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Functional properties of Cactus Pear Mucilage: gel formation, edible coatings, films and spherification
No full textDissertation (M.Sc.(Food Science))--University of the Free State, 2023Mucilage is a hydrocolloid, a gelatinous slimy substance that contains polysaccharides and proteins. Due to mucilage’s ability to absorb large amounts of water, which result in modified viscosity, it can be used as a food additive in the food industry as a hydrocolloid to modify food texture. It is used as an emulsifier, to form gels and as a natural edible coating. The aim of the study was to investigate the functional properties of mucilage and to potentially develop mucilage into a commercially viable food ingredient (hydrocolloid). Cladodes from four cultivars (and two species) were investigated. These include three cultivars from Opuntia Ficus-indica, namely Nepgen, Algerian and Ficus-Indice as well as one cultivar from the O.robusta spp. namely Robusta. Mucilage was extracted, and the yield was determined in percentage, with Algerian at 53.70%, Nepgen at 50.96%, Robusta at 48.40% and Ficus-indice at 37.75%. The mucilage was dried in two ways, namely, freeze-drying, and hot-air dehydration and colour difference was investigated. The drying impacted the colour of mucilage powder, with freeze-dried remaining green and the hot-air dried turned brown, colour difference was observed between the freeze-dried and hot-air dried mucilage a* value. a* value represents the scale from green (negative value) to red (positive value). It is evident that the freeze-dried samples had a green colour (negative values) while the hot air-dried samples had a reddish colour seen by a positive a* value. For example, freeze-dried Robusta had a value of -7.87 as compared to that of hot-air dried at 1. The viscosity of both native liquid and dried mucilage were investigated. Robusta and Nepgen native liquid’s mucilage is viscous more than that of Algerian and Ficus-indice. The reconstituted mucilage powder is thicker than the native liquid powder. Gelling capacity was tested. For spherification or bead formation, mucilage was used to replace the usual gelling agents in both direct and reversed spherification. During gelling ability tests, mucilage from Robusta showed gel-like ability as compared to the other three cultivars. However, it was concluded that mucilage does not form gels on its own, but rather improves gel formation with other hydrocolloids. When mucilage was used to replace the sodium alginate in spherification, it did not form true spheres, but formed a temporary gel-like membrane when incorporated with xanthan and agar. Ultimately, mucilage may be a replacement for food hydrocolloids. It can be used as an emulsifying agent and an edible coating, although different cultivars will give different results
Exploring how career guidance influence job fulfilment in later years
No full textDissertation (M.Ed.(Psychology of Education))--University of the Free State, 2023Through this study, I explored the influence of different levels of career guidance during secondary schooling and job fulfilment in later years. The literature review led to the developing of a theoretical framework highlighting important intrinsic factors and exploring career guidance that might influence the job fulfilment of young adults who participated in my study. I employed a qualitative approach and generated data through three phases of semi-structured interviews with each participant. The first interview focused on past experiences with career guidance, the second examined present job fulfilment, and the third explored participants' experiences on future job fulfilment influenced by career guidance. Participants were selected according to a purposive sampling approach. The participants and I also had the opportunity to use reflective journal notes that supported each interview. The interviews were transcribed, coded, and analysed using the NVivo software. Integrating this process with the theoretical framework developed during the literature review revealed themes such as belonging, feeling valued, a sense of meaning, and skilled operation. These findings contributed valuable insights to developing career guidance programmes in secondary schooling, particularly in the South African context
Translating animal names in the Sesotho Bible: a complexity analysis
No full textThesis (Ph.D.(Bible Translation ))--University of the Free State, 2023Sesotho users have been using the 1909 Sesotho Bible translation for more than 100 years. The next Sesotho Bible translation was introduced to Sesotho users in 1989 but was not well accepted. Makutoane (2011) describes the 1989 Sesotho translation as complementary to the 1909 Sesotho translation. The 1909 is a literal translation while the 1989 Sesotho translation is dynamic equivalent translation. In both translations there are instances where an attempt is made to use contextual terms for Hebrew animal names, but in other instances the translators fail to adequately accommodate the context of Sesotho users. The 1909 and 1989 Sesotho translations reflect loan words of the Hebrew text in Sesotho. The animal symbolism and metaphorism has been translated into Sesotho literally. The 1989 Sesotho translation only succeeds in presenting these Hebrew animal symbols and metaphors in simplified Sesotho and translates Hebrew animal names like ָֽיָתן ֽ ִלְו as kganyapa (sea monster, big water snake), יןנִּ֔תַּ as kgodumodumo (big monster that can swallow the whole nation), instead of drakone (dragon) of the 1909 translation. For Sesotho users to conceptualise animal symbols and metaphors in the 1909 and 1989 Sesotho translations is problematic as these animal symbols and metaphors are mostly from the incipient Hebrew text not from the context of Sesotho users. This study is based on the use of complexity theory as an alternative to literal, linear and reductionist Sesotho translations. A complexity theory approach is used to analyse the presentation of animal symbolism and metaphorism in the 1909 and 1989 Sesotho translations to determine whether the Sesotho translators were able to accommodate the subsequent context of the Sesotho users and whether a complexity approach would provide a more meaningful translation for Sesotho speakers.
