The subjective experience of resilience among divorced african women in Cradock, Eastern Cape, South Africa
- Authors: Faxi, Nasiphi
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Divorced women Divorce--Psychological aspects Divorced women--Psychology
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , Psychology
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/17371 , vital:40960
- Description: The study aimed at investigating the resilience enhancement factors which promoted well-being among divorced African women in Cradock, the Eastern Cape, South Africa. A qualitative research design was used to investigate the factors which reinforced resilience and promoted well-being following divorce as studies have indicated the risk of not being able to cope following divorce trauma. Purposive sampling was used in recruiting twelve divorced participants (aged 25- 45) from a support group at a local church in Cradock. Data was collected by means of semistructured interviews following the permission of the church and the divorced women who gave their consent to conduct the study. Furthermore, ethical principles were adhered to, throughout the data collection process. Thirteen themes emerged in the study and they include; self-condemnation, self-blame and denial, loneliness depression, anger and embarrassment, stigma, personality change, sexual dissatisfaction, ambivalence, forgiveness, selfcontentment and self-compassion, personal growth, religious coping, social support and positive relations and resilience enhancement factors. Despite the achievement of the research objectives, the sample might not be the true representation of the population of women who experienced divorce. Also, the results might have been different if the study was quantitative in nature. Based on the findings, psychological support is needed for women who underwent divorce. Finally, churches should play a vital role in restoration of resilience among divorced women while the families and communities shift away from cultural beliefs of subjugating women.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Faxi, Nasiphi
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Divorced women Divorce--Psychological aspects Divorced women--Psychology
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , Psychology
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/17371 , vital:40960
- Description: The study aimed at investigating the resilience enhancement factors which promoted well-being among divorced African women in Cradock, the Eastern Cape, South Africa. A qualitative research design was used to investigate the factors which reinforced resilience and promoted well-being following divorce as studies have indicated the risk of not being able to cope following divorce trauma. Purposive sampling was used in recruiting twelve divorced participants (aged 25- 45) from a support group at a local church in Cradock. Data was collected by means of semistructured interviews following the permission of the church and the divorced women who gave their consent to conduct the study. Furthermore, ethical principles were adhered to, throughout the data collection process. Thirteen themes emerged in the study and they include; self-condemnation, self-blame and denial, loneliness depression, anger and embarrassment, stigma, personality change, sexual dissatisfaction, ambivalence, forgiveness, selfcontentment and self-compassion, personal growth, religious coping, social support and positive relations and resilience enhancement factors. Despite the achievement of the research objectives, the sample might not be the true representation of the population of women who experienced divorce. Also, the results might have been different if the study was quantitative in nature. Based on the findings, psychological support is needed for women who underwent divorce. Finally, churches should play a vital role in restoration of resilience among divorced women while the families and communities shift away from cultural beliefs of subjugating women.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
The sustainability of emerging black construction companies: potential threats
- Authors: Pietersen, Nolitha
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: South Africa -- Construction Industry Development Board , Construction contracts -- South Africa Sustainable development -- South Africa Business enterprises, Black -- South Africa Blacks -- South Africa -- Economic conditions
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/22979 , vital:30260
- Description: Construction plays an important role in South Africa’s socio-economic development. The Construction Industry Development Board (CIDB) was therefore developed in terms of the CIDB Act 38 0f 2000 and its reason for establishment is to lead the construction industry stakeholders in construction development. Some of the responsibilities of the CIDB is to ensure that there is skills development and transformation in the industry. On the delivery of infrastructure assets for the benefit of the ordinary citizens of South Africa, there are frequent challenges that contractors tend to experience. Such challenges include a wide range of compliance protocols such as tax compliance issues. The limited knowledge of taxation often result in understatement of income culminating in taxation audits and ultimately significant penalties and unexpected taxation liabilities. Other critical areas include successful project management of projects including proper costing and scheduling of project activities. The extent of this problem is evident in the number of terminations of contracts of such service providers, where some of them have even been blacklisted on the National Treasury Database of restricted service providers prohibiting them from doing any business with government for a stipulated period. The primary objective of the study was to investigate the factors that contribute to threatening the sustainability of black owned emerging construction companies. In order to gain an understanding of the problems that contractors face that pose a threat to their sustainability, questionnaires will be distributed to contractors and reviews by interview will be conducted. A qualitative study was therefore conducted. The relationships between the skills set of the contractors, the type of work they have for example, government and/or private sector work, methods of funding projects, periods of receiving payments, SARS compliance requirements and how these factors interrelate with each other was investigated. The causal effect/relationship of each of these on the sustainability of the contractors was determined. This study involves a case study approach and a qualitative research design. A multiple-case study method was selected to broaden the understanding of the phenomenon under of the study. The two black-owned construction companies used as the subjects for this study were selected on the basis that they would enable this research to determine what factors play a role and what threats are to their sustainability, in spite of the government support programs. The interpretivism approach was used as a means of describing what factors posed threats to the sustainability of emerging black construction companies. The aim of this study was not to test any hypothesis but to rather explore and gain an in-depth understanding of the construction industry, the role of the government and to understand what factors affect the emerging black construction companies to a point of point threats to their sustainability. The results of this study indicate that a wide range of challenges tend to hamper development and progress of emerging construction companies. Some of these challenges include poor employee retention strategies where very little emphasis is placed on the value of people. Workplace training through formal learnership or artisan programs are non-existent and a formalised role is required in this regard. Performance management is hardly measured or monitored in the business which has a direct impact on prospective growth. Cash flow is a critical challenge in the business and the study finds that financial management administrative skills are lacking. Financial management administration is linked to cash flow management and cash flow projections. The study also contributes to emerging theories such as business planning in relation to sustainable growth and innovation of SMEs.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Pietersen, Nolitha
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: South Africa -- Construction Industry Development Board , Construction contracts -- South Africa Sustainable development -- South Africa Business enterprises, Black -- South Africa Blacks -- South Africa -- Economic conditions
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/22979 , vital:30260
- Description: Construction plays an important role in South Africa’s socio-economic development. The Construction Industry Development Board (CIDB) was therefore developed in terms of the CIDB Act 38 0f 2000 and its reason for establishment is to lead the construction industry stakeholders in construction development. Some of the responsibilities of the CIDB is to ensure that there is skills development and transformation in the industry. On the delivery of infrastructure assets for the benefit of the ordinary citizens of South Africa, there are frequent challenges that contractors tend to experience. Such challenges include a wide range of compliance protocols such as tax compliance issues. The limited knowledge of taxation often result in understatement of income culminating in taxation audits and ultimately significant penalties and unexpected taxation liabilities. Other critical areas include successful project management of projects including proper costing and scheduling of project activities. The extent of this problem is evident in the number of terminations of contracts of such service providers, where some of them have even been blacklisted on the National Treasury Database of restricted service providers prohibiting them from doing any business with government for a stipulated period. The primary objective of the study was to investigate the factors that contribute to threatening the sustainability of black owned emerging construction companies. In order to gain an understanding of the problems that contractors face that pose a threat to their sustainability, questionnaires will be distributed to contractors and reviews by interview will be conducted. A qualitative study was therefore conducted. The relationships between the skills set of the contractors, the type of work they have for example, government and/or private sector work, methods of funding projects, periods of receiving payments, SARS compliance requirements and how these factors interrelate with each other was investigated. The causal effect/relationship of each of these on the sustainability of the contractors was determined. This study involves a case study approach and a qualitative research design. A multiple-case study method was selected to broaden the understanding of the phenomenon under of the study. The two black-owned construction companies used as the subjects for this study were selected on the basis that they would enable this research to determine what factors play a role and what threats are to their sustainability, in spite of the government support programs. The interpretivism approach was used as a means of describing what factors posed threats to the sustainability of emerging black construction companies. The aim of this study was not to test any hypothesis but to rather explore and gain an in-depth understanding of the construction industry, the role of the government and to understand what factors affect the emerging black construction companies to a point of point threats to their sustainability. The results of this study indicate that a wide range of challenges tend to hamper development and progress of emerging construction companies. Some of these challenges include poor employee retention strategies where very little emphasis is placed on the value of people. Workplace training through formal learnership or artisan programs are non-existent and a formalised role is required in this regard. Performance management is hardly measured or monitored in the business which has a direct impact on prospective growth. Cash flow is a critical challenge in the business and the study finds that financial management administrative skills are lacking. Financial management administration is linked to cash flow management and cash flow projections. The study also contributes to emerging theories such as business planning in relation to sustainable growth and innovation of SMEs.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
