatest threats is encroachment by urbanisation. This occurs because wetlands, and especially ephemeral urban periphery wetlands, are overlooked. This study’s main objective was to determine the water quality and health of the wetlands adjacent to the newly established Bay West development on the western urban periphery of Nelson Mandela Bay. Wetlands are difficult to access and it is time-consuming to assess them. Remote sensing, however, overcomes this challenge and is cost-effective and time-considerate. It was the aim of this study to assess the health of the peri-urban wetlands on the Bay West periphery in order to formulate an appropriate environmental management plan, and remote sensing was tested as an effective method for wetland health management. It was found that the wetlands closer to the urban residential area (Sherwood suburb) were far more impacted than the wetlands nearer to Bay West Mall. Wetlands Six to Eight were higher in all parameters of pH, total dissolved solutes (TDS), salinity, conductivity and chlorophyll a concentration than Wetlands One to Five located further away from the urban area. A correlation with distance away from the urban area found a strong inverse relationship with between distance and the water quality factor, yielding a correlation coefficient of (<-0.7) in 2017 and (<-0.9) in 2018 with regard to TDS, salinity and conductivity. This, therefore, suggests that the wetlands’ health deteriorates towards the urban area. TDS, salinity, pH and conductivity correlate highly with chlorophyll a concentration at (>0.70). There was significant difference in pH in the year 2017 between the Bay West wetlands and the reference wetland (p<0.05; df=19; f= 3.56; n=3) and in 2018 (p<0.01; df=22; f= 8.90; n=3). No significant difference was found between the wetlands for dissolved oxygen. TDS between the wetlands was found to be significantly different in the year 2017 (p<0.01; df=23; f= 44.16; n=3) and 2018 (p<0.05; df=22; f=2.62; n=3), where conductivity and salinity returned the same p value for 2017 and 2018 as TDS respectively. There was a significant difference in chlorophyll a between the Bay West wetlands in 2017 (p<0.05; df=20; f=3.29; n=3) and Wetland Seven measured eutrophic at 22.45 mg/L-1. Remote sensing red band values and the field sample absorption values were highly correlated at R2= 0.5. Chlorophyll a content of wetland water correlated with NDVI data at R2= 0.6. Thus, remote sensing proved to be a successful estimator for wetlands health analysis and a proxy for wetland management. These results yielded an environmental management plan where monitoring water quality via chlorophyll a indicated health levels of the wetlands via trophic state.
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- Date Issued: 2018
Erasure: A challenge to Feminist and Queer research
- Authors: Marx, Jacqueline , Macleod, Catriona I
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , book chapter
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/434210 , vital:73039 , ISBN 978-3-319-74720-0 , https://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007/978-3-319-74721-7_20
- Description: Anonymity and confidentiality feature prominently in research ethics guidelines. In this chapter we draw on examples from a research ethics application for a project involving women who had extricated themselves from relationships in which they had experienced intimate partner violence, and an ethnographic study of cross-dressing and drag, to illustrate the multiple ways in which identity masking can be put to work, both promoting and undermining what it means to do ethical research. We argue that the requirement for anonymity and confidentiality cannot be assessed without taking into account historicity and the sociopolitical contexts in which a study and its participants are located. The chapter concludes by giving consideration to the potential of a situated ethics approach and the implications for ethics review processes.
