The effect of annealing and beta irradiation on thermoluminescence spectra of α-Al2O3: C, Mg
- Kalita, Jitumani M, Chithambo, Makaiko L
- Authors: Kalita, Jitumani M , Chithambo, Makaiko L
- Date: 2018
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/112875 , vital:33669 , https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jlumin.2017.12.036
- Description: The effect of annealing on thermoluminescence spectra of beta irradiated α-Al2O3:C,Mg has been studied. Measurements were made on an un-annealed sample and samples annealed at 600, 700 and 900 °C. A glow curve measured at 1 °C/s from samples irradiated to 1 Gy shows a high intensity peak at 163 °C and six secondary peaks of weaker intensity at 43, 73, 195, 280, 329 and 370 °C. When the samples are annealed at 700 or 900 °C, an additional secondary peak appears at 100 °C. The thermoluminescence spectrum of an un-annealed sample measured at 1 °C/s between 300 and 700 nm shows the main emission band at ~ 410 nm and subsidiary emission bands at ~ 325 and 485 nm. The emission from samples annealed at 700 and 900 °C show similar bands except for a decrease in intensity of the emission at 485 nm. The emission bands at 325, 410 and 485 nm are attributed to F+, F and F22+(2Mg) -centres respectively. The decrease of the emission band at 485 nm is deduced to be due to the destruction of the F22+(2Mg) centre at 700 °C. The emission bands are unaffected by irradiation dose between 10 and 320 Gy. However, when the sample is annealed at or beyond 700 °C, any effects on the F+ and F centres emission can be easier distinguished particularly for doses greater than 10 Gy.
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Kalita, Jitumani M , Chithambo, Makaiko L
- Date: 2018
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/112875 , vital:33669 , https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jlumin.2017.12.036
- Description: The effect of annealing on thermoluminescence spectra of beta irradiated α-Al2O3:C,Mg has been studied. Measurements were made on an un-annealed sample and samples annealed at 600, 700 and 900 °C. A glow curve measured at 1 °C/s from samples irradiated to 1 Gy shows a high intensity peak at 163 °C and six secondary peaks of weaker intensity at 43, 73, 195, 280, 329 and 370 °C. When the samples are annealed at 700 or 900 °C, an additional secondary peak appears at 100 °C. The thermoluminescence spectrum of an un-annealed sample measured at 1 °C/s between 300 and 700 nm shows the main emission band at ~ 410 nm and subsidiary emission bands at ~ 325 and 485 nm. The emission from samples annealed at 700 and 900 °C show similar bands except for a decrease in intensity of the emission at 485 nm. The emission bands at 325, 410 and 485 nm are attributed to F+, F and F22+(2Mg) -centres respectively. The decrease of the emission band at 485 nm is deduced to be due to the destruction of the F22+(2Mg) centre at 700 °C. The emission bands are unaffected by irradiation dose between 10 and 320 Gy. However, when the sample is annealed at or beyond 700 °C, any effects on the F+ and F centres emission can be easier distinguished particularly for doses greater than 10 Gy.
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2018
The effect of casuarina trees on sea turtles nesting beaches throughout the Indian Ocean and South-East Asia regions: A beach vulnerability assessment
- Authors: De Vos, Deidre
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Conservation biology , Casuarina Sea turtles
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/22420 , vital:29968
- Description: Rapid global change and anthropogenic modification of natural habitats are threatening ecosystems across the globe. Many of these threats and adverse impacts are concentrated on the world’s coastlines, with a large portion of the global population choosing to live next to the coast. To accommodate coastal populations and their related activities, the dynamic littoral active zone is often stabilized with hard engineering structures such as sea walls, which disrupt coastal ecological processes. Most natural coastal processes have since become natural disaster risks to the anthropogenically-modified coasts. Coastal stabilization has led to “coastal squeeze” with modified shorelines unable to respond naturally to changes in sea level. Furthermore, global change through global ‘warming’ exacerbates sea level rise. The combined impacts result in permanent/episodic inundation and coastal erosion, which may damage human settlements and degrade or destroy coastal habitat. As an alternative to hard armouring structures like sea walls, ‘soft’ options like large-scale plantations of trees as bio-shields are used as a ‘green’ option to protect developed coasts. Indeed, green shelter belts have rapidly increased since the December 2004 tsunami event in the Indian Ocean and South-East Asian (IOSEA) region. Extensive portions of the coastal habitat, including sensitive sea turtle nesting habitat, have been modified by planting exotic vegetation. Two invasive species, Casuarina equisetifolia and Casuarina glauca, are regularly used for coastal dune stabilization or as bio-shields because they are adapted to arid conditions, high salinity and low soil fertility typical of beach systems. The functionality of Casuarina trees as a ‘comprehensive’ coastal protection tool, however, has yet to be tested and the effects of Casuarina on sandy beach ecosystems remain largely unquantified. There is no empirical evidence to support the claim that Casuarina trees adequately function as a storm protection measure, and other studies have suggested that Casuarina species have adverse effects on sandy beach ecosystems, including the promotion of erosion in some instances and negative impacts on fauna, including sea turtles. This study investigated the potential value of non-native Casuarina trees as a coastal protection measure on sea turtle nesting beaches taking into consideration the potential impacts of global change. First, the study estimated local scale effects of Casuarina trees within the South African sea turtle nesting rookery in the iSimangaliso Wetland Park by measuring impacts on back-beach substrate characteristics and shape. A few metrics were unaffected, such as grain size, sand penetrability and sand moisture, but sand pH and sand temperature were significantly lower underneath Casuarina stands. A mean pH of 8.2 and a median temperature of 26 ± SD1.5oC were recorded under Casuarina trees and a pH of 9 and a median temperature of 27.2 ± SD1.9oC under native vegetation. The significantly lower, more stable average temperature underneath Casuarina trees may have significant implications for sex ratios of sea turtles as the sex of sea turtles is determined by temperature; Temperatures above 32°C will yield all females and temperatures below 28°C will produce only males, with a pivotal temperature at which a 1:1 sex ratio is developed is about 29°C. Furthermore, sand temperature underneath Casuarina trees is less likely to reach lethal temperatures (above ~33°C) that could lead to hatchling mortality than in areas with no vegetation. So, in terms of hatchling success, the thermal environment created by Casuarina trees might be favourable in extremely hot climate areas, especially when considering the effects of climate change. Casuarina trees, however, affect back-beach and dune dynamics by altering sand movement. Semi-quantitative and qualitative analyses of beach profiles suggested that Casuarina trees and shrubs result in wind scouring directly in front of the foredunes as evidenced by the concave shape in front of Casuarina stands at some sites. Sites with natural vegetation had mainly convex beach shapes, suggesting sand accretion. Either way, vegetation had an important effect on sand dynamics (both positive and negative) where areas with no vegetation (bare sand) only had a neutral/straight shape. There was, however, a significant interaction between vegetation type and site, indicating that vegetation type alone cannot account for all the differences in beach profile dynamics and that site-specific conditions like wave height, sand budget, precipitation and orientation differences among locations may also have an effect. The second part of the study had a regional perspective, investigating the effect of Casuarina trees on 50 sea turtle nesting beaches across the Indian Ocean South East Asia (IOSEA) region. The study first derived an appropriate (novel) beach vulnerability index using features that drive beach erosion. The index was then applied to 50 turtle rookeries in the presence/absence of Casuarina trees. The study noted the extensive distribution of exotic Casuarina trees throughout the IOSEA region and established that 28% of the 50 selected sea turtle nesting beaches had non-native Casuarina present. There was no significant difference in the erosion vulnerability of beaches with and without Casuarina based on the existing indicators. However, the study did show that seven important sea turtle rookeries were highly vulnerable to erosion, some with extensive exotic Casuarina stands. Olive ridley (Lepidochelys olivacea) nesting beaches in India, were dominated by Casuarina trees and were highly vulnerable to erosion. The study showed that the presence of Casuarina trees alone could not be viewed as an indicator of erosion but could be a contributing factor, as several other drivers like narrow back-beach width, absence of dunes and development on exposed coasts prone to storms, also contribute to the high erosion vulnerability of beaches. The study questions the use of exotic vegetation, such as Casuarina species, for coastal protection by demonstrating local scale effects on the back-beach environment and provides a comprehensive overview of the erosion potential of sea turtle nesting beaches throughout the IOSEA region.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: De Vos, Deidre
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Conservation biology , Casuarina Sea turtles
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/22420 , vital:29968
- Description: Rapid global change and anthropogenic modification of natural habitats are threatening ecosystems across the globe. Many of these threats and adverse impacts are concentrated on the world’s coastlines, with a large portion of the global population choosing to live next to the coast. To accommodate coastal populations and their related activities, the dynamic littoral active zone is often stabilized with hard engineering structures such as sea walls, which disrupt coastal ecological processes. Most natural coastal processes have since become natural disaster risks to the anthropogenically-modified coasts. Coastal stabilization has led to “coastal squeeze” with modified shorelines unable to respond naturally to changes in sea level. Furthermore, global change through global ‘warming’ exacerbates sea level rise. The combined impacts result in permanent/episodic inundation and coastal erosion, which may damage human settlements and degrade or destroy coastal habitat. As an alternative to hard armouring structures like sea walls, ‘soft’ options like large-scale plantations of trees as bio-shields are used as a ‘green’ option to protect developed coasts. Indeed, green shelter belts have rapidly increased since the December 2004 tsunami event in the Indian Ocean and South-East Asian (IOSEA) region. Extensive portions of the coastal habitat, including sensitive sea turtle nesting habitat, have been modified by planting exotic vegetation. Two invasive species, Casuarina equisetifolia and Casuarina glauca, are regularly used for coastal dune stabilization or as bio-shields because they are adapted to arid conditions, high salinity and low soil fertility typical of beach systems. The functionality of Casuarina trees as a ‘comprehensive’ coastal protection tool, however, has yet to be tested and the effects of Casuarina on sandy beach ecosystems remain largely unquantified. There is no empirical evidence to support the claim that Casuarina trees adequately function as a storm protection measure, and other studies have suggested that Casuarina species have adverse effects on sandy beach ecosystems, including the promotion of erosion in some instances and negative impacts on fauna, including sea turtles. This study investigated the potential value of non-native Casuarina trees as a coastal protection measure on sea turtle nesting beaches taking into consideration the potential impacts of global change. First, the study estimated local scale effects of Casuarina trees within the South African sea turtle nesting rookery in the iSimangaliso Wetland Park by measuring impacts on back-beach substrate characteristics and shape. A few metrics were unaffected, such as grain size, sand penetrability and sand moisture, but sand pH and sand temperature were significantly lower underneath Casuarina stands. A mean pH of 8.2 and a median temperature of 26 ± SD1.5oC were recorded under Casuarina trees and a pH of 9 and a median temperature of 27.2 ± SD1.9oC under native vegetation. The significantly lower, more stable average temperature underneath Casuarina trees may have significant implications for sex ratios of sea turtles as the sex of sea turtles is determined by temperature; Temperatures above 32°C will yield all females and temperatures below 28°C will produce only males, with a pivotal temperature