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Assessment of relationship between body weight and morphological traits of South African non-descript indigenous goats using different data mining algorithm
Get PDFThesis (M. Agricultural Management (Animal Production)) -- University of Limpopo, 2022Modern analytical techniques such as data mining algorithms are used to create a
model that accurately estimates continuous dependent variable from independent
variables of a given set of data. The present study used different data mining
algorithms to assess the association between body weight (BW) and morphological
characteristics such as body length (BL), heart girth (HG), withers height (WH), rump
height (RH), and rump length (RL) of South African non-descript indigenous goats.
The research was carried out in the Lepelle-Nkumbi Local Municipality, Capricorn
District in the Limpopo province of South Africa. The study used 700 non-descript
indigenous goats which include 283 bucks and 417 does with age ranged from one
to five years old. The morphological characteristics were taken with a tailor measuring
tape and a wood ruler calibrated in centimetres (cm), while the BW was taken with a
balanced animal scale calibrated in kilograms (kg). Before the goats were allowed to
go for grazing, the following body measurements (BW, BL, HG, WH, RH and RL) was
taken once in the morning. Data was analyzed using descriptive statistics, Pearson
correlation, various data mining algorithms (Chi-square automatic interaction
detector, Classification, and regression tree), analysis of variance and goodness of
fit equations (Coefficient of determination (R2), adjusted coefficient of determination
(Ajd.R2), root mean square error (RMSE), relative approximate error (RAE), standard
deviation ratio (SD. ratio) and coefficient of variance (CV)). The result showed that,
BW and HG had higher mean values in does than bucks, BL and WH had higher
mean values in bucks than does, and RH and RL had equal mean values in bucks
and does, according to descriptive statistics. Furthermore, our findings showed that
the BW of does had positive significant correlation (P < 0.01) with BL (r = 0.65), and
positive significant correlation (P < 0.05) with HG (r = 0.28), but non-significant
correlation (P > 0.05) with WH (r = 0.21), RH (r = 0.23) and RL (r = 0.23). However,
the result for bucks indicated that BW had positive significant correlation (P < 0.01)
with BL (r = 0.65) but non-significant correlation with HG (r = 0.22), WH (r = 0.07),
RH (r = 0.14) and RL (r = 0.12). The chi-square automatic interaction detector and
classification and regression tree results indicated that BL in bucks and does had
statistical significance (P < 0.01) on BW followed by age, HG, and villages where the
animals were raised. Goodness of fit results indicated there was high R2 = 0.58, Adj.
R2 = 0.58, and low SD. Ratio = 0.65, RAE = 0.02, RMSE = 5.53) and CV = 14.49 in
CHAID model and low R2 = 0.51, Adj. R2 = 0.46 and high SD. Ratio = 0.70, RAE =
0.20, RMSE = 5.95 and CV = 15.49 in CART model. Analysis of variance results
indicated that age had significant difference (P < 0.01) on BW and some
morphological traits including BL, HG, WH and RH. Sex only revealed significant
difference (P < 0.01) in RL. It was concluded that BL alone in both sexes can be used
as a selection criterion when determining body weight of goats. Both CHAID and
CART suggest that BL alone can be used as a predictor of body weight in goats.
Goodness of fit calculations suggest that CHAID is the best model due to its high R2,
Adj. R2 and low RAE and RMSE. Findings suggest that age can be used as deciding
factor for the measured traits including BW, BL, HG, WH and RH in both does and
bucks. Findings suggest that sex can only be used as a deciding for RL only in the
current study.National Research Foundation (NRF
Effects of harvest stages, postharvest pre-treatments and storage duration on the quality and shelf life of minimally processed litchi
Get PDFThesis (M.Sc. Agriculture (Horticulture)) -- University of Limpopo, 2022The most common postharvest limitation of litchi fruit is pericarp browning, which leads to consumer rejection of the solid fruit in the market even when the edible portion is not affected. Previously, sulphur dioxide (SO2) fumigation was used to control the browning and extend shelf life of litchi fruit. However, SO2 fumigation leaves undesirable residues, alters the fruit taste and may results in health hazards for consumers. An alternative method, namely, minimal processing was used to control pericarp browning and curb postharvest losses in litchi. Litchi fruit were harvested at two maturity stages (early harvest; 120 days after full bloom (DAFB), late harvest; 130 DAFB), peeled and immersed for two (2) minutes in three (3) solutions that represented treatments, namely 1) 1% citric acid 2) 1% calcium lactate and 3) a combination of citric acid and calcium lactate both at 1% measure. The untreated arils were dipped in sodium hypochloride (NaOCl) solution for 1 minute and represented the control samples. The treated arils were packed in sterilized clamshell containers and stored at 1±0.5°C and 95% relative humidity for 12 days, then held at 10±0.5°C for 2 days for shelf life study. As a result of the interaction effect of harvest stages and postharvest pre-treatments, least mass loss percentage (1.32%), juice leakage (1.8 ml per 120 g of fruit) and pH (4.18) was observed in litchi arils harvested late and treated with 1% citric acid only under cold storage. Under shelf life study, H2 control samples presented lower mass loss (2.8%) and juice leakage (4.2 ml per 120 g of fruit). At the end of cold storage, litchi arils harvested early and treated with 1% citric acid combined with 1% calcium lactate presented better tissue strength (56.0 N) and radical scavenging activity (36.6 mmol AAE/mL), while those harvested late presented higher ascorbic acid content (72.9 µg/mL), least microbial population and total colour change (3.5). However, at the end of shelf life storage, litchi arils harvested early and treated with 1% citric acid combined with 1% calcium lactate presented lower (3.1) total change in colour. Overall, harvesting the fruit late and treating with citric acid alone or combined with calcium lactate showed the potential of maintaining better aril quality with least microbial population for up to 12 days under 1±0.5°C storage, whereas harvesteing the fruit early and treating with citric acid alone or combined with calcium lactate showed the potential of maintaining better aril quality under shelf life storage.
