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The morpho-phonological properties of anaphoric constructions in Northern Sotho
Get PDFThesis (M.A. (Translation Studies and Linguistics)) -- University of Limpopo, 2022The aim of this study was to examine the morpho-phonological properties of the
anaphoric constructions in Northern Sotho using Binding Theory. This study adopted
the qualitative research method, where participant observation was used to collect
data. The study employed Textual Analysis to analyse the data.
The study identified reflexive and reciprocal data that constitute anaphors in Northern
Sotho. The study’s findings indicate that there are two types of anaphors, namely:
reciprocals and reflexives. In Northern Sotho, anaphors are in the form of verbs. The
basic structure of the reciprocal is the root verb, the reciprocal suffix (-an) plus the
terminative vowel (-a). The study found that reciprocals do not change or influence the
phonology of the verb. Yet another finding is that reflexives change the phonology of
the verb. When the reflexive prefix -i is attached to the root verb, it sometimes changes
the assimilation process
Nodulation bacteria, cucurbitacin-containing phytonematicides, dosage model and nutritional water productivity of sutherlandia frutescens in the context of climate-smart agriculture
Get PDFThesis (Ph.D. Agriculture (Plant Production)) -- University of Limpopo, 2022The unique phytochemical composition of the medicinal plant cancer bush (Sutherlandia frutescens) have made its foliage to gain much attention in South Africa due to its health benefits. In situ harvesting of the plant parts of this important species serve as one potential strategy to avert its extinction through whole plant harvesting, a common practice by rural communities. However, such a strategy is limited by lack of information on the agronomic requirements of the plant species and its susceptibility to root-knot (Meloidogyne species) nematodes. The objectives of the study were four-fold, namely, to: (1) identify nodulation bacteria associated with wild S. frutescens using morphological and biochemical techniques, (2) assess the efficacy of the nodulation isolates from different centres of biodiversity of S. frutescens in Limpopo Province, South Africa (3) test the compatibility of cucurbitacin-containing phytonematicides on S. frutescens for managing population densities of Meloidogyne species and (4) determine the nutritional water productivity (NWP) of S. frutescens in association with water scarcity of the region where the plant species originated. In achieving Objective 1, nodules from S. frutescens roots were washed in distilled water and healthy, undamaged, firm and pink nodules were sterilised. Aseptic nodules from S. frutescens roots and commercial strains were transferred into a smasher biomerieux polythene bag containing 10 ml distilled water and crashed to produce a milky suspension the milky suspension was streaked on Yeast extract mannitol agar (YEMA). After gram reaction, colony characterisation includes the investigation of shape, colour, configuration, elevation and margin of bacterial colony as observed in colonies on nutrient agar plates of overnight grown microorganisms using a microscope. The medium for biochemical test was prepared, inoculated with 5 μl purified
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bacterial cultures and incubated at 37°C for 48 h. Identification of the bacterial isolates was performed using VITEK 2 Systems (bioMérieux, Inc., North Carolina, USA). Using morphological and biochemical techniques, the bacterial species associated with roots of S. frutescens in the wild were assayed primarily those in the genera Raoutella ornithinolytica and Enterobacter cloacae species dissolvens. The VITEK 2 Systems confirmed the identification of the bacterial species from 80 to 96% of the samples. Three species were confirmed from another sampling area, Sphingomonas paucimobills, Raoutella ornithinolytica and Enterobacter cloacae species dissolvens from by 86 to 96% of the samples. In achieving Objective 2, the five treatments, namely, Bradyrhizobium spp. (Arachis) strain, Rhizobium leguminosarum strain, Tubatse strain, Sebayeng strain and untreated control, were laid-out in a randomised complete block design, with seven replications during the first season (Experiment 1) and with eight replications during the second season (Experiment 2). The seasonal interactions (Experiment 1 × Experiment 2) on plant and