A differentiation of three main theories of translation is made viz. literal translation, functionalist translation, and complexity theory translation. A literal translation is a word-for-word translation where the subsequent text endeavours to replicate the form of the incipient text. The functionalist approach is a dynamic equivalence sense-for-sense approach that is based on the translation brief. Complexity theory involves a multi-faceted approach to translation based upon all of the dimensions of the incipient sign system as well as all of the dimensions of the subsequent sign system. The work of researchers such as Marais (2014) on complexity theory is discussed in length. Marais (2014) views complexity theory as a means to produce better contextual translations because both literal translations and dynamic equivalent translations are reductionist. Complexity theory views translation as a complex system. Since translation is complex, complexity theory is a better approach that can be used to translate biblical texts into African languages like Sesotho. Semiotics as part of translation and its relationship to complexity theory are also discussed in length.
Like all languages, Sesotho has its own symbols, metaphors, and figures of speech. Sesotho animal symbolism and metaphors are discussed in length. Sesotho animal symbolism and metaphorism are mostly found in (religion), totemism, royalty, traditional medicine, (witchcraft), folklore, proverbs, and idioms. The animals that are discussed are those that are used symbolically and metaphorically in the incipient Hebrew text. The discussion is on how these animals that are symbolically and metaphorically used in the Hebrew text and how they are used in Sesotho symbolism and metaphors.
The focus of the study is on how the 1909 and 1989 Sesotho Bible translations translated Hebrew animal names found in Hebrew text and especially those Hebrew animal names that were used symbolically and metaphorically. These Hebrew animal names include wild animals, the meat-eating wild animals such as the lion, leopard, bear, jackal, wolf, and wild dogs as well as the grass-eating wild animals such as wild donkeys, wild oxen, all types of bucks, mole, and wild pig. Domesticated animals such as cattle, sheep, goats, ass, camel, horse, mule, and dog are also included. It also focuses on birds of prey and seed eating birds, including the crane, swallow, raven, dove, pigeon, eagle, vulture, jackdaw/pelican, ostrich, owl, partridge, sparrow, and the stork. Also included are reptiles (venomous snakes, vipers and the crocodile), the fish, snail, insects such as ants, bees, flea, gadfly, and hornet/wasp; worms such as the leech and maggots; locusts in their different developmental stages; the moth, scorpion, and spider. The symbolic and metaphoric translation of mythical creatures such as sea-monster, dragon, and leviathan into Sesotho by the translators of the 1909 and 1989 Sesotho translations are also discussed.
The use of animal symbolism and metaphorism dealt with in this study shows these types of figurative language were mainly used in the books of Proverbs, Job, Psalms, and the books of the Prophets (both major and minor prophets). Symbolism and metaphorical usage in these books show how much knowledge of animals, their behaviour, and their habitat the Hebrews had. Like their Hebrew counterparts, Sesotho users have their own knowledge and understanding of animals that need to be accommodated by Sesotho translators. When comparing animal symbolism and metaphorism in the incipient Hebrew text with those in the subsequent texts (1909 and 1989 Sesotho translations), one realises that they are closely similar. The 1909 Sesotho translation is mainly a literal translation of the Hebrew text. The 1989 Sesotho translation rephrases and simplifies the animal symbolism and metaphorism of the incipient text. There are only a few instances where the 1989 Sesotho translation tries to use the context of the Sesotho users. In 1 Kings 12:11, the Hebrew term ﬠַקְרִַבִּ֖ים (scorpion) is used metaphorically as a whip to punish people. The 1989 Sesotho translates this term with (cat) instead of (scorpion) because (cat) is also used metaphorically for a whip that the Basotho use to the punish incarcerated persons in prison. In this case the Sesotho translators used the context of the users to translate the whip metaphor. Though there may be resistance by conservative Sesotho users to contextual translations, as is the case with the publication of the 1989 Sesotho Bible (Makutoane 2011), Sesotho translations that consider all dimensions of the incipient sign system and the subsequent sign system in a complexity theory approach will be most meaningful to Sesotho users.