Keywords: Litchi chinesis sonn; calcium lactate; citric acid; maturity; fresh-cut.Agricultural Research Council (ARC), National Research Foundation (NRF)
and Agri-Set
Non compliance of Greater Tzaneen Local Municipality with constitutional language stipulation : the case of language policy
Get PDFThesis (M.A. (Translation Studies and Linguistics)) -- University of Limpopo, 202
“They shouted at me to discontinue exclusive breastfeeding”: narratives of mothers in Limpopo Province of South Africa as they grabble with exclusive breastfeeding
Get PDFJournal article published in the Bangladesh Journal of Medical Science Vol. 21 No. 04 October’22Objective: Exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of an infant’s life is an internationally
recognised practice that promotes maternal and child health. Mothers and theirinfantsreap health
and socioeconomic benefits from exclusive breastfeeding. Even with these benefits, exclusive
breastfeeding is still a challenge for some mothers to practice. Many studies revealed numerous
challenges and enablers, and proposed comprehensive solutions, but implementation of exclusive
breastfeeding for six months remains a challenge although there is some improvement. This
study therefore explored barriers and facilitators to practice exclusive breastfeeding for the first
six months of the infant’s life among mothers attending a health centre in Limpopo Province
of South Africa, to contribute to the ongoing measures to increase the practice. Materials and
methods: Mothers were selected through purposive sampling and semi-structured interviews
were held with those willing to participate until saturation of data was reached. Interviews were
audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim and analysed using a thematic analysis approach. Ethical
issues of consent, permission and confidentiality were respected as well as trustworthiness
criteria. Results and Discussion: Nine mothers narrated their experiences as they navigated
through the exclusive breastfeeding practice. Education on exclusive breastfeeding and social
support to a breastfeeding mother emerged as both barriers and facilitators to practice exclusive
breastfeeding for six months. Conclusion: The study recommends that vigorous education
on exclusive breastfeeding for six months be given to mothers during antenatal care and be
extended to include relatives to empower them to support a breastfeeding mothe
Water irrigation costs and farm outputs : a case of selected crops in Limpopo Province
Get PDFThesis (M. Com. (Accounting)) -- University of limpopo, 2022Water scarcity is a problem for many countries across the world. Limpopo Province is no exception, as the province has regions that are arid and/or semi-arid. The accessibility of water and the management of water is amongst the critical issues faced by some of the rural farmers in the Limpopo Province. The challenge of inappropriate and inefficient use of modern irrigation technologies is associated with the exorbitant investment and operation costs, resulting in poor irrigation practices by smallholder farmers in the province, mainly affecting the production of citrus, avocado, nuts, potatoes and tomato production resulting in reduced yields and revenues. The study conducted a case study on the selected crop in the Limpopo Province, which included crops such as citrus, nuts, avocados, potatoes and tomatoes. The objectives of the study are to examine the influence that investments in water irrigation infrastructure has on the volume of farm yield, as well as to examine the influence of the cost of water irrigation systems on the volume of farm yield on the selected crops. The study used a survey research design, together with a mixed-method approach, whereby 50 farmers were purposively sampled in the Limpopo province. Primary data were collected from a focus group discussion and the administration of a questionnaire. A multivariate analysis was used to analyse the data. Out of 50 farmers, only 48 responded, which is a 96% response rate. From the analysis, the study found that investment in water irrigation has a positive and significant influence on the farm yield at a 0.01 confidence level. Furthermore, the OLS regression shows that a positive and significant relationship exists between the total cost index for Citrus and the farm yield. The total cost index has a varying effect on the distribution of farm yield. It is expected that an increase in the level of education will increase revenue. Overall, the industry may also need to look at the introduction of hybrid systems that are more cost-effective, that take advantage of solar and wind energy. Future research can look at the different crops in different provinces of South Africa.Kagiso Trus
Influence of bagging materials on maturity indices and post-harvest quality of 'roma vf' and 'tinker' cherry tomatoes
Get PDFThesis (M.Sc. (Horticulture)) -- University of Limpopo, 2022The purpose of this study was to assess the impact of pre-harvest bagging materials
on maturity indices and post-harvest quality of cherry tomatoes. At pre-harvest, fruit
were bagged with blue and transparent plastic bags of 0.075- and 0.025-mm
thickness, respectively. The non-bagged fruit were considered as control treatment.
