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Knowledge, practices, and perceptions of exercise promotion among counselling and clinical psychologists in South Africa
Full text linkDespite the growing body of evidence supporting the effectiveness of exercise in improving mental health outcomes, it appears that exercise is generally not included in the treatment of persons with mental illness (PWMI). Therefore, this study investigated South African psychologists’ knowledge, practices and perceptions of exercise as a treatment for mental health illness. Respondents (N= 66) completed the Exercise in Mental Illness Questionnaire - Health Professional Version (EMIQ-HP). The findings of this study reveal that most psychologists believe that exercise will help PWMI (96.97%) and that prescribing exercise is part of their job (69.67%). However, very few (9.10%) psychologists had received formal training regarding exercise prescription. The vast majority reported prescribing exercise at least occasionally (89.39%), with almost half (45.45%) doing so most of the time. The method most frequently used was personal discussion (88.14%), and aerobic exercise was most commonly recommended (55.93%). Regarding psychologists’ exercise habits, the majority (78.79%) reported moderate or high physical activity levels. No significant associations were found between the frequency of exercise prescription and: a) the exercise habits of respondents (p = .718); b) category of registration (p = .30); c) gender (p = .94); or d) beliefs held about the value of exercise (p = .37). Significant associations were found between rates of exercise prescription and: a) beliefs that PWMI know that exercise is good for their physical and mental health (p = .016); b) more years in practice (p = .012), and c) fewer perceived barriers to exercise prescription (p < .001).Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Health Sciences, School of Behavioural & Lifestyle Sciences, 202
Green retrofitting of existing buildings in the Eastern Cape
Full text linkThe operational lifespan of facilities or buildings has been significantly influenced by environmental or climate change and economic conditions. The professionals in the built environment have been seeking ways to lessen the environmental impact of buildings or facilities. Embracing green retrofitting yields financial advantages from lower water and energy usage, savings during the operational lifecycle, a decrease in scheduled maintenance and repair intervals to improved health and productivity, among other factors. Green retrofitting is a process of refurbishing existing buildings to advance their energy effectiveness, minimise their environmental influence and enhance indoor air quality and comfort. The study aims to investigate the effective strategies to overcome challenges and simultaneously identify driving factors for accelerating the implementation of green retrofitting of existing buildings in the Eastern Cape. The quantitative research approach was adopted in the study. The data collection method comprised primary and secondary data, where primary data was collected by administering questionnaires to randomly selected professionals and secondary data was obtained from research publications. The sampling strata of the study consisted of Construction Project Managers, Construction Managers, Quantity Surveyors, Architects, and Green Building consultants based in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa. Descriptive and inferential statistics were adopted for analysing the gathered data. The findings of the study revealed that the implementation of green retrofitting of existing buildings is still in the nascent stage. The findings revealed that, cultural change resistance, higher initiation costs, availability of green materials, and technical expertise and knowledge are the major challenges hindering implementation of green retrofitting. Furthermore, the Kruskal-Wallis test revealed that there is no significant difference regarding the challenges of green retrofitting of existing buildings across the different built environment professions. It is evident from the findings of the study that environmental, economic, and social drivers mainly influence the adoption of green retrofitting. Additionally, the inferential statistics revealed that there is no significant difference between the drivers and the profession or occupation of the respondents. The study divulged that the most effective strategies for promoting green retrofitting through mandatory government policies and regulations, and through awareness campaigns and educational trainings, workshops and seminars. The Kruskal-Wallis test revealed that there is no significant difference between the various professionals and the promotional strategies. The findings of the study have assisted in identifying effective promotional strategies for augmenting the implementation of green retrofitting of existing buildings in the Eastern Cape.Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Engineering, the Built Environment, and Technology, School of Built Environment and Civil Engineering, 202
Aerodynamic profiling of a gt3 racing vehicle using both simulation and component level physical testing techniques as a platform for improving its aerodynamic performance
