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Effects of bee pollen inclusion on performance and carcass characteristics of broiler chickens
Get PDFJournal article published in the Journal of Poultry Science 102:102628This study was conducted to determine the effect of bee pollen(BP) inclusion on performance and carcass characteristics in broiler chickens. A total of 240 Ross 308 broiler chicks were allocated to 4 treat-ments (BP inclusion levels of 0,4,8, or 12 g/kg DM feed) in a randomized complete block design with sex as a block having 3 replicates with 10 chickens per repli-cate. After 21 d, the chickens remained in their treat-ment groups and fed standard grower diet. The results of the current study revealed that BP inclusion had posi-tively improved (P0.05). The results suggest that the broiler chicks can utilize bioactive compounds in BP when supplemented in the starter diets and subsequently improve their growth parameters throughout the growing period as well as carcass yield at slaughter age. These positive improve-ments could be due to high quality amino acids, essential oils, vitamins, and minerals of BP. Therefore, it is con-cluded that BP inclusion level of 12g /kg or more in the starter diets could have positive effects on growth per-formance and carcass yield at slaughter age without causing adverse effects on meat physico-chemical prop-erties and sensory evaluation in both male and female broiler chickens
Comparison of adsorption capacity of water and hydroxide with collector reagents on geversite (PtSb2) mineral surface : a DFT-D insights
Get PDFJournal article published in the Journal of Computational Materials Science 224 (2023) 112174The interactions of water, hydroxide and organic collectors with mineral surfaces are the key aspects that define
the floatability behaviour of minerals. This study employed the density functional theory with dispersion
correction (DFT-D) method to unravel the adsorption capacity and bonding behaviour of H2O, OH–, normalbutyl-
xanthate (NBX–), butyl-dithiocarbamate (BDTC–), butyl-trithiocarbonate (BTTC–) and dibutyldithiophosphate
(DBDTP–) with the PtSb2 (100) surface. The adsorption energy of hydration was found less
exothermic than that of hydroxylation, indicating that the OH had greater ability to interact with PtSb2 surface
compared to H2O. The collector adsorption energies strength decreased in the order: BDTC > BTTC > NBX >
DBDTP, and clearly the BDTC unveiled the superior exothermic adsorption. It was found that the collectors may
easily displace water and OH , and attach on the mineral surface during flotation due to their strong binding
than water and OH . However, since there was a greater probability of OH attaching on the surface, operating
at low pH may be decisive in the flotation of PtSb2 mineral. This study has compared the adsorption behaviour of
various collectors with water and hydroxide and established the best conditions that may improve the flotation
performance of PtSb2 mineral
Investigating the extend of meaning distortion in grade 10 English First Additional Language learners' academic essay writing when they use WhatsApp language
Get PDFThesis (M.Ed. (Language Education)) -- University of Limpopo, 2023This study investigated the Grade 10 English First Additional Language (EFAL) learners’ extent of meaning distortion they commit in their academic essay writing due to obsessive exposure to communication in WhatsApp language. This follows the researcher’s observations that most Grade 10 EFAL learners’ essay writing tasks in Kgakotlou Circuit are riddled with informal English register and a range of other language errors associated to the use of WhatsApp language. These include the use of slang, numerous spelling errors, fragmented sentences, and gross grammatical errors. In order to get a better understanding of the problem studied, a qualitative case study research design was employed. Data were successfully gathered from a sample of 4 educators and 22 learners. The participants were purposively selected from the Capricorn District’s rural-based high school. The following data collection tools were used to collect data; participant observation, document analysis, focus-group discussions, and the semi-structured interviews. The collected data helped to address the problem investigated. Data were triangulated and analysed using two data analysis methods, namely; content analysis for observation and the thematic data analysis for the interview and focus-group discussion data sets. This study revealed that the learners’ level of exposure to the WhatsApp language they use for informal communication makes them commit language errors that result in the deformation, omission, and substitution of the key words or phrases that help construct meaning in their academic essays. Secondly, the study established that learners perceive the use of WhatsApp language in academic writing as an effective tool to help them cope with the writing challenges they experience when communicating in English. Learners do not understand the academic writing concept. Thirdly, teachers need better and effective language error-correction strategies since their use of dictation is evidently ineffective to redress the WhatsApp language challenges their learners experience