at which a 1:1 sex ratio is developed is about 29°C. Furthermore, sand temperature underneath Casuarina trees is less likely to reach lethal temperatures (above ~33°C) that could lead to hatchling mortality than in areas with no vegetation. So, in terms of hatchling success, the thermal environment created by Casuarina trees might be favourable in extremely hot climate areas, especially when considering the effects of climate change. Casuarina trees, however, affect back-beach and dune dynamics by altering sand movement. Semi-quantitative and qualitative analyses of beach profiles suggested that Casuarina trees and shrubs result in wind scouring directly in front of the foredunes as evidenced by the concave shape in front of Casuarina stands at some sites. Sites with natural vegetation had mainly convex beach shapes, suggesting sand accretion. Either way, vegetation had an important effect on sand dynamics (both positive and negative) where areas with no vegetation (bare sand) only had a neutral/straight shape. There was, however, a significant interaction between vegetation type and site, indicating that vegetation type alone cannot account for all the differences in beach profile dynamics and that site-specific conditions like wave height, sand budget, precipitation and orientation differences among locations may also have an effect. The second part of the study had a regional perspective, investigating the effect of Casuarina trees on 50 sea turtle nesting beaches across the Indian Ocean South East Asia (IOSEA) region. The study first derived an appropriate (novel) beach vulnerability index using features that drive beach erosion. The index was then applied to 50 turtle rookeries in the presence/absence of Casuarina trees. The study noted the extensive distribution of exotic Casuarina trees throughout the IOSEA region and established that 28% of the 50 selected sea turtle nesting beaches had non-native Casuarina present. There was no significant difference in the erosion vulnerability of beaches with and without Casuarina based on the existing indicators. However, the study did show that seven important sea turtle rookeries were highly vulnerable to erosion, some with extensive exotic Casuarina stands. Olive ridley (Lepidochelys olivacea) nesting beaches in India, were dominated by Casuarina trees and were highly vulnerable to erosion. The study showed that the presence of Casuarina trees alone could not be viewed as an indicator of erosion but could be a contributing factor, as several other drivers like narrow back-beach width, absence of dunes and development on exposed coasts prone to storms, also contribute to the high erosion vulnerability of beaches. The study questions the use of exotic vegetation, such as Casuarina species, for coastal protection by demonstrating local scale effects on the back-beach environment and provides a comprehensive overview of the erosion potential of sea turtle nesting beaches throughout the IOSEA region.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
The effect of ER stress in INS-1E cells using IL-1β under hyperglycaemic conditions
- Authors: Jackson, Simon
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Diabetes -- Pathogenesis , Endoplasmic reticulum -- Pathophysiology Endoplasmic reticulum Diabetes
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/30397 , vital:30938
- Description: Diabetes afflicts millions of individuals worldwide, and the statistics rise each year. It is associated with various ailments which reduce the quality of life and has been shown to be associated with seemingly unrelated diseases or conditions. One aspect of the pathogenesis of diabetes is endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, which is an imbalance in the protein loading and protein folding capacities of the ER of a cell. Under chronic hyperglycaemic conditions associated with the development of diabetes, excessive insulin production disrupts the ER homeostasis, leading to ER stress. If the ER stress is severe or chronic, cell death of pancreatic β-cells may occur, leading to the onset of diabetes. There is currently a gap in available models that closely resemble the pathogenesis of diabetes in insulinoma-1E (INS-1E) pancreatic β-cells to study ER stress under hyperglycaemic conditions. This study optimised various ER stress-inducing models and tested terpenoid treatments to investigate their potential in modulating ER stress. Using various cell viability assays, five models to induce ER stress were optimised (hyperglycaemic, interleukin-1β (IL-1β), tunicamycin (Tm), brefeldin-A (BFA) and thapsigargin (Tg)). The five models were shown to induce ER stress through the expression of the downstream ER stress marker CCAAT-enhancer binding protein (C/EBP) homologous protein (CHOP). The various models induced ER stress under different mechanisms. Insulin secretion analysis using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs) demonstrated that low concentrations of IL-1β promoted insulin secretion. Several of the terpenoid treatments showed potential in alleviating different aspects of either ER stress or inflammation.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Jackson, Simon
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Diabetes -- Pathogenesis , Endoplasmic reticulum -- Pathophysiology Endoplasmic reticulum Diabetes
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/30397 , vital:30938
- Description: Diabetes afflicts millions of individuals worldwide, and the statistics rise each year. It is associated with various ailments which reduce the quality of life and has been shown to be associated with seemingly unrelated diseases or conditions. One aspect of the pathogenesis of diabetes is endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, which is an imbalance in the protein loading and protein folding capacities of the ER of a cell. Under chronic hyperglycaemic conditions associated with the development of diabetes, excessive insulin production disrupts the ER homeostasis, leading to ER stress. If the ER stress is severe or chronic, cell death of pancreatic β-cells may occur, leading to the onset of diabetes. There is currently a gap in available models that closely resemble the pathogenesis of diabetes in insulinoma-1E (INS-1E) pancreatic β-cells to study ER stress under hyperglycaemic conditions. This study optimised various ER stress-inducing models and tested terpenoid treatments to investigate their potential in modulating ER stress. Using various cell viability assays, five models to induce ER stress were optimised (hyperglycaemic, interleukin-1β (IL-1β), tunicamycin (Tm), brefeldin-A (BFA) and thapsigargin (Tg)). The five models were shown to induce ER stress through the expression of the downstream ER stress marker CCAAT-enhancer binding protein (C/EBP) homologous protein (CHOP). The various models induced ER stress under different mechanisms. Insulin secretion analysis using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs) demonstrated that low concentrations of IL-1β promoted insulin secretion. Several of the terpenoid treatments showed potential in alleviating different aspects of either ER stress or inflammation.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
The effect of guided enquiry-based learning approach on electrical engineering students' recall ability, conceptual understanding, problem solving skills and critical thinking ability in power electronics course at a selected university in South Africa
- Authors: Kumar, Vinod
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Power electronics Power electronics -- Problems, exercises -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/8474 , vital:32836
- Description: Power Electronics (PE) forms the major part of the syllabus for the Industrial Electronics (INDE) course of the National Diploma (ND) programme in Electrical Engineering. This study investigated the effect of Guided Enquiry-Based Learning (GEBL), an Active Learning (AL) approach on Electrical Engineering students’ recall ability, conceptual understanding of PE, problem solving skills and critical thinking ability. The study was carried out at one of the campuses of a selected university in South Africa’s Eastern Cape Province in an attempt to check if GEBL would improve student performances in the above focused areas. The expected population for this research in 2017 was 21, similar to the numbers enrolled in 2016. However, in 2017 the enrollment dropped to 14 and this posed a limitation. Since cancelling the study due to the drop in enrollment would have caused the loss of a research report on PE students, it was decided to continue with it. This was especially so, since no other report on PE within South Africa could be located. The instruments were developed using inputs from subject experts to ensure content validity. Cronbach’s Alpha was used to test the reliability of the instrument. A pilot study was conducted during the previous year with the 2016 PE students and deficiencies in the instruments were rectified. Out of the 14 students in 2017, seven volunteered to be taught using the GEBL approach. All ethical considerations applicable to the study were adhered to. All students from the GEBL group signed the informed consent forms prior to the study. The study adopted a pragmatist paradigm and a mixed method approach. A quasi experimental non-equivalent group post-test only research design was used where both the experimental group and the control group were selected (without random assignment). The post-test only design was selected because of the time constraints with the semester courses. A student-centred GEBL approach was used as an intervention for the experimental group and a teacher-centred traditional approach was used for the control group. Students from both the GEBL and Traditionally Taught Groups (TTGs) were subjected to the same assessments. Quantitative data were collected from two formative assessments and one summative assessment and the qualitative data were collected by interviewing all students from the GEBL group. The collected data were statistically and thematically analysed to determine the extent to which the intervention affected the students’ recall ability, conceptual understanding of PE, problem solving skills and their critical thinking ability. The main conclusions were that when compared to the traditional approach, GEBL was significantly more effective in enhancing recall as well as understanding of PE concepts. However, significant differences were not evident in problem solving and critical thinking. The recommendations are that: students must be encouraged to be more active in the learning process; the shift of strategy from traditional to AL methods such as GEBL must be introduced gradually; and the benefits of GEBL and exposure to it must be popularised in order to develop positive attitudes to GEBL not only among students, but also teaching staff.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Kumar, Vinod
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Power electronics Power electronics -- Problems, exercises -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/8474 , vital:32836
- Description: Power Electronics (PE) forms the major part of the syllabus for the Industrial Electronics (INDE) course of the National Diploma (ND) programme in Electrical Engineering. This study investigated the effect of Guided Enquiry-Based Learning (GEBL), an Active Learning (AL) approach on Electrical Engineering students’ recall ability, conceptual understanding of PE, problem solving skills and critical thinking ability. The study was carried out at one of the campuses of a selected university in South Africa’s Eastern Cape Province in an attempt to check if GEBL would improve student performances in the above focused areas. The expected population for this research in 2017 was 21, similar to the numbers enrolled in 2016. However, in 2017 the enrollment dropped to 14 and this posed a limitation. Since cancelling the study due to the drop in enrollment would have caused the loss of a research report on PE students, it was decided to continue with it. This was especially so, since no other report on PE within South Africa could be located. The instruments were developed using inputs from subject experts to ensure content validity. Cronbach’s Alpha was used to test the reliability of the instrument. A pilot study was conducted during the previous year with the 2016 PE students and deficiencies in the instruments were rectified. Out of the 14 students in 2017, seven volunteered to be taught using the GEBL approach. All ethical considerations applicable to the study were adhered to. All students from the GEBL group signed the informed consent forms prior to the study. The study adopted a pragmatist paradigm and a mixed method approach. A quasi experimental non-equivalent group post-test only research design was used where both the experimental group and the control group were selected (without random assignment). The post-test only design was selected because of the time constraints with the semester courses. A student-centred GEBL approach was used as an intervention for the experimental group and a teacher-centred traditional approach was used for the control group. Students from both the GEBL and Traditionally Taught Groups (TTGs) were subjected to the same assessments. Quantitative data were collected from two formative assessments and one summative assessment and the qualitative data were collected by interviewing all students from the GEBL group. The collected data were statistically and thematically analysed to determine the extent to which the intervention affected the students’ recall ability, conceptual understanding of PE, problem solving skills and their critical thinking ability. The main conclusions were that when compared to the traditional approach, GEBL was significantly more effective in enhancing recall as well as understanding of PE concepts. However, significant differences were not evident in problem solving and critical thinking. The recommendations are that: students must be encouraged to be more active in the learning process; the shift of strategy from traditional to AL methods such as GEBL must be introduced gradually; and the benefits of GEBL and exposure to it must be popularised in order to develop positive attitudes to GEBL not only among students, but also teaching staff.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