A final consideration in the thesis involves how the translation of animals in the Bible must be considered in light of the ecological viewpoints concerning animals in the Bible and the ancient Near East as well as in contemporary African society. The implications for the ethical translation of animals in the Bible, based upon an ecological approach that views animals not as “things” but as living beings, is explored
A model of paperless technology continuance use intention by business end-users: a dyadic perspective
No full textThesis (Ph.D.(Business Administration))--University of the Free State, 2023The ambiguity of paperless technology use in offices prevails, and there is a lack of paperless technology adoption information that can be used to inform strategy within the office automation industry. Office automation organisations require information on the continuance use of paperless technology to ascertain technological improvement areas and strengthen their marketing strategies. This study aimed to identify how the perception of business end-users regarding paperless technology and the buyer-supplier relationship influence their continued use of office paperless technology. By applying the behavioural reasoning theory, the study used an often overlooked behavioural theory in technology use literature and business-to-business marketing literature to investigate the continuance use of paperless technology. The model developed comprises ‘reasons for’ and ‘reasons against’ relating to technological and buyer-supplier factors that impact the continuance use intention of business end-users. Empirical data was collected using an online survey, and quantitative methodology was applied. A total of 297 responses from customers (end-users of an office automation organisation in South Africa) were statistically analysed. The results showed that both attitude towards the technology and attitude towards the supplier significantly influence the continuance use intention of paperless technology. Attitude towards the supplier had a lower influence on continuance use intention but also influenced attitude towards the technology. Compatibility, ease of use, usefulness, and reliability shortcomings were confirmed as factors influencing attitudes toward the technology. However, the influence of capability shortcomings was not statistically significant. Goal congruence, trust, commitment, and distrust were supported factors influencing attitudes toward the supplier, while the influence of opportunism was not statistically significant. The supported model contributed to theory building and enabled the development of marketing strategies and strategies to manage the paramount buyer-seller relationships
Equals -: avowal, disavowal, and second- person narration in Marlene van Niekerk’s
No full textThis article examines the second-person narrative mode in Marlene van Niekerk’s Agaat. Its function is explained by situating the novel within that niche known as the “you-text.” But the generic function must also be accounted for within the thematic tensions of the novel, specifically those oscillations of avowal and disavowal. So a second concern is this: how does the novel speak back to narrative theory? How does its “compulsion to tell the truth” – shadowed by South Africa’s Truth and Reconciliation Commission – trouble, expand or extend the typologies used to talk about texts where “you” consolidates narrator and narratee? Considering this consolidation as part of what might be called a narratology of the self, I suggest that Agaat’s “you” can be seen as further collapsing the roles of confessor and penitent. Such collapse reinforces the interiority of Milla’s self-addressed excoriations, since it mirrors the doubled consciousness of Protestant confession. But it also inaugurates a new type of address – the “implied you” – which turns on the reader as much as on the novel’s protagonist.Publisher's versio
Perceived social support and sense of coherence as Predictors of psychological well-being amongst university Students during a pandemic
No full textDissertation(M.Soc.Sc.(Counselling Psychology))--University of the Free State, 2023University students face unique psychosocial and mental health challenges during their studies. Given the already stressful experiences endured, the COVID-19 pandemic was also perceived as an unprecedented mental and physical health challenge globally. This dissertation examined the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on Psychological Well-being (PWB) of South African university students. More specifically, this study aimed to investigate which variable(s) statistically and significantly explained a percentage of the variance in Psychological Wellbeing (PWB) amongst university students during the COVID-19 pandemic. Sense of Coherence (SOC) and Perceived Social Support (PSS) were investigated as possible predictor variables of PWB during the pandemic.
This study utilised a quantitative, non-experimental research approach with a correlational design. The statistical relationships between the variables were determined through correlational analyses. Data was collected from a sample of 312 registered university students, consisting of male and female students from various age groups, ethnicities, and faculties. Nonprobability convenience sampling was utilised to obtain the abovementioned sample.