nutrient elements were not significant (P ≤ 0.05) and data for the two seasons were pooled (n = 75). Relative to untreated control, commercial (Bradyrhizobium and Rhizobium strain) and native strains (Tubatse and Sebayeng strain) significantly increased plant height by 31, 33, 44 and 40%, respectively, root length by 30, 41, 40 and 42%, respectively and dry shoot mass by 48,195 and 17%, respectively. Similarly, rhizobia strains significantly contributed to the increase in nitrogen assimilation by 7, 25 and 80%, respectively, protein synthesis by 13, 10, 24, 69%, respectively, and symbiotic efficiency by 31, 133, 292 and 82%, respectively. However, rhizobia inoculants had no significant effects on potassium and phosphorus in leaf tissues. In achieving Objective 3, in Mean Concentration Stimulation Point (MCSP) experiments, seven treatments,
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namely, 0, 2, 4, 8, 16, 32 and 64% for each phytonematicide, were arranged in a randomised complete block design (RCBD), with 8 replicates. In application interval experiments, treatments, based on “weeks-per-month-of-30 days” for M. javanica, which translated to 1, 2, 3 and 4 weeks, were arranged in a RCBD, with 10 replicates. Nemarioc-AL and Nemafric-BL phytonematicides had MCSP values of 3.43 and 4.03%, respectively, with the plant having high tolerance level to the products. The respective application interval of the two products for managing population densities of Meloidogyne species were 29 and 17 days. The dosage models for Nemarioc-AL and Nemafric-BL phytonematicides were 6.62 and 13.26%, respectively. In achieving Objective 5, the study used nine treatments designated as T1, T2, T3, T4, T5, T6, T7, T8 and T9, respectively, consisting of 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 and 9 seedlings/hole of drip irrigation transplanted using a 3S planter under field conditions, arranged in randomised complete block design (RCBD) with 9 replications (n = 81) in two seasons. The NWP of total flavonoids, total tannin and total phenol exhibited positive quadratic relations in varied planting density suggesting that this cultural practices could be manipulated to improve NWP of cancer bush. In conclusion, the wild bacterial isolates, sampled from S. frutescens plant grown in the field, outperformed the commercial bacterial strains in enhancing the productivity of the test plants. The empirically established dosage model for Nemarioc-AL and Nemafric-BL phytonematicides could be used to control Meloidogyne species in cancer bush production. There is a need to further investigate the responses of the identified strains to the test phytonematicides. Findings of the study openend new frontiers in the development and commercialisation of the observed native bacterial strains for the
cultivation of S. frutescens, which has excellent medicinal importance as a cure or management for cancer.Agricultural Research Council-Universities Collaboration Centre, the
National Research Foundation (NRF)
and the Flemish Inter-University Council
of Belgiu
A profile of hanging deaths admitted to Polokwane and Lebowakgomo forensic pathology service laboratories, Limpopo Province
Get PDFThesis (M.Med. (Forensic Pathology)) -- University of Limpopo, 2022Introduction and background: Hanging deaths contribute to premature
mortality locally and globally.
Aim: The study aimed to provide a profile of hanging deaths in Polokwane and
Lebowakgomo Forensic Pathology Service laboratories in the Limpopo
Province.
Method: A quantitative retrospective study was conducted using sample size of
141 hanging death victims that were selected using systematic random
sampling from hanging deaths admitted to Polokwane and Lebowakgomo
Forensic Pathology Service laboratories over a period of 2 years.
Results: The study revealed that majority of hanging deaths were adults aged
20-29. There was male predominance and majority of the victims were
unemployed. The hanging deaths victims were mostly discovered in the
morning and the peak period was over the weekend. The peak season was
summer. The post-mortem neck findings included visible ligature mark, located
above the thyroid cartilage and there were few associated injuries on the
internal neck structures. The alleged manner of death of the cases was
predominantly suicide, few of the deaths were homicide hanging deaths and no
there were no reported accidental cases.
Conclusion: The profile of hanging deaths identified was similar to that of
reviewed literature.