The effect of human resources management practices on employee commitment: the case of Mnquma Local Municipality
- Fihla, Siphenathi https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9632-2650
- Authors: Fihla, Siphenathi https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9632-2650
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Personnel management--South Africa , Municipal government--South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/24431 , vital:62790
- Description: This study evaluated the relationship between the Human Resource Management Practices (HRMP) and employee commitment. Results based on a sample from Mnquma Local Municipality indicate that these practices have a significant impact on employee commitment. This project will help to advance research on exploring the influence of organisational variables on commitment. Research purpose: The purpose of the study was to investigate the effects of human resources management practices on employee commitment at Mnquma Local Municipality. Motivation for the study: The study examines HRMP and employee commitment in the public sector. The relationship between the two may be of value to the municipality’s success. Research approach, design and method: A quantitative research approach was followed to carry out this study. Data were collected from a sample of 137 respondents in a selected municipality (Mnquma Local Municipality). A self-administered questionnaire was sent to respondents. Main findings: A significant relationship was found between HRMP and employee commitment. Practical or managerial implications: Findings may be relevant to practitioners, including strategic management researchers, policy-makers, directors, managers, and supervisors. The study could assist various practitioners directly or indirectly involved in private and public organisations to develop HRMP that improves employee commitment. Contribution or value-add: The study adds to the literature on HRMP and employee commitment among the public service. , Thesis (MCom) -- Faculty of Management and Commerce, 2018
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Fihla, Siphenathi https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9632-2650
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Personnel management--South Africa , Municipal government--South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/24431 , vital:62790
- Description: This study evaluated the relationship between the Human Resource Management Practices (HRMP) and employee commitment. Results based on a sample from Mnquma Local Municipality indicate that these practices have a significant impact on employee commitment. This project will help to advance research on exploring the influence of organisational variables on commitment. Research purpose: The purpose of the study was to investigate the effects of human resources management practices on employee commitment at Mnquma Local Municipality. Motivation for the study: The study examines HRMP and employee commitment in the public sector. The relationship between the two may be of value to the municipality’s success. Research approach, design and method: A quantitative research approach was followed to carry out this study. Data were collected from a sample of 137 respondents in a selected municipality (Mnquma Local Municipality). A self-administered questionnaire was sent to respondents. Main findings: A significant relationship was found between HRMP and employee commitment. Practical or managerial implications: Findings may be relevant to practitioners, including strategic management researchers, policy-makers, directors, managers, and supervisors. The study could assist various practitioners directly or indirectly involved in private and public organisations to develop HRMP that improves employee commitment. Contribution or value-add: The study adds to the literature on HRMP and employee commitment among the public service. , Thesis (MCom) -- Faculty of Management and Commerce, 2018
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
The effect of pre-dose on thermally and optically stimulated luminescence from α-Al2O3C, Mg and α-Al2O3: C
- Kalita, Jitumani M, Chithambo, Makaiko L
- Authors: Kalita, Jitumani M , Chithambo, Makaiko L
- Date: 2018
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/111011 , vital:33363 , https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apradiso.2018.06.012
- Description: We report the effect of pre-dose on the thermoluminescence (TL) and optically stimulated luminescence (OSL) dose response of α-Al2O3:C,Mg and α-Al2O3:C. Before any luminescence measurement, the samples were irradiated with different doses, namely 100, 500 and 1000 Gy to populate the deep electron traps. This is the pre-dose. The results from TL and OSL studies are compared with results from samples used without any pre-measurement dose. The TL glow curves and OSL decay curves of α-Al2O3:C,Mg recorded after pre-doses of 100, 500 and 1000 Gy are identical to those from a sample used without any pre-dose. Further, the TL and OSL dose response of all α-Al2O3:C,Mg samples are similar regardless of pre-dose. In comparison, the TL glow curves and OSL decay curves of α-Al2O3:C are influenced by pre-dose. We conclude that the differences in the TL and OSL dose response of various pre-dosed samples of α-Al2O3:C are due to the concentration of charge in the deep traps. On the other hand, owing to the lower concentration of such deep traps in α-Al2O3:C,Mg, the TL or OSL dose responses are not affected by pre-dose in this material.
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Kalita, Jitumani M , Chithambo, Makaiko L
- Date: 2018
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/111011 , vital:33363 , https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apradiso.2018.06.012
- Description: We report the effect of pre-dose on the thermoluminescence (TL) and optically stimulated luminescence (OSL) dose response of α-Al2O3:C,Mg and α-Al2O3:C. Before any luminescence measurement, the samples were irradiated with different doses, namely 100, 500 and 1000 Gy to populate the deep electron traps. This is the pre-dose. The results from TL and OSL studies are compared with results from samples used without any pre-measurement dose. The TL glow curves and OSL decay curves of α-Al2O3:C,Mg recorded after pre-doses of 100, 500 and 1000 Gy are identical to those from a sample used without any pre-dose. Further, the TL and OSL dose response of all α-Al2O3:C,Mg samples are similar regardless of pre-dose. In comparison, the TL glow curves and OSL decay curves of α-Al2O3:C are influenced by pre-dose. We conclude that the differences in the TL and OSL dose response of various pre-dosed samples of α-Al2O3:C are due to the concentration of charge in the deep traps. On the other hand, owing to the lower concentration of such deep traps in α-Al2O3:C,Mg, the TL or OSL dose responses are not affected by pre-dose in this material.
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2018
The effect of replacing antibiotic growth promoters with moringa oleifera leaf powder on growth performance, carcass characteristics, immune organ indices, gut microflora, physicochemical and sensory quality of broiler meat
- Nantapo, Carlos Wyson Tawanda
- Authors: Nantapo, Carlos Wyson Tawanda
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Moringa oleifera Meat--Quality Broilers (Chickens)
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , Animal Science
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/17749 , vital:41197
- Description: The objective of the study was to determine the effect of feeding graded levels of Moringa oleifera leaf meal powder (MOLP) on growth performance, carcass characteristics, economic analysis, health status, physicochemical, sensory properties, mineral composition and retention values of meat. A total of 1600 Comb-500 day-old unsexed chicks were allotted to 4 dietary treatment groups, with 4 replicate pens of 100 birds each in a completely randomised design. The dietary treatments were basal diets supplemented with different levels of MOLP as follows; Treatment 1/ control: Basal diet with antibiotic Zinc bacitracin and coccidiostatic Maxiban and no MOLP (0MOLP); Treatment 2: Basal diet included 1percent MOLP (1MOLP); Treatment 3: Basal diet included 3.0 percent MOLP (3MOLP); Treatment 4: Basal diet included 5 percent MOLP (5MOLP). Birds fed basal diets plus 5percent MOLP at starter phase achieved the least FCR 1.53 (P < 0.037), whilst consuming significantly less feed ADFI 47.4 g (P < 0.05). For the entire feeding period, birds fed 5 percent MOLP achieved a favourable FCR of 1.80 among all treatment groups (P < 0.001), but achieved the lowest final live weight (1416 g), carcass weights (1044g) (P < 0.05). Birds fed 0 percent MOLP recorded highest final weight, carcass weight (1339) and the best dressing percentages (76.8percent) (P < 0.05). Abdominal fat levels were reduced by elevating MOLP in diets (P < 0.05). Improvements in proportions of giblets, gizzard, liver and intestine were observed with increase in dietary MOLP. Feed costs increased, while gross and net returns and economic efficiency decreased as dietary MOLP increased. Organ indices of spleen, Bursa of Fabricius and liver were significantly increased by 5percent MOLP in the diet (P < 0.05). Macroscopic lesions scores (P < 0.05) were significantly higher in duodenum, jejunum and ileum of birds in the 1MOLP treatment group on d 28 and d 35. Control and 5MOLP groups recorded the least bloody excreta scores among all treatment groups (P < 0.05). Highest total aerobic bacteria (TAB), E. coli, C. perfringens counts and the lowest lactobacillus spp counts were observed in all intestinal segments in birds in the 1MOLP treatment group. Lower E. coli and C. perfringens but higher lactobacillus spp counts were observed in control and 5MOLP groups (P < 0.05) in the duodenum and jejunum. Increasing MOLP levels in diets led to lower pH and pHu in both breast and leg muscles (P < 0.05). pH was consistently lower in leg muscles than in breast cuts in all treatments and a large decline in post-mortem pH was observed in all muscles of birds in control group. A dietary increase in MOLP level led to a significant increase in L* and b* (P < 0.05) negative correlation between pH and L* (r = -0.463) (P < 0.05) and a weak but significant (P < 0.001) correlation (r = 0.176) between pH and drip loss. Herb flavour (P = 0.0029), appearance (P = 0.0156), aroma (P = 0.0011), colour (P = 0.0375), taste (P = 0.0032) and overall acceptability (P = 0.0192) were improved by grilling, microwave cooking and pan-frying in olive oil. These changes were more pronounced in breast muscle, thus following the trend; microwave > pan-frying in olive oil > grilled samples > boiling for best cooked product based on overall acceptability. Grilling and frying heart muscles resulted in the highest Ca (45.9 mg/kg) and Mg (98.9 mg/kg), whereas boiling led to the lowest Ca (41.1 mg/kg) and Mg (91.4 mg/kg) concentration. The highest concentrations of Fe and Zn these minerals were recorded in grilled (32.7 mg/kg) and fried samples (75.2 mg/kg). Zinc and Fe concentration observed in liver and heart muscles were higher than those found in breast and leg muscle. In conclusion, the results confirm the potential of MOLP for use as an alternative to antibiotics in maintaining broiler health, reducing mortalities and improving carcass characteristics and some meat quality traits.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Nantapo, Carlos Wyson Tawanda
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Moringa oleifera Meat--Quality Broilers (Chickens)
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , Animal Science
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/17749 , vital:41197
