4667 research outputs found
Sort by
Understanding land use and land cover dynamics and their effects on the surface water resources at Letaba Catchment in Limpopo, South Africa
Get PDFThesis (Ph. D. (Geography and Environmental Science)) -- University of Limpopo, 2024This work investigates the intricate dynamics of land use and land cover (LULC) due to pressures from population growth and environmental changes. The implications of these changes are particularly significant for water security, especially in semi-arid and water-scarce regions. Leveraging on the capabilities of Google Earth Engine (GEE), this comprehensive study seeks to unravel the spatial, seasonal, and long-term impacts of LULC changes on surface water bodies and water quality within these vulnerable regions. By exploring the interconnectedness of land dynamics and water resources, this research contributes valuable insights essential for sustainable water management in the face of evolving environmental conditions. This research encompasses a multi-faceted exploration of the Letaba catchment, offering a comprehensive understanding of its evolving LULC dynamics over a 31-year period (1990, 2000, 2010, 2021). LULC changes were classified using the random forest (RF) computed in GEE. The method of using remote sensing, especially GEE effectively mapped LULC dynamics with satisfactory accuracies ranging from 93 to 99% within four timeframes. The analysis unveils a noteworthy decline in natural forests (-3%), grasslands (-3%), bare surfaces (-2%), and water bodies (-4%), when compared with increases in shrublands (24%), plantations (41%), and built-up (47%) areas. This transformation underscores the imperative for adaptive strategies, with a particular focus on the pivotal role of climate-smart agriculture in harmonizing ecosystem services and human well-being. Further, the research assesses the effectiveness of Sentinel-2-derived spectral indices, such as Normalized difference water index (NDWI), Modified normalized difference water index (MNDWI), and Sentinel 2 water index (SWI), in conjunction with landscape metrics, to delineate the spatial and seasonal variations of surface water between 2017 and 2022 in GEE. Notably, remarkable overall accuracies ranging from 96% to 100% were achieved across both dry and wet seasons. This unveils surprising seasonal fluctuations, challenging conventional assumptions about water resource availability and advocating for adaptive water resource management strategies that account for such variabilities. Furthermore, the study delves into the impact of LULC alterations on water quality parameters. By integrating in-situ measurements with Sentinel 2 remote sensing data, strong correlations between LULC, spectral bands, water indices, and key water quality variables are revealed. These findings confirm the pollution status of the catchment, accentuating the urgent need for effective land planning and management. This not only challenges conventional notions about water resource availability but also underscores the necessity of adopting adaptive management approaches and sustainable strategies to address changing climatic conditions and human impacts on water quantity and quality in semi-arid tropical environments.Water Research Commission (WRC) and the National Research
Foundation (NRF
Critical analysis of the impact of violent strikes in South African workplace
Get PDFThesis (LLM. (Labour Law)) -- University of Limpopo, 2024Violent strikes in the South African workplace present a complex challenge with far-reaching
implications for businesses, employees, and the broader economy. This research
investigates the multifaceted impacts of such strikes, focusing on their immediate and longterm
consequences. Through a qualitative approach, mostly relying on primary and
secondary sources of law, observations, primary and secondary research filtered through
own personal lens, the study reveals a significant decrease in productivity, heightened
employee absenteeism, and increased turnover rates following violent strikes. The
psychological effects on employees are profound, leading to a pervasive environment of fear
and reduced morale. Financial repercussions for organizations include direct costs such as
property damage and indirect costs like lost work hours and legal fees.