The synthesis of functionalized carbon nanomaterial from waste tyre sourced carbon for chemosensing during purification processes
- Authors: Du Plessis, Jacolien
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Nanostructured materials , Nanotechnology
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/29925 , vital:30794
- Description: The short lifetime of tyres causes great environmental harm due to their non-biodegradable nature resulting in land and water pollution. Exploration of novel uses for recycled tyres is therefore imperative. The use of recycled waste tyres as carbon source for the synthesis of fluorescent chemosensing carbon nanomaterial for the detection of harmful chemicals in water is proposed in this work. Three key problems are addressed in this study: i) re-using of waste tyre products, ii) synthesis of low-cost carbon nanomaterial, iii) detection of harmful compounds within environment systems. The fluorescent triazolyl-coumarin compound, 7-(diethylamino)-3-(4-(1-hydroxyethyl)-1H-1,2,3-triazol-1-yl)-2H-chromen-2-one, was synthesized in multiple steps from 4-diethylamino salicylaldehyde. The last step included the use of Cu(I)-catalyzed 1,3-dipolar azide-alkyne cycloaddition (“click-reaction”) to form a triazole ring. Carbon spheres were synthesized through catalytic chemical vapour deposition (CVD) from waste tyre pyrolysis oil (WTPO), as the carbon source, in the presence of a catalytic amount of ferrocene. The quality and quantity of the carbon spheres had an overall improvement as the synthesis temperatures increased from 800 oC to 950 oC. The diameter of the carbon spheres reduced from 1017 nm to 577 nm as seen in TEM and SEM imaging. TGA and XRD analysis indicated a direct relationship between an increase in synthesis temperatures with an increase in the crystallinity of the carbon spheres. Commercially available naphthenic oil was used as a reference to compare the impact of the starting carbon precursor on the morphology of the carbon nanomaterial under the same reaction conditions. Multi-walled carbon nanotubes were synthesized at the lower temperatures of 800-850 oC. Carbon fibres and carbon spheres were observed at the synthesis temperatures of 900-950 oC. The carbon source played a role in the morphology of the carbon nanomaterial as it could be seen between the complex natured WTPO and the pure naphthenic oil. The purified carbon spheres synthesized at 950 oC from WTPO were functionalized with the triazolyl-coumarin units on the surface through Steglich esterification using DCC/DMAP to yield fluorescent carbon spheres. Complexation studies of the functionalized carbon spheres were done using UV/Vis spectroscopy and fluorescence with a wide range of ions; Ag+, Al3+, Co2+, Cr3+, Cu2+, Fe3+, ii Hg2+, Li+, Ni2+, Pb2+ and Zn2+. The triazolyl-coumarin carbon spheres showed reasonable sensitivity and selectivity towards Fe3+ in water with a quenching effect in fluorescence. Titration studies with Fe3+ indicating an exponential decay of quenching in the fluorescence up to 68% with detection limit at 2.73 x 10-5 M.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Du Plessis, Jacolien
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Nanostructured materials , Nanotechnology
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/29925 , vital:30794
- Description: The short lifetime of tyres causes great environmental harm due to their non-biodegradable nature resulting in land and water pollution. Exploration of novel uses for recycled tyres is therefore imperative. The use of recycled waste tyres as carbon source for the synthesis of fluorescent chemosensing carbon nanomaterial for the detection of harmful chemicals in water is proposed in this work. Three key problems are addressed in this study: i) re-using of waste tyre products, ii) synthesis of low-cost carbon nanomaterial, iii) detection of harmful compounds within environment systems. The fluorescent triazolyl-coumarin compound, 7-(diethylamino)-3-(4-(1-hydroxyethyl)-1H-1,2,3-triazol-1-yl)-2H-chromen-2-one, was synthesized in multiple steps from 4-diethylamino salicylaldehyde. The last step included the use of Cu(I)-catalyzed 1,3-dipolar azide-alkyne cycloaddition (“click-reaction”) to form a triazole ring. Carbon spheres were synthesized through catalytic chemical vapour deposition (CVD) from waste tyre pyrolysis oil (WTPO), as the carbon source, in the presence of a catalytic amount of ferrocene. The quality and quantity of the carbon spheres had an overall improvement as the synthesis temperatures increased from 800 oC to 950 oC. The diameter of the carbon spheres reduced from 1017 nm to 577 nm as seen in TEM and SEM imaging. TGA and XRD analysis indicated a direct relationship between an increase in synthesis temperatures with an increase in the crystallinity of the carbon spheres. Commercially available naphthenic oil was used as a reference to compare the impact of the starting carbon precursor on the morphology of the carbon nanomaterial under the same reaction conditions. Multi-walled carbon nanotubes were synthesized at the lower temperatures of 800-850 oC. Carbon fibres and carbon spheres were observed at the synthesis temperatures of 900-950 oC. The carbon source played a role in the morphology of the carbon nanomaterial as it could be seen between the complex natured WTPO and the pure naphthenic oil. The purified carbon spheres synthesized at 950 oC from WTPO were functionalized with the triazolyl-coumarin units on the surface through Steglich esterification using DCC/DMAP to yield fluorescent carbon spheres. Complexation studies of the functionalized carbon spheres were done using UV/Vis spectroscopy and fluorescence with a wide range of ions; Ag+, Al3+, Co2+, Cr3+, Cu2+, Fe3+, ii Hg2+, Li+, Ni2+, Pb2+ and Zn2+. The triazolyl-coumarin carbon spheres showed reasonable sensitivity and selectivity towards Fe3+ in water with a quenching effect in fluorescence. Titration studies with Fe3+ indicating an exponential decay of quenching in the fluorescence up to 68% with detection limit at 2.73 x 10-5 M.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
The tax consequences of income and expenses arising from illegal activities
- Authors: Singh, Shalona
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: South Africa. Income Tax Act, 1962 , Income tax South Africa , Tax evasion South Africa , Taxation Law and legislation South Africa Criminal provisions , Crime Economic aspects South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/59456 , vital:27609
- Description: Income tax in South Africa is levied in terms of the Income Tax Act, 58 of 1962 (the South African Income Tax Act) on taxable income, which by definition, is arrived at by deducting from ''gross income" receipts and accruals that are exempt from tax as well as deductions and allowances provided for in the Act. The South African Income Tax Act provides no guidance with regard to the taxation of income and expenditure from illegal activities. In this mini thesis, case law and legislation is reviewed in an attempt to provide clarity on the tax consequences of income and expenses arising from illegal activities. An overview is provided of the taxation of income and expenditure in respect of illegal activities in the United States of America, Australia and New Zealand. Similarities are found between the American, Australian, New Zealand and South African tax regimes in relation to the taxation of income earned from illegal activities, but there appears to be more certainty in America, Australia and New Zealand with regard to the deduction of expenses arising from illegal activities. In South Africa, taxpayers earning income from ongoing illegal activities will, in principle, comply with the definition of “trade” as defined in section 1 of the South African Income Tax Act. However, this is contrary to the view of the South African Revenue Service that illegal activities do not meet the definition of “trade”, a viewpoint that may not hold if challenged in court. Recommendations are made for the amendment of the South African Income Tax Act to specifically provide for the inclusion in “gross income” of income from illegal activities and to prohibit the deduction of expenditure arising from illegal activities.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Singh, Shalona
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: South Africa. Income Tax Act, 1962 , Income tax South Africa , Tax evasion South Africa , Taxation Law and legislation South Africa Criminal provisions , Crime Economic aspects South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/59456 , vital:27609
- Description: Income tax in South Africa is levied in terms of the Income Tax Act, 58 of 1962 (the South African Income Tax Act) on taxable income, which by definition, is arrived at by deducting from ''gross income" receipts and accruals that are exempt from tax as well as deductions and allowances provided for in the Act. The South African Income Tax Act provides no guidance with regard to the taxation of income and expenditure from illegal activities. In this mini thesis, case law and legislation is reviewed in an attempt to provide clarity on the tax consequences of income and expenses arising from illegal activities. An overview is provided of the taxation of income and expenditure in respect of illegal activities in the United States of America, Australia and New Zealand. Similarities are found between the American, Australian, New Zealand and South African tax regimes in relation to the taxation of income earned from illegal activities, but there appears to be more certainty in America, Australia and New Zealand with regard to the deduction of expenses arising from illegal activities. In South Africa, taxpayers earning income from ongoing illegal activities will, in principle, comply with the definition of “trade” as defined in section 1 of the South African Income Tax Act. However, this is contrary to the view of the South African Revenue Service that illegal activities do not meet the definition of “trade”, a viewpoint that may not hold if challenged in court. Recommendations are made for the amendment of the South African Income Tax Act to specifically provide for the inclusion in “gross income” of income from illegal activities and to prohibit the deduction of expenditure arising from illegal activities.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
The teaching practice component of initial teacher education: a social justice approach
- Authors: Long, Kelly Ann
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Educational change -- South Africa , Teachers -- Training of -- South Africa , Education -- South Africa -- History , Education – South Africa -- Evaluation , Education -- Standards -- South Africa , Teacher effectiveness -- South Africa , Social justice and education , Education -- Study and teaching (Higher) -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/60200 , vital:27746