An exploration of the role of traditional health practitioners dreams in the diagnosis and treatment of mental illness in Blouberg Municipality, Limpopo Province
Get PDFThesis (Ph.D. (Psychology)) -- University of Limpopo, 2023Dreams have always been intriguing phenomena confronting humankind over many years. They have been perceived differently across time and space, with different meanings attached to their manifestation. The general understanding and perception about dreams was that they emanate from some supernatural powers. Dreams have been some of the subjects of inquiry within the field of psychology. In this context, dreams are commonly perceived to originate from ‘within – intra’’ the dreamer. This study sought to explore the role that dreams play in the work of Traditional Health Practitioners (THPs) when diagnosing and managing mental illness. The study espoused a qualitative research approach and phenomenology design. Twenty-six THPs were selected through snowball and purposive sampling methods from five villages in Blouberg Municipality (Limpopo Province). Data were collected using in-depth semi-structured interviews and analysed through interpretive phenomenological Analysis (IPA). The following themes were extracted from the findings of the study: the THPs’ perception of dreams; the essence of dream for THPs; perceived sources of dreams; methods used to confirm the contents of dreams; and methods used to interpret symbolic dreams. Based on the above phenomenological accounts by the participants, an explanatory model on the use of dreams by THPs in the diagnosis and treatment of mental illnesses was developed. The explanatory model suggests that dreams are divided into four categories, namely: dreams as form of vision; dreams as a form of enlightenment; dreams as a form of awareness raising; and, dreams as a form of spiritual communication. The study made significant contribution through the development of an explanatory model to understand the role of dreams in the diagnosis and treatment of mental illness by Traditional Health Practitioners. The model presented a comprehensive process of dreams as a diagnostic and treatment tool in mental health care practice in the African context
An inquiry into the professional identity formation of early career English language teachers in rural settings of the provinces of Mpumalanga and Limpopo
Get PDFThesis (M.A. (English Studies)) -- University of Limpopo, 2022Research on professional identity of teachers began to be considered as important in the
nineties. Through research in this area, educational researchers and educators saw an
opportunity to help them understand a number of occurrences and behaviours inside the
classroom, schools and within the broader community of schools. Identity was not only
considered as a great concern to educators but also to educational leaders and decision
makers. The reason that identity research became so crucial in education was because
of the way in which the nature of schools was changing. Educational researchers saw the
need to understand how teachers were able to adjust and cope with the changes
occurring and how they impacted on the teacher’s sense of self. A growing realisation
that, language is at the centre of all learning activities has recently led to a continued
growth in research within the terrain where English is a medium of instruction. This study
contributes knowledge in the field of professional identity formation among rural teachers
of English second language (ESL) or appropriately referred to as English First Additional
Language (EFAL) in the South African schooling setting.
It is believed that when a person tells a story, they always include a selection of
remarkable experiences hence I have used a narrative research design because it has
potential to bring authenticity, ownership and accuracy of the story, since the researcher
has to make sure that the data provided is legitimate. This design seems to be more
appropriate, looking at the fact that the study collects data through interviews. The
participants were able to narrate their individual stories and experiences. The participants
in this study are four EFAL located in rural high schools of Limpopo and Mpumalanga
Provinces. In terms of teaching experience, they all have a minimum less than one year
and maximum of three years. The teachers in this study are appropriately referred to as
Early Career Teachers (ECTs). For gender balances, the focus was on four females as
well as four males but unfortunately there were five females and three males who each
have previously studied at various universities in South Africa. Grounded theory was used
to analyse the data collected because, according to Suddaby (2006), this theory
contributes insights into self and how people interpret different phenomena.
This study brings forth an understanding of how ECTs of EFAL form their professional
identities in their field of work. To the research community, this study will help fill the gaps
that where left out by other studies conducted before that may be similar to this one. It
will give more clarity on the kind of identity portrayed by ECTs of EFAL in schools and the
sort of environmental influences that impact on the formation of professional identity of
English First Additional Language teachers in rural settings.