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- Date Issued: 2018
Escalating debt in municipalities: a case study of financial sustainability in the Amahlathi Municipality
- Authors: Mashiyi, Buntu
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Municipal finance -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Local government -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Finance Debt
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/22651 , vital:30045
- Description: Municipalities have recently been in the media for the wrong reasons with certain allegations being levelled against these institutions. The allegations range from lack of service delivery, corruption and lack of good governance. This has resulted in communities showing frustrations through protests that result in the destruction of the existing infrastructure and, in some areas, boycotts towards payments of rates and services. The study seeks to establish the reasons that lead to ratepayers and communities not paying for rates and services. In the process of establishing the above, it seeks to come up with suggestions and solutions that can be implemented by municipalities to ensure that the ‘going concern’ is addressed. To achieve the above purpose a literature review was conducted on available sources of information looking at financial sustainability, the role of municipalities, powers and functions of municipalities and how these institutions are funded. The study also looked at literature regarding the strategies to increase revenue and improve debt collection. The study used Amahlathi Local Municipality as a case study where a sample was selected from the population. Questionnaires were developed and distributed to the sample and responses were received to the tune of 203 respondents. Questionnaires were both qualitative and quantitative as they had both open-ended and closed questions. Quantitative questionnaires were distributed to the community and the qualitative questionnaires were distributed for expert opinion. Analysis was done against the research questions to establish if there were any links to the literature and the findings of the study. The study found that communities are fed up with unsustainable or a lack of service delivery that the municipality is providing. This has been linked to some information gaps between the councillors and the community in terms of municipal programmes. More needs to be done in terms of ensuring that ward meetings are held on a regular basis so as to improve communication. There is also an observation of a ‘culture of non-payment’ emanating from political canvassing during voting periods which negatively affects the cash flows of the municipality and that public representatives need to champion debt collection endeavours.
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- Date Issued: 2018
Espoused and actual employee value proposition (EVP) at the SPAR Group - Eastern Cape (SPAR EC)
- Authors: Prins, Alveno
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Employee retention -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Employee motivation -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Personnel management -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Supermarkets -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/23001 , vital:30291
- Description: Globally there is a shortage of talent with organisations facing the challenge of attracting, engaging and retaining top talent. It has therefore become a priority for any organisation to ensure, that the offer made to attract talent, extends beyond a salary. The Employee Value Proposition (EVP) is a strategic tool that could be used to ensure that the offer made to employees is indeed an offer of value, considering both extrinsic and intrinsic attributes; therefore, ensuring the attraction, engagement and retention of talent. All organisations have an EVP, whether documented or not; however, the effectiveness thereof should be questioned. This was the aim of this study, namely, to assess whether a gap exists between the espoused and actual employee value proposition at the SPAR Group – Eastern Cape (SPAR EC). The study used an existing questionnaire to collect data from a sample of 150 respondents. The questionnaire was adapted to align to the company and industry studied and aimed to answer the following questions: To what extent did employees expect to find, both intrinsic and extrinsic EVP characteristics in the company? How important were these intrinsic and extrinsic EVP characteristics to attract employees to the organisation? In addition, to what extent did employees experience the expected intrinsic and extrinsic EVP characteristics in the organisation? These questions formed the essence of the study, using expectation, importance and experience as categories to distinguish the perceptions of respondents. The data was analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics. The results indicated that a gap does indeed exist between the espoused and actual EVP at SPAR EC. EVP attributes associated with people and their advancement, such as personal and career development opportunities, recognition provided to employees for exceptional performance, work-life balance and the level of involvement and empowerment of employees, were experienced to a lower extent in the organisation, when compared to the respondents’ level of expectation and how important they deem these attributes. It was therefore recommended that SPAR EC focus on these attributes, as employees determine for themselves the extent to which they experience “value” in organisations. Employees who view their organisations' EVP to be of less value are likely to withdraw, by either not contributing or by resigning from the organisation altogether (Heger, 2007).
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- Date Issued: 2018
Essence of home: relevance of home and the assertion of place amongst Centane migrants, South Africa
- Authors: Njwambe, Avela Thandisiwe
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Rural-urban migration -- South Africa , Migrant labor -- South Africa , Immigrants -- South Africa -- Social conditions , Immigrants -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Immigrants -- South Africa -- Homelands , Homelands (South Africa) , Home -- Psychological aspects
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MSocSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/51866 , vital:26136
- Description: South Africa is currently experiencing ever-increasing rural-urban migration with many citizens from the former homeland areas migrating to cities to seek employment. Despite long-term residence in urban areas, many township dwellers do not consider these places to be home. Research into circular migration patterns reveal the lifelong relationships that migrants (amagoduka) have with their family home (ekhayeni). This study aimed to explore this relationship, looking in particular at the meanings imbued in the locality of home. In addition, the role of natural landscapes and social components in constructing meanings and attachments to ekhayeni for Xhosa-speaking migrants in Cape Town townships, who have family linkages to rural villages in the Transkei, was also explored. The study found that the landscape of home remains central to migrants’ cultural identity, belonging and well-being. Childhood experiences in nature, and cultural and recreational activities that continue to take rural inhabitants into these landscapes, remain key to this relationship. The rural area, as a geographical entity embodied with social and cultural/spiritual components continued to supply and satisfy many human needs for migrants, which were seen as crucial for psychological, mental and spiritual well-being.