Awareness and usage of online public access catalogue by undergraduates students at University of Venda
Get PDFThesis (M.A. (Information Studies)) -- University of Limpopo, 2022Online Public Access Catalogue (OPAC) plays a critical role in assisting library patrons to effectively and efficiently locate information resources from the academic library. This study examined awareness and usage of the existing OPAC functionalities and capabilities among undergraduate students at the University of Venda (UNIVEN). The research methodology for the study was guided by the adoption of quantitative research approach and descriptive survey design. The data collection tool used was a google forms questionnaire, through which the link was distributed to all undergraduate students at UNIVEN via e-mail. Systematic random sampling method was used to arrive at a sampling frame of five hundred and sixty-three (563) participants represented in all eight (8) schools that comprise UNIVEN academic structure. The findings of the study revealed that the majority of undergraduate students rated their level of awareness as average. Their major source of awareness of OPAC is library training. Most of respondents were not aware and familiar with OPAC functionalities such as Boolean operators, truncation marks and advanced search. The study further revealed positive attitudes and promising perceptions towards OPAC. In terms of usage, the findings show that most of the respondents occasionally use OPAC, and the majority use a title search entry to conduct their search on OPAC and they prefer to use a simple search option. Furthermore, most of participants showed that their purpose of OPAC usage is to locate books in the library. The major challenge encountered by respondents in using OPAC was slow internet connectivity and their lack of skills in searching information from OPAC. Based on these findings, this study recommends that librarians ought to promote the importance of using all OPAC functionalities to improve awareness and optimal usage of the OPAC functionalities as an information retrieval tool. There is a need for intensified training on advanced search options, such as Boolean operators, Truncation marks and advanced search, through one-on-one instruction and Lib-guides
Community participation in the Integrated Development Planning processes as a means of improving local governance : a case of Polokwane Municipality
Get PDFThesis (MPAM.) -- University of Limpopo, 2022The study presents findings that examined the nature and extent of community
participation in the Integrated Development Planning (IDP) processes as a means of
improving local governance at the Polokwane Local Municipality. The study argues for
a need to empower communities with knowledge on the available mechanism as a
way of fulfilling the dream of a culture of participation. This is to increase unified
perception about the value of community participation in improving local governance.
However, local governance accountability can be gauged by the extent to which they
practise community participation in decision-making in facing up to the challenges of
the day. This is done by putting or encouraging community participation in the
processes that would help face up to the challenges of the day, including the IDP
processes.
The study applied a mixed-methods design and a combination of thematic data
analysis and Microsoft Excel (spreadsheet) to analyse data gathered. Structured
questionnaires were distributed to respective community members in the selected
communities: two villages of Potse and Mahlohlokwe; two townships Mankweng Unit
D and Mankweng Zone 1; two suburbs - Flora Park and Ivy Park. Furthermore, faceto-
face interviews were conducted with the Polokwane municipal officials responsible
for IDP, municipal manager, IDP manager and councillors of selected communities.
Findings of the study showed that community participation in the IDP processes was
viewed as one of the ways of enabling interaction between local government and
citizens. However, citizens faced challenges in the process of community participation
and that impacted on the level of community participation. It should, therefore, be
borne in mind that to improve local governance, it is necessary to look at the extent to
which communities are engaged in the processes of improving local governance.