The study also highlights the role of socio-economic factors, historical context, and labour
relations dynamics unique to South Africa. The findings underscore the urgent need for
effective conflict resolution mechanisms, comprehensive safety policies, and mental health
support systems to mitigate the adverse effects of violent strikes. Recommendations include
fostering a culture of dialogue and collaboration between employers, employees, and
unions, and implementing robust training programs to manage and prevent workplace
violence. This research aims to contribute to the development of strategies that enhance
workplace resilience and safety in the South African context
Limiting the application scope of the doctrine of vicarious liability in deviation cases within labour law context: comparative appraisal
Get PDFThesis (LLM. (Labour law)) -- University of Limpopo, 2024The employment contract comes with both benefits and liabilities for both employers and employees. For example, employers in South Africa often suffer from financial liability when their employees commit misconduct that causes damages to third parties. This occurs with the application of the principle of vicarious liability. This principle holds employers liable for the misconduct of their employees. The purpose of this study is to critically analyse the scope of application of the principle of vicarious liability in deviation cases while considering its reasonableness and the financial damages employers suffer due to it in South Africa. The study made use of the desktop method of data collection to find primary sources and secondary sources of law. The study analysed the case of Stallion Security (Pty) Ltd v Van Staden [2019] whereby the scope of the principle of vicarious liability was extended by the Supreme Court of Appeal (SCA) to also hold employers liable for conduct committed by off-duty employees. The SCA in this case reasoned that as long as employment duties granted an off-duty employee an advantage to commit misconduct, an employer should be liable. A point of concern from this precedent is the implications it has on the liability of employers in the sense that employers in South Africa will have to defend against claims brought in terms of the doctrine of vicarious liability. The study considered fairness to be important and after comparative analysis, found that the United Kingdom courts apply the principle of vicarious liability with fairness and reasonableness such that employers are still afforded some protection. It was recommended that courts in South Africa should learn from UK law to limit the scope of application of the principle of vicarious liability. In addition to this, employers should also rely on liabilities such as piercing of corporate veil and liability for breaching a fiduciary duty to make employees such as directors and senior executives liable for their misconduct
Health communication and the digital divide : covid-19 amongst senior citizens in Soweto, Gauteng Province
Get PDFThesis (M. Communication Studies) -- University of Limpopo, 2024During the pandemic, 80% of COVID-19 cases reported were amongst the elderly population, with the history of digital divide amongst the population. In the same vein, because of its segregationist history South Africa remains the most unequal country in the whole world, with a Gini-coefficient amounting to 0.63. This research aimed to investigate how lack of access to digital communication tools, used for health communication campaigns, affected the elderly during the COVID-19 pandemic among senior citizens in Soweto, Gauteng. The population of the study included senior citizens and the data were analysed through thematic analysis and revealed that the attitude towards ICTs played the most significant role in preventing senior citizens to gain access to COVID-19 information through technological means, and that information was obtained through physical social networking and traditional mainstream media. Despite their familiarity with the COVID-19 regulations, most senior citizens did not comply with the COVID-19 regulations put in place, particularly shopping activities. There are low e-commerce engagement activities among senior citizens, most of them are shopping the traditional way. The study recommends that a similar study be conducted on a different population group. The government must build trust with citizens. Trust must be the basis of every relationship; this will make it easier for citizens to accept health communication
Investigating seasonal variation in abdominal fat indices and hypertension amongst Ellisras population from childhood into adulthood : Ellisras Longitudinal Study
Get PDFThesis (M.Sc. (Physiology)) -- University of Limpopo, 2024Background: Obesity and hypertension have been a global concern, affecting both
developing and developed countries. Studies reported seasonal variation as a common
risk factor for the development of obesity and blood pressure (BP). However, studies that
investigated seasonal variation in obesity and BP over time remain scanty, especially in
developing countries.
Aim and objectives: This study was aimed at investigating seasonal variation in obesity
and BP among the Ellisras population aged 4−18 years over time. Furthermore, the study
investigated whether there is an association between autumn and spring obesity and BP
variables among the Ellisras population during a specific period. The study also
investigated whether there is a risk associated with the development of obesity and BP
(hypertension) between autumn and spring variables among the Ellisras population over
time.
Methods: This study forms part of the Ellisras Longitudinal study, of which data was
sourced. Anthropometric measurements were measured following the procedure by the
International Society for the Advancement of Kinanthropometry. Blood pressure
measurements were measured following the procedure by the National High Blood
Pressure Education Program (NHBPEP) Working Group on Hypertension Control in
Children and Adolescents. At baseline, measurements were collected in the autumn of
1999 with 1 974 (1033 boys and 941 girls) participants. The same participants were
followed repeatedly over time (autumn and spring 2000, 2001, 2003). In spring 2003, a
total of 1 701 (873 boys and 828 girls) participants were still present in the study.
Frequency analysis was used to determine the prevalence of obesity, elevated BP and
hypertension in autumn and spring. The generalised estimating equation (GEE) was used
to investigate the seasonal association in abdominal fat indices and BP variables in
autumn and spring. Furthermore, GEE was used to investigate the risk associated with
the development of obesity and BP (hypertension) in autumn and spring during that
period.