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- Date Issued: 2018
Establishing opportunities for using big data analysis at the Herald
- Authors: Joshua, Nadeem
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Big data , Business intelligence -- Data processing Data mining
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/30529 , vital:30957
- Description: A few years ago, merely mentioning the term ‘big data’ within industry circles, would more than likely have received a quirky and confused look; however, the term big data has gained huge popularity in recent years among IT professionals and academics. The big data phenomenon has exploded in popularity worldwide, and continues to grow exponentially with each passing day. It has been good news for many industries, as industries are going ablaze with the huge volume, variety and velocity of data. As technology advances it is lifting and removing so many boundaries, and answering questions that are not currently being asked. Therefore, it is that big data is taking the world by storm, and it is safe to say that big data has gone mainstream with countless benefits being developed within industries. The opportunity for employing big data strategies are many, according to McKinsey and Company, and the growth in big data will spark a new wave of ‘innovation, competition and productivity’ within businesses (McKinsey & Company, 2011). Taking advantage of these opportunities will be challenging for companies, creating the need for new skills, tools and ways of thinking. Implementing big data would help in creating new innovative business models, as executives are challenged to make their organisations resilient and agile in today’s challenging business environment. This research paper aimed to unpack the understanding of big data, the challenges, and the value to an organisation and provide a guideline or framework to implement a big data strategy. Furthermore, this research examines the opportunities and the potential value that organisations would obtain from implementing big data, as well as the challenges that could hinder implementation. Due to the rapid growth and size of data, decision-makers need to be able to gain valuable insights from such varied and rapidly changing data that will help organisations make far better, intelligent and data-driven decisions which may help in improving operations.
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- Date Issued: 2018
Establishment of “The South African Bioinformatics Student Council” and activity highlights:
- Authors: Rafael, Candice Nancy , Ambler, Jon , Niehaus, Antoinette , Ross, James , Tastan Bishop, Özlem
- Date: 2018
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/148250 , vital:38723 , https://doi.org/10.14806/ej.23.0.903
- Description: The South African Society for Bioinformatics1 (SASBi) was officially formed in September 2012 during a joint Congress with the South African Genetics Society (SAGS). Prior to this there was no official body to represent bioinformatic researchers and students in the country. The establishment of SASBi also led to the establishment of the Student Society as a platform for students to meet and discuss their research activities, but also to socialise and broaden their network of knowledge and friendships. A small group of students joined as volunteers to pioneer and set up a SASBi Student Council (SASBiSC). As a first step, one representative, selected from the attendees present at the first Joint Congress of SASBi and SAGS, was elected to the main SASBi Council.