- Description: The objective of the study was to determine the effect of feeding graded levels of Moringa oleifera leaf meal powder (MOLP) on growth performance, carcass characteristics, economic analysis, health status, physicochemical, sensory properties, mineral composition and retention values of meat. A total of 1600 Comb-500 day-old unsexed chicks were allotted to 4 dietary treatment groups, with 4 replicate pens of 100 birds each in a completely randomised design. The dietary treatments were basal diets supplemented with different levels of MOLP as follows; Treatment 1/ control: Basal diet with antibiotic Zinc bacitracin and coccidiostatic Maxiban and no MOLP (0MOLP); Treatment 2: Basal diet included 1percent MOLP (1MOLP); Treatment 3: Basal diet included 3.0 percent MOLP (3MOLP); Treatment 4: Basal diet included 5 percent MOLP (5MOLP). Birds fed basal diets plus 5percent MOLP at starter phase achieved the least FCR 1.53 (P < 0.037), whilst consuming significantly less feed ADFI 47.4 g (P < 0.05). For the entire feeding period, birds fed 5 percent MOLP achieved a favourable FCR of 1.80 among all treatment groups (P < 0.001), but achieved the lowest final live weight (1416 g), carcass weights (1044g) (P < 0.05). Birds fed 0 percent MOLP recorded highest final weight, carcass weight (1339) and the best dressing percentages (76.8percent) (P < 0.05). Abdominal fat levels were reduced by elevating MOLP in diets (P < 0.05). Improvements in proportions of giblets, gizzard, liver and intestine were observed with increase in dietary MOLP. Feed costs increased, while gross and net returns and economic efficiency decreased as dietary MOLP increased. Organ indices of spleen, Bursa of Fabricius and liver were significantly increased by 5percent MOLP in the diet (P < 0.05). Macroscopic lesions scores (P < 0.05) were significantly higher in duodenum, jejunum and ileum of birds in the 1MOLP treatment group on d 28 and d 35. Control and 5MOLP groups recorded the least bloody excreta scores among all treatment groups (P < 0.05). Highest total aerobic bacteria (TAB), E. coli, C. perfringens counts and the lowest lactobacillus spp counts were observed in all intestinal segments in birds in the 1MOLP treatment group. Lower E. coli and C. perfringens but higher lactobacillus spp counts were observed in control and 5MOLP groups (P < 0.05) in the duodenum and jejunum. Increasing MOLP levels in diets led to lower pH and pHu in both breast and leg muscles (P < 0.05). pH was consistently lower in leg muscles than in breast cuts in all treatments and a large decline in post-mortem pH was observed in all muscles of birds in control group. A dietary increase in MOLP level led to a significant increase in L* and b* (P < 0.05) negative correlation between pH and L* (r = -0.463) (P < 0.05) and a weak but significant (P < 0.001) correlation (r = 0.176) between pH and drip loss. Herb flavour (P = 0.0029), appearance (P = 0.0156), aroma (P = 0.0011), colour (P = 0.0375), taste (P = 0.0032) and overall acceptability (P = 0.0192) were improved by grilling, microwave cooking and pan-frying in olive oil. These changes were more pronounced in breast muscle, thus following the trend; microwave > pan-frying in olive oil > grilled samples > boiling for best cooked product based on overall acceptability. Grilling and frying heart muscles resulted in the highest Ca (45.9 mg/kg) and Mg (98.9 mg/kg), whereas boiling led to the lowest Ca (41.1 mg/kg) and Mg (91.4 mg/kg) concentration. The highest concentrations of Fe and Zn these minerals were recorded in grilled (32.7 mg/kg) and fried samples (75.2 mg/kg). Zinc and Fe concentration observed in liver and heart muscles were higher than those found in breast and leg muscle. In conclusion, the results confirm the potential of MOLP for use as an alternative to antibiotics in maintaining broiler health, reducing mortalities and improving carcass characteristics and some meat quality traits.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
The effect of school-based physical activity interventions on body composition of grade 4 children from lower socio-economic communities in Port Elizabeth
- Authors: Nqweniso, Siphesihle
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Physical fitness for children -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Physical education and training Exercise -- Physiological aspects Body composition
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/33556 , vital:32886
- Description: South Africa is classified as a low- to middle-income country and is amongst countries affected by the double burden of disease. This double burden may occur in the same household and may be related to food insecurity, nutritional transition and economic inequalities. While the prevalence of underweight has been reduced in the country, stunting and the rise in overweight and obesity in children still remains a problem. The study aimed to determine the effect of various combinations of school-based interventions on the body composition of Grade 4 children from lower socio-economic communities in Port Elizabeth. A cluster randomized controlled trial was conducted with eight schools which were randomly assigned to the experimental group (n=442) and control group (n=437). A ten-week school-based intervention was implemented, consisting of three components, namely: a physical activity (PA) intervention including physical education lessons, dance-to-music lesson and in-class PA breaks, a health and hygiene education intervention, and a nutrition intervention. Body composition measures, pre- and post the intervention included height, weight and skinfolds (triceps & subscapular). Body mass index (BMI), percentage body fat, and BMI-for-age (BAZ), height-for-age (HAZ), and weight-for-age (WAZ) z-scores were also calculated. Baseline data indicated that Coloured children were more likely to be underweight and stunted than Black African children, who were more likely to be obese. After the ten-week intervention, children exposed to the PA intervention showed significantly (p<.05; d>0.2) lower BF% and higher HAZ scores. The nutrition intervention resulted in significantly (p<.05; d>0.2) higher BMI and BAZ scores, indicating an increase in the prevalence of obesity in children. The health and hygiene education intervention had a significant effect on children’s underweight status (WAZ), showing higher WAZ scores. Findings suggest that participating in various combinations of school-based interventions had beneficial effects on children’s body composition and nutritional status. Therefore, strategies to implement school-based interventions are recommended as a means to improve children’s health status.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Nqweniso, Siphesihle
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Physical fitness for children -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Physical education and training Exercise -- Physiological aspects Body composition
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/33556 , vital:32886
- Description: South Africa is classified as a low- to middle-income country and is amongst countries affected by the double burden of disease. This double burden may occur in the same household and may be related to food insecurity, nutritional transition and economic inequalities. While the prevalence of underweight has been reduced in the country, stunting and the rise in overweight and obesity in children still remains a problem. The study aimed to determine the effect of various combinations of school-based interventions on the body composition of Grade 4 children from lower socio-economic communities in Port Elizabeth. A cluster randomized controlled trial was conducted with eight schools which were randomly assigned to the experimental group (n=442) and control group (n=437). A ten-week school-based intervention was implemented, consisting of three components, namely: a physical activity (PA) intervention including physical education lessons, dance-to-music lesson and in-class PA breaks, a health and hygiene education intervention, and a nutrition intervention. Body composition measures, pre- and post the intervention included height, weight and skinfolds (triceps & subscapular). Body mass index (BMI), percentage body fat, and BMI-for-age (BAZ), height-for-age (HAZ), and weight-for-age (WAZ) z-scores were also calculated. Baseline data indicated that Coloured children were more likely to be underweight and stunted than Black African children, who were more likely to be obese. After the ten-week intervention, children exposed to the PA intervention showed significantly (p<.05; d>0.2) lower BF% and higher HAZ scores. The nutrition intervention resulted in significantly (p<.05; d>0.2) higher BMI and BAZ scores, indicating an increase in the prevalence of obesity in children. The health and hygiene education intervention had a significant effect on children’s underweight status (WAZ), showing higher WAZ scores. Findings suggest that participating in various combinations of school-based interventions had beneficial effects on children’s body composition and nutritional status. Therefore, strategies to implement school-based interventions are recommended as a means to improve children’s health status.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
The effect of the amendments to the labour relations act on collective labour law and proliferation of the unions
- Authors: Galorale, Mompati Jonas
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Collective labor agreements -- South Africa , Labor unions -- Law and legislation -- South Africa Labor laws and legislation -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , LLM
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/30216 , vital:30901
- Description: The Constitution guarantees freedom of association, the right of employees to form and join trade unions and to strike, and the rights of trade unions, employers and employers’ associations to bargaining collectively. Section 23 of the Constitution is even-handed: it confers on “everyone” (including employers) a right to fair labour practices and leaving aside the right to strike, confers identical rights on trade unions and employers’ organisations. It is also important to note that the Constitution seeks to advance principles of equality and human dignity before the law. Section 1 of the Labour Relations Act 65 of 1995 (the LRA) provides that the purpose of the LRA is to advance economic development, social justice, labour peace and democratization of the workplace. When interpreting and applying the LRA and the amendments one must give effect to the primary objects of the LRA in compliance with the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996 (the Constitution) and in compliance with ratified Conventions of the International Labour Organisation (the ILO). In terms of section 45 of the Labour Relations Amendment Act 6 of 2014 (the LRAA), the President of the Republic of South Africa declared 1 January 2015 as the effective date for the amendments. Employers had from the 1 January 2015 to comply with the LRAA. The amendments impact on all employees, employers and registered trade unions. The amendments responded to, amongst other things, the increased formalisation of labour and also seeks to ensure that vulnerable groups of employees receive adequate protection. The main purpose for the amendments to section 21 of the LRA is to provide for the organisation of employees engaged by a temporary employment service (TES), to broaden the discretion of commissioners under which organisational rights may be granted, to grant majority rights to most representative unions and to allow a commissioner to grant organisational rights despite a threshold agreement. Collective labour law is also materially effected by these amendments, which are aimed at promoting the inclusion of non-standard employees in the collective bargaining framework and expanding the application of organisational rights. The collective-labour law amendments are the focus of this treatise. This will expand the employee pool in a workplace for purposes of securing organisational rights. The amendments have the effect of creating a more inclusive collective bargaining environment in the workplace. It is hoped that this will lessen the need felt by smaller unions to use industrial action as the only route to secure organisational rights previously intended for more representative unions only. The LRAA made it much easier for unions to obtain organisational rights to sufficiently represented unions who do not have majority representation. A commisioner may in terms section 22 of the amendments extend a collective agreement between a TES and its employees and this agreement may be enforced on the client and vice versa. Trade unions representing the employees of a TES will be in a position to exercise their organisational rights not only at the workplace of the TES, but also at the client’s workplace, despite the employees not being employees of the client. In furtherance of these objectives the LRA1 provides a regulatory framework for collective bargaining and organisational rights – in keeping with international and constitutional obligations. Trade unions are the vehicles for effective collective bargaining, while the LRA unequivocally promotes the policy choice of majoritarianism. The LRA was formulated around the furthering of section 23(5) of the Constitution. What is of significance therefore, is to regulate the framework for collective bargaining, of which the amendments prioritized the provision of legislated organisational rights. In keeping with the constitutional objectives mentioned above, section 21(8)(a)(i) of the LRA directs commissioners, in resolving recognition disputes, to: “seek to minimise the proliferation of trade union representation in a single workplace, and where possible, to encourage a system of a representative trade union in a workplace.”