The experiment was carried out in a randomized complete block design arranged in
a 2 × 3 factorial arrangement with three replications. Physical quality parameters
such as; colour changes (L*, a*, b*, C*, h˚, and ΔE), firmness, weight loss and size
were assessed. Physico-chemical parameters such as pH, total soluble solids, and
total titratable acidity were also evaluated. Bagging had a significant effect on the
quality of both cherry tomato cultivars. The results showed that bagging cherry
tomatoes at 1.5 cm diameter with blue and transparent plastic bags accelerated
maturity. Moreover, bagging with transparent plastic bags enhanced exocarp colour,
reduced weight loss, retained larger size, increased pH and TTA, with an increase in
TSS when compared with blue plastic bags and control, respectively at 12 days of
shelf-life. In conclusion, the findings demonstrate that pre-harvest bagging has the
potential to improve maturity indices and post-harvest quality of cherry tomatoes.
Therefore, pre-harvest bagging can be used as an alternative method to enhance
cherry tomato fruit quality and shelf-life.NR
An investigation into school finance committees in administering financial resource : a case study of the Phokoane Circuit, Limpopo Province
Get PDFThesis(MPA.) -- University of Limpopo, 2022Schools depend on the funds allocated by the government, parents and to an extent
donation from Non-Governmental Organisations (NGO). According to the Public
Finance Management Act, 1999 (Act 1 of 1999), all public institutions must utilise
funds in an effective, efficient and transparent manner. Schools as one of the public
institutions are therefore expected to meet the expectations. To ensure compliance
and smooth administration of public finances in schools, the government developed
rules, legislations and policies as guiding tools in the administration of finances. In
the school setup it is the responsibility of the school governing bodies guided by the
principals to ensure proper and lawful usage of funds (South African Schools Act,
1996, Act 84 of 1996). Furthermore, South African Schools Act, 1996(Act 84 of
1996), stipulates that the responsibilities and the accountability of the finances rest
on the shoulders of the Finance Committee. It is therefore necessary for the Finance
Committees to have the necessary competencies in financial management and
administration.
The study aimed at investigating the competency of the Finance Committees in
administering the financial resources in Phokoane Circuit schools. The study was
guided by the Professionalism Theory to address the research problem.
Professionalism theory also assisted in the methodology used to collect and analyse
data to obtain trustworthy findings. The study is a qualitative research enquiry in
nature. The study employed qualitative research methods in which data was
collected through interviews and document study. Four no- fee schools were
sampled. The treasurer, finance officer, SGB Chairperson and Deputy Chairperson
of each sampled school constituted the participants of the study.