- Description: Research asserts that learner performance in South African schools is in a state of crisis. While many more learners’ post-1994 in South Africa have physical access to education, very few have epistemological access. The quality of the education learners receive is polarised along socio economic lines. This crisis has its roots in the legacy of colonialism and apartheid, and as such, there is a need to transform the education system to ensure equal opportunity for all learners, and ultimately economic growth and security for the country. One of the explanations offered for the crisis in learner performance is the poor teacher education system. However, there is a paucity of research in teacher education generally in South Africa, and specifically in relation to pre-service teachers. Furthermore, little attention has been given to how initial teacher education could contribute to the promotion of a social justice agenda with the intention of transforming the South African schooling system. This research seeks to understand how the expectations, scaffolding and assessment of preservice teachers’ teaching practices can be utilised to promote social justice during the Teaching Practice (TP) component of initial teacher education. In answering the research question, I analyse data and literature to identify a set of key valued functionings of quality praxis that preservice teachers ought to be provided the capability to realise, at the level of achieved functioning. This is a qualitative case study located in the interpretive paradigm. The case under study is: quality teaching practices of pre-service teachers. This case is bound by context (initial teacher education in South Africa) and setting (the pre-service teacher in the classroom). Two South African Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) were selected through purposive sampling and their respective Teaching Practice (TP) documentation was analysed. Focus group interviews were conducted with five lecturers involved in TP at one of the HEIs. The theoretical framework of the study used to guide the analysis of the data was underpinned by a social justice perspective on quality education. Given that a social justice perspective does not have analytic tools, I view quality pre-service teachers’ teaching practices as praxis and utilise the capability approach as a mechanism for identification and description of valued functionings and capabilities that contribute to quality praxis. There are four significant findings in my research. Firstly, there is consistency with regards to the valued functionings and capabilities across the TP documentation of the two participating HEIs. In other words, the conceptions of a capable pre-service teacher are similar. Secondly, if social justice goals are to be realised, greater clarity of the valued functionings needs to be evident in the TP documentation. Thirdly, the valued functionings can be categorised into those that are foundational and those that promote a social justice agenda. Finally, in promoting a social justice agenda, there are functionings that ought to be valued by the HEIs that are seemingly not currently valued.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Long, Kelly Ann
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Educational change -- South Africa , Teachers -- Training of -- South Africa , Education -- South Africa -- History , Education – South Africa -- Evaluation , Education -- Standards -- South Africa , Teacher effectiveness -- South Africa , Social justice and education , Education -- Study and teaching (Higher) -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/60200 , vital:27746
- Description: Research asserts that learner performance in South African schools is in a state of crisis. While many more learners’ post-1994 in South Africa have physical access to education, very few have epistemological access. The quality of the education learners receive is polarised along socio economic lines. This crisis has its roots in the legacy of colonialism and apartheid, and as such, there is a need to transform the education system to ensure equal opportunity for all learners, and ultimately economic growth and security for the country. One of the explanations offered for the crisis in learner performance is the poor teacher education system. However, there is a paucity of research in teacher education generally in South Africa, and specifically in relation to pre-service teachers. Furthermore, little attention has been given to how initial teacher education could contribute to the promotion of a social justice agenda with the intention of transforming the South African schooling system. This research seeks to understand how the expectations, scaffolding and assessment of preservice teachers’ teaching practices can be utilised to promote social justice during the Teaching Practice (TP) component of initial teacher education. In answering the research question, I analyse data and literature to identify a set of key valued functionings of quality praxis that preservice teachers ought to be provided the capability to realise, at the level of achieved functioning. This is a qualitative case study located in the interpretive paradigm. The case under study is: quality teaching practices of pre-service teachers. This case is bound by context (initial teacher education in South Africa) and setting (the pre-service teacher in the classroom). Two South African Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) were selected through purposive sampling and their respective Teaching Practice (TP) documentation was analysed. Focus group interviews were conducted with five lecturers involved in TP at one of the HEIs. The theoretical framework of the study used to guide the analysis of the data was underpinned by a social justice perspective on quality education. Given that a social justice perspective does not have analytic tools, I view quality pre-service teachers’ teaching practices as praxis and utilise the capability approach as a mechanism for identification and description of valued functionings and capabilities that contribute to quality praxis. There are four significant findings in my research. Firstly, there is consistency with regards to the valued functionings and capabilities across the TP documentation of the two participating HEIs. In other words, the conceptions of a capable pre-service teacher are similar. Secondly, if social justice goals are to be realised, greater clarity of the valued functionings needs to be evident in the TP documentation. Thirdly, the valued functionings can be categorised into those that are foundational and those that promote a social justice agenda. Finally, in promoting a social justice agenda, there are functionings that ought to be valued by the HEIs that are seemingly not currently valued.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
The thermal physiology of Stenopelmus rufinasus and Neohydronomus affinis (Coleoptera: Curculionidae), biological control agents for the invasive alien aquatic weeds Azolla filiculoides and Pistia stratiotes respectively
- Authors: Mvandaba, Sisanda F
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Beetles -- South Africa , Curculionidae -- South Africa , Azolla filiculoides -- South Africa , Water lettuce -- South Africa , Aquatic weeds -- Biological control -- South Africa , Stenopelmus rufinasus , Neohydronomus affinis
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/62362 , vital:28158
- Description: Water lettuce, Pistia stratiotes L. (Araceae), and red water fern, Azolla filiculoides Lam. (Azollaceae), are floating aquatic macrophytes that have become problematic invaders in numerous South African waterbodies. Two weevils, Neohydronomus affinis Hustache 1926 (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) and Stenopelmus rufinasus Gyllenhal 1936 (Coleoptera: Curculionidae), are successful biological control agents of these two species, respectively, in South Africa. However, nothing is known about the thermal physiology of these two species Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the thermal physiologies of these two species to explain their establishment, distribution and impact in the field. Laboratory based thermal physiology trials showed that both weevils were widely tolerant of cold and warm temperatures. The CTmin of N. affinis was determined to be 5.5 ± 0.312°C and the CTmax was 44 ± 0.697°C, while the CTmin of S. rufinasus was 5.4 ± 0.333°C and the CTmax was 44.5 ± 0.168°C. In addition, the lower lethal temperatures were -9.8 ± 0.053°C and -7.2 ± 0.19°C, and the upper lethal temperatures were 42.8 ± 0.053°C and 41.9 ± 0.19°C respectively. These results suggest that both species should not be limited by cold winter temperatures, as previously thought. This is evident in the field, where S. rufinasus has established widely on A. filiculoides, despite local cold climates in some areas of the plant’s distribution. Even though N. affinis has a similar thermal range, and should therefore theoretically reflect a similar distribution to S. rufinasus throughout South Africa, its distribution is limited by the range of its host, which is restricted to the warmer regions of the country, as is its biocontrol agent. Using the reduced major axis regression method, the development for N. affinis was described using the formulay=12.976x+435.24, while the development of S. rufinasus was described by y=13.6x+222.45. These results showed that S. rufinasus develops much faster, in fact almost twice as quickly, than N. affinis. Using these formulae and temperature data obtained from the South African Weather Service, N. affinis was predicted to complete between 4 and 9 generations per year in South Africa, while S. rufinasus was predicted to complete between 5 and 14 generations per year around the country. This study showed that although the native range of these two species is warm temperate to tropical, they possess sufficient thermal plasticity to not only establish, but also damage their respective host plants in far cooler climates. Thus, in South Africa N. affinis and S. rufinasus are limited by the distribution of their target weeds and not climate.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Mvandaba, Sisanda F
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Beetles -- South Africa , Curculionidae -- South Africa , Azolla filiculoides -- South Africa , Water lettuce -- South Africa , Aquatic weeds -- Biological control -- South Africa , Stenopelmus rufinasus , Neohydronomus affinis
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/62362 , vital:28158
- Description: Water lettuce, Pistia stratiotes L. (Araceae), and red water fern, Azolla filiculoides Lam. (Azollaceae), are floating aquatic macrophytes that have become problematic invaders in numerous South African waterbodies. Two weevils, Neohydronomus affinis Hustache 1926 (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) and Stenopelmus rufinasus Gyllenhal 1936 (Coleoptera: Curculionidae), are successful biological control agents of these two species, respectively, in South Africa. However, nothing is known about the thermal physiology of these two species Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the thermal physiologies of these two species to explain their establishment, distribution and impact in the field. Laboratory based thermal physiology trials showed that both weevils were widely tolerant of cold and warm temperatures. The CTmin of N. affinis was determined to be 5.5 ± 0.312°C and the CTmax was 44 ± 0.697°C, while the CTmin of S. rufinasus was 5.4 ± 0.333°C and the CTmax was 44.5 ± 0.168°C. In addition, the lower lethal temperatures were -9.8 ± 0.053°C and -7.2 ± 0.19°C, and the upper lethal temperatures were 42.8 ± 0.053°C and 41.9 ± 0.19°C respectively. These results suggest that both species should not be limited by cold winter temperatures, as previously thought. This is evident in the field, where S. rufinasus has established widely on A. filiculoides, despite local cold climates in some areas of the plant’s distribution. Even though N. affinis has a similar thermal range, and should therefore theoretically reflect a similar distribution to S. rufinasus throughout South Africa, its distribution is limited by the range of its host, which is restricted to the warmer regions of the country, as is its biocontrol agent. Using the reduced major axis regression method, the development for N. affinis was described using the formulay=12.976x+435.24, while the development of S. rufinasus was described by y=13.6x+222.45. These results showed that S. rufinasus develops much faster, in fact almost twice as quickly, than N. affinis. Using these formulae and temperature data obtained from the South African Weather Service, N. affinis was predicted to complete between 4 and 9 generations per year in South Africa, while S. rufinasus was predicted to complete between 5 and 14 generations per year around the country. This study showed that although the native range of these two species is warm temperate to tropical, they possess sufficient thermal plasticity to not only establish, but also damage their respective host plants in far cooler climates. Thus, in South Africa N. affinis and S. rufinasus are limited by the distribution of their target weeds and not climate.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