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- Date Issued: 2018
Estuarine microalgal bloom dynamics at multiple temporal scales
- Authors: Lemley, Daniel Alan
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Ecological integrity -- South Africa , Phytoplankton populations -- South Africa , Estuarine ecology -- South Africa , Freshwater algae -- Ecology -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/21044 , vital:29431
- Description: Microalgal communities sustain the ecological functioning of estuarine ecosystems through the provision of numerous ecosystem services. As such, gaining an understanding of the processes that govern spatio-temporal patterns of phytoplankton communities is key to the effective management of these ecosystems. However, detailed investigations of estuarine phytoplankton dynamics, and particularly harmful algal blooms (HAB), are largely absent in South Africa. Therefore, geared at addressing these knowledge gaps, this study was initiated to elucidate the processes shaping estuarine phytoplankton bloom dynamics at multiple temporal scales. Initially, five permanently open estuaries, each with varying types and levels of anthropogenic pressures, were selected to test the efficacy of an estuarine eutrophic condition index to flow variability (‘Annual’ study). Results from this study highlighted the sensitivity of the proposed index to environmental perturbations (e.g. flood events), whilst also identifying freshwater inflow variability and anthropogenic disturbance as the key processes shaping microalgal responses at an annual scale. Next, the agriculturally-influenced Gamtoos and Sundays estuaries were further investigated to elucidate the role of natural and anthropogenic drivers in defining microalgal responses (‘Seasonal’ study). Despite similarities in nutrient input and temperature patterns, phytoplankton bloom conditions (> 20 μg Chl-a l-1) were episodic and flow-dependent in the Gamtoos Estuary, whilst those in the Sundays Estuary were persistent and seasonal. Related to its reduced hydrodynamic variability – i.e. consistent nutrient-rich baseflows and reduced propensity for flushing events – persistent undesirable disturbances were highlighted for the Sundays Estuary, including: summer bottom-water hypoxia (< 2 mg l-1) and exceptional proliferations (> 550 μg Chl-a l-1) of two HAB species (Heterosigma akashiwo and Heterocapsa rotundata). Finally, fine-scale ecological research was undertaken in the Sundays Estuary to identify the processes – abiotic and biotic – that facilitate HABs (‘Daily’ and ‘Hourly’ studies). Findings from the ‘Daily’ study, identified inorganic nutrient availability (i.e. nitrate and phosphate) and mesohaline conditions (ca. 10) as the key bottom-up controls influencing the magnitude and duration of spring/summer phytoplankton blooms. Additionally, bottom-water hypoxia was explicitly linked to the decay of a single HAB species. During the ‘Hourly’ investigation, four known HAB-forming species were recorded at bloom concentrations. Model results indicated that variability in temperature, salinity profiles and nitrate concentrations were significant in facilitating the occurrence of HAB species. Finally, local biotic interactions (e.g. interspecies competition, diel vertical migration and mixotrophy) were recognized as key mechanisms shaping phytoplankton communities. The persistent occurrence of HABs is a new feature in South African estuaries and continued research is needed to recommend management responses. Ultimately, this research highlights the multitude of processes at work shaping phytoplankton variability in estuaries. From a broad perspective (i.e. seasonal and annual), processes such as freshwater inflow regimes, degree of anthropogenic disturbance, as well as seasonal temperature and nutrient supply patterns are the key processes. At a more refined scale (i.e. hourly and daily), local processes including salinity preferences, nutrient availability, diel light cycles and internal biotic interactions are the key drivers organising phytoplankton dynamics. Given the potentially severe ecological consequences of disrupting natural phytoplankton dynamics (e.g. HABs), an element of ‘unpredictability’ should be restored to the hydrological and chemical makeup of highly-regulated estuaries to prevent the continued exacerbation of eutrophic symptoms.
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- Date Issued: 2018
Ethics in critical research: Stories from the field
- Authors: Macleod, Catriona I , Marx, Jacqueline , Mnyaka, Phindezwa , Treharne, Gareth J
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , book chapter
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/434223 , vital:73040 , ISBN 978-3-319-74720-0 , https://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007/978-3-319-74721-7_1
- Description: In this chapter we introduce the approaches to ethics in critical research applied throughout this handbook. Critical research questions who benefits from research and offers critiques rooted in postmodern and liberatory theories, including feminism, Marxism, and postcolonialism. Authors of chapters in the handbook explore ethical issues faced when conducting critical research through stories from the field across a range of methodologies, disciplines, and locations. The chapter overviews the four sections of the handbook and the ethical challenges associated with conducting critical research within the bureaucracy of ethics committees and other systems of governance, blurring the boundaries between researchers and participants/co-researchers, giving voice through research whilst applying anonymity or naming participants/co-researchers, and conducting research with various configurations of power between researchers and participants/co-researchers.