The study revealed lack of knowledge and skills in financial administration, non compliance of the legislation frameworks and the financial policies, insufficient
accountability; control and monitoring of finances, lack of teamwork, incompetence of
Finance Committees members, insufficient financial resources and overlapping of
responsibilities between the principals and Finance Committees in schools. Based
on these findings the study recommends that in-depth training of Finance Committee
be undertaken, Finance Committee members are developed in financial legislative
frameworks and policies. Furthermore, the study recommends that the Finance
Committee be developed on programmes in accounting, monitoring and control of
finances. Additionally, the study also recommends that teamwork on the financial
activities be enhanced and that financial resources in schools be adequately
available. Through the development of members of Finance Committee the
overlapping responsibilities between the principals and the committee will be
avoided
A feminist examination of the position of African women in selected female African novels
Get PDFThesis (M.A. (English Studies)) -- University of Limpopo, 2022This study will examine the position of traditional African women as explored in the fictions, The Joys of Motherhood (Buchi Emecheta) and So Long a Letter (Mariama Bâ). It will probe into the depiction of a traditional African woman in the selected texts under thematic issues which will assist us in understanding how Emacheta and Ba perceive issues that directly impact the lives of women, even today. The issues include patriarchy, marriage, motherhood and childbearing, sex and gender, objectification of women, and the role of the chief wife. Both Emecheta and Bâ use communal voices that blend cultural incidents with fiction to demonstrate the subordinate role played by women in traditional African societies that are characterised by patriarchal practices and suppression of women. Both Emecheta and Bȃ demonstrate cultural and religious stereotypes towards African women. This study will apply the African womanism lens as a theoretical framework to underpin it. The study will attempt to reveal that, from the selected texts, contemporary African women writers oppose the injustice inflicted upon them through marriage or gender (sex) stereotypes. The selected fictions help the audience understand the plight of some African women
Masters student's experiences of research supervision at the University of Limpopo : towards best practice
Get PDFThesis (M.Ed. (Community and Continuing Education)) -- University of Limpopo, 2022This study reports on the exploration of masters students’ experiences of research supervision at the University of Limpopo. The key research question was what are master students’ experiences of research supervision at the University of Limpopo? The study is aligned with an interpretive paradigm to interact with the participants directly in their natural setting. A qualitative research approach was deemed appropriate, using case study design. Participants were purposively sampled from the Faculties of Humanities, and Management and Law. The study sample was composed of twelve master students and twelve supervisors from the three schools in each faculty. The preferred techniques of collecting data were document analysis, semi-structured interviews and observations. The study has revealed that both master students and supervisors are experiencing challenges with regard to research supervision. Most of the schools apply the traditional research supervision model; there is insufficient printers for supervisors in different schools; supervisors are overloaded with teaching and supervision work and as such students get feedback on their research work after a long time; some supervisors do not sign a memorandum of understanding with students; students’ research proposals undergo many levels before they are approved. However, the university supports students financially; workshops and seminars for master students are conducted for knowledge enrichment and skills development and infrastructure for research supervision that includes a library, computer laboratory, a Centre for Academic Excellence and a postgraduate Centre is available. It is recommended that the university introduce a co-supervision model in schools where the traditional model of supervision is still predominant. This will be invaluable in allowing supervisors to share research supervision experiences. Supervisors should be provided with enough printers in their offices. Turfloop Research Ethics Committee should hold regular meetings to approve students’ proposals on time. Approval of research proposals should be at school, faculty and Turfloop Research Ethics Committee levels. Master students should sign a Memorandum of Understanding in the early stages of their studies to enhance students’ commitment. Supervisors should also be allocated less teaching work to allow them enough time to focus on research supervision
Outpatients’ satisfaction with healthcare services received at a district hospital in Botswana
Get PDFJournal article published in Ghana Med J 2022; 56(3): 215-220SUMMARY
Objectives: To investigate patient satisfaction regarding healthcare services at a district hospital. The research ques-tion was: what is the level of patient satisfaction regarding service delivery?
Design: An observational cross-sectional descriptive study conducted in September 2019.
Settings: A district hospital in Botswana serving a population of 90 000. Outpatients from the Eye clinic, Casualty and Outpatient Department, Sexual Reproductive Health clinic and Infectious Diseases Control Centre were selected for the study
Participants: 240 stable outpatients over 17 years selected through consecutive sampling participated voluntarily after giving informed consent.
Main outcome measures: The level of satisfaction was measured using 19 questions on five-point Likert scales rang-ing from strongly disagree 1, disagree 2, unsure 3, agree 4 to strongly agree 5. A binary outcome was created into satisfied and unsatisfied using the mean score as the cut-off point. Age, gender, employment, education and depart-ments were independent variables.
Results: 65% (95% CI: 58-71%) were satisfied but unsatisfied with: doctor’s politeness (66.9%; 95% CI: 60-73%), explaining (67.8%; 95% CI: 61-73%), privacy (65.6%; 95% CI: 59-72%), skills (67.4%; 95% CI: 61-73%), confidence (67.4% 95% CI: 61-73%), compassion (66.5%; 95% CI: 60-72%) and waiting time (49.2%; 95% CI: 42-57%). De-partment visited predicted satisfaction (p=0.002); those from the Eye clinic and Sexual Reproductive Health clinic were satisfied compared to others.
Conclusion: Satisfaction was generally high but lower regarding specified services and departments visited. There is a need for targeted interventions. Studies are needed to explore reasons for lower satisfaction in Casualty, Outpatient Department and Infectious Diseases Control Centre