Full text linkThe objective of this research is to improve the on-track performance of a Lamborghini Huracan GT3 EVO by mapping the aerodynamic profile of the vehicle using CFD and aerodynamic testing techniques on the component level. The CFD simulations were done using Altair UltraFluidX, a Lattice Boltzmann driven solver. The simulations were solved on the CHPC HPC cluster as they were very computationally intensive. Before the vehicle was simulated, a simple NACA0012 air foil was used as a benchmark test. The results correlated to published literature, validating the experimental procedure. The results were used to dictate design changes including improved dive planes, an improved rear wing angle, and vortex generators on the roof. This resulted in an improvement in aerodynamic efficiency of 3%. A physical wind tunnel test was also conducted on a 3D printed model of the rear wing to be able to verify the CFD results. CFD simulations are not commonly used in local industry in South Africa. This research serves as a stepping stone in the right direction for the engineering sector in South Africa and will advance our understanding of these new technologies which allows us to stay competitive in the global economy.Thesis (MEng) -- Faculty of Engineering, the Built Environment, and Technology, School of Engineering, 202
A framework for cultivating gen-z leadership at a software development organisation in Gqeberha
Full text linkAs Generation Z (Gen Z) continues to enter the global job market, organisations encounter the significant challenge of comprehending and integrating this latest group of employees. Often misinterpreted, Gen Z offers distinct viewpoints, technological proficiency and varying expectations compared to earlier generations. Acknowledging that these individuals will become future leaders, organisations must invest effectively in their training and development of this cohort. Neglecting to do so could lead to challenges in retaining Gen Z employees and may adversely affect organisational performance, as strong leadership is a crucial element of success. A positivistic quantitative research methodology was employed, utilising a structured survey to collect data from Gen Z employees within the organisation. The survey garnered responses from 125 participants, providing a substantial dataset for analysis. Statistical techniques were used to examine the relationships between the identified factors and leadership development, including exploratory factor analysis, correlation analysis and regression modelling. The study developed a model for cultivating leadership among Gen Z employees through a comprehensive literature review and empirical investigation. The model integrates key factors such as leader engagement, career advancement opportunities, mentorship, leadership style and leadership skill acquisition methods. Each component addresses specific aspects of leadership development that are particularly relevant to Gen Z employees. For example, leader engagement highlights the importance of active involvement and support from current leaders, while mentorship highlights the value Gen Z places on personalised guidance and feedback. The model also considers preferred leadership styles that resonate with Gen Z, such as transformational and ethical leadership. It incorporates modern, technology-driven skill acquisition methods that align with their digital fluency. The proposed model acts as a strategic tool for organisations aiming to improve their leadership development programs. By customising initiatives to align with Gen Z's expectations and capitalising on their strengths, organisations can adequately equip these employees for leadership positions in the future. This forward-thinking strategy not only helps in retaining talent but also guarantees a strong pipeline of qualified leaders who can enhance organisational performance in a competitive and ever-changing market. The research stresses the necessity for organisations to modify their leadership development strategies in response to the changing workforce dynamics. By recognising and applying the elements outlined in the model, organisations can effectively cultivate Gen Z employees into competent leaders, thus ensuring their ongoing success and sustainability.Thesis (MBA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, Business School, 202
Determinants of market-related parameters considered by small-scale farmers before marketing their produce: a case of cassava farmers in South Africa