The understanding and adoption of e-finance by small and medium enterprises (SMES)
- Authors: Loleka, Siyasanga
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Electronic commerce , Small business -- Technological innovations Small business
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPhil
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/22354 , vital:29946
- Description: This study seeks to find out what the understanding and adoption of e-finance is by small and medium enterprises (SMEs). The study defines the concepts related to efinance namely, e-services and micro-finance and well as other related IT for development concepts. Firstly, the study identifies benefits of adoption and use of efinance as decreased transaction costs, increased access to financial information and increased access to financial products and services. Secondly the barriers to the adoption of e-finance are identified as poor privacy, security and safety; poor IT telecommunications infrastructure; uncertain IT regulatory and policy and low T training and skills. The results produced by the study confirm a high understanding of e-finance amongst SMEs and all benefits and barriers are confirmed except for one, decreased transaction costs. The study recommends that further research be conducted on this benefit as it may no longer be relevant, especially for developing countries. Limitations of the study include the relatively small sample size and snowballing sampling method used.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Loleka, Siyasanga
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Electronic commerce , Small business -- Technological innovations Small business
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPhil
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/22354 , vital:29946
- Description: This study seeks to find out what the understanding and adoption of e-finance is by small and medium enterprises (SMEs). The study defines the concepts related to efinance namely, e-services and micro-finance and well as other related IT for development concepts. Firstly, the study identifies benefits of adoption and use of efinance as decreased transaction costs, increased access to financial information and increased access to financial products and services. Secondly the barriers to the adoption of e-finance are identified as poor privacy, security and safety; poor IT telecommunications infrastructure; uncertain IT regulatory and policy and low T training and skills. The results produced by the study confirm a high understanding of e-finance amongst SMEs and all benefits and barriers are confirmed except for one, decreased transaction costs. The study recommends that further research be conducted on this benefit as it may no longer be relevant, especially for developing countries. Limitations of the study include the relatively small sample size and snowballing sampling method used.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
The unfair labour practice relating to suspension
- Authors: Moela, Matlose Phineas
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Unfair labor practices -- South Africa , Labor laws and legislation -- South Africa Labor policy -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , LLM
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/23038 , vital:30398
- Description: This treatise considers unfair-labour- practice relating to suspensions in the workplace. Furthermore the treatise outlines the legal framework relating to suspensions in the workplace. As I explore this fundamental issues of the law, the fairness relating to suspension will be examined. Some recommendations are also made as to how departments and organisations must develop guidelines and policies which are legally sound to deal with suspension in the workplace. Employees often challenge the fairness of their suspension in the workplace. These challenges are based on a number of things, including failure to provide an employee to make representations, failure to comply with policies regulating suspensions in the workplace, suspension without pay, prolonged suspensions, etc. The treatise therefore also consider these challenges as well as the recourse available to employees. The treatise commences with the legal framework and principles contained in the Labour Relations Act, 66 of 1995 (hereinafter referred to as the LRA) applicable to suspensions. The treatise then considers other legislation and recent developments in both the public and private sector. The study concludes with remedies available to employees in instances where an unfair-labour-practice relating to suspension has been found to be committed by an employer during the suspension process.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Moela, Matlose Phineas
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Unfair labor practices -- South Africa , Labor laws and legislation -- South Africa Labor policy -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , LLM
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/23038 , vital:30398
- Description: This treatise considers unfair-labour- practice relating to suspensions in the workplace. Furthermore the treatise outlines the legal framework relating to suspensions in the workplace. As I explore this fundamental issues of the law, the fairness relating to suspension will be examined. Some recommendations are also made as to how departments and organisations must develop guidelines and policies which are legally sound to deal with suspension in the workplace. Employees often challenge the fairness of their suspension in the workplace. These challenges are based on a number of things, including failure to provide an employee to make representations, failure to comply with policies regulating suspensions in the workplace, suspension without pay, prolonged suspensions, etc. The treatise therefore also consider these challenges as well as the recourse available to employees. The treatise commences with the legal framework and principles contained in the Labour Relations Act, 66 of 1995 (hereinafter referred to as the LRA) applicable to suspensions. The treatise then considers other legislation and recent developments in both the public and private sector. The study concludes with remedies available to employees in instances where an unfair-labour-practice relating to suspension has been found to be committed by an employer during the suspension process.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
The use of a silica based coating to reduce moisture absorption of flax fibre reinforced composites
- Authors: Bala, Sandisiwe
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Chromatographic analysis , Nonwoven fabrics Nanocomposites (Materials)
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/23349 , vital:30534
- Description: This study deals with the synthesis of silica particles, treatment of flax fabrics with silica, and the preparation and characterization of silica coated flax fibre reinforced phenolic composites treated with silica. Silica particles were successfully prepared by means of a hydrolytic sol-gel route. Two types of silica were prepared by employing either ammonium hydroxide solution as a base catalyst and acetic acid as an acid catalyst. The silica sols were then aged from three to five days in order to determine the effects of aging on the final properties of the silica. The chemical composition of the silica particles was evaluated by fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), thermal stability was determined by using thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and structural and physical properties of the silica particles prepared via two catalysts and aged at different time periods was investigated by x-ray diffraction (XRD). Silica sols, prepared at different conditions were then applied to treat flax fabrics (untreated/scoured) by use of the padding technique. The effects of the silica treatments on flax fabrics were evaluated by FTIR, XRD, determination of moisture content and mechanical properties. The FTIR revealed presence of silica groups on the silica treated flax fabrics, thus resulting in low moisture content for silica treated flax fabrics. XRD analysis revealed that aging the silica sols increases the crystallinity index. Silica treated flax fabrics showed enhanced tensile properties in the weft direction. The thermal, mechanical and water sorption properties of the composites were evaluated. TGA results revealed that the decomposition temperatures of the silica treated composites shifted to higher temperatures. Thus, silica treatments lead to an improvement in thermal stability for composites. A reduction in mechanical properties was also observed for silica treated composites and some composites showed a reduction in water absorption. It was quite evident from this study that the type of catalyst system used in silica preparation has a great influence on the final properties of the silica, which to a large extent changes the thermal, mechanical and water sorption properties of the composites.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Bala, Sandisiwe
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Chromatographic analysis , Nonwoven fabrics Nanocomposites (Materials)
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/23349 , vital:30534
- Description: This study deals with the synthesis of silica particles, treatment of flax fabrics with silica, and the preparation and characterization of silica coated flax fibre reinforced phenolic composites treated with silica. Silica particles were successfully prepared by means of a hydrolytic sol-gel route. Two types of silica were prepared by employing either ammonium hydroxide solution as a base catalyst and acetic acid as an acid catalyst. The silica sols were then aged from three to five days in order to determine the effects of aging on the final properties of the silica. The chemical composition of the silica particles was evaluated by fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), thermal stability was determined by using thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and structural and physical properties of the silica particles prepared via two catalysts and aged at different time periods was investigated by x-ray diffraction (XRD). Silica sols, prepared at different conditions were then applied to treat flax fabrics (untreated/scoured) by use of the padding technique. The effects of the silica treatments on flax fabrics were evaluated by FTIR, XRD, determination of moisture content and mechanical properties. The FTIR revealed presence of silica groups on the silica treated flax fabrics, thus resulting in low moisture content for silica treated flax fabrics. XRD analysis revealed that aging the silica sols increases the crystallinity index. Silica treated flax fabrics showed enhanced tensile properties in the weft direction. The thermal, mechanical and water sorption properties of the composites were evaluated. TGA results revealed that the decomposition temperatures of the silica treated composites shifted to higher temperatures. Thus, silica treatments lead to an improvement in thermal stability for composites. A reduction in mechanical properties was also observed for silica treated composites and some composites showed a reduction in water absorption. It was quite evident from this study that the type of catalyst system used in silica preparation has a great influence on the final properties of the silica, which to a large extent changes the thermal, mechanical and water sorption properties of the composites.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
The use of alternative dispute resolution mechanisms in labour relations in the workplace in South Africa
- Authors: Rwodzi, Night Tafadzwa
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Dispute resolution (Law) -- South Africa Mediation and conciliation, Industrial -- South Africa Industrial relations -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , Law