It seems that, when EFAL teachers engage themselves in reflection they get to know
themselves best as professionals as this impacts greatly in an EFAL classroom. This is
in response to the narratives given by the participants that their reflections changed the
attitudes of their learners. This could mean that the change in learners’ attitude serves as
a huge factor in the PI formation of EFAL teachers. Therefore, I have discovered that the
influence of the learner in helping EFAL teachers form their PIs allows the teachers to
portray the following identities: personal, social and role identities (as explained in chapter
2). I have also found that story telling is very much useful when one aims at learning
another person’s life
Antiretroviral therapy availability and equity of viral load testing for treatment follow-up at Eisleben Clinic, Limpopo Province
Get PDFThesis (MPH.) -- University of Limpopo, 2023Background: Many studies have investigated patient-level causes of poor treatment
outcomes, data on the effect of health systems on ART outcomes are scarce.
Globally, ascending access to Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) viral load
testing for individuals living with HIV undergoing antiretroviral therapy in poor
settings is a health priority. The global roll-out of HIV treatment has saved millions of
lives: an estimated 16.5 million AIDS-related deaths have been averted since 2001.
Literatures indicates that there has been a rapid scale up in the provision of
Antiretroviral therapy (ART) in Sub Saharan Africa in the last decade with more than
7.5 million people receiving treatment by the end of 2012. In South Africa, HIV care
is provided by both the private and public sectors. Notwithstanding that majority of
public hospitals in South Africa have poor service delivery. The aim of the study is to
determine Antiretroviral Therapy Availability and Equity of viral load testing for
treatment follow-up at Eisleben clinic, Limpopo Province. Methodology: The study was qualitative in nature and used exploratory and descriptive design. The sampling of the study was purposive and involved nine (9) participants who met the criteria of the study: participants who are on antiretroviral therapy, 18years and above, both males and females. The study was conducted in Eisleben clinic, Capricorn district, Limpopo Province South Africa. Data collection was done through face to face interviews and analyzed using Thematic Content Analysis (TCA) to gain in-depth experience in the patients who are on treatment. Results and conclusion: The study found that barriers to access viral load testing were identified at all levels, health system, community level and patient level. This
study shows that there is lack of sufficient knowledge on the factors that controls
viral load suppression on patient who are taking ART. Some highlighted that the
clinicians who are offering the treatment in the clinics need to explain and teach
them to increase knowledge of the factors that controls the viral load suppression. It
has been observed that shortage of staff in Eisleben clinic contributes to lack of
health education to inform the patients about their health status. Amongst adult
patients in the region, various barriers to ART adherence have been identified: fear
of HIV status disclosure, HIV-related stigma, alcohol use and drug abuse,
forgetfulness, complicated ART regimens, pill burden, side effects, transportation
costs, and financial constraints
Business studies teachers’ utilization of WhatsApp for instructional purposes in selected schools in South Africa
Get PDFJournal article published in African Perspectives of Research in Teaching & Learning (APORTAL) Vol 7 (1) (2023)Social media continues to infiltrate different sectors, including the education sector. As a result, teachers employ various social media tools, such as WhatsApp in their instructional practices. This study investigated the integration of WhatsApp by Business Studies teachers from selected rural-based schools in South Africa. This qualitative study is located within interpretive paradigm. Diffusion of Innovation Theory was used as the theoretical lens of the study. Purposive sampling was adopted to select three Business Studies teachers to participate in the study. Semi-structured interviews were used to collect data, and the data was analyzed thematically. The study found that Business Studies teachers utilize WhatsApp in their instructional practices. However, not all learners have full access to smartphones. The study also revealed that teachers believe that using WhatsApp contributes to learners’ learning. The study recommended that the utilization of WhatsApp in Business Studies classrooms be strengthened to enhance learners’ learning. The study concluded that Business Studies teachers embrace WhatsApp in their instructional practices as a tool to enhance their teaching. Therefore, the study recommends that the Department of Basic Education formulate a framework that would guide teachers when integrating social media into their instructional practices
The defense of Rejneesh’s idea of inconsistency in scholars : the rejection of rigidity in academia