Participation of communities in the development planning of their communities can
thus help improve local governance. Therefore, community participation should be
widely applied in the local government field to enable good governance and
sustainable development
Investigating reading challenges experiences by intermediate phase learners in Sekgosese West Circuit, Limpopo Province
Get PDFThesis (M. Ed. (Language Education)) -- University of Limpopo, 2022The purpose of this study was to investigate reading challenges experienced by Intermediate Phase learners at Mamothibi Lower Primary school and Molemole Lower primary school at Sekgosese West Circuit, Limpopo province. The study used qualitative research method investigate reading challenges experienced by Intermediate Phase learners. The population consisted of 42 Intermediate Phase learners and four English First Additional Language teachers. Non-probability and probability sampling procedures were used to generate the sample as well as purposive and convenient sampling due to the qualities respondents possess. Data was collected through semi-structured interviews and class observation. Data was analysed thematically. The findings of the study indicate that there are various factors that cause poor reading among learners such as poor command of vocabulary because learners do not practice extensive reading; no interest to learn creativity in reading but the goal to pass examination; lack of confidence to practice how to read in class; poor motivation and interest from teachers and parents to help develop the interest in learners; learners lack knowledge of reading strategies and teachers‘ inadequate knowledge on using reading strategies to teach reading skill. The study recommends that the Department of Basic Education should arrange on-going training on reading strategies for teachers and subject Advisors should continuously give teachers support on reading strategies
Evaluation of the nutritional quality of feed supplements utilized by communal cattle farmers during the dry season at Ga-Matlala, Limpopo Province, South Africa
Get PDFThesis (M.Sc. Agriculture (Animal Production)) -- University of Limpopo, 2022Refer to documentNational Research Foundation (NRF
Variation in soil carbon storage and emission in different land use types of the Letaba Catchment, Limpopo Province, South Africa
Get PDFThesis (M. Sc. Agriculture (Soil Science)) -- University of Limpopo, 2022The exponential growth in the world population has led to increased greenhouse gas emission. Carbon dioxide (CO2) is one of the major greenhouse gases being emitted mainly through the burning of fossil fuels, solid waste and soil respiration, thus it’s crucial to reduce its emission into the atmosphere. However, the emission of CO2 from agricultural fields have long been overlooked. This study was aimed at attaining a better understanding of the effect of land use type on carbon (C) storage and emission from the soil. The objectives of the research were to (1) determine the variation and effect of season and land use on selected soil properties, soil CO2 emission and soil C storage, to (2) characterise the microbial decomposer communities in the various land use types and determine their impact on CO2 emission and to (3) determine the major soil factors driving the emission of CO2 in the various land use types. The study was conducted in the Letaba catchment in the Limpopo province under the banana plantation, Eucalyptus grandis (planted forest), bush, maize and forest (natural forest) land use types where in each, three plots were set up and C chambers were installed. The CO2 and soil temperature data were measured by the GMP343 probe fitted with infra-red sensor (CO2) and Pt1000 temperature sensor. While the volumetric moisture (measured in %) of the soil was measured using a soil moisture meter. The CO2, soil moisture and soil surface temperature data were measured every two weeks for a whole year. Soil samples were also collected and analysed for chemical (exchangeable acidity, pH, macro and micro nutrients), physical (SOC stocks, MWD, bulk density, infiltration, clay % and SOC %) and biological properties (bacterial and fungal counts). The results showed a significant (p banana > maize > bush > eucalyptus. The high CO2 emission rate under the forest land use type was due to the high amount of organic matter (OM) and the quality of the OM found on the forest floor as it is easily degradable than that found under the eucalyptus land use type. This was also due to higher root respiration as all areas without trees had standing grass biomass. The land use type affected the soil C storage significantly and the C stocks were ranked from highest to lowest in the following order: forest > eucalyptus > banana > maize > bush. The interaction between the season and land use type displayed significant (p<0.001) impacts on the emission rate of CO2. The eucalyptus land use type had the lowest CO2 emission rate in the autumn and summer while the bush land use type had lower CO2 rates in winter and spring. The highest CO2 emission rates during the spring and summer season was under the forest land use type, while autumn and winter had the highest emission rates under the banana land use type. The results displayed insignificant negative relationships between all soil physical properties (except C stocks and fungal count), with both the C emission and the C storage. In contrast, the C stocks and the fungal count of the soils were the only properties which had significant (p<0.05) relationships with both the storage and the emission of soil C. The main driver of CO2 emission was the soil moisture content under all the land use types, with exception of the banana land use type where soil surface temperature drove CO2 emission. In conclusion, the land use type and season have significant impacts on the storage and emission of C and are largely influenced by the soil surface temperature and moisture content. Also, land use type and seasons interacted to influence soil CO2 emission rates. Thus, an improved understanding of the dynamic relationship between the land use type and C storage and emission as affected by season, soil properties and land management practices can subsequently aid in the mitigation of CO2 emission and thus enhance soil C sequestration, to help reduce climate change
A discursive analysis of the use of mathematical vocabulary in a grade 9 mathematics classroom
Get PDFThesis (M.Ed. (Mathematics Education)) -- University of Limpopo, 2022A classroom in which learners are afforded opportunities to engage in
meaningful mathematical discourse (Sfard, 2008) is desirable for the effective
teaching and learning of mathematics. However, engagement in mathematical
discourse requires learners to use appropriate mathematical vocabulary to think,
learn, communicate and master mathematics (Monroe & Orme, 2002). Hence, I have
undertaken this study to explore how mathematical vocabulary is used during
mathematical classroom discourse using the lens of the commognitive framework. I
chose a qualitative approach as an umbrella for the methodology with ethnography
as the research design whereby participant observation, structured interviews and
documents were used to collect data. One Grade 9 mathematics classroom with 25
learners and their mathematics teacher were purposefully selected as participants
in the study.