Results: The results showed that the prevalence of obesity by waist circumference (WC)
was mostly markedly (P≤0.05) higher in autumn (0−30.4%) than spring (0−26.9%) among
Ellisras boys and girls aged 4−18 years from 1999−2003. Furthermore, the prevalence of
vi
obesity by waist-to-height ratio (WHtR) was mostly significantly (P≤0.05) higher in autumn
(0−20.8%) than spring (0−1.3%) among Ellisras boys and girls from 2000−2002. In
addition, the prevalence of obesity by waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) was mostly significantly
higher in autumn (21.5−95.5%) compared to spring (13.1−88.9%) among Ellisras boys
and girls from 1999−2003. Diastolic BP showed the weakest significant (P≤0.05)
association (B=0.007, 95% CI: 0.000−0.012) between baseline measurements (autumn
1999) and subsequent spring (1999−2003) measurements when adjusted for age and
gender. The strongest significant (P≤0.05) association was observed in WHR (B=0.096,
95% CI: 0.077−0.116) between baseline measurements (autumn 1999) and subsequent
spring (1999−2003) measurements. However, in autumn 2003 only WC (B=0.075, 95%
CI: 0.056−0.094) and systolic BP (B=0.009 95% CI: 0.003−0.016) were still substantially
(P≤0.05) associated with spring measurements (1999−2003) when adjusted for age and
gender. Furthermore, WC showed the weakest substantial (P≤0.05) risk (OR=0.003, 95%
CI: 0.002−0.011) between baseline measurements (autumn 1999) and subsequent spring
measurements (1999−2003) when unadjusted for age and gender. The strongest
significant (P≤0.05) risk was observed in obesity by WHtR (OR=0.619, 95% CI:
0.554−0.683) between baseline measurements (autumn 1999) and subsequent spring
(1999−2003) measurements when unadjusted for age and gender. In autumn 2003, only
systolic BP showed a substantial (P≤0.05) risk (OR=0.036, 95% CI: 0.016−0.057) and
(OR=0.033, 95% CI: 0.014−0.054) both unadjusted and adjusted for age and gender
respectively.
Conclusion: Seasonal variation in abdominal fat indices and BP was evident in this
population of boys and girls and it differs by age group. A significant association between
autumn and spring measurements for obesity and BP variables was evident in this study
for that period. Furthermore, the development of obesity and BP is associated with
seasons.Vrije University, Amsterdam, The Netherlands, the
University of Limpopo, and the National Research Foundation (NRF
Short and long-term forecasting of wind speed in Limpopo Province using machine learning algorithm and extreme value theory
Get PDFThesis (M.Sc. (eScience)) -- University of Limpopo, 2023Numerous studies have applied Extreme Value Theory (EVT) to model environmental
variables like wind speed, rainfall and temperature. Recently, academic focus has shifted to machine learning algorithms for the same variables. This research study demonstrates the practical use of EVT and machine learning techniques for modelling wind speed in the Limpopo Province, with the primary goal of assessing wind power generation reliability. The data used in this research study is obtained from National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), spanning the time period from 2016 to 2022. The Vanilla Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM) network exhibited remarkable accuracy, achieving 86%
training and 89% testing accuracy. Additionally, Generalised Extreme Value
Distribution (GEVD) for block sizes (1 to 5) revealed GEV Dm=2 as the most
suitable model based on low Akaike information criteria (AIC) and Bayesian
information criteria (BIC) values. The model highlighted a rare event with a
300-year return period, indicating a wind speed of 22.893 meters. This study
provides valuable insights for careful power planning, economic strategy and
advancement in civilisation in South Africa, with implications for future energy
planning and policy decisions in the region.National e-Science Postgraduate Teaching and Training Platform (NEPTTP
Perceptions of nurses on documentation of nursing care at selected public hospitals in Vhembe District, Limpopo Province
Get PDFThesis (M. Nursing) -- University of Limpopo, 2023Introduction: Good nursing practice involves detailed documentation, which should be timely, appropriate, comprehensive, and accurate. Therefore, documents contain the who, why, how, where, what, and when of patient care. However, poor documentation practices among nurses have been identified and understood to have been influenced by numerous factors. Poor documentation practices have a negative impact on health care provision and clinical decision-making during patients’ hospitalisations. The perceived challenges experienced by nurses during documentation of patient care are more evident in clinical practice; hence, this is an area that needs attention by health care management to ensure quality patient care. Purpose of the study: The study aimed to determine the perceptions of nurses about nursing care documentation in selected public hospitals in Vhembe district, Limpopo Province. Research setting: The study was conducted in a public regional hospital and a district hospital in Vhembe district, Limpopo Province. Research method: A qualitative, exploratory, descriptive, and contextual research designs were used. A non-probability-purposive sampling technique was used to select the participants in the study. Data