Get PDFJournal article published in African Perspectives of Research in Teaching & Learning Journal (APORTAL) Vol 7 (2) (2023)Although it is the nature of the world that things always change except the change itself, some scholars have become ideological in the strife for consistency. Some scholars take their ideas as sacred to the effect of sticking by them even when they are no longer sufficiently defensible. This fear of being inconsistent has crept even into the minds of scholars. Bagwan Rejneesh, an Indian philosopher who was always comfortable with changing and embracing change became vital as an advocate of thought development. This defense presents the necessity of being not resistant to change due to what one has held before. There has been a contradiction within the academic thoughts projected by some scholars. The center of the contradiction stems from scholars’ arguments for evolution and transformation while at the same time, they worry about being always
consistent. Therefore, this paper does not advocate thought anarchy, but it is set forth to logically defend the rejection of consistency when it no longer holds or is even defensible. This attitude of academics with sacred thoughts/ ideas happens to be utterly destructive within the academic sphere where progressive teaching and learning pedagogies must be taken into consideration. Not only that the academics themselves will benefit if they embrace a necessary change but also the students will benefit from the progressiveness and non-ideological teaching of their teachers/ lecturers. In my view, it seems very important that at some time academics rationally accept the change of times and accept that their ideas lack sacredness and universal eternity. Having this understanding
of academic rationality, I wish to put forth some skeptical views of Bagwan Rejneesh with regard to ideological ideas that claim sacredness even when they have become obsolete
Examining dissertations : the case of a university of technology in South Africa
Get PDFJournal article published in African Perspectives of Research in Teaching & Learning (APORTAL Vol. 7 (3) (2023)Assessment remains a source of contention within the education community. Inconsistency through contradictory evaluation techniques used by different practitioners makes assessments unreliable. This article reflects on my experience examining research dissertations as a novice academic at a university of technology in South Africa. The main objectives of the current reflective study are to improve my assessment practices by critiquing a dissertation examination tool and to highlight the marking principles to be considered when examining student submissions. I reviewed six dissertations from students busy studying towards their Bachelor of Technology degrees. The reflection was underpinned by Gibb’s reflective theory which presents a reflection cycle for the learner who is also the one reflecting. Several themes emerged from my deliberation
including the need to enhance the assessment tool, a call for consistency and reliability, and overcoming challenges. from this exercise, the following action plan was developed: continual refinement of assessment tools to develop a rubric; training, development and mentorship for novice assessors; and peer collaboration. By taking these actions, the assessment process for dissertations has the potential to not only benefit the assessors but also the students
The influence of social media advertising on consumer purchase intention and buying behaviour amongst youth in Limpopo Province
Get PDFThesis (M.A. (Media Studies)) -- University of Limpopo, 2023The title of this dissertation is the influence of social media advertising on consumer
purchase intention and buying behaviour amongst youth in Limpopo Province. The
quantitative research approach was applied in this study to investigate how social media
advertising influences purchase intention and buying behaviour among consumers
especially the youth in Mopani (Giyani and Tzaneen) and Capricorn (Polokwane and Ga Mothapo) Districts. Structured questionnaire was distributed to the target audience to get
knowledge regarding their experiences and views on the influence of social media
advertising during shopping. The sample size was 384 respondents. Data for this study
were analysed through SPSS software. Analysis methods such as multiple regression,
regression and correlation were used to test the influence of social media advertising on
consumer purchase intention and buying behaviour. The study found that advertising
brands through social media platforms are capable of influencing, attracting, and
providing trusted information about the product quality among consumers. The study also
revealed that there is strong correlation between social media advertising and youth
purchase intentions. Moreover, social media advertising influences the youth to a point
where purchase intention is developed. Out of 384 respondents 371 youth were likely to
make a purchase on the same day of using social media advertising. Mostly, those who
are influenced by social media advertising spend more on purchases that are less
important to them.
The result shows that marketers use psychological, personal, and social factors to arouse
consumers’ interests. Customers with a positive attitude towards social media advertising
are likely to produce beneficial behavioural actions. The finding revealed that consumers
experience financial, social, emotional, and psychological effects after purchasing
products. The research also finds significant positive relationship between purchase
intention and buying behaviour due to the influence of social media advertising. In this
respect, brands sellers could benefit from this research by acquiring a better
understanding of social media marketing strategies. Based on the research findings, the
researcher recommends that marketers of brands employ social media marketing
activities to increase customers purchase intention and buying behaviour