Full text linkCassava (Manihot esculenta) plays a vital role in enhancing food security due to its resilience to climate change and multipurpose use, such as food to communities, animal feeds, and raw materials for industries. However, small-scale cassava farmers in South Africa encounter a variety of barriers that impede their ability to effectively market their cassava produce. These barriers are influenced by an interplay of market-related, socioeconomic, and institutional factors, as well as challenges related to both production and marketing processes. This study sought to contribute towards the existing knowledge on small-scale farmers' market participation by analysing the socioeconomic and institutional factors influencing market-related parameters considered before selling cassava in the Limpopo, Mpumalanga, and KwaZulu-Natal provinces. Specifically, the study aims to identify and analyse market-related parameters that small-scale cassava farmers consider before selling their produce. Secondly, the study seeks to examine the socio-economic and institutional factors that influence these market-related parameters. Finally, the study analysed production and marketing challenges encountered by small-scale farmers before selling cassava. Using a semi-structured questionnaire, data were gathered from 240 randomly selected small-scale farmers in Limpopo, Mpumalanga, and KwaZulu Natal. Descriptive statistics were used to identify market-related parameters and the challenges encountered by small-scale farmers. On the other hand, a probit regression model was used to analyse the factors influencing the identified market-related parameters. The statistical packages used to summarize and analyse the data were Excel and R version 4.4.1. Study findings reveal that small-scale farmers considered market price and demand as the primary parameters influencing selling decisions, with emergency harvest and peer/cooperative influence playing secondary yet statistically significant roles. Furthermore, the socioeconomic and institutional factors significantly shape decision-making. Female farmers were more likely to prioritize market price, reflecting their dominant role in cassava marketing. Larger farm sizes increased the probability of demand consideration, underscoring economies of scale. Educated farmers demonstrated a higher likelihood of resorting to emergency harvesting, indicating adaptive risk management. Cooperative membership reduced reliance on external influence, highlighting the role of collective bargaining. The identified production-related challenges that hinder farmers' participation in markets, including pests and diseases, weeds, lack of agrochemicals, soil erosion, and limited access to high-quality planting materials. Marketing-related challenge that hinder market participation was limited access to market information lack of government support, measurement issues at the point of sales, bad road networks, and difficulty encountered while harvesting. This study recommends that the government also implement a system that provides farmers with market information to enable them to make informed decisions regarding when and where to sell their products. Farmers should join cooperative farmer groups or clusters to take advantage of collective market opportunities and gain better access to inputs and other resources. Policymakers and government should prioritize investments in rural infrastructure, such as rural roads, especially in production areas and the transport system in general.Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, School of Natural Resource Science & Management, 202
Ant colony optimisation based routing and wavelength assignment algorithm for transparent flexi-grid optical burst switched networks using link usability metric
Full text linkThe increasing demand for high-bandwidth applications such as video streaming and cloud computing is driving the evolution of optical networks to manage dynamic traffic patterns more efficiently. Among emerging paradigms, Optical Burst Switching (OBS) over transparent flexi-grid networks shows great promise for optimising resource utilisation compared to traditional Optical Circuit Switching (OCS). However, two key challenges hinder its adoption, namely, high burst loss due to contention in OBS and the heightened susceptibility of flexi-grid systems to optical impairments. Addressing these limitations is critical to harnessing the full potential of these technologies This thesis investigates the application of Ant Colony Optimisation (ACO) algorithms to solve the Routing and Wavelength Assignment (RWA) problem in flexigrid OBS networks. Building on prior work that developed the Flexible Spectrum Ant Colony (FSAC) and Congestion Measure Flexible Spectrum Ant Colony (CMFSAC) algorithms, this study introduces a novel approach: the Usability Metric Flexible Spectrum Ant Colony (UM-FSAC). The UM-FSAC algorithm incorporates a dynamic “Link Usability” metric that evaluates network link quality based on fragmentation and wavelength utilisation, enabling more effective resource allocation. Performance evaluation reveals that UM-FSAC significantly reduces Burst Loss Probability (BLP) compared to earlier algorithms. Additionally, this study provides a holistic analysis of network performance, considering metrics such as fairness and efficiency, to offer deeper insights into the broader impacts of ACO-based RWA strategies. Furthermore, the algorithms are benchmarked against analytical and heuristic lower bounds from the literature, providing a robust assessment of their practical effectiveness under various network conditions.Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Science, School of Computer Science, Mathematics, Physics and Statistics, 202
Effects of digital elevation model data resolution on hydrological modelling using SWAT: a case study of the Swartkops river catchment