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- Date Issued: 2018
Ethics in transdisciplinary research: reflections on the implications of ‘Science with Society’
- Authors: Cockburn, Jessica J , Cundill, Georgina
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , book chapter
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/436187 , vital:73236 , ISBN 978-3-319-74721-7 , https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-74721-7_6
- Description: Transdisciplinarity is a reflexive, participatory research approach that addresses societal problems by transcending the boundaries between science and society through knowledge co-production. Research ethics clearance procedures are of-ten out of step with such forms of engaged research. Through a case study of a transdisciplinary PhD, we share our experiences of the ethical challenges involved in research that takes place beyond the bounds of procedural ethics. Our research aims to co-produce knowledge on environmental stewardship. In this chapter we consider what strategies transdisciplinary scholars can employ to ensure they fulfil the requirements of ethical research in the absence of suitably aligned institutional processes, and what changes need to be made to research ethics clearance procedures to ensure they are able to account for transdisciplinary research.
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- Date Issued: 2018
Ethnicity, conflict and the developmental state in Rwanda
- Authors: Muleya, Emmison
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Rwanda -- Politics and government -- 1994- Rwanda -- Politics and government -- 1962-1994 Rwanda -- Economic conditions
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD (Development Studies)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/10083 , vital:35334
- Description: Socioeconomic development is a crucial means of improving standards of living and increasing the incomes of developing countries. This study is premised upon the assumption that the concepts of the developmental state and socioeconomic development are inextricably interrelated. The concept of a developmental state has gained a significant amount of traction in both academic and non-academic circles in recent times. This study took the form of a case study of Rwanda and its developmental trajectory since the country gained independence in 1962. By adopting a historical approach, this study determined that the factors which continue to retard socioeconomic development in post-colonial and post-genocide Rwanda are rooted in a lingering colonial legacy. Although Rwanda has achieved a significant degree of socioeconomic development since 1994, the sustainability of the nascent developmental state which appears to be emerging could still be undermined by ethnic divisions. Accordingly, it was recommended on the basis of the findings of this study that the Rwandan state and its development partners should pursue transformative socioeconomic policies which ensure an equitable distribution of socioeconomic resources, in order to facilitate the creation of an enabling environment for local entrepreneurs and a reduction of dependence upon foreign aid through the effective mobilisation of domestic resources.
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- Date Issued: 2018
Eti zōsa phlox
- Authors: Van Schoor, David J
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/468457 , vital:77062 , https://www.jstor.org/stable/26945033?seq=1
- Description: Myths of the god typically recount a divine presence undiscerned or misdiagnosed by mortals, with tragic consequences. The vengeful Dionysus of Euripides’ Bacchae comes amongst humans disguised, ironically, to make them learn and recognise his divine identity and that they are in the presence of the truly, if not at first apparently, immortal. The kind of inference that it seems mortals are expected to rely upon in the vicinity of Dionysus in order to secure that all-important knowledge and recognition, is explored in this paper, which is offered as a contribution towards the development of a contemporary anthropology of Greek tragedy and its god. The anthropology of art and agency of Alfred Gell is mobilised in order to explore how different modes of inference are implicitly compared and evaluated in the drama and to suggest what this has to do with the nature of Dionysiac experience as represented by the tragic poet.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
Evaluating farmers' perceptions on climate variability and the impact of management practices on rangeland condition at Tukulu Farm, South Africa
- Authors: Huza, Siphamandla
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Rangelands -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Range management -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Livestock -- Breeding -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , Pasture Science
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/10586 , vital:35611