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Galorale, Mompati Jonas
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Collective labor agreements -- South Africa , Labor unions -- Law and legislation -- South Africa Labor laws and legislation -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , LLM
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/30216 , vital:30901
- Description: The Constitution guarantees freedom of association, the right of employees to form and join trade unions and to strike, and the rights of trade unions, employers and employers’ associations to bargaining collectively. Section 23 of the Constitution is even-handed: it confers on “everyone” (including employers) a right to fair labour practices and leaving aside the right to strike, confers identical rights on trade unions and employers’ organisations. It is also important to note that the Constitution seeks to advance principles of equality and human dignity before the law. Section 1 of the Labour Relations Act 65 of 1995 (the LRA) provides that the purpose of the LRA is to advance economic development, social justice, labour peace and democratization of the workplace. When interpreting and applying the LRA and the amendments one must give effect to the primary objects of the LRA in compliance with the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996 (the Constitution) and in compliance with ratified Conventions of the International Labour Organisation (the ILO). In terms of section 45 of the Labour Relations Amendment Act 6 of 2014 (the LRAA), the President of the Republic of South Africa declared 1 January 2015 as the effective date for the amendments. Employers had from the 1 January 2015 to comply with the LRAA. The amendments impact on all employees, employers and registered trade unions. The amendments responded to, amongst other things, the increased formalisation of labour and also seeks to ensure that vulnerable groups of employees receive adequate protection. The main purpose for the amendments to section 21 of the LRA is to provide for the organisation of employees engaged by a temporary employment service (TES), to broaden the discretion of commissioners under which organisational rights may be granted, to grant majority rights to most representative unions and to allow a commissioner to grant organisational rights despite a threshold agreement. Collective labour law is also materially effected by these amendments, which are aimed at promoting the inclusion of non-standard employees in the collective bargaining framework and expanding the application of organisational rights. The collective-labour law amendments are the focus of this treatise. This will expand the employee pool in a workplace for purposes of securing organisational rights. The amendments have the effect of creating a more inclusive collective bargaining environment in the workplace. It is hoped that this will lessen the need felt by smaller unions to use industrial action as the only route to secure organisational rights previously intended for more representative unions only. The LRAA made it much easier for unions to obtain organisational rights to sufficiently represented unions who do not have majority representation. A commisioner may in terms section 22 of the amendments extend a collective agreement between a TES and its employees and this agreement may be enforced on the client and vice versa. Trade unions representing the employees of a TES will be in a position to exercise their organisational rights not only at the workplace of the TES, but also at the client’s workplace, despite the employees not being employees of the client. In furtherance of these objectives the LRA1 provides a regulatory framework for collective bargaining and organisational rights – in keeping with international and constitutional obligations. Trade unions are the vehicles for effective collective bargaining, while the LRA unequivocally promotes the policy choice of majoritarianism. The LRA was formulated around the furthering of section 23(5) of the Constitution. What is of significance therefore, is to regulate the framework for collective bargaining, of which the amendments prioritized the provision of legislated organisational rights. In keeping with the constitutional objectives mentioned above, section 21(8)(a)(i) of the LRA directs commissioners, in resolving recognition disputes, to: “seek to minimise the proliferation of trade union representation in a single workplace, and where possible, to encourage a system of a representative trade union in a workplace.”
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
The effect of the cobalt and manganese central metal ions on the nonlinear optical properties of tetra (4-propargyloxyphenoxy) phthalocyanines
- Mwanza, Daniel, Louzada, Marcel, Britton, Jonathan, Sekhosana, Kutloano E, Khene, Samson M, Nyokong, Tebello, Mashazi, Philani N
- Authors: Mwanza, Daniel , Louzada, Marcel , Britton, Jonathan , Sekhosana, Kutloano E , Khene, Samson M , Nyokong, Tebello , Mashazi, Philani N
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/233357 , vital:50083 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1039/C8NJ00748A"
- Description: The metal-free (H2TPrOPhOPc), cobalt (CoTPrOPhOPc) and manganese (Mn(OAc)TPrOPhOPc) tetra propargyloxyphenoxy phthalocyanines were evaluated for their potential as optical limiting materials. The effect of the substituents and the central metal ions on the nonlinear optical properties was evaluated. The metal-free phthalocyanine exhibited better nonlinear optical properties when compared to the cobalt and manganese complexes owing to the metal ions quenching the excited state due to their half-filled d-orbitals. The nonlinear absorption coefficient (βeff, ×10−5 m MW−1) followed the trend of H2TPrOPhOPc > CoTPrOPhOPc > Mn(OAc)TPrOPhOPc. The values βeff (×10−5 m MW−1) using 532 nm Nd:YAG (560 nm monochromatic Ekspla) laser sources were 23.5 > 14.3 > 9.20 (14.4). The second-order nonlinear coefficient obtained using density functional theory calculations, the theoretical hyper-Rayleigh scattering (βHRS, ×10−28 esu), showed the decreasing trend for H2TPrOPhOPc (2.28) > CoTPrOPhOPc (2.10) > Mn(OAc)TPrOPhOPc (1.86). The 4-(propargyloxy)phenoxy substituents enhanced the optical limiting properties of the synthesized phthalocyanines.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Mwanza, Daniel , Louzada, Marcel , Britton, Jonathan , Sekhosana, Kutloano E , Khene, Samson M , Nyokong, Tebello , Mashazi, Philani N
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/233357 , vital:50083 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1039/C8NJ00748A"
- Description: The metal-free (H2TPrOPhOPc), cobalt (CoTPrOPhOPc) and manganese (Mn(OAc)TPrOPhOPc) tetra propargyloxyphenoxy phthalocyanines were evaluated for their potential as optical limiting materials. The effect of the substituents and the central metal ions on the nonlinear optical properties was evaluated. The metal-free phthalocyanine exhibited better nonlinear optical properties when compared to the cobalt and manganese complexes owing to the metal ions quenching the excited state due to their half-filled d-orbitals. The nonlinear absorption coefficient (βeff, ×10−5 m MW−1) followed the trend of H2TPrOPhOPc > CoTPrOPhOPc > Mn(OAc)TPrOPhOPc. The values βeff (×10−5 m MW−1) using 532 nm Nd:YAG (560 nm monochromatic Ekspla) laser sources were 23.5 > 14.3 > 9.20 (14.4). The second-order nonlinear coefficient obtained using density functional theory calculations, the theoretical hyper-Rayleigh scattering (βHRS, ×10−28 esu), showed the decreasing trend for H2TPrOPhOPc (2.28) > CoTPrOPhOPc (2.10) > Mn(OAc)TPrOPhOPc (1.86). The 4-(propargyloxy)phenoxy substituents enhanced the optical limiting properties of the synthesized phthalocyanines.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
The effect of the relationship between traditional leaders and municipal councillors on service delivery: a case of Polokwane Local Municipality, Limpopo Province
- Authors: Ramolobe, Kutu Sam
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Traditional government -- South Africa -- Limpopo , Municipal government -- South Africa -- Limpopo Municipal services -- South Africa -- Limpopo Local government -- South Africa -- Limpopo Municipal officials and employees -- South Africa -- Limpopo
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/35103 , vital:33624
- Description: The study examined the effectiveness of the relationship between traditional leaders and municipal councillors regarding service delivery in Polokwane Local Municipality. The introduction of municipalities in rural areas brought about two kinds of leadership in rural communities, namely, traditional leaders and municipal councillors. Traditional leaders are representatives of their traditional communities and municipal councillors are elected to represent the municipality in traditional communities. The problem for the research deals with the relationship between traditional leaders and municipal councillors and the effect it has on service delivery. The role and place of the institution of traditional leadership in democratic local government system have been fraught with tension, confusion and contradictory practices. The Constitution of the South Africa 1996 is not clear on the role of traditional leaders in local government although section 156 defines the powers and functions of elected councillors, which largely overlaps with those exercised by traditional leaders. The difficulties encountered in the relationship between traditional leaders and municipal councillors and challenges that contribute to service delivery in local government were analysed. The desktop analysis method was applied by the study to collect information from the municipal documents that incorporated the nature and place of traditional leaders in local government municipality, and the pieces of legislation that focuses on the affairs of local government. The data collected was analysed by use of a qualitative approach. Polokwane Local Municipality is predominantly rural including considerable land under traditional authority. The analysis of data indicate that municipal council are required to consult traditional leaders in matters of local government. What is not clear is whether the traditional leaders form part of decision making. The study recommends a clear specification of the roles of traditional leaders in Polokwane Local Municipality.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Ramolobe, Kutu Sam
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Traditional government -- South Africa -- Limpopo , Municipal government -- South Africa -- Limpopo Municipal services -- South Africa -- Limpopo Local government -- South Africa -- Limpopo Municipal officials and employees -- South Africa -- Limpopo
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/35103 , vital:33624
- Description: The study examined the effectiveness of the relationship between traditional leaders and municipal councillors regarding service delivery in Polokwane Local Municipality. The introduction of municipalities in rural areas brought about two kinds of leadership in rural communities, namely, traditional leaders and municipal councillors. Traditional leaders are representatives of their traditional communities and municipal councillors are elected to represent the municipality in traditional communities. The problem for the research deals with the relationship between traditional leaders and municipal councillors and the effect it has on service delivery. The role and place of the institution of traditional leadership in democratic local government system have been fraught with tension, confusion and contradictory practices. The Constitution of the South Africa 1996 is not clear on the role of traditional leaders in local government although section 156 defines the powers and functions of elected councillors, which largely overlaps with those exercised by traditional leaders. The difficulties encountered in the relationship between traditional leaders and municipal councillors and challenges that contribute to service delivery in local government were analysed. The desktop analysis method was applied by the study to collect information from the municipal documents that incorporated the nature and place of traditional leaders in local government municipality, and the pieces of legislation that focuses on the affairs of local government. The data collected was analysed by use of a qualitative approach. Polokwane Local Municipality is predominantly rural including considerable land under traditional authority. The analysis of data indicate that municipal council are required to consult traditional leaders in matters of local government. What is not clear is whether the traditional leaders form part of decision making. The study recommends a clear specification of the roles of traditional leaders in Polokwane Local Municipality.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
The effect of the van Staden wind farm on the power quality of the rural distribution network
- Authors: Venter, Clement
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Electric transformers , Wind power Electric power production
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/36761 , vital:34051
- Description: Connection of wind farms to weak networks with a typically low X/R and short circuit ratio could result in a larger variation of voltage for corresponding variation in wind farm generation output. This variation in voltage could negatively affect the quality of electrical power in the vicinity of the connected wind farm. The analysis was based on actual on-site measurement data at individual consumers’ point of supply and the effect of the Van Stadens Wind Farm integration as seen by the consumers can be determined. It was found through statistical and correlative analysis that the voltage quality measured at the test sites were not negatively affected by the presence of generation at the Metrowind Van Stadens Wind Farm. The voltage was found to be more negatively affected by the load current drawn by the consumer at the test site and that it is foremost when the loading current was higher. No definitive evidence of an increase in voltage harmonics due to generation output or loading current was found. At two sites it was however found that the 7th order harmonic is eliminated or reduced by an increase in the generation of the wind farm above approximately 20% of maximum output. Power Factory simulations, using the Quasi Dynamic simulation tool, was performed to validate the voltage findings of the on-site power quality measurements and two things were clear from the simulations. Firstly the voltage at the point of connection has a strong negative correlation with the consumer loading current and means that the voltage will usually decrease with an increase in the loading current and vice versa. Secondly, as with the analysis of the on-site measurement results, it can be said that when current is low, then the generation output of the wind farm will have a proportional effect on the voltage. From the findings of the on-site measurements it was concluded that the wind farm did not have a negative effect on the test site consumers in the vicinity and the Power factory simulations confirmed the conclusions on the voltage analysis. It was also concluded that the local consumer load current has a larger effect on the local measured voltage than the generation output of the wind farm.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Venter, Clement