was collected through a semi-structured one-on-one interview using an interview guide. Tesch’s open-coding method was used for data analysis, where themes and sub-themes were developed. Measures to ensure trustworthiness, credibility, dependability, transferability, and conformability were all taken into consideration. All ethical principles were adhered to throughout the study. Findings: The findings of this study revealed that registered professional nurses perceive the documentation of nursing care as an essential practice that benefits patients, health care workers, and the health system as a whole. However, due to the numerous challenges they are faced with, such as lack of resources, shortage of staff, lack of time, workload, poor handling of patient documents, and ward allocation barriers, the documentation standards are poor. Such challenges place patients’ health and safety at risk, and health care workers and the health care system are at risk of litigation. Recommendations: This study recommends that hospital management advocate for more nurses to be hired to reduce the issue of a shortage of nurses and workload. Educated and well-trained clerks should be employed to promote good documentation management. There must be a supply of material resources, such as papers, to use for documenting patient care. Training workshops should be conducted to educate nurses on the importance of documenting nursing care. Hospital management must supply managers in the wards with documentation policy guidelines and must also elaborate on the actions that will be taken against people who do not comply with such guidelines. Conclusions: The study concluded that there are evident challenges with documentation of patient care amongst nurses in public hospitals, and this affects the provision of quality patient care. The study findings revealed a need for continuous in-service training, commitment, and teamwork among all categories of nurses to improve nursing documentation practices
Impact of mulch and fertilizer application on yield components, tuber quality and the nutrient uptake of selected potato cultivars under irrigated conditions
Get PDFThesis (M.Sc. Agriculture (Agronomy)) -- University of Limpopo, 2024Integrated nutrient management (INM) in potato production is a promising mitigation strategy to reduce the nutrient-related yield gap. Potato yield and quality are limited in Limpopo by poor soil fertility. This problem is caused by a combination of poor fertilizer application and management, high temperatures and soil degradation. Reductions in potato yields in this region are leading to nationwide potato shortages and price increases. Previous research has shown that INM can maximize potato yield, tuber quality, and limit nutrient losses without degrading the quality of the soil. Therefore, in the present study, INM was centered on fertilizer and mulch application to evaluate growth, yield and nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) responses of various potato cultivars. A field trial was conducted in spring season from September 2022 to February 2023. Four potato cultivars (Mondial, Sababa, Panamera, and Tyson) were evaluated at three fertilizer application rates (0%, 50%, and 100% of the recommended fertilizer application rates from soil test) and two soil cover levels (lucerne grass mulch and no mulch). The selected potato cultivars differed in the potential yield, crop canopy, and time to maturity. These treatments were laid-out as split-split plot in a randomized complete block design replicated three times. For tuber quality and NUE, the experiment was carried out as 3 x 2 x 4 factorial layout, arranged in a completely randomized design (CRD). During the growing season, phenological development and canopy cover were recorded. At and post-harvest, shoots and root biomass, tuber number, fresh mass, dry matter, size grading, and NUE were recorded. Significantly higher tuber yields (41.29 t/ha) were obtained from Panamera cultivar when mulch was applied with the combination of 50% recommended fertilizer application rates. This treatment combination yielded comparable tuber yields as that of 100% recommended fertilizer application rates, mulching and the Panamera cultivar. This suggests that it is possible for farmers to reduce fertilizer application from the recommended rates without compromising their potato yields. Significantly higher NUE (72%) was obtained from Panamera cultivar when mulched without the application of fertilizer. The findings of the study indicated that NUE decreases linearly with increasing N application. The application of 50% fertilizer recommended rate had a significantly higher NUE (31.28%) than 100% recommended fertilizer application rate (19.78%). Very low NUE under 100% recommended N rates indicated that fertilizer saturated states tend to lose more nutrients than unsaturated states. The lowest potato yields (approx. 