Full text linkDigital Elevation Models (DEMs) are widely used as input to model hydrological processes. Using the appropriate resolution of DEMs is critical in producing accurate simulations of hydrological processes using hydrological models such as the Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) model. As a result of the availability of DEMs in recent decades and land use/cover (LULC) change impacts on hydrological regimes, the aim of this study was to investigate the effect of DEM data resolution on SWAT model performance for analysing the hydrological response to LULC changes in the Swartkops River catchment. This included using the SWAT model to analyse runoff conditions in the catchment. The main objectives of the study were: (1) to generate LULC maps and analyse LULC changes using Multi-Temporal Landsat TM and OLI images from 1990 to 2022 within the Swartkops catchment using IDRISI Terrset and ArcMap 10.7; (2) to assess the influence of different DEM data resolutions on SWAT model performance via the quantification of model results; and (3) to utilise the SWAT model with optimal performance to analyse the impact of LULC change on the hydrological response (i.e., runoff generation) of the Swartkops catchment using ArcSWAT. To do this, 1990 and 2022 Landsat images were acquired, pre-processed, and classified using supervised image classification via the Maximum Likelihood algorithm. Idrisi Terrset software was used process the Landsat images by generating natural colour composite images which were then used to sample training sites. A stratified random sampling approach was employed which produced spectral signature files which were the basis for employing the Maximum Likelihood classifier to classify the images. Classified images were exported to ArcMap 10.7 where they underwent classification accuracy assessments. An error matrix approach was implemented, and the accuracy of the maps was assessed using the producer’s, user’s, overall and Kappa accuracy. Thereafter, LULC changes were quantified using ArcMap 10.7 by determining the area difference of each LULC type between 1990 and 2022. The SWAT models for the different resolution DEMs (i.e., 20m, 30m, and 90m) were set up on ArcSWAT, and the Swartkops catchment was delineated, subdivided into Hydrological Response Units, and run by inserting all the relevant input data such as LULC data (i.e., 1990, and 2022 classified maps), topographic data (i.e., the DEMs), soil data (i.e., FAO map), and weather data. Statistical evaluations for the performance rating of the models were conducted and incorporated the use of statistical parameters such as Nash-Sutcliffe Efficiency (NSE), Percentage of Bias (PBIAS), Coefficient of determination ((R2), and RMSE-Observation standard deviation ratio (RSR) for assessing the performance of each SWAT model. The model producing the most satisfactory performance was used to compute runoff conditions for the Swartkops catchment. Computations were conducted using the Soil Conservation Service (SCS) curve number method. Fieldwork, which incorporated measuring iii runoff for different LULC types using Gerlach troughs at hillslope scale, was conducted to validate the results of the SWAT model. Results indicated that the 1990 and 2022 LULC maps had an overall accuracy of 87.11% and 94.89%, respectively which was highly satisfactory. The Kappa statistics reflected similar results where the 1990 map had a value of 0.84 while the 2022 map had a value of 0.94, indicating high statistical agreement between the classified maps and the reference data. The study also found that bare areas exuberated the greatest area change with a decline of 9.49%, while built-up areas manifested the highest increase of 5.97% from 1990 to 2022. Agricultural land increased by 4.79% in conjunction with a slight increase of 0.44% by green vegetation while water declined by 1.71%. To determine the ideal DEM to analyse hydrological response, the LULC maps in conjunction with other input data were inserted into the SWAT model to assess model performance. It was found that the 30m produced satisfactory model performance (NSE = 0.49 at calibration and 0.67 at validation) and was eligible to assess runoff conditions as a function of LULC change. Other statistics indicated satisfactory model performance at calibration (PBIAS = 48.80, R2 = 0.51, RSR = 1.02) and validation stage (PBIAS = -38.1, R2 = 0.47, RSR = 1.08). The 90m DEM possessed the poorest model performance (NSE = 0.18 at calibration and 0.35 at validation) followed by the 20m DEM (NSE = 0.41 at calibration and 0.32 at validation). Runoff simulations using the 30m SWAT model showed that surface runoff was highest in areas where there were built-up areas. Built-up areas and bare areas yielded 36% of the total surface runoff individually, while vegetation produced only 28% in 1990. Similar readings were obtained for 2022, which included agricultural land that produced 29% of the surface runoff. Runoff volume measured at hillslope scale was highest in bare areas (6.6 L) and built-up areas (9.3 L). Therefore, this study shows that the resolution of DEMs must concur with the relevant scale of the study to produce optimal results. Additionally, this study showed that a change in LULC heavily affects the amount of surface runoff generated, which has several implications in terms of flooding. Therefore, this study is useful as it will inform sustainable catchment management decisions, and water resource management, and enhance our understanding of the relationships between DEM spatial resolution, LULC change, SWAT modelling, and water quantity calculations.Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, School of Environmental Sciences, 202