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/10907 , vital:35962
- Description: Disputes are part and parcel of human nature and always manifest everywhereincluding the employment arena. It is this inevitability of disputes that warrantsmeasures to be in place so as to effectively and without delay, resolve them in order to realise industrial peace. This study is prompted by the way industrial disputes have been handled in the past and the contemporary era. South African legal system provides Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) mechanisms to the use of adjudication by the ordinary courts in resolving workplace disputes. However, a set of methods made up of conciliation, mediation and arbitration have not been effective in resolving labour disputes owing to a variety of factors. Failure to provide a speedy resolution of disputes, large number of referrals to the Commissioner for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration (CCMA) and a large number of review applications lodged at the Labour Courts are some of the contributory factors that delay matters in bringing to finality. It is therefore the aim of this study, to proffer plausible recommendations that intends to cure and provide a silver bullet to the lacuna which exists in the current labour dispute system. To achieve the above stipulated aim, a general background of the study, accompanied by the chronicles of dispute resolution statutes and mechanisms is deliberated. Thereafter, South African compliance with International Labour Organisation (ILO) Conventions is discussed to assess the efficacy of labour dispute mechanisms. A critical analyses of the effectiveness of ADR within the scope of Labour Relations Act (LRA) 66 of 1995 will then follow. Although there are some limitations to this study, it should be noted that relevant legislation passed by parliament, cases, together with international and regional conventions ratified by the government, scholarly articles, journals and books are used to strengthen arguments and provide guidance in achieving the aims and objectives of the study.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Rwodzi, Night Tafadzwa
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Dispute resolution (Law) -- South Africa Mediation and conciliation, Industrial -- South Africa Industrial relations -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , Law
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/10907 , vital:35962
- Description: Disputes are part and parcel of human nature and always manifest everywhereincluding the employment arena. It is this inevitability of disputes that warrantsmeasures to be in place so as to effectively and without delay, resolve them in order to realise industrial peace. This study is prompted by the way industrial disputes have been handled in the past and the contemporary era. South African legal system provides Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) mechanisms to the use of adjudication by the ordinary courts in resolving workplace disputes. However, a set of methods made up of conciliation, mediation and arbitration have not been effective in resolving labour disputes owing to a variety of factors. Failure to provide a speedy resolution of disputes, large number of referrals to the Commissioner for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration (CCMA) and a large number of review applications lodged at the Labour Courts are some of the contributory factors that delay matters in bringing to finality. It is therefore the aim of this study, to proffer plausible recommendations that intends to cure and provide a silver bullet to the lacuna which exists in the current labour dispute system. To achieve the above stipulated aim, a general background of the study, accompanied by the chronicles of dispute resolution statutes and mechanisms is deliberated. Thereafter, South African compliance with International Labour Organisation (ILO) Conventions is discussed to assess the efficacy of labour dispute mechanisms. A critical analyses of the effectiveness of ADR within the scope of Labour Relations Act (LRA) 66 of 1995 will then follow. Although there are some limitations to this study, it should be noted that relevant legislation passed by parliament, cases, together with international and regional conventions ratified by the government, scholarly articles, journals and books are used to strengthen arguments and provide guidance in achieving the aims and objectives of the study.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
The use of building information modelling as a tool to improve informed design communication between student and lecturer during critique sessions
- Authors: Basson, Jean-Pierre
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Building information modeling , Building -- Data processing Construction industry -- South Africa Construction projects -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/23680 , vital:30598
- Description: Within the design studio at the Department of Architecture, Nelson Mandela University, the timeous submission of design projects is a problem. After close inspection, it is noted that students spend weeks on conceptual design ideas with no progressions towards completion. The purpose of the study is thus to determine whether building information modelling (BIM), as opposed to the traditional method of design, can be used to improve informed design communication during conceptual design for the first-year master of architecture students and contribute to timeous design project submission. A cohort comparison rubric will be used as the method for looking at the qualitative attributes of design intention, function, aesthetics, and sustainability. The 2016 cohort made use of the traditional design method, whereas for the 2017 cohort the BIM course was introduced in the computer module with implementation in the design studio. The work of nine students from both cohorts was analysed and findings include the following: improved drawing type availability, accuracy, and quality; reduced time spent on redundant work; inclusive discussions compared to isolated critique sessions; reduced printing costs - and the establishment of “what if” scenarios early in the project. Based upon the research findings it can be concluded that BIM as a teaching strategy and process has the capability of improving the communication between student and lecturer in the conceptual stage, thereby leading to a more timeous submission. It is recommended that BIM education must be incorporated in the undergraduate programme thereby providing students with an appropriate platform for expressing conceptual ideas more effectively within the design course.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Basson, Jean-Pierre
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Building information modeling , Building -- Data processing Construction industry -- South Africa Construction projects -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/23680 , vital:30598
- Description: Within the design studio at the Department of Architecture, Nelson Mandela University, the timeous submission of design projects is a problem. After close inspection, it is noted that students spend weeks on conceptual design ideas with no progressions towards completion. The purpose of the study is thus to determine whether building information modelling (BIM), as opposed to the traditional method of design, can be used to improve informed design communication during conceptual design for the first-year master of architecture students and contribute to timeous design project submission. A cohort comparison rubric will be used as the method for looking at the qualitative attributes of design intention, function, aesthetics, and sustainability. The 2016 cohort made use of the traditional design method, whereas for the 2017 cohort the BIM course was introduced in the computer module with implementation in the design studio. The work of nine students from both cohorts was analysed and findings include the following: improved drawing type availability, accuracy, and quality; reduced time spent on redundant work; inclusive discussions compared to isolated critique sessions; reduced printing costs - and the establishment of “what if” scenarios early in the project. Based upon the research findings it can be concluded that BIM as a teaching strategy and process has the capability of improving the communication between student and lecturer in the conceptual stage, thereby leading to a more timeous submission. It is recommended that BIM education must be incorporated in the undergraduate programme thereby providing students with an appropriate platform for expressing conceptual ideas more effectively within the design course.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
The use of electronic information resources in the university of Fort Hare Library Services
- Authors: Maya, Zukiswa
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Acquisition of electronic information resources , Electronic information resources , Collection management (Libraries)
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MLIS
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/6303 , vital:29557
- Description: The study seeks to explore the use of electronic information resource in the University of Fort Hare (UFH) Library. The objectives of the study are to determine factors that influence acquisitions of electronic information resources at UFH library, to find out the user’s responses to electronic information resources in the library and identify the challenges faced by UFH library regarding the usage of electronic information resources. The literature review was conducted through an acquisition of electronic information resources in academic libraries, collection development policies of academic libraries in South Africa and application of electronic information resources within South Africa and globally. The study is based on Diffusion of innovation (DOI) theory. The study adopted qualitative and quantitative approaches, and the non-probability sampling-Quota sampling was used for students and purposive sampling technique for librarians and academics. The data was collected with self-administered questionnaires and document analysis. The study found that academics were not fully involved in the acquisition of the library electronic information resources; therefore, there is a lack of communication about the acquisition of electronic resources. The study further reveals that there is usage of electronic information resources; however, there are library users who prefers to use search engines such as google, yahoo etc. It was also identified that there are two important barriers that hinder the use of electronic information resources, i.e. physical and personal barriers. The study recommends that University of Fort Hare library should consider including e resources in the collection development policy. It is also recommended that the library online training/tutorials must be installed on the library website to increase the usage of e-resources. In order to stay relevant and visible, librarians should embrace new opportunities and go beyond the comfort zone of traditional librarian principles.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Maya, Zukiswa
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Acquisition of electronic information resources , Electronic information resources , Collection management (Libraries)
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MLIS
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/6303 , vital:29557