- Description: Rangelands are ecological systems largely used for extensive livestock production, which continually play a vital role in developing the economy of rural communities worldwide. These ecosystems also have the potential to provide vital secondary resources like medicinal plants, firewood and wild foods. This study assessed the impacts of management practices on rangeland condition at Tukulu communal farm in the Eastern Cape province of South Africa. Communal farmers’ perceptions were also investigated on vegetation change and awareness to climate variability. A structured questionnaire with open-ended and closed questions was used to interview communal farmers about several components of their rangeland, their awareness to climate variability and their household demographics were recorded. A rangeland condition assessment with the use of a three-tier system was used to determine vegetation condition and assessment of vegetal change over the past ten to twenty years. Botanical species composition, biomass yield, basal cover, woody plant density, browsing units and soil chemical composition were measured. Tukulu communal rangeland was demarcated into three homogenous vegetation units (HVU) namely, open grassland, scattered bushland and dense bushland. Sample sites of (100×50 m)2 with four replicates were constructed in each HVU. Herbaceous vegetation and basal cover were determined along 100 m transects in each sample site using a step-point method. Aboveground biomass production was estimated using a quadrat system following a systematic sampling by cutting all material within 0.25 m2 quadrats located along 100 m transects. Woody plant density (plants/ha), tree equivalents (TE/ha) and browsing unit (BU/ha) were estimated from the number of woody plants, total woody heights and the number of acceptable and available (<1.5 m) woody species. Soil sample analysis was conducted to determine OC, P, K, N, Ca, Mg, Na, Zn, Cu, and Mn and soil pH in all three HVUs. The respondents consisted of 65 percent males and 35 percent females with an average of about five persons per household. The study revealed that communal farmers at Tukulu were fairly knowledgeable about the changes that have occurred in their rangeland. All respondents 100 percent perceived that their rangeland had changed from good to poor condition. This was characterized by the shift from grass dominance to woody plant encroachment. These changes were linked to the perceived changes in climate. Farmers at Tukulu communal area were generally aware of the changes in climate, 95 percent of the respondents’ perceived changes in weather patterns such as changes in rain seasons, hot weather conditions, unpredictable rainfalls, drought, heavy winds and increased temperatures. The results revealed that Tukulu communal rangeland comprised of high species diversity. Twenty-one herbaceous species and 24 woody species were recorded at Tukulu rangeland. The grass species composition was characterised by 71 percent Increaser II species, 24 percent Decreaser and 5 percent Increaser I species. A highly palatable Decreaser species Themeda triandra decreased in abundance from open grassland to scattered bushland. There were no significant differences (p>0.05) in biomass yield in all three HVUs. However, scattered bushland 761.5 kg/ha and dense bushland 735.8 kg/ha had higher biomass yield when compared to open grassland 688.5 kg/ha. Bush encroachment was observed in dense bushland as the woody plant density 4487.5 trees/ha and tree equivalents 3451.3 trees/ha were significantly (P<0.05) higher than the recommended threshold standards of 2400 trees/ha and 2500 TE/ha. Scattered bushland had tree density of 1900 trees/ha and tree-equivalents of 1534.3 TE/ha. Soil macro and micro nutrients differed significantly between the different HVUs. The levels of Na, Ca, Mg, Cu, Mn differed significantly (p<0.05) between HVUs, increasing from open grassland to dense bushland. Organic carbon concentrations were higher under tree canopies in dense bushland. However, the levels of phosphorus and potassium were higher in open grassland than in the wooded areas. Soil pH in scattered bushland (5.3) and dense bushland (5.18) were significantly higher (p<0.05) than in open grassland (4.89). This study shows complications in management policies governing the Tukulu communal area. There is a need to merge both scientific and indigenous ecological knowledge to ensure the desired outcomes, as this could indeed offer some great insights for communal areas. Therefore, a rangeland rehabilitation programme should be implemented at Tukulu communal rangeland, which will address the issue of bush encroachment and implement a rotational grazing system by fencing camps that will be based on acceptable stocking rates.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
Evaluating metabolism-induced toxicity using a non-hepatic cell line
- Authors: Weyers, Carli
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Cytochrome P-450 , Drugs Metabolism , Drugs Design
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/61950 , vital:28087
