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Prevalence of red blood cell alloantibodies in healthy blood donors: A retrospective study
Get PDFBackground: Blood transfusion is one of the essential supporting therapies in the management of patients and all efforts must be geared towards ensuring greater blood safety. There are studies on the prevalence of red blood cell alloantibodies in numerous transfused patients. However, no research has been done on the population of healthy first-time donors in South Africa who donates blood for transfusion. Red blood cell alloantibodies may be present in the donated units and potentially lead to transfusion reactions or to decreased survival of transfused RBCs. Therefore, it is necessary to know the prevalence of alloantibodies in donors and the clinical significance. Aims and objectives: The aim of this study is to determine the prevalence and identity of red blood cell alloantibodies in healthy first-time blood donors in the South African population, as well as to identify them, with the goal of improving blood safety and transfusion support for patients. Materials and methods: This retrospective and observational study investigates healthy first-time blood donors in the South African population over a five-year period, from January 2015 to December 2019. ABO typing and Rh typing were performed using the fully automated immunohaematology analyser BECKMAN COULTER PK7300 (Danaher Corporation, Brea, California). Erytra Eflexis automated system (8-column DG Gel cards) (Diagnostic Grifols, Barcelona, Spain) was used for antibody screening and antibody identification was performed using the RBC 11 Identisera Diana panel sheet. Approval was obtained from the Ethics Committees of Nelson Mandela University, South African National Blood Services and Western Province Blood Services prior to commencement of the study. Results: A total of 497 711 healthy first-time donors, consisting of 209 604 (42%) males and 288 107 (58%) females, were evaluated for irregular antibodies. The maximum number of donors belonged to the age group 18 to 29. Antibody screening results were positive in 849 donors from the entire population investigated, and 603 were RBC alloantibodies with an overall prevalence of 0.12%. The most frequent RBC alloantibody identified was anti-M from the MNS blood group systems, being present in 129 blood donors. Conclusion: The prevalence of RBC alloantibodies in the donor population in the study was 0.12% (603/497 711). As the inclusion criteria was limited, larger studies examining at all donors (first-time and repeated donations) are needed to determine the actual prevalence of alloantibodies in the population of South African donors.Thesis (MHSc) -- Faculty of Health Sciences, School of Clinical Care & Medicinal Sciences, 202
A review of the quality of the covid-19 terminology that has been translated into isiXhosa
Get PDFThe outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic affected the whole world. Consequently, countries were forced to lock down and citizens had to be quarantined to control the spread of the virus. Accordingly, the World Health Organization (WHO) came up with safety measures to try and mitigate the spread of the virus. These measures included Covid-19 health communication, and this communication was transmitted mostly through the media. However, this crucial health communication was mostly conveyed in English. The cascading of the Covid-19 health communication in English proved to be problematic worldwide especially for linguistically diverse countries like South Africa. As a result, the South African government had to put measures in place to ensure that the health communication regarding Covid-19 could reach every citizen in the country by commissioning translation services to urgently translate terms relating to Covid-19 into all the South African indigenous languages including isiXhosa. Hence the South African government and City of Tshwane decided to enlist the services of the South African Centre for Digital Language Resources (SaDiLaR) and the Pan South African Language Board (PanSALB) to translate the Covid-19 terminology into all the indigenous languages spoken in the country. This study therefore aims to examine the quality and the accuracy of the translated Covid-19 terms into isiXhosa especially since the translation of these terms had to be done urgently. The study will follow a qualitative method approach and use the skopos theory as the lens of the study. Skopos refers to purpose, intention, and aim. The theory is known as a purpose for action and the reader in this theory is important in determining the purpose of the translation at hand. In evaluating the terminology that has been translated the theory will be applied to determine whether the purpose and the aim of the terminology was adequately carried out to the intended audience. The English terms and isiXhosa terms collected in this research which will be analysed are sourced from the material that was developed and compiled by SaDiLaR and PanSALB and subsequently cascaded to the public during the Covid-19 pandemic. The study will analyse only the (75) translated isiXhosa terms.Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Humanities, School of Language, Media and Communication, 202