- Description: The study seeks to explore the use of electronic information resource in the University of Fort Hare (UFH) Library. The objectives of the study are to determine factors that influence acquisitions of electronic information resources at UFH library, to find out the user’s responses to electronic information resources in the library and identify the challenges faced by UFH library regarding the usage of electronic information resources. The literature review was conducted through an acquisition of electronic information resources in academic libraries, collection development policies of academic libraries in South Africa and application of electronic information resources within South Africa and globally. The study is based on Diffusion of innovation (DOI) theory. The study adopted qualitative and quantitative approaches, and the non-probability sampling-Quota sampling was used for students and purposive sampling technique for librarians and academics. The data was collected with self-administered questionnaires and document analysis. The study found that academics were not fully involved in the acquisition of the library electronic information resources; therefore, there is a lack of communication about the acquisition of electronic resources. The study further reveals that there is usage of electronic information resources; however, there are library users who prefers to use search engines such as google, yahoo etc. It was also identified that there are two important barriers that hinder the use of electronic information resources, i.e. physical and personal barriers. The study recommends that University of Fort Hare library should consider including e resources in the collection development policy. It is also recommended that the library online training/tutorials must be installed on the library website to increase the usage of e-resources. In order to stay relevant and visible, librarians should embrace new opportunities and go beyond the comfort zone of traditional librarian principles.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
The use of experimental design for the development and validation of an HPLC-ECD method for the quantitation of efavirenz
- Makoni, Pedzisai A, Khamanga, Sandile M, Kasongo, Kasongo W, Walker, Roderick B
- Authors: Makoni, Pedzisai A , Khamanga, Sandile M , Kasongo, Kasongo W , Walker, Roderick B
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/183556 , vital:44006 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1691/ph.2018.8074"
- Description: A high performance liquid chromatography with electrochemical detection (HPLC-ECD) method for the quantitation of efavirenz (EFV) was developed, since traditional HPLC-UV methods may be inappropriate, given that EFV undergoes photolytic degradation following exposure to UV light. This work describes the use of response surface methodology (RSM) based on a central composite design (CCD) to develop a stability-indicating HPLC method with pulsed ECD in direct current (DC) mode at an applied potential difference and current of +1400 mV and 1.0 μA for the analysis of EFV. Separation of EFV and imipramine was achieved using a Nova-Pak®C18 cartridge column and a mobile phase of phosphate buffer (pH 4.5): acetonitrile (ACN) (55:45 v/v). Mobile phase pH, buffer molarity, ACN concentration and applied potential difference were investigated. The optimized method produced sharp well resolved peaks for imipramine and EFV with retention times of 3.70 and 8.89 minutes. The calibration curve was linear (R2 = 0.9979) over the range 5-70 μg/mL. Repeatability and intermediate precision ranged between 3.37 and 4.34 % RSD and 1.31 and 4.29 % RSD and accuracy between -0.80 and 4.71 % bias. The LOQ and LOD were 5.0 and 1.5 μg/mL. The method was specific for EFV and was used to analyse EFV in commercially available tablets. The HPLC-ECD method is more suitable for quantitative analysis of EFV than HPLC-UV.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Makoni, Pedzisai A , Khamanga, Sandile M , Kasongo, Kasongo W , Walker, Roderick B
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/183556 , vital:44006 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1691/ph.2018.8074"
- Description: A high performance liquid chromatography with electrochemical detection (HPLC-ECD) method for the quantitation of efavirenz (EFV) was developed, since traditional HPLC-UV methods may be inappropriate, given that EFV undergoes photolytic degradation following exposure to UV light. This work describes the use of response surface methodology (RSM) based on a central composite design (CCD) to develop a stability-indicating HPLC method with pulsed ECD in direct current (DC) mode at an applied potential difference and current of +1400 mV and 1.0 μA for the analysis of EFV. Separation of EFV and imipramine was achieved using a Nova-Pak®C18 cartridge column and a mobile phase of phosphate buffer (pH 4.5): acetonitrile (ACN) (55:45 v/v). Mobile phase pH, buffer molarity, ACN concentration and applied potential difference were investigated. The optimized method produced sharp well resolved peaks for imipramine and EFV with retention times of 3.70 and 8.89 minutes. The calibration curve was linear (R2 = 0.9979) over the range 5-70 μg/mL. Repeatability and intermediate precision ranged between 3.37 and 4.34 % RSD and 1.31 and 4.29 % RSD and accuracy between -0.80 and 4.71 % bias. The LOQ and LOD were 5.0 and 1.5 μg/mL. The method was specific for EFV and was used to analyse EFV in commercially available tablets. The HPLC-ECD method is more suitable for quantitative analysis of EFV than HPLC-UV.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
The use of photography as a vehicle for socio-cultural commentary on the stigmatisation of albinism in sub-Saharan Africa
- Authors: Pragnell, Robyn Monica
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Photography -- Social aspects , Photography -- Digital techniques Photography -- Research Photography -- Africa Three-dimensional display systems
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/22541 , vital:29998
- Description: This study provides an investigation into the current transition socio-culturally concerned photographers are making from traditional two-dimensional flat imagery, towards three-dimensional materiality based photographic installation artworks. According to Dr. Gillian Rose (2016), larger society is found to be in a state of oculacentrism, where vision and visuals are central to contemporary every day experience, resulting in the medium of photographic expression not being used and experienced by the average person as an art medium at all. So much so that these traditional photographic forms of visual communications have found a decline in visual engagement and subsequently visual impact. In an attempt to combat this change in the relationship between photographic imagery and audiences, select socio-cultural photographers are adopting practices incorporating three-dimensional, immersive installation techniques (Shore, 2014: 7-11), (Lister, 2007: 272). The aim is to provide a three-dimensional installation space, where the audience is encouraged to engage with socio-cultural issues. The study focuses specifically on two sociocultural photographers, Damien Schumann and Angelica Dass, who have communicated socio-cultural stories in this three-dimensional photographic installation space. In order to analyse and derive valuable techniques and approaches from their selected works The Shack (2010) and Humanae (2017) the study combines sections of Dr. Gillian Rose’s Visual Methodologies Framework (2016) as well as installation analysis tools designed by author Mark Rosenthal (2003). The same analytical criteria are then applied to the practical components socio-cultural topic communicating the Stigmatism Towards Persons With Albinism in Sub-Saharan Africa. The study concludes having created a three-dimensional photographic installation exhibition using similar techniques identified within the selected artists, moving beyond twodimensional forms to present a combination of three-dimensional techniques for enhanced socio-cultural visual communications.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Pragnell, Robyn Monica
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Photography -- Social aspects , Photography -- Digital techniques Photography -- Research Photography -- Africa Three-dimensional display systems
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/22541 , vital:29998
- Description: This study provides an investigation into the current transition socio-culturally concerned photographers are making from traditional two-dimensional flat imagery, towards three-dimensional materiality based photographic installation artworks. According to Dr. Gillian Rose (2016), larger society is found to be in a state of oculacentrism, where vision and visuals are central to contemporary every day experience, resulting in the medium of photographic expression not being used and experienced by the average person as an art medium at all. So much so that these traditional photographic forms of visual communications have found a decline in visual engagement and subsequently visual impact. In an attempt to combat this change in the relationship between photographic imagery and audiences, select socio-cultural photographers are adopting practices incorporating three-dimensional, immersive installation techniques (Shore, 2014: 7-11), (Lister, 2007: 272). The aim is to provide a three-dimensional installation space, where the audience is encouraged to engage with socio-cultural issues. The study focuses specifically on two sociocultural photographers, Damien Schumann and Angelica Dass, who have communicated socio-cultural stories in this three-dimensional photographic installation space. In order to analyse and derive valuable techniques and approaches from their selected works The Shack (2010) and Humanae (2017) the study combines sections of Dr. Gillian Rose’s Visual Methodologies Framework (2016) as well as installation analysis tools designed by author Mark Rosenthal (2003). The same analytical criteria are then applied to the practical components socio-cultural topic communicating the Stigmatism Towards Persons With Albinism in Sub-Saharan Africa. The study concludes having created a three-dimensional photographic installation exhibition using similar techniques identified within the selected artists, moving beyond twodimensional forms to present a combination of three-dimensional techniques for enhanced socio-cultural visual communications.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
The use of radio frequency identification technology for inventory control in academic libraries in South Africa : a study of the University of South Africa and the University of Fort Hare Library Systems
- Authors: Reid, Lindsay Frederick
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Libraries -- Inventory control Radio frequency identification systems
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MLIS
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/6314 , vital:29560
- Description: The study sought to investigate the use of RFID technology as inventory control in academic libraries in South Africa, with a focus on the University of South Africa and the University of Fort Hare libraries. The objectives of the study were to describe the current inventory control practices at the libraries of the University of South Africa and the University of Fort Hare in order to determine the infrastructure required for the use of RFID for inventory control for the University of Fort Hare’s libraries; to evaluate the benefits of RFID technologies, in order to gain a competitive advantage for the University of South Africa’s and the University of Fort Hare’s libraries; to identify the challenges associated with adopting RFID technology, as experienced by the libraries of the University of South Africa and the University of Fort Hare. The study adopted both the quantitative and qualitative research approaches. The researcher followed a rigorous methodological path that began with a thorough literature review coupled with the careful and thoughtful posing of research questions and objectives. A purposive sample of forty (40) respondents was selected from the library staff from both the University of South Africa and University of Fort Harelibraries. The collected data were analysed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences 23 (SPSS 23) and Microsoft Excel 2010. The findings of the study revealed reasons for both academic libraries to invest in RFID technology; these reasons include RFID’s ability to deliver self-service options, inventory control, improved reader access and improved security. The challenges related to the implementation of RFID technology are also related to staff not being rewarded by library management for being innovative; the difficulty of staff learning new technology; the staff’s inability to generate new ideas for the library; and the staff not being able to share knowledge with each other. Further research needs to be conducted by library RFID vendors in order to meet the need, of academic libraries, for RFID inventory control. RFID hardware and software (API software) should be subjected to further investigation for the purposes of research and development. Libraries should work closer with RFID vendors so as to trial and test hardware and software.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Reid, Lindsay Frederick