Exploring retirement preparedness of individuals in the Nelson Mandela Bay area, Eastern Cape
Full text linkThe majority of South Africans face challenges in achieving retirement preparedness, limiting their financial independence upon retirement and potentially affecting their well-being and that of their families, friends, and society. This study investigates factors influencing retirement preparedness among pre-retirees in Nelson Mandela Bay, guided by the Theory of Planned Behaviour. The study theorises that financial literacy, social embeddedness, access to mentorship, and retirement counselling play critical roles in shaping retirement readiness. Using a positivist paradigm and quantitative approach, this research employed a survey design, distributing questionnaires through an online platform to gather data from a sample of 120 pre-retirees in the region, with 109 participants completing the survey. Descriptive analysis, conducted in Microsoft Excel, revealed that financial literacy, social engagement, mentorship, and counselling opportunities significantly influence retirement preparedness. The findings emphasise the urgent need to enhance financial education programs, encourage professional financial guidance, and promote budgeting skills among pre-retirees. Additionally, fostering social support networks around retirement planning can strengthen engagement and confidence in retirement readiness. Based on these findings, the study recommends that the government prioritise financial literacy initiatives, improve accessibility to financial advisory services, and raise awareness about inflation's impact on retirement savings. These measures aim to empower individuals in Nelson Mandela Bay to take proactive steps toward securing their financial future.Thesis (MBA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, Business School, 202
Extracting more ecologically-significant information from the southern Cape fossil pollen records: a reassessment of the Asteraceae pollen types
Full text linkIt is no surprise that South Africa is home to three of the 35 biodiversity hotspots in the world, thanks to a rich species abundance and diversity, filling the South African landscape with 20 000 different plant species. The Cape Floristic Region (CFR) is one of the three biodiverse hotspots in South Africa, home to 9000 plant species, 1435 of which are on the Red Data List, with an endemism rate of 70%, making the CFR the pinnacle for conservation. The Asteraceae is the largest contributing plant family within the CFR, accounting for 986 species with equally diverse pollen morphological characteristics. However, when it comes to the palynological classification of Asteraceae pollen for the elucidation of palaeoecological information, it is often the case that the taxonomic resolution is not high enough. The majority of the Asteraceae that can be found within the palaeoarchives across South Africa yield no ecological information about the past vegetation. This study made use of a new morphological classification developed by Dr Saúl Manzano and Dr Nicola Bergh as part of an ongoing research initiative: COMPOSITAS-SA: COMpositae Pollen Study and Identification of Types for Applied Science in South Africa. The new morphological classification was applied to three palaeoarchives within the CFR, aimed at reclassifying and recounting existing fossil pollen material in order to extract more ecologically-significant information, and place this in context with the established literature available from the study sites and the overall region. This study was able to significantly contribute more morphological pollen types to the CFR and in doing so increase the representativeness of the Fynbos and Subtropical Thicket ecological groupings across the Rietvlei – Still Bay, Eilandvlei, and Baviaanskloof study sites. The Asteraceae that contributed the most as a single pollen type was the Osteospermum, accounting for 16% of the Subtropical Thickets relative percentage, followed by Stoebe and Metalasia contributing 8.4% and 5.7% respectively towards the Fynbos elements within the southern Cape. The Osteospermum pollen in this study does appear to behave differently to the traditional thicket pollen whereby favouring similar conditions to that of the Fynbos especially in the last 2000 cal yr BP. This is especially prominent in Rietvlei – Still Bay and Eilandvlei where the Osteospermum pollen relative percentages from the Subtropical Thicket mimics the Asteraceae pollen relative percentages of the Fynbos. IV This work advocates for the application of the new Asteraceae classifications to more study sites across South Africa in order to enhance palaeoenvironmental reconstructions and uncover the story of the Asteraceae.Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, School of Environmental Sciences, 202
Investigation of the sudden dieback of Gymnosphaera capensis (forest tree fern) in southern Afrotemperate forests.