Exploring 3d printing of brass instruments: a comparative study of French horn mouthpieces
Get PDFThe French horn is an orchestral instrument with a rich history that spans centuries, undergoing notable transformations in its design and functionality. A short overview of this history is provided in Appendix A. Originating as a simple coil, the French horn has evolved to encompass a complex valve system, multiple harmonic series, and a diverse range of modifications tailored to players' preferences and requirements. These modifications include mutes, grips, extra keys, and even the exploration of different materials for mouthpieces. The use of plastic rims on mouthpieces, for reasons such as allergies, thermal conductivity, and tactile sensation, has already gained traction among horn players (Tuckwell, 2002). In the realm of manufacturing and technology, the concept of additive manufacturing has emerged as a promising avenue. Referred to as the next "industrial revolution” (Berman, 2012), additive manufacturing has become increasingly accessible through desktop-scale 3D printers. This technology offers a viable method for producing cost-effective musical instruments and enhancers without compromising quality (Kantaros, 2018). As evidenced by a 2018 Roundtable report from the South African Parliament, additive manufacturing aligns with the trajectory of the fourth industrial revolution, prompting governments to develop policies and strategies to harness its potential. Given the significance of additive manufacturing, a comprehensive investigation into applying these new technologies for the horn is warranted. Specifically, material choice, quality of sound, and the experience of performing on a printed mouthpiece is investigated and compared to a traditional metal mouthpiece. While the horn is comprised of many individual components, this study relates specifically to the mouthpiece. A brief appraisal of the significance of the mouthpiece will follow in the next section.Thesis (MMus) -- Faculty of Humanities, School of Visual and Performing Arts, 202
The impact of Basel III higher capital and liquidity requirements on the profitability of South African banks
Get PDFThis study employs a robust quantitative research design meticulously tailored to investigate the nuanced impact of Basel III capital and liquidity requirements on the profitability of South African banks. The data collection process is anchored in a rigorous approach, driven by the acquisition and meticulous review of financial statements sourced from a carefully curated sample of South Africa’s banks. Ensuring the sample’s representativeness is of paramount importance for bolstering the study’s findings. To this end, a purposive sampling technique, distinguished for its deliberate selection methodology, was applied judiciously. This method yielded the selection of 10 banks, chosen carefully to encapsulate a cross-section of the South African banking landscape, so enhancing the research’s validity and robustness. The analysis of this intricate dataset is underpinned by advanced statistical techniques, with regression analysis the principal analytical tool. Specifically, the study harnesses the Arellano-Bond generalised method of moments (GMM), a sophisticated yet versatile statistical methodology appropriate for disentangling complex relationships in longitudinal data. This analytical approach is perfectly suited to trace the nuanced interactions between Basel III’s capital and liquidity requirements and the profitability trajectories of South African banks. Spanning a 12- year timeframe, 2010 to 2022, this study attempts to encapsulate the evolution of the banking landscape in the wake of Basel III’s implementation. This extensive temporal scope enables the research to capture both short-term fluctuations and long-term trends, enriching its insights and lending depth to the analysis. The first objective of this study was to unravel the intricate web of macro-specific and bank-specific factors influencing the profitability of banks in South Africa. Net interest margin (NIM), a pivotal metric reflecting bank profitability and efficiency, was central to the investigation. Empirical insights gleaned from the analysis revealed several key determinants of NIM for South African banks. Notably, NIM displayed a high degree of persistence over time. This suggests that South African banks do not adjust swiftly to changes in market conditions, emphasising the importance for bank managers of considering the long-term repercussions of their decisions on interest, income and expenses. The results also illuminated a set of critical variables closely linked to NIM. These include credit loss, non-interest income, market concentration, stability (Z-score) and inflation. These variables collectively underscored the banks’ ability to navigate the multi-faceted landscape of risks and uncertainties in the banking sector, including credit risk, operational risk, market risk and inflationrisk. The positive relationship between these variables and NIM indicated the banks’ adeptness at passing on costs and risks to customers through