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Libraries -- Inventory control Radio frequency identification systems
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MLIS
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/6314 , vital:29560
- Description: The study sought to investigate the use of RFID technology as inventory control in academic libraries in South Africa, with a focus on the University of South Africa and the University of Fort Hare libraries. The objectives of the study were to describe the current inventory control practices at the libraries of the University of South Africa and the University of Fort Hare in order to determine the infrastructure required for the use of RFID for inventory control for the University of Fort Hare’s libraries; to evaluate the benefits of RFID technologies, in order to gain a competitive advantage for the University of South Africa’s and the University of Fort Hare’s libraries; to identify the challenges associated with adopting RFID technology, as experienced by the libraries of the University of South Africa and the University of Fort Hare. The study adopted both the quantitative and qualitative research approaches. The researcher followed a rigorous methodological path that began with a thorough literature review coupled with the careful and thoughtful posing of research questions and objectives. A purposive sample of forty (40) respondents was selected from the library staff from both the University of South Africa and University of Fort Harelibraries. The collected data were analysed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences 23 (SPSS 23) and Microsoft Excel 2010. The findings of the study revealed reasons for both academic libraries to invest in RFID technology; these reasons include RFID’s ability to deliver self-service options, inventory control, improved reader access and improved security. The challenges related to the implementation of RFID technology are also related to staff not being rewarded by library management for being innovative; the difficulty of staff learning new technology; the staff’s inability to generate new ideas for the library; and the staff not being able to share knowledge with each other. Further research needs to be conducted by library RFID vendors in order to meet the need, of academic libraries, for RFID inventory control. RFID hardware and software (API software) should be subjected to further investigation for the purposes of research and development. Libraries should work closer with RFID vendors so as to trial and test hardware and software.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
The use of textbooks by teachers in teaching mathematics at selected primary schools in East London education district
- Authors: Adu, K.O.
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Mathematics -- Textbooks Mathematics -- Study and teaching (Primary)
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd.
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/8989 , vital:34180
- Description: Mathematics is the foundation for the economic and technological development of any nation. It has been asserted that Mathematics is expected to help in accelerating social, economic and technological progress of any society. The Primary school level is very important in any educational system and any lack at this level would permeate to other levels of the educational system. Hence, this dissertation examines the use of textbooks by teachers in teaching Mathematics at selected primary schools in East London Education district. The study adopted the interpretivist paradigm and employed the qualitative approach in investigating the phenomenon. The dissertation made use of phenomenology research design as it attempted to understand people’s (learners’ and teachers’) perceptions, perspectives and understandings of the use of textbooks in teaching Mathematics. Semi-structured interviews and observation were used to elicit information from the six mathematics teachers and three heads of department who were purposively selected. The data collected were analysed using thematic approach where themes were developed from the research questions after transcribing, sorting and categorizing them. The findings of the study demonstrated that the participants selected textbooks from the ones prescribed by the department that were written in the CAPS documents. They had no influence or decision on textbook selection. All the teachers believed that lesson plan is very important and it is a must to have a very detailed and comprehensive lesson plan that is well-aligned to the contents of CAPS document and the textbook. The study further revealed that, for effective delivery of lesson and planning, there is need for a practical use of textbooks by the teacher. The study concluded that one of the most fundamental issues to consider is the fact that, as good as the use of textbook for planning and delivery of lesson activities is, it can also be a problem if not carefully and professionally planned and used accordingly. The over-dependence on textbooks at the expense of other resources may cause ineffective learning and teaching of mathematics.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Adu, K.O.
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Mathematics -- Textbooks Mathematics -- Study and teaching (Primary)
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd.
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/8989 , vital:34180
- Description: Mathematics is the foundation for the economic and technological development of any nation. It has been asserted that Mathematics is expected to help in accelerating social, economic and technological progress of any society. The Primary school level is very important in any educational system and any lack at this level would permeate to other levels of the educational system. Hence, this dissertation examines the use of textbooks by teachers in teaching Mathematics at selected primary schools in East London Education district. The study adopted the interpretivist paradigm and employed the qualitative approach in investigating the phenomenon. The dissertation made use of phenomenology research design as it attempted to understand people’s (learners’ and teachers’) perceptions, perspectives and understandings of the use of textbooks in teaching Mathematics. Semi-structured interviews and observation were used to elicit information from the six mathematics teachers and three heads of department who were purposively selected. The data collected were analysed using thematic approach where themes were developed from the research questions after transcribing, sorting and categorizing them. The findings of the study demonstrated that the participants selected textbooks from the ones prescribed by the department that were written in the CAPS documents. They had no influence or decision on textbook selection. All the teachers believed that lesson plan is very important and it is a must to have a very detailed and comprehensive lesson plan that is well-aligned to the contents of CAPS document and the textbook. The study further revealed that, for effective delivery of lesson and planning, there is need for a practical use of textbooks by the teacher. The study concluded that one of the most fundamental issues to consider is the fact that, as good as the use of textbook for planning and delivery of lesson activities is, it can also be a problem if not carefully and professionally planned and used accordingly. The over-dependence on textbooks at the expense of other resources may cause ineffective learning and teaching of mathematics.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
The uses of Chrysomya megacephala (Fabricius, 1794)(Diptera: Calliphoridae) in forensic entomology:
- Badenhorst, Rozane, Villet, Martin H
- Authors: Badenhorst, Rozane , Villet, Martin H
- Date: 2018
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/140631 , vital:37905 , DOI: 10.1080/20961790.2018.1426136
- Description: Chrysomya megacephala (Fabricius, 1794) occurs on every continent and is closely associated with carrion and decaying material in human environments. Its abilities to find dead bodies and carry pathogens give it a prominence in human affairs that may involve prosecution or litigation, and therefore forensic entomologists. The identification, geographical distribution and biology of the species are reviewed to provide a background for approaches that four branches of forensic entomology (urban, stored-product, medico-criminal and environmental) might take to investigations involving this fly.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Badenhorst, Rozane , Villet, Martin H
- Date: 2018
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/140631 , vital:37905 , DOI: 10.1080/20961790.2018.1426136
- Description: Chrysomya megacephala (Fabricius, 1794) occurs on every continent and is closely associated with carrion and decaying material in human environments. Its abilities to find dead bodies and carry pathogens give it a prominence in human affairs that may involve prosecution or litigation, and therefore forensic entomologists. The identification, geographical distribution and biology of the species are reviewed to provide a background for approaches that four branches of forensic entomology (urban, stored-product, medico-criminal and environmental) might take to investigations involving this fly.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
The utility of vertical farming for urban renewal: an integrated business model for profitable and sustainable vegetation production
- Authors: Vermeulen, Robert Stanley
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Business -- Models , Sustainable development Urban renewal Urban agriculture
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/23294 , vital:30522
- Description: The global population growth rate is increasing exponentially and is expected to reach nine billion people by 2050. This accelerated population growth and associated increase in food demand, coupled with the trend of decreasing productive agricultural land, present a calamitous food security risk for future generations. The ensuing expansion of agricultural land to supply this food demand leads to irreversible environmental damage including encroachment, climate change and biodiversity extinction. Moreover, rapid urbanisation of the aforementioned over-populace leads to mass unemployment in many major cities and widespread suburbanisation. The concurrence of the latter and former trends creates pockets of urban brown space, unutilised and dilapidated areas that have various consequences. Vertical farming is a system of cultivating crops or food products in buildings, tall structures or vertically inclined surfaces. If applied correctly this method results in substantial increases in crop yield, environmental benefits and reduced pressure on agricultural land. The research problem in this study was to establish how the vertical farming business model can be integrated with urban renewal of brown space to enable profitable and sustainable vegetation production. In order to achieve this objective the following research process was followed: Identification of the factors pertinent for the examination of urban gentrification, vertical farming and business model implementation through the literature review; Identification of approaches for integrating vertical farming applications with urban renewal activities and collective insights from the review of relevant literature; Development of a semi-structured interview guide from the literature review, to determine the extent of perceived utility of vertical farming for revitalisation and to gain valuable insights into strategies for integrating the model; Conducting an empirical study consisting of face-to-face interviews with subject matter experts and/or individuals with experience in the case scope, that were selected through purposive sampling as defined in the research methodology chapter; and Amalgamation and synthesis of the results to develop a proposed integrated model that can be used for urban renewal to create businesses that not only gentrify the urban brown space but that are profitable and provide sustainable development value to the city where it is based. The empirical results obtained from the interviews with respondents were analysed and included in the conceptual framework developed from the examination of secondary data sources. This led to the development of the integrated business model for urban renewal and achievement of the research objectives. The main findings from the research centred on customer segmentation strategy, distribution channels and gentrification through key partnerships. The intricacies of the integrated model and its application are discussed in detail in this research paper.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Vermeulen, Robert Stanley