- Description: The drug discovery pipeline is a complicated process taking roughly 15 years to complete, costing in excess of $1 billion per new chemical entity. It has been estimated that for every 100, 000 promising hit or lead compounds, only one will make it onto the market due to numerous drug candidates being discarded because of many complications. One such complication is metabolism-induced toxicity. Accordingly, an early understanding of the metabolism of any new chemical entity is becoming an integral part of the pipeline. In order to explore this, various methods have been developed including in silico and in vitro techniques. One such method involves performing cell viability assays on human liver cancer cell lines, which overexpress specific metabolic cytochrome P450 enzymes. If a toxic metabolite is produced it would result in reduced cell viability of the transformed cell line in comparison to a control. Since the liver is the primary site of metabolism in the human body, we were curious as to the extent to which background metabolism may play a role in the degree to which toxic metabolites would be produced in these cell lines. The aim of this project, therefore, was to establish if a non-hepatic cell-based system which overexpresses CYP3A4 could be used to detect the metabolism and any subsequent toxicity of compounds which have been reported to be substrates of the CYP450 enzyme. The HEK293 cell line was stably transfected with a plasmid vector for human CYP3A4 to create a model overexpression system for our metabolism studies. The activity of the enzyme was confirmed using the substrate, 7-benzyloxy-4-trifluoromethyl-coumarin. Subsequently, cytotoxicity testing was done on four known pharmaceuticals reported to generate toxic metabolites in hepatic cell-based assays. In silico metabolic predictions on the four known compounds were performed and compared to the results of published literature. Finally, the metabolism of one compound was studied using a combination of high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) in order to detect predicted metabolites. We observed no change in cellular toxicity nor did we detect the formation of metabolites, even though the overexpressed CYP3A4 enzyme was active. The results suggest that caution should be taken when interpreting the results of cell-based metabolism studies, and background metabolism may play a significant role in the data. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Pharmacy, Pharmacy, 2018
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
Evaluating selected enterprises for sustainable social development in South Africa :|ba case study of Buffalo City Municipality, Eastern Cape
- Authors: Kajiita, Robert Mutemi
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Social entrepreneurship Social responsibility of business Nonprofit organizations -- Management
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/10829 , vital:35825
- Description: Globally, countries, institutions, and organizations are investing time, resources, and human capital on finding best solutions to address poverty, inequality and unemployment; and importantly on achieving sustainable development. This study sought to investigate how social enterprises in Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality (BCMM) contribute to sustainable social development within the municipality and the country at large. The study endeavoured to answer the following research questions: what is the knowledge level among the selected stakeholders on social enterprise in BCMM? What is the scope, application, and sustainability of selected social enterprises in BCMM? What is the contribution of selected social enterprises in social development in BCMM? What are the bottlenecks associated with the application of social entrepreneurship in BCMM? These questions were answered through mixed methods approaches and techniques, where both qualitative and quantitative data was collected and analysed. The data was collected through in-depth interviews (key informant technique) and a min-survey which was administered to users of the social enterprises. Qualitative data was analysed thematically, while quantitative data was statistically analysed with help of SPSS software. The interpretation of the findings was premised on pragmatic and transformative paradigms. The study further used theoretical lenses such as empowerment theory, capability approach and positive theory of social enterprise to support and explain the findings. The main findings showed that: the selected stakeholders conceptualized social enterprises through the African lens of communal living; the social enterprises widely provided their services across a range of sectors and geographical locations; the social enterprises had direct and indirect contribution to socio-economic development in BCMM. This was specifically through provision of employment, training and skill development among others; the future of social enterprises in the country is bright as many sectors presented opportunities for social investment; and social enterprises face financial constraints, lack of skills in the sector, and competition from the mainstream market. The recommendations from this study address government entities, social services providers and practitioners, social enterprises, and researchers on pertinent endeavours to improve the growth and development of social enterprises. The study concludes that social enterprises are: vital vehicles of socio-economic development, more especially for the marginalized segment of the populations; tools for reducing inequality; platforms for innovations, community participation and conduits of empowerment interventions. Thus, social enterprises play dynamic role and presents potential for capable sustainable social development in the local communities and the South African community at large.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018