higher interest rates or fees, all while leveraging their market power and diversification strategies. Conversely, a negative and significant association emerged between NIM and bank size, GDP per capita, private credit and the repo rate. These variables underscored the competitive pressure and macroeconomic dynamics influencing the demand for and supply of credit in the banking sector. In this context, the negative relationship suggested that larger banks, those operating in more developed and competitive markets, and those encountering lower policy rates, tend to exhibit lower NIM. These banks, due to heightened competition and lower demand for credit, face diminished interest income and narrower margins. Notably, variables like cost-to-income ratio, funding structure and loan-to-deposit ratio did not emerge as significant in explaining NIM for South African banks. This implies that these variables exert a relatively weaker influence on the profitability and efficiency of South African banks, or that their effects are subsumed by other variables in the model. The second objective examined the effect of higher capital buffers on bank profitability. Empirical findings revealed a negative yet statistically insignificant co-efficient for the CET1 variable in the regression analysis. This observation indicated that there is no substantial relationship between Basel III Tier 1 capital ratio (CET1) and bank profitability, as measured by NIM, among South African banks. This suggests that Basel III capital requirements do not have a significant influence on the profitability and efficiency of these banks, or their effect varies depending on other bank-specific or macroeconomic variables. The third objective focused on the effect of Basel III liquidity regulations, epitomised by the liquidity coverage ratio (LCR), on bank profitability in South Africa. Empirical results revealed a negative but statistically insignificant relationship between LCR and NIM. This observation indicates that Basel III liquidity regulations exert no discernible effect on the net interest income of South African banks. This finding could be attributed to the fact that South African banks had already fortified their liquidity positions prior to Basel III implementation, adhering to stringent regulatory requirements and prudent liquidity management practices. As a result, the introduction of LCR did not pose a significant alteration or constraint on the liquidity standing and profitability of South African banks. It also implies that other factors, like market conditions, funding structures or asset compositions, play more pivotal roles than the LCR in shaping the profitability of South African banks. These factors may influence the net interest spread, cost of funds or risk-adjusted returns of these banks.Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Economics and Management Sciences, School of Economics, 202
The influence of coaching on an insurance company productivity during VUCA (Volatile, Uncertainty, Complex and Ambiguity) conditions
Get PDFCoaching is becoming a more strategic tool for insurance businesses to increase productivity and efficiently handle problems in the volatile, uncertain, complex, and ambiguous (VUCA) business environment of today. Information from prior studies and current data, this paper investigates the effect of coaching on insurance business productivity in VUCA environments. Qualitative research methodology was applied to collect qualitative data in this study as well as the participant views and opinions from their environment. Additionally, this method allowed more flexibility in terms of data collection and participant interaction. In insurance companies dealing with VUCA circumstances, coaching - which is acknowledged as a potent developmental intervention - plays a critical role in promoting effective leadership. By providing personalised guidance and feedback, coaching equips leaders with the adaptive skills necessary to make informed decisions in rapidly changing market landscapes. This improves strategic agility and gives managers the ability to successfully manage risks and seize new opportunities. Additionally, coaching fosters a culture of constant creativity and learning, which greatly increases organisational resilience. Employees improve their ability to solve problems and feel more in control of their own learning through organised coaching sessions. This enhances not only individual performance but also fosters departmental collaboration and cohesive teamwork, which are all critical for handling the intricate problems that the business sector presents. Research results highlight how coaching can have a revolutionary effect on staff retention and engagement in volatile times. Coaching creates a sense of purpose and dedication in workers by coordinating personal goals with company objectives, which raises worker productivity. A healthy corporate culture with open communication, trust, and shared accountability, is further helped by coaching interventions. These qualities are essential for maintaining high performance in the face of outside challenges. Within insurance firms, well-executed coaching initiatives support succession planning