Full text linkThe Afrotemperate forests of the southern Cape are one of the smallest biomes in South Africa and are considered vulnerable. Forest fragmentaCon, fire events, human acCvity, and climate, amongst other factors, have impacted the distribuCon of these forests. Since 2013, dieback of indigenous forest tree ferns has been noted by local park rangers. Gymnosphaera capensis (forest tree fern) is indigenous to South Africa, and is found near streams, within the southern Cape Afrotemperate forests. These ferns play an important ecological role in the forest, e.g. they contribute to nutrient cycling, acts as a host for various epiphytes and form a tall dense canopy over the forest understory, creaCng a shaded environment. Given the absence of prior research as to the cause or Cmeline of the decline of G. capensis, the first objecCve of this study was to determine the extent of G. capensis dieback in the southern Cape forests. I first invesCgated individual level health, and later populaCon level health. For the first analysis on individual level health, I looked at a specific region, the Knysna forest, to minimize environmental variability, and surveyed 900 individual G. capensis trunks. I invesCgated three main factors that were hypothesized to influence individual G. capensis health, namely distance to stream, trunk surface area and distance to nearest defoliated fern. This was to determine the effect of water availability, individual age, and proximity to a potenCally diseased fern on an individual’s health, respecCvely. On landscape level, we invesCgated the populaCon health of thirty G. capensis populaCons, over an approximate 180 km range from west (Friemersheim) to east (Tsitsikamma). I also tested for the root mould, Phytophthora, to see if the pathogen influenced G. capensis health status. On individual level we found that the greatest influence on fern health status was trunk surface area 5 and distance to stream, and that the distance to nearest defoliated fern, as well as Phytophthora spp. presence had no effect on fern health status. Ferns that had greater trunk surface area, and ferns growing further away from streams, were more likely to be defoliated. When only looking at foliated ferns, we found that more mature ferns were more likely to have healthier fronds and greater sori counts. At the populaCon level study, we found that of the thirty populaCons, one site was without foliated ferns and had no signs of recovery, while the other populaCons displayed a range of health and different states of potenCal recovery. There was a trend of populaCon health from west to east, where G. capensis populaCons on the western side of our study area had be,er overall health and sori counts. The populaCons towards the east displayed poorer fern health, yet had increased numbers of juvenile sporophytes, indicaCng potenCal recovery. Canopy cover also held significance; populaCons with denser forest canopies had greater juvenile sporophyte presence, as well as increased resprouCng from the base of trunks. No link could be established between the presence of Phytophthora spp. and G. capensis dieback. During this study, data from each locaCon were collected during a single visit. Consequently, this approach may limit the findings, as it does not account for changes in G. capensis health that could occur over Cme due to varying environmental condiCons.Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, School of Environmental Sciences, 202