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Electric transformers , Wind power Electric power production
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/36761 , vital:34051
- Description: Connection of wind farms to weak networks with a typically low X/R and short circuit ratio could result in a larger variation of voltage for corresponding variation in wind farm generation output. This variation in voltage could negatively affect the quality of electrical power in the vicinity of the connected wind farm. The analysis was based on actual on-site measurement data at individual consumers’ point of supply and the effect of the Van Stadens Wind Farm integration as seen by the consumers can be determined. It was found through statistical and correlative analysis that the voltage quality measured at the test sites were not negatively affected by the presence of generation at the Metrowind Van Stadens Wind Farm. The voltage was found to be more negatively affected by the load current drawn by the consumer at the test site and that it is foremost when the loading current was higher. No definitive evidence of an increase in voltage harmonics due to generation output or loading current was found. At two sites it was however found that the 7th order harmonic is eliminated or reduced by an increase in the generation of the wind farm above approximately 20% of maximum output. Power Factory simulations, using the Quasi Dynamic simulation tool, was performed to validate the voltage findings of the on-site power quality measurements and two things were clear from the simulations. Firstly the voltage at the point of connection has a strong negative correlation with the consumer loading current and means that the voltage will usually decrease with an increase in the loading current and vice versa. Secondly, as with the analysis of the on-site measurement results, it can be said that when current is low, then the generation output of the wind farm will have a proportional effect on the voltage. From the findings of the on-site measurements it was concluded that the wind farm did not have a negative effect on the test site consumers in the vicinity and the Power factory simulations confirmed the conclusions on the voltage analysis. It was also concluded that the local consumer load current has a larger effect on the local measured voltage than the generation output of the wind farm.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
The effect of water temperature on the distribution of the Eastern Cape redfin minnow, Pseudobarbus afer (Peters, 1864)
- Authors: Bloy, Lesley Elizabeth
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Minnows -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Cyprinidae -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Minnows -- Effect of temperature on -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Minnows -- Effect of exotic animals on -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Introduced organisms -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/62017 , vital:28096
- Description: The main objective of this MSc study was to disentangle whether temperature or the presence of non-native fish was limiting the distribution of Pseudobarbus afer (Peters, 1864) in the Blindekloof stream, Eastern Cape, South Africa. The aims were to: i) describe the thermal regime of the Blindekloof stream; ii) conduct experiments to determine the preferred and critical temperatures of P. afer and; iii) use snorkel surveys to contextualise the distribution of both native and non-native fishes in the Blindekloof stream to assess whether the downstream distribution of P. afer was likely to be influenced by temperature or by the presence of non-native, predatory fishes. To describe the thermal regime, year-long temperature data from four long term monitoring sites in the Blindekloof stream were collected using Hobo temperature loggers and analysed in order to better understand the thermal profile, the thermal variation and the rate of temperature change in the stream. The warmest temperatures were recorded in late December 2015 (absolute maximum of 29.4 °C). The coolest water temperatures were recorded in early August 2015 (absolute minimum of 9.5 °C). There is both seasonal and diel variation in temperature with mean, minimum, maximum, 7 day mean, 7 day maximum and temperature ranges differing significantly between sites. With knowledge of the thermal regime of a monitored reach of the Blindekloof stream, the thermal tolerance and preference of P. afer were investigated. The thermal tolerance of P. afer was investigated using the Critical Thermal Method (CTM) which uses non-lethal endpoints (the loss of equilibrium). At low acclimatization temperatures (11.9 ± 0.7 °C), the mean CTmax of P. afer was found to be 29.9 ± 0.7 °C, while at a higher acclimatization temperature (19.9 ± 0.1 °C), the mean CTmax was 35.1 ± 0.6°C. Custom-built thermal choice tanks were used to investigate the thermal preference of P. afer in both summer and winter. The preferred median temperatures for the summer experiments ranged from 22.4 - 29.3 °C while the winter preferred median temperatures ranged from 18.5 - 23.1 °C. The thermal tolerance of P. afer was compared to the thermal regime of the stream and the results suggest that temperature is not limiting the distribution of P. afer. Snorkel surveys were used to determine the distribution of fishes in the Blindekloof stream. Analysis of the distribution data suggests that, in the absence of non-native predatory species, native fishes have the potential to inhabit pools throughout the system right to the confluence, thus predatory fishes and not temperature was limiting P. afer distributions.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Bloy, Lesley Elizabeth
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Minnows -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Cyprinidae -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Minnows -- Effect of temperature on -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Minnows -- Effect of exotic animals on -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Introduced organisms -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/62017 , vital:28096
- Description: The main objective of this MSc study was to disentangle whether temperature or the presence of non-native fish was limiting the distribution of Pseudobarbus afer (Peters, 1864) in the Blindekloof stream, Eastern Cape, South Africa. The aims were to: i) describe the thermal regime of the Blindekloof stream; ii) conduct experiments to determine the preferred and critical temperatures of P. afer and; iii) use snorkel surveys to contextualise the distribution of both native and non-native fishes in the Blindekloof stream to assess whether the downstream distribution of P. afer was likely to be influenced by temperature or by the presence of non-native, predatory fishes. To describe the thermal regime, year-long temperature data from four long term monitoring sites in the Blindekloof stream were collected using Hobo temperature loggers and analysed in order to better understand the thermal profile, the thermal variation and the rate of temperature change in the stream. The warmest temperatures were recorded in late December 2015 (absolute maximum of 29.4 °C). The coolest water temperatures were recorded in early August 2015 (absolute minimum of 9.5 °C). There is both seasonal and diel variation in temperature with mean, minimum, maximum, 7 day mean, 7 day maximum and temperature ranges differing significantly between sites. With knowledge of the thermal regime of a monitored reach of the Blindekloof stream, the thermal tolerance and preference of P. afer were investigated. The thermal tolerance of P. afer was investigated using the Critical Thermal Method (CTM) which uses non-lethal endpoints (the loss of equilibrium). At low acclimatization temperatures (11.9 ± 0.7 °C), the mean CTmax of P. afer was found to be 29.9 ± 0.7 °C, while at a higher acclimatization temperature (19.9 ± 0.1 °C), the mean CTmax was 35.1 ± 0.6°C. Custom-built thermal choice tanks were used to investigate the thermal preference of P. afer in both summer and winter. The preferred median temperatures for the summer experiments ranged from 22.4 - 29.3 °C while the winter preferred median temperatures ranged from 18.5 - 23.1 °C. The thermal tolerance of P. afer was compared to the thermal regime of the stream and the results suggest that temperature is not limiting the distribution of P. afer. Snorkel surveys were used to determine the distribution of fishes in the Blindekloof stream. Analysis of the distribution data suggests that, in the absence of non-native predatory species, native fishes have the potential to inhabit pools throughout the system right to the confluence, thus predatory fishes and not temperature was limiting P. afer distributions.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
The effective use of legal protection to combat stigma and discrimination related to HIV and AIDS in a workplace: a case study in kwa Zulu Natal
- Authors: Ndobeni, Zoliswa Nomawesile
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: AIDS (Disease) -- Law and legislation , Medical policy -- legislation & jurisprudence Public health -- legislation & jurisprudence HIV-positive persons -- Employment -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , LLM
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/32804 , vital:32365
- Description: Stigma and discrimination continue to be the leading cause of everyday cases of new HIV/AIDS infections in spite of the current legal and medical interventions available. The purpose of the study is to explore the effective use of legal protection in combating stigma and discrimination related to HIV/AIDS in the workplace. When it comes to fighting discrimination and stigma against people living with HIV/AIDS, it is still a challenge as these aspects prevent people from coming forward for testing and for prevention as well as treatment service. The rationale for conducting the study is to examine the relationship of the human rights as per the Constitution of South Africa and the spread and impact of HIV/AIDS on individuals in the workplace. The study is of significance to conduct as the research will further provide knowledge and awareness to both the employer and employee regarding the legal framework pertaining to HIV/AIDS and perhaps unintentional consequences of the legal framework to both the employer and employee concerning productivity and growth. Various legal frameworks were determined to address HIV pandemic in South Africa which constitutes one of the utmost challenges facing the nation as well as benchmarking international law. The structure and functioning of the workplace is a key possibility to address developmental inequities in South Africa. This includes the development of healthcare centres in the workplace. HIV testing involves a great deal of risks and consequences that may not be apparent to the patient. Hence, informed consent is required. Policies and guidelines have been put in place to protect employees. HIV clinicians now argue that HIV testing should be presented as a routine procedure, to remove social barriers and stigma. The present study recommends various programmes that may assist in minimizing stigma and discrimination of people living with HIV. This stigma prevent persons from testing for HIV status. The study also seeks to evaluate and review current policies concerning HIV/AIDS.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Ndobeni, Zoliswa Nomawesile
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: AIDS (Disease) -- Law and legislation , Medical policy -- legislation & jurisprudence Public health -- legislation & jurisprudence HIV-positive persons -- Employment -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , LLM
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/32804 , vital:32365
- Description: Stigma and discrimination continue to be the leading cause of everyday cases of new HIV/AIDS infections in spite of the current legal and medical interventions available. The purpose of the study is to explore the effective use of legal protection in combating stigma and discrimination related to HIV/AIDS in the workplace. When it comes to fighting discrimination and stigma against people living with HIV/AIDS, it is still a challenge as these aspects prevent people from coming forward for testing and for prevention as well as treatment service. The rationale for conducting the study is to examine the relationship of the human rights as per the Constitution of South Africa and the spread and impact of HIV/AIDS on individuals in the workplace. The study is of significance to conduct as the research will further provide knowledge and awareness to both the employer and employee regarding the legal framework pertaining to HIV/AIDS and perhaps unintentional consequences of the legal framework to both the employer and employee concerning productivity and growth. Various legal frameworks were determined to address HIV pandemic in South Africa which constitutes one of the utmost challenges facing the nation as well as benchmarking international law. The structure and functioning of the workplace is a key possibility to address developmental inequities in South Africa. This includes the development of healthcare centres in the workplace. HIV testing involves a great deal of risks and consequences that may not be apparent to the patient. Hence, informed consent is required. Policies and guidelines have been put in place to protect employees. HIV clinicians now argue that HIV testing should be presented as a routine procedure, to remove social barriers and stigma. The present study recommends various programmes that may assist in minimizing stigma and discrimination of people living with HIV. This stigma prevent persons from testing for HIV status. The study also seeks to evaluate and review current policies concerning HIV/AIDS.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
The effectiveness of corporate social investment in addressing social challenges in the Nelson Mandela Bay Metropolitan area
- Authors: Mokoena, Lehlohonolo Edward
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Social responsibility of business -- South Africa -- Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality , Community development -- South Africa -- Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality Corporations -- Social aspects -- South Africa -- Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/22736 , vital:30069
- Description: This study investigated the effectiveness of corporate social investment in addressing social challenges in the Nelson Mandela Bay Metropolitan Area. The study findings indicate that Volkswagen Group South Africa (VWSA) conducts corporate social investment programmes in the Uitenhage and Kwanobuhle communities. The study discovered that VWSA CSI programmes contribute to education, youth development, and enterprise development. Participants in this study gave responses that indicated their perceptions on the existence of these social programmes. The community also indicated its involvement and benefit in the VWSA CSI programmes.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Mokoena, Lehlohonolo Edward