and employee development as well. Coaching promotes organisational stability during uncertain times and helps maintain leadership continuity by identifying and developing high-potential workers. This proactive strategy protects long-term corporate sustainability by strengthening the management team and preparing upcoming managers to navigate VUCA situations. The practical implications highlight how insurance companies must strategically prioritise investing in coaching as a core skill. Through the integration of coaching into their organisational culture, insurance companies may develop strong staff that can thrive in volatile and uncertain times. Proactive coaching interventions also help businesses stay ahead of the competition in the ever-changing insurance industry by helping them to innovate ahead of time and anticipate market trends. To summarise, the factors above emphasise the important influence of coaching on insurance company productivity in volatile and uncertain times, by combining the most recent research with practical data. Coaching appears as a strategic enabler for managing uncertainty and generating long-term success in insurance companies, through strengthening leadership efficacy, building organisational resilience, and encouraging a culture of continuous improvement.Thesis (MBA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, Business School, 202
Chicory production for sustainable economic development of Alexandria in Ndlambe Local Municipality
Get PDFThe apartheid regime that governed South Africa prior to the democratic transition pursued and implemented ethnically motivated policies and legislation that promoted racial segregation. As a result, the democratic government inherited a country plagued by unemployment, poverty, and inequality challenges. In response, the democratic government identified cooperatives as one mechanism to address these structural challenges and undo the legacy of apartheid, leading to an increase in the number of registered cooperatives in the country. Studies have shown that cooperatives could help propel community development in South Africa, especially in rural communities. It is argued that cooperatives have the potential to increase public participation and thus forge unity and togetherness among communities. Scholars indicate that public participation can improve community development and access to service delivery and enhance political influence and other resources that, in turn, will sustain human capital. Furthermore, studies have also shown that assisting and mobilising poor communities to work together is crucial for community development. However, despite cooperatives’ imperative role in community development, most struggle to sustain themselves and eventually become inactive, especially in rural communities. The study was conducted in Alexandria, a small rural town within the Ndlambe Local Municipality (NLM) in the Eastern Cape Province. The study’s main aim was to interrogate the current state of chicory production in Alexandria from the perspectives of community cooperatives operating in the chicory sector. The study also sought to interrogate the phenomenon under study from the perspectives of Chicory South Africa (CSA) and government officials from the Eastern Cape Provincial Government. CSA provides administrative and technical support in the sector, and the provincial government provides financial and other support instruments to the community cooperatives operating in the sector. The study adopted a qualitative research approach and used purposive sampling to identify and select participants. The study included 14 participants that were purposively identified and selected by the researcher based on their capabilities to illuminate the phenomena under study. The data was collected through semi-structured interviews with the participants and corroborated with a literature review in the context of cooperatives in South Africa. Considering the qualitative nature of the study, the researcher deemed it prudent to utilise the constructivism research paradigm. The constructivism paradigm is premised on the notion that reality is socially constructed; thus, there are multiple realities that are shaped by people’s unique experiences of the social world in which they live and work. The study used thematic analysis to analyse the data. The findings reveal that the significant issues cooperatives face include inter alia lack of access to capital, insufficient government intervention, climate change, and lack of capacity among members. The findings further reveal that local government must assist cooperatives by providing them with capital and technical support. The study recommends that all spheres of government must engage in work and support initiatives that aim to create a sustainable and conducive environment for community development. In this regard, it is recommended that the government take a leading role in supporting cooperatives and ensure their activities and objectives align with government efforts towards sustainable community development, which will create synergy between the government and cooperatives.Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, School of Economics, Development and Tourism, 202