27 t/ha) were produced by Tyson across all fertilizer levels and Mondial at 50% fertilizer application rate. Mulching increased potato yield by approximately 8 and 16 t/ha under 0 and 50% fertilizer application rates respectively. Generally, mulching induced a significant increasing on time taken to reach physiological maturity, biomass accumulation, tuber fresh mass, number of tubers, and large sized tubers. Across fertilizer treatments, 100% fertilizer application rate significantly increased the shoot dry biomass by 1.39 t/ha relative to 0% fertilizer application rate. Generally, application of 100% fertilizer recommended rate on potato fields resulted in significantly high canopy cover, shoot dry biomass and tuber fresh mass. Potato fields where fertilizers and mulch were not applied, produced significantly lower canopy cover (60.42%) and number of tubers (5.83/ plant). Additionally, secondary interaction of Panamera and Mondial with mulch application showed significantly higher shoot dry biomass (5 t/ha). Growth, quality and yield components of the selected cultivars varied significantly, with Panamera being found to outperform other cultivars. These results suggest that almost the same economic yields can be achieved by applying half the recommended fertilizer rates and using mulch to prevent soil water and nutrient losses. Panamera integrated with 50% fertilizer application rate and mulch application is suitable for sustainably optimizing tuber growth and yield in potato farming. However, the study's findings were limited to environmental conditions prevailing in the study area, single planting season, and hail crop damage. Future research must therefore look at the studied INM in different hail-free seasons and locations
The effectiveness of smartboards in enhancing technology teachers’ creativity
Get PDFJournal article published in African Perspectives of Research in Teaching and Learning Journal Issue 1, Volume 8, 2024In the classroom, creativity is crucial because it forces learners to focus intently on the material being taught. Hence, the purpose of this study was to explore the effectiveness of a smartboard in enhancing Grade 6 Technology teachers’ creativity at Nkomazi East Circuit in Mpumalanga Province. The theory of
creativity was used as a lens in the study, and the 9E instructional model was used to guide and understand classroom activities. The qualitative research approach and the case study design were used to gather and analyse data. Data collection involved both non-participant observations and semi-structured interviews. Four schools with smartboards were purposively sampled. The participants of the study included four
Technology teachers. All four teachers were interviewed and observed while teaching using the smartboards. This study used deductive content analysis to analyse data. The findings of the study revealed that smartboards are effective in enhancing teachers’ creativity, as they were able to make their lessons more interesting, exciting and effective, and developed learners’ creative thinking skills. The
teachers could access the internet to search for online resources which include but are not limited to diagrams, pictures, online quizzes and YouTube videos to creatively present their lessons in the classroom. Different smartboard programmes such as the smart notebook, animation, PowerPoint presentations, as well as the show-and-hide features were also used to enhance creativity. With the help of the smartboard,
teachers were also able to use a variety of teaching methods to correct learners' misconceptions and subsequently develop their creative thinking skills. The study recommends that smartboards be constantly used as a tool to enhance teachers’ creativity, which ultimately develops learners’ creative thinking skills. Future research may focus on investigating the extent to which smartboard features improve learners' creative thinking skills and understanding of various topic
Pre-service teachers’ engagement through small group tutorial learning strategy in accounting
Get PDFJournal article published in African Perspectives of Research in Teaching and Learning Journal
Issue 2, Volume 8, 2024Teaching in the 21st century involves encouraging creativity and active engagement of students in the learning process. This requires using student-centred approaches for tertiary students to improve their learning experiences and help develop 21st-century skills. Hence, small group learning has become a significant priority in preparing and equipping accounting students with the creative, collaborative, problem-solving skills and academic competencies required in the workplace. This article employed a qualitative case study research approach within the interpretive paradigm to understand how pre-service Accounting teachers learn through a small group tutorial strategy. Twenty pre-service Accounting teachers were purposively selected from a population of first-year pre-service Accounting teachers. Data were obtained through semi-structured individual telephonic and WhatsApp-based focus group interviews and analysed using the thematic analysis method. What emerged from the findings is that participants acknowledged the role of small group tutorials in creating a supportive social environment that allowed opportunities for enhancing learning of procedural processes and problem-solving skills. Most pre-service teachers were inspired to express themselves and share more freely without being ridiculed. Engagement in small group tutorials led to positive interdependence and interaction while developing self-confidence and interpersonal skills. Diversity in members created spaces for students to share different viewpoints on analytical approaches to solving Accounting problems