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Social responsibility of business -- South Africa -- Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality , Community development -- South Africa -- Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality Corporations -- Social aspects -- South Africa -- Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/22736 , vital:30069
- Description: This study investigated the effectiveness of corporate social investment in addressing social challenges in the Nelson Mandela Bay Metropolitan Area. The study findings indicate that Volkswagen Group South Africa (VWSA) conducts corporate social investment programmes in the Uitenhage and Kwanobuhle communities. The study discovered that VWSA CSI programmes contribute to education, youth development, and enterprise development. Participants in this study gave responses that indicated their perceptions on the existence of these social programmes. The community also indicated its involvement and benefit in the VWSA CSI programmes.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
The effectiveness of employee assistance programme and its contribution in the improvement of employee productivity in the Department of Health, OR Tambo District : a case study of forensic pathology laboratory
- Authors: Siyangaphi, Thembinkosi
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Employee assistance programs -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Labor productivity Employee motivation -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , Public Health
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/10542 , vital:35603
- Description: The Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) is a programme used by organizations to address problems related to drug addiction, stress and family problems, aimed at enhancing both work productivity and promoting high morale among the workers. The employees in the Department of Health (DoH) are faced with many challenges which affect them, personally, and their output at work. The OR Tambo District is currently faced with high levels of absenteeism, stress, low morale amongst health staff members, resulting in most employees resigning from the service. Others die due to ill health caused by high levels of stress and depression. Some employees are being dismissed for unethical behaviour, which include, among other things, alcohol and drug abuse and abuse of state resources, non-performance and absenteeism. Furthermore, due to the shortage of staff which results in a very high workload for the incumbents, some employees experience burnout, stress, depression and exhaustion. The main objective of the study was to assess the effectiveness of the Employee Assistance Programme among OR Tambo health workers in order to improve their work productivity and performance. The study applied a descriptive, quantitative design. The target population were all employees in the Forensic Pathology Laboratory in OR Tambo District and the sample included Managers, FPOs, Supervisors and General Assistants. The questionnaire was used to collect data. The major findings of the study demonstrated that most workers are dissatisfied with their personal growth and development in the organization. Furthermore, the results indicate that respondents are not satisfied with the decision space in their job functions, salary and benefits. The findings of this study demonstrated that most employees of the Department of Health experienced health, emotional and financial problems relating to alcohol and drug abuse, stress and work overload in their workplace. The study shows that the managers referred their employees for cases related to poor performance, absenteeism, alcohol and drug abuse, tiredness, employee and health problems; changes which were noticeable after referral. One of the major conclusions and recommendations that have been drawn in this study is that EAP is a good programme in terms of its contribution to work productivity of employees, however, it needs to be marketed and services should be utilized effectively.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Siyangaphi, Thembinkosi
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Employee assistance programs -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Labor productivity Employee motivation -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , Public Health
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/10542 , vital:35603
- Description: The Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) is a programme used by organizations to address problems related to drug addiction, stress and family problems, aimed at enhancing both work productivity and promoting high morale among the workers. The employees in the Department of Health (DoH) are faced with many challenges which affect them, personally, and their output at work. The OR Tambo District is currently faced with high levels of absenteeism, stress, low morale amongst health staff members, resulting in most employees resigning from the service. Others die due to ill health caused by high levels of stress and depression. Some employees are being dismissed for unethical behaviour, which include, among other things, alcohol and drug abuse and abuse of state resources, non-performance and absenteeism. Furthermore, due to the shortage of staff which results in a very high workload for the incumbents, some employees experience burnout, stress, depression and exhaustion. The main objective of the study was to assess the effectiveness of the Employee Assistance Programme among OR Tambo health workers in order to improve their work productivity and performance. The study applied a descriptive, quantitative design. The target population were all employees in the Forensic Pathology Laboratory in OR Tambo District and the sample included Managers, FPOs, Supervisors and General Assistants. The questionnaire was used to collect data. The major findings of the study demonstrated that most workers are dissatisfied with their personal growth and development in the organization. Furthermore, the results indicate that respondents are not satisfied with the decision space in their job functions, salary and benefits. The findings of this study demonstrated that most employees of the Department of Health experienced health, emotional and financial problems relating to alcohol and drug abuse, stress and work overload in their workplace. The study shows that the managers referred their employees for cases related to poor performance, absenteeism, alcohol and drug abuse, tiredness, employee and health problems; changes which were noticeable after referral. One of the major conclusions and recommendations that have been drawn in this study is that EAP is a good programme in terms of its contribution to work productivity of employees, however, it needs to be marketed and services should be utilized effectively.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
The effectiveness of juvenile delinquents rehabilitation programmes in Zimbabwe : a case study of Harare Central Prison
- Authors: Nyakatawa, Rumbidzai
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Juvenile delinquency Juvenile delinquents Rehabilitation
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSoc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/12436 , vital:39263
- Description: The Zimbabwe Prison and Correctional Services records show that there are around 300 children incarcerated every year. Most of these children commit crimes such as rape, murder, theft, possession of drugs due to issues like poverty, substance abuse, peer pressure and neglect. A number of these children face many forms of abuse in their homes, including physical, emotional, mental abuse as well as rape. The major aim of the study was to investigate the effectiveness of juvenile delinquents’ rehabilitation programmes at Harare Central Prison. The qualitative methodology was appropriate for this study because it gives in depth information through conducting interviews and focus groups with participants. The sampling procedure involved deliberate choice of an informant due to the qualities the informant possessed. A sample size of thirty-seven participants comprising sixteen juvenile delinquents, four social workers, five prison guards, five probation officers and seven community members, were selected for this study. Their perceptions provided baseline data that helped in gaining a deeper understanding of the juvenile rehabilitation programmes. Despite the findings, gaps remain in the current system, for instance children continue to spend prolonged periods of time in adult prisons while they await repatriation to institutions due to resource constraints, and the rehabilitation programmes have proved to be partially effective, yet at the same time the post rehabilitation programmes are not being provided to juveniles after their release from prison. Key recommendations include expanding the Pre-trial Diversion Programme to all the provinces as it has yielded results that benefit the child as well introduction of alternatives of institutionalisation.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Nyakatawa, Rumbidzai
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Juvenile delinquency Juvenile delinquents Rehabilitation
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSoc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/12436 , vital:39263
- Description: The Zimbabwe Prison and Correctional Services records show that there are around 300 children incarcerated every year. Most of these children commit crimes such as rape, murder, theft, possession of drugs due to issues like poverty, substance abuse, peer pressure and neglect. A number of these children face many forms of abuse in their homes, including physical, emotional, mental abuse as well as rape. The major aim of the study was to investigate the effectiveness of juvenile delinquents’ rehabilitation programmes at Harare Central Prison. The qualitative methodology was appropriate for this study because it gives in depth information through conducting interviews and focus groups with participants. The sampling procedure involved deliberate choice of an informant due to the qualities the informant possessed. A sample size of thirty-seven participants comprising sixteen juvenile delinquents, four social workers, five prison guards, five probation officers and seven community members, were selected for this study. Their perceptions provided baseline data that helped in gaining a deeper understanding of the juvenile rehabilitation programmes. Despite the findings, gaps remain in the current system, for instance children continue to spend prolonged periods of time in adult prisons while they await repatriation to institutions due to resource constraints, and the rehabilitation programmes have proved to be partially effective, yet at the same time the post rehabilitation programmes are not being provided to juveniles after their release from prison. Key recommendations include expanding the Pre-trial Diversion Programme to all the provinces as it has yielded results that benefit the child as well introduction of alternatives of institutionalisation.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
The effectiveness of public participation in the environmental politics of hydraulic fracturing : the case of the Great Karoo
- Kalipa-Mini, Nomampondomise Cynthia
- Authors: Kalipa-Mini, Nomampondomise Cynthia
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Hydraulic fracturing Hydraulic fracturing -- Environmental aspects -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , Environmental Studies
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/10779 , vital:35760
- Description: Shale gas has become a part of the world’s energy mix. South Africa (SA) is facing huge energy problems and job creation challenges whilst the Karoo region has large amounts of shale gas reserves. It is against this background that the South African government is considering fracking, showing interest by lifting fracking ban and repeatedly calling it a game changer. This generated debates among environmentalists, farmer groups, capitalists, politicians, researchers and community groups, as they voiced their views regarding fracking. The debates influenced the study to focus on public participation regarding the Karoo fracking initiative, with particular emphasis on the marginalised persons. The aim was to examine the effectiveness of public participation in the environmental politics of fracking in the Great Karoo region in Eastern Cape Province. The study adopted a qualitative case study approach through document analysis, questionnaires given to the interested and affected parties, relevant government department, local municipality and non-governmental organisations as well as focus group discussions with 35 participants from marginalised groupings. It was grounded on the Integrated Environmental Management (IEM) paradigm using the outcomes-based framework in the thematic analysis of the collected data. The results showed little evidence of social learning among the marginalised persons when the collected data was benchmarked against the chosen pillars of the IEM paradigm within the outcomes-based approach. These results convey that effective and developmental public participation should be empowering, informing and educating rather than merely serving documentary purposes.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Kalipa-Mini, Nomampondomise Cynthia
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Hydraulic fracturing Hydraulic fracturing -- Environmental aspects -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , Environmental Studies
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/10779 , vital:35760
- Description: Shale gas has become a part of the world’s energy mix. South Africa (SA) is facing huge energy problems and job creation challenges whilst the Karoo region has large amounts of shale gas reserves. It is against this background that the South African government is considering fracking, showing interest by lifting fracking ban and repeatedly calling it a game changer. This generated debates among environmentalists, farmer groups, capitalists, politicians, researchers and community groups, as they voiced their views regarding fracking. The debates influenced the study to focus on public participation regarding the Karoo fracking initiative, with particular emphasis on the marginalised persons. The aim was to examine the effectiveness of public participation in the environmental politics of fracking in the Great Karoo region in Eastern Cape Province. The study adopted a qualitative case study approach through document analysis, questionnaires given to the interested and affected parties, relevant government department, local municipality and non-governmental organisations as well as focus group discussions with 35 participants from marginalised groupings. It was grounded on the Integrated Environmental Management (IEM) paradigm using the outcomes-based framework in the thematic analysis of the collected data. The results showed little evidence of social learning among the marginalised persons when the collected data was benchmarked against the chosen pillars of the IEM paradigm within the outcomes-based approach. These results convey that effective and developmental public participation should be empowering, informing and educating rather than merely serving documentary purposes.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
The effects of collective bargaining on wages at University of Fort Hare 2007-2016