Assessing perceptions regarding sustainable growth of taverns in the Gqeberha liquor industry
Get PDFThis study investigates the sustainable growth of taverns within the informal liquor industry in Gqeberha, South Africa. The informal sector is critical for economic development, employing 60% of the world's population and nearly 30% of South Africa's workforce. This study focuses on taverns, a prevalent form of small, medium, and micro-enterprises in South African townships. Despite their economic significance, these taverns face numerous challenges, including limited access to finance, inadequate infrastructure, regulatory hurdles, and competition from larger formal enterprises. The research explores the historical context of the liquor industry in South Africa, highlighting the legacy of racial inequality and the evolution of regulatory frameworks aimed at balancing industry growth and social equity. In addition, the literature covered topics relating to SMMEs and sustainable growth. The study employs a case study strategy and a qualitative methodology where 12 tavern owners in Gqeberha were interviewed using an interview schedule. The thematic data analysis revealed five main challenges that hinder taverns' sustainable growth, namely finance, government interventions and facilities, competition, the COVID-19 Pandemic and crime. In addition, three measures or themes of sustainable growth were identified for these enterprises, such as economic, social and environmental measures for sustainable growth. Finally, based on the findings, a major contribution of this study is the framework of sustainable growth enablers that were presented to SMMEs, including taverns. This study contributes to the understanding of SMMEs in the informal sector and offers practical recommendations for enhancing the sustainable growth of taverns. By addressing the identified challenges and leveraging the proposed enablers, policymakers and stakeholders can create a more supportive environment for these enterprises, ultimately contributing to broader economic development and poverty reduction in South Africa. The insights gained from this study are intended to inform future policies and support mechanisms that can help these enterprises thrive despite their myriad challenges.Thesis (MCom) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, School of Management Sciences, 202
Investigate how ethical organisational behaviour in service delivery at the Gqeberha labour centre can be improved
Get PDFThe public service is often perceived and experienced as not meeting the expectations of the public. The Gqeberha Labour Centre (GQE LC) is not exempted to prevalence of unethical work behaviours in service delivery. The GQE LC is the Department of Employment and Labour (DEL) branch. The purpose of the study is to investigate how ethical organisational behaviour in service delivery at GQE LC can be improved. The study applied qualitative approach through an interpretivism paradigm. The study used purposive sampling strategy. The sample size had ten participants, seven professionals and three management. The data was collected making use of semi-structured interviews that were done one-on-one. A Computer-Assisted Qualitative Data Analysis Software was used to transcribe the data. The data analysis was done manually using thematic analysis. The findings on leadership role in the improvement of ethical organisational behaviour, indicated training is one of the key roles to be implemented by leadership; leadership should be exemplary on ethical organisational behaviour; new employees should be onboarded on ethical organisational behaviour as soon as they are employed. The finding improvement and mitigation of causes and negative outcomes of unethical behaviour, indicated whistleblowing should be encouraged; unethical behaviour be sanctioned and continuous training on ethical organisational behaviour.Thesis (MBA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, Business School, 202
Synthesis, X-Ray characterization, spectroscopic and Hirshfeld surface analysis of dimeric metal centers featuring phenacyl-esters
Get PDFIn this study, the synthesis and characterization of carboxylate paddlewheel copper complexes were investigated and reported. The complexes consist of O-, and N- donor ligands which coordinated in the apical positions of the copper (II) paddlewheel complexes. The primary focus was the investigation of the influence of the incoming substituents on the structure; more especially with regards to the spectral properties and thermal properties of the synthesized compounds. Synthesized complexes ranged from simple mononuclear complexes and dinuclear dimers to supramolecular 1D networks and a tetranuclear copper (II) compound. Characterization of complexes was done using analytical, and spectroscopic techniques such as single crystal diffraction studies, FT-IR spectroscopy, thermal analysis and Hirshfeld surface analysis. Structural analysis of the mononuclear complex obtained in the reaction of the Cu2(o-CH3-PhCO2)4(THF)2 with the ligand ,2-oxo-phenylethylnicotinate, revealed a square-planar geometry. The series of dinuclear paddlewheel complexes obtained