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Business -- Models , Sustainable development Urban renewal Urban agriculture
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/23294 , vital:30522
- Description: The global population growth rate is increasing exponentially and is expected to reach nine billion people by 2050. This accelerated population growth and associated increase in food demand, coupled with the trend of decreasing productive agricultural land, present a calamitous food security risk for future generations. The ensuing expansion of agricultural land to supply this food demand leads to irreversible environmental damage including encroachment, climate change and biodiversity extinction. Moreover, rapid urbanisation of the aforementioned over-populace leads to mass unemployment in many major cities and widespread suburbanisation. The concurrence of the latter and former trends creates pockets of urban brown space, unutilised and dilapidated areas that have various consequences. Vertical farming is a system of cultivating crops or food products in buildings, tall structures or vertically inclined surfaces. If applied correctly this method results in substantial increases in crop yield, environmental benefits and reduced pressure on agricultural land. The research problem in this study was to establish how the vertical farming business model can be integrated with urban renewal of brown space to enable profitable and sustainable vegetation production. In order to achieve this objective the following research process was followed: Identification of the factors pertinent for the examination of urban gentrification, vertical farming and business model implementation through the literature review; Identification of approaches for integrating vertical farming applications with urban renewal activities and collective insights from the review of relevant literature; Development of a semi-structured interview guide from the literature review, to determine the extent of perceived utility of vertical farming for revitalisation and to gain valuable insights into strategies for integrating the model; Conducting an empirical study consisting of face-to-face interviews with subject matter experts and/or individuals with experience in the case scope, that were selected through purposive sampling as defined in the research methodology chapter; and Amalgamation and synthesis of the results to develop a proposed integrated model that can be used for urban renewal to create businesses that not only gentrify the urban brown space but that are profitable and provide sustainable development value to the city where it is based. The empirical results obtained from the interviews with respondents were analysed and included in the conceptual framework developed from the examination of secondary data sources. This led to the development of the integrated business model for urban renewal and achievement of the research objectives. The main findings from the research centred on customer segmentation strategy, distribution channels and gentrification through key partnerships. The intricacies of the integrated model and its application are discussed in detail in this research paper.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
The viability of mobile payments across South Africa, Kenya and Nigeria
- Authors: Wentzel, Bradley
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Mobile commerce -- Africa , Banks and banking --Technological innovations -- Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/45756 , vital:38961
- Description: As the global accessibility to the internet and mobile data and cellular systems is on the rise, the ability for the use of mobile devices in order to facilitate banking and to make payment across the African continent will increase. The question is then asked as to whether the African continent is ready for this technology and if it is not at this stage, will this ability to transact with a bank and a trusted method of payment ever be an option in Africa? This needs to be analysed and critically studied to determine whether Africa must invest in this technology and if so, when and how this investment should take place. The ability for the regular African consumer to access the wealth of knowledge that abounds over the internet is critical in order for the new mobile payment initiative to be a success. Education, infrastructure and ability to access this available technology will have long reaching effects in bringing Africa to the forefront in the global economy, while a move away from corporeal and historic tenders such as bartering systems, precious metals or cash, will be something new to the African continent and will need to be explored separately. In this study we will assess the readiness of the top three African economies, namely South Africa, Kenya and Nigeria of their current abilities to facilitate this technology and the barriers to entries and possible remedies to those if this is not the case.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Wentzel, Bradley
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Mobile commerce -- Africa , Banks and banking --Technological innovations -- Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/45756 , vital:38961
- Description: As the global accessibility to the internet and mobile data and cellular systems is on the rise, the ability for the use of mobile devices in order to facilitate banking and to make payment across the African continent will increase. The question is then asked as to whether the African continent is ready for this technology and if it is not at this stage, will this ability to transact with a bank and a trusted method of payment ever be an option in Africa? This needs to be analysed and critically studied to determine whether Africa must invest in this technology and if so, when and how this investment should take place. The ability for the regular African consumer to access the wealth of knowledge that abounds over the internet is critical in order for the new mobile payment initiative to be a success. Education, infrastructure and ability to access this available technology will have long reaching effects in bringing Africa to the forefront in the global economy, while a move away from corporeal and historic tenders such as bartering systems, precious metals or cash, will be something new to the African continent and will need to be explored separately. In this study we will assess the readiness of the top three African economies, namely South Africa, Kenya and Nigeria of their current abilities to facilitate this technology and the barriers to entries and possible remedies to those if this is not the case.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
The visual communication of environmental awareness issues in Jeff Orlowski's,Chasing Ice (2012) and Yann Arthurs -Bertrand's home (2009)
- Authors: Van der Walt, Nadia Elize
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Visual communication , Environmentalism in motion pictures Documentary films -- History and critism
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/45547 , vital:38665
- Description: This study presents an investigation into the visual communication complexities within the genre of documentary film, specifically aimed at the development of a set of criteria of cinematic techniques for the visual communication of environmental awareness issues. This process utilises a theoretical approach to understanding the development and communicative possibilities of documentary film, as well as an analytical interpretation structured on semiotic film theory. The theoretical investigation reveals Bill Nichols’ (2010) documentary modes as an established analytical model. This study engages with four of Nichols’ six modes – namely, the poetic, the expository, the observational and the participatory modes, as the criteria for the extraction of scenes and/or images from Chasing Ice (2012) by Jeff Orlowski and Home (2009) by Yann Arthurs-Bertrand. Once Nichols’ modes have been identified, a semiotic reading is conducted. Gillian Rose’s (2016) visual analysis framework underpinned by Pieter J. Fourie’s (1988) sociological approach to film analysis, is utilised to read the selected film texts. A comparative analysis of Chasing Ice (2012) and Home (2009) reveals that the inclusion of different and multiple modes constructs the visualisation of environmental awareness issues in the documentary film genre. The cinematic techniques specific to the documentary modes represented in Chasing Ice (2012) and Home (2009) are appropriated in the construction of three film shorts within the researcher’s documentary film study, Karoo (2017). This combination of theory and practice yields the researcher a considered and informed approach to constructing documentary imagery aimed at visualising the current environment of the Karoo Basin prior to the possibility of shale gas exploration and/or exploitation.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Van der Walt, Nadia Elize
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Visual communication , Environmentalism in motion pictures Documentary films -- History and critism
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/45547 , vital:38665
- Description: This study presents an investigation into the visual communication complexities within the genre of documentary film, specifically aimed at the development of a set of criteria of cinematic techniques for the visual communication of environmental awareness issues. This process utilises a theoretical approach to understanding the development and communicative possibilities of documentary film, as well as an analytical interpretation structured on semiotic film theory. The theoretical investigation reveals Bill Nichols’ (2010) documentary modes as an established analytical model. This study engages with four of Nichols’ six modes – namely, the poetic, the expository, the observational and the participatory modes, as the criteria for the extraction of scenes and/or images from Chasing Ice (2012) by Jeff Orlowski and Home (2009) by Yann Arthurs-Bertrand. Once Nichols’ modes have been identified, a semiotic reading is conducted. Gillian Rose’s (2016) visual analysis framework underpinned by Pieter J. Fourie’s (1988) sociological approach to film analysis, is utilised to read the selected film texts. A comparative analysis of Chasing Ice (2012) and Home (2009) reveals that the inclusion of different and multiple modes constructs the visualisation of environmental awareness issues in the documentary film genre. The cinematic techniques specific to the documentary modes represented in Chasing Ice (2012) and Home (2009) are appropriated in the construction of three film shorts within the researcher’s documentary film study, Karoo (2017). This combination of theory and practice yields the researcher a considered and informed approach to constructing documentary imagery aimed at visualising the current environment of the Karoo Basin prior to the possibility of shale gas exploration and/or exploitation.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018