- Authors: Olusola, Olasupo
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Wages Collective bargaining -- South Africa Labor unions -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , Public Administration
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/9962 , vital:35208
- Description: Collective bargaining is essential in labour relations because of its significant role on wages thereby structuring cordial labour-management relations. The essence of labour unions in South African higher education institutions such as National Education, Health and Allied Workers’ Union (NEHAWU) with specific reference to University of Fort Hare, is to ensure the good wages and conditions of service for their members through the instrumentality of collective bargaining between the Union and University management. The end result which is the bargaining agreement may improve on staff pay and encourage more cordial labour-management relations in South African higher institutions and specifically at University of Fort Hare which is the case study. This study was motivated by claims and evidences which show that University of Fort Hare’s staff is the least paid in South African higher education sector over the years due to unsustainability status of the University in the time past. Both the organized labour union and management at the University of Fort Hare entered into agreement that led to sacrificial forfeiture of salary increase by staff over the period of unsustainability of the University to avoid it from being closed down. This state has made the staff to suffer so many imbalances in their wages compared to what is obtainable in other universities in South Africa. This lingering situation has compelled NEHAWU to consistently engage the University management in bargaining in a bid to improve the wages of their members. The study made use of mixed research method which reveals that collective bargaining has effects on wages at University of Fort Hare. 307 participating staff were randomly selected from the following ÜFH Campuses; Bisho, Alice and East London.The questionnaire measured the effects of collective bargaining on wages at the University. In-depth Interviews were conducted among the staff at UFH. It involves the University management, NEHAWU officialsand top officers from the University Human Resources Department. Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) was utilized to analyze data collected. Descriptive and inferential statistics was used to interpret the data. Tables and graphs; confidence interval and p-value was utilized to demonstrate the characteristics of information collected from the participants. The research questions were tested by Pearson correlation and T. Test. The reliability of different instruments that were used in this study was tested by Cronbach alpha coefficients and also computed to determine the validity of question. The study concludes that there is a significant relationship between collective bargaining and wages at UFH. Recommendations were made in favour of transparency, time bound bargaining, mutual trust, proper communication and accountability among the negotiating parties at UFH for more successful bargaining that will further improve on staff pay at the University.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Olusola, Olasupo
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Wages Collective bargaining -- South Africa Labor unions -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , Public Administration
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/9962 , vital:35208
- Description: Collective bargaining is essential in labour relations because of its significant role on wages thereby structuring cordial labour-management relations. The essence of labour unions in South African higher education institutions such as National Education, Health and Allied Workers’ Union (NEHAWU) with specific reference to University of Fort Hare, is to ensure the good wages and conditions of service for their members through the instrumentality of collective bargaining between the Union and University management. The end result which is the bargaining agreement may improve on staff pay and encourage more cordial labour-management relations in South African higher institutions and specifically at University of Fort Hare which is the case study. This study was motivated by claims and evidences which show that University of Fort Hare’s staff is the least paid in South African higher education sector over the years due to unsustainability status of the University in the time past. Both the organized labour union and management at the University of Fort Hare entered into agreement that led to sacrificial forfeiture of salary increase by staff over the period of unsustainability of the University to avoid it from being closed down. This state has made the staff to suffer so many imbalances in their wages compared to what is obtainable in other universities in South Africa. This lingering situation has compelled NEHAWU to consistently engage the University management in bargaining in a bid to improve the wages of their members. The study made use of mixed research method which reveals that collective bargaining has effects on wages at University of Fort Hare. 307 participating staff were randomly selected from the following ÜFH Campuses; Bisho, Alice and East London.The questionnaire measured the effects of collective bargaining on wages at the University. In-depth Interviews were conducted among the staff at UFH. It involves the University management, NEHAWU officialsand top officers from the University Human Resources Department. Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) was utilized to analyze data collected. Descriptive and inferential statistics was used to interpret the data. Tables and graphs; confidence interval and p-value was utilized to demonstrate the characteristics of information collected from the participants. The research questions were tested by Pearson correlation and T. Test. The reliability of different instruments that were used in this study was tested by Cronbach alpha coefficients and also computed to determine the validity of question. The study concludes that there is a significant relationship between collective bargaining and wages at UFH. Recommendations were made in favour of transparency, time bound bargaining, mutual trust, proper communication and accountability among the negotiating parties at UFH for more successful bargaining that will further improve on staff pay at the University.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
The effects of environmental variability on the physiology and ecology of Cape stumpnose Rhabdosargus holubi (Steindachner, 1881) (Sparidae)
- Authors: Kisten, Yanasivan
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Freshwater fishes -- South Africa , Fishes -- Ecology Freshwater fishes -- Ecology Estuarine ecology -- South Africa Estuaries -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DPhil
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/31424 , vital:31374
- Description: Estuaries are important nursery areas for early stages of marine estuarine-dependent fishes, such as the sparid Rhabdosargus holubi. Estuaries provide food, shelter from predators and optimal habitats and environmental conditions for growth and development. However, estuaries are environmentally dynamic and resident organisms must be able to adapt to rapid changes. Such changes are potentially further exacerbated anthropogenically by water and land use practices such as freshwater abstraction, impoundment, pollution and anthropogenically driven climatic change. An effective approach to better understanding the current and future impacts of these kinds of changes, is by assessing the environmental adaptability of organisms, especially to extreme conditions such as droughts and resulting water shortages, which are prevalent in some parts of southern Africa. This thesis examines the effect of various environmental changes such as salinity, turbidity and temperature on the ecology and physiology of a South African common endemic fish species, the Cape stumpnose, R. holubi. Previous work on the species have investigated short term impacts on physiology while this study investigates medium to short term impacts. The specie’s wide distribution in South Africa and tolerance enabled a range of environmental, ecological and physiological relationships to be tested in the context of a changing world. These included: 1) determining the relationship between environmental variability and the distribution and abundance of R. holubi larvae in 25 estuaries along the temperate coast of South Africa; 2) determining the relationship between environmental variability and the movement of larvae and juveniles within two permanently open estuaries; 3) determining the impact of shock and acclimatization on R. holubi salinity tolerance ranges under hypersaline conditions; 4) II determining the impact of hypersalinity on the potential long term impacts growth and skeletal deformities of juvenile R. holubi in aquaria. The findings of these studies suggest that larval occurrence and density within estuaries is a function of salinity and turbidity, by proxy indicating a preference for high freshwater inflow especially in estuary types such as permanently open estuaries. The movement of larvae and juveniles within these estuaries is also mediated by salinity, turbidity and temperature, indicating the importance of seasonality along with environmental conditions and potential olfactory recruitment cues driven by freshwater flow. Tolerance experiments showed that slower acclimation to higher salinities can expand the previously reported tolerance range indicating the potential for adaptation. Physiological experiments showed negative impacts on respiration at salinities exceeding 45, indicating potential long-term physiological effects in hypersaline conditions. Further, living at high salinities for extended periods may have potentially negative effects on long term physiology, particularly growth and skeletal development. The overall results indicate that low salinity (5–18), high turbidity (20–30 NTU) and high temperature (5–22°C) are integral to the distribution and abundance of the species in permanently open estuaries. This conforms to the general rule that estuarine-associated marine fish have higher growth rates in salinities of 12-19. However, juveniles are also adapted to survive at higher salinities for long periods (2 months in the current thesis). This explains why R. holubi is one of the few species in the estuarine fish community that may persist during droughts. The predicted future changes in coastal temperatures and rainfall by climate change investigators, are likely to result in range shifts and changes in recruitment times of estuarine fish communities. The current work addresses novel aspects of the ecology and physiology of R. holubi and indicates that this species will play an increasingly important role within the estuaries of South Africa.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Kisten, Yanasivan
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Freshwater fishes -- South Africa , Fishes -- Ecology Freshwater fishes -- Ecology Estuarine ecology -- South Africa Estuaries -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DPhil
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/31424 , vital:31374
- Description: Estuaries are important nursery areas for early stages of marine estuarine-dependent fishes, such as the sparid Rhabdosargus holubi. Estuaries provide food, shelter from predators and optimal habitats and environmental conditions for growth and development. However, estuaries are environmentally dynamic and resident organisms must be able to adapt to rapid changes. Such changes are potentially further exacerbated anthropogenically by water and land use practices such as freshwater abstraction, impoundment, pollution and anthropogenically driven climatic change. An effective approach to better understanding the current and future impacts of these kinds of changes, is by assessing the environmental adaptability of organisms, especially to extreme conditions such as droughts and resulting water shortages, which are prevalent in some parts of southern Africa. This thesis examines the effect of various environmental changes such as salinity, turbidity and temperature on the ecology and physiology of a South African common endemic fish species, the Cape stumpnose, R. holubi. Previous work on the species have investigated short term impacts on physiology while this study investigates medium to short term impacts. The specie’s wide distribution in South Africa and tolerance enabled a range of environmental, ecological and physiological relationships to be tested in the context of a changing world. These included: 1) determining the relationship between environmental variability and the distribution and abundance of R. holubi larvae in 25 estuaries along the temperate coast of South Africa; 2) determining the relationship between environmental variability and the movement of larvae and juveniles within two permanently open estuaries; 3) determining the impact of shock and acclimatization on R. holubi salinity tolerance ranges under hypersaline conditions; 4) II determining the impact of hypersalinity on the potential long term impacts growth and skeletal deformities of juvenile R. holubi in aquaria. The findings of these studies suggest that larval occurrence and density within estuaries is a function of salinity and turbidity, by proxy indicating a preference for high freshwater inflow especially in estuary types such as permanently open estuaries. The movement of larvae and juveniles within these estuaries is also mediated by salinity, turbidity and temperature, indicating the importance of seasonality along with environmental conditions and potential olfactory recruitment cues driven by freshwater flow. Tolerance experiments showed that slower acclimation to higher salinities can expand the previously reported tolerance range indicating the potential for adaptation. Physiological experiments showed negative impacts on respiration at salinities exceeding 45, indicating potential long-term physiological effects in hypersaline conditions. Further, living at high salinities for extended periods may have potentially negative effects on long term physiology, particularly growth and skeletal development. The overall results indicate that low salinity (5–18), high turbidity (20–30 NTU) and high temperature (5–22°C) are integral to the distribution and abundance of the species in permanently open estuaries. This conforms to the general rule that estuarine-associated marine fish have higher growth rates in salinities of 12-19. However, juveniles are also adapted to survive at higher salinities for long periods (2 months in the current thesis). This explains why R. holubi is one of the few species in the estuarine fish community that may persist during droughts. The predicted future changes in coastal temperatures and rainfall by climate change investigators, are likely to result in range shifts and changes in recruitment times of estuarine fish communities. The current work addresses novel aspects of the ecology and physiology of R. holubi and indicates that this species will play an increasingly important role within the estuaries of South Africa.
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- Date Issued: 2018