During data analysis, I looked at Sfard’s (2008) constructs of the
commognitive theory to analyse the data and identify the mathematics vocabulary
used in the discourse. This was followed by the use of realisation trees that I
constructed for the teacher and learners’ discourse, which I used to identify learners
thinking as either being explorative or ritualistic. Results indicate that both the
teacher and learners use mathematical vocabulary objectively with positive whole
numbers to produce endorsed narrative regulated by explorative routines. However,
with algebraic terms both positive and negative, the teacher and learners’ discourse
is mostly disobjectified, and produces narratives that are not endorsed and are
regulated by ritualistic routines. It also became evident that the mathematical
vocabulary that the teacher and learners use in the classroom discourse includes
words that are mathematical in nature and colloquial words that learners use for
mathematical meaning.
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Furthermore, learners’ responses to the given mathematics questions which
they are solving are mostly correct, hence it can be argued that the learners’
narratives were endorsed. However, their realisation trees indicates that learners
were not working with mathematical objects in their own right (Sfard, 2008) and
hence their narratives were not endorsed. I have recommended in this study, that
teachers need to be cautious when operating with entities and not separate
operations from their mathematical terms. Furthermore, the department of basic
education, during workshops should encourage educators to always request
reasons from learners substantiating their answers to questions in order to enhance
their explorative thinking
The challenges of pictorial illustrations in texts faced by students : the case of the University of Limpopo in Limpopo Province, South Africa
Get PDFThesis (M. A. (English Studies)) -- University of Limpopo, 2022This study explored the challenges of pictorial illustrations in texts faced by Students: The case of the University of Limpopo in Limpopo Province, South Africa. The study seeks to contribute to the process of understanding pictorial illustrations in a teaching and learning environment, where there are VI (visually impaired) students. This study employed a qualitative research approach, and interviews were used to collect data from the respondents. The respondents were ten VI students, five lecturers in the English discipline and two braillists from Reakgona Disability Centre. The selection was based on the roles they play in the learning and preparing of learning materials for VI students. The overall findings from the VI students were that pictorial illustrations are challenging when students are learning English language courses. It was established that pictorials materials exclude and confuse VI students when they are learning. Those pictorials also discourage participation of VI students, as they cannot see the pictorials. On the other hand, lecturers have challenges in explaining and describing pictorials during lessons. Again, it was discovered that when developing pictorial illustrations VI students are not taken into consideration because most content always includes pictorials. The overall findings from the braillists were that English language learning materials with pictorial illustrations are not easy to convert to braille and to enlarge for VI students. The study recommended ways to deal with pictorials in lessons and materials. For example, workshops to help lecturers to accommodate VI students in the learning environment. The study encouraged a good working relationship to assist VI students to overcome pictorial challenges in English courses. This study was intended to offer assistance in terms of the challenges experienced by V1 students with regard to pictorials illustrations in English language learning materials and courses