with ligands (L = THF (1), C4H8O (2), C14H11NO3 (3)) revealed a square pyramidal geometry with the methyl-substituted phenyl carboxylate groups bridging the two copper atoms in the syn-syn coordination mode. Extended supramolecular complexes were synthesized via the reaction of three synthesized structurally bifunctional organic ligands and the tetrakis(μ-carboxylato-O,O)dicopper(II) core. Two of the six reactions synthesized successfully to form paddlewheel cage type structures; resulting in dinuclear paddlewheel complexes with four carboxylate ligands occupying the equatorial positions and the bifunctional ligands coordinating in the apical positions. Four of the nine reactions produced mononuclear copper complexes. Due to the inconsistent power supply because of load-shedding, the other three crystals synthesized could not be confirmed by single-crystal diffraction before the submission of this thesis.Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, School of Biomolecular & Chemical Sciences, 202
A framework for designing a gamified system that promotes knowledge of water sustainability
Get PDFWater shortages are becoming increasingly common and raising awareness thereof has been proposed as a key strategy for empowering citizens with knowledge relevant to promoting water sustainability. This knowledge should incorporate indigenous knowledge, which is unique and confined to a particular culture. Indigenous knowledge has been recognised as the key to sustainable social and economic development. Knowledge incorporated within appropriate technologies can be a transformative solution to promote sustainable consumption of natural resources. This study aimed to develop a framework with strong theoretical connections that can be used as a guide for designing and developing technological solutions for promoting knowledge, attitude, and practices (KAP) of water sustainability. Gamification, serious games, and community social networks were identified as appropriate technologies for implementing these solutions. Design Science Research (DSR) was an appropriate research methodology for this research. As the requirement of the DSR methodology, a framework was designed that considered relevant theories. The two theories (Self-Determination Theory and Social Capital Theory) were incorporated into the framework. The framework can guide other researchers in developing gamified systems that promote the KAPs of water sustainability. This framework was the theoretical artefact of the study. The research context was the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa where the data was collected from two municipalities namely, the Nelson Mandela Bay and Buffalo City Metro, which have both experienced water shortages in recent years. Quantitative and qualitative data collection methods were used. Qualitative data was collected from brainstorming sessions and expert reviews that were conducted with various stakeholders that assisted with designing and evaluating the prototype designs of the gamified solution. For the design of the study’s artefacts, a participatory research approach was adopted. Participants were recruited to complete an online survey, which ran for three months. The findings revealed that citizens’ knowledge is closely correlated to the attitudes and practices of citizens regarding water sustainability. In addition, the findings showed that the knowledge of the citizens in the Eastern Cape Province was relatively low on water practices such as conservation and filtering methods. These results were considered in the design of the practical artefact and the instantiation findings. One limitation of this study was the limited number of indigenous participants in the survey. Other limitations were the lack of experts with indigenous knowledge and the lack of indigenous knowledge documentation. The promotion of water sustainability knowledge in communities would be more effective with the use of gamification and social community networks. In principle, the enhancement in water sustainability knowledge would promote the citizens’ good practices and attitudes (behavioural) related to water sustainability. Since 2015, a significant portion of South Africa's Eastern Cape Province has been suffering from a severe drought. This province is one of the regions of the country where weather patterns have changed dramatically, and as a result, most households were left vulnerable to the water shortage problem. While the broad topic of water sustainability is widely discussed in the literature, the role of appropriate technologies in promoting knowledge of water sustainability is still under-researched. This gap provided a significant potential for investigation by sustainability to design a technological and theoretical solution for promoting knowledge of water sustainability. This study contributes to the body of knowledge by delivering three DSR artefacts namely, a Framework for Designing a Gamified System that Promotes Knowledge of Water Sustainability; the design guidelines that supplement the framework, and a practical instantiation of the framework.Thesis (DPhil) -- Faculty of Science, School of Computer Science, Mathematics, Physics and Statistics, 202