This study utilised a self-developed biographical questionnaire and three measuring instruments, namely the (MSPSS), the (SOC-29), and ’ - (SPWB). Moreover, correlational analyses were computed to determine the statistical relationships between the variables, followed by a hierarchical multiple regression analysis (HRA). The HRA results demonstrated that the combination of all predictors (Comprehensibility, Meaningfulness; PSS from Family, Friends, and Significant Others) predicted 32.8% of the variance in Self-Acceptance (f² = .49). The combination of all predictors also predicted 23.8% of the variance in Personal Growth (f² = .31) and 38.9% of the variance in overall PWB (f² = .64). In addition, regression results also showed that the combination of SOC predictors (Comprehensibility and Meaningfulness), statistically and practically significantly accounted for 25% of the variance in Self-Acceptance (f² = .37). The SOC predictors (Comprehensibility and Meaningfulness) explained 20% of the variance in Personal (f² = .26). Additionally, this combination of SOC predictors predicted 26.2% of the variance of overall PWB (f² = .42). Meaningfulness was found to be the only statistically and practically significant individual predictor of university students’ Self-Acceptance, Personal Growth, and PWB, during the pandemic. Therefore, higher levels of Meaningfulness within overall SOC, could significantly predict higher levels of PWB amongst students. More research on SOC and PWB of university students is needed to validate these results
South Africa's role in the promotion of democracy and good governance in Africa to drive economic development
No full textDissertation(MGT (Governance and Political Transformation))--University of the Free State, 2023Good governance has been receiving global attention as studies suggest that its effectiveness equates to developing any member states, prompting countries and governments to align themselves with tenets of good governance to realise economic development. However, though the concept of good governance is widely underscored as a mechanism through which countries can achieve development objectives, the situation in Africa is different. African countries are battling development, which impacts people's socio-economic status. Good governance is failing because of the governance system that breeds political instabilities and democratic deficits; this is even though, as a mechanism, good governance will ensure that the continent scurries towards achieving its regional developmental plans. Thus, a voice of reason must emerge to inspire confidence and lead the developmental trajectories of the continent; hence, since democratisation and reintegration into the global society, South Africa has been involved in developing the continent through the African Agenda
Healing-thorns: an Aloe Ferox medicinal research, education and production hub, promoting healing for a hurting community
No full textDissertation (M.Arch.(Architecture))--University of the Free State, 2023The Mill. is dwarfed by its American counterpart, the aloe vera plant, most of the companies in charge of manufacturing its byproducts tend to resonate a disunified front.
The main question is:
How can the notion of a healing environment inspire the unification between various disjointed communities within the aloe Ferox industry, whilst simultaneously commend the plant by establishing a safe space that will instil a positive metaphysical engagement with the multi-faceted development?
Various companies have established themselves within the aloe Ferox manufacturing industry, but none have seemed to address the divide between its various communities, which seems like a missed opportunity that can also help the product’s growth in popularity.
The design dissertation aims to address these challenges by investigating various theoretical stances and designing a facility comprising various facets of the industry to create a unified front that would exalt the aloe Ferox plant.
This was done through various investigative and research methods, such as interviews and studies which were then reflected upon and applied to the design development appropriately.
The aloe Ferox industry and its communities have a dormant growth potential, and it is hoped that this dissertation will shine a new light upon it
Investigating the potential antiproliferative effect of aqueous leaf extract in MCF-7 breast cancer cells
No full textDissertation(M.Med.Sc.(Physiology))--University of the Free State, 2023: Breast cancer is associated with elevated mortality and morbidity rates in women across the world. Current chemotherapeutic drugs such as Doxorubicin (Dox) display contra-indications, thus expressing the need for alternative treatment methods. Therefore, to reduce the cancer burden, the study’s objective was to investigate whether an aqueous leaf extract of (MO), a medicinal tree native to India and indigenous to Africa, possesses antiproliferative potential against MCF-7 breast cancer cells.
: In order to suppress cell growth, MCF-7 cells were treated with MO (2600 μg/ml) for 72 hours. Cells were also co-exposed with Dox (0.978 μM), modelled as a positive control. The unexposed cells served as the control. Biochemical analysis was conducted after 72 hours (MTT, GSH, DCFH-DA, ATP, Caspase 3/7, 8/9, qPCR and western blot assays) to assess the efficacy of MO and Dox.
: aqueous leaf extract significantly reduced the proliferation of breast cancer cells by inducing oxidative stress through increasing ROS whilst decreasing glutathione content and Nrf2 protein expression. Additionally, MO induced apoptosis by increasing caspases -3/7, -8, -9, metabolic activity and upregulating p53. Similar results were observed in Dox-exposed cells. Furthermore, cell death due to MO was activated with downregulation of Bcl-2, PARP-1 and Bax. Dox decreased the growth of breast cancer cells by increasing ROS. In contrast, Dox induced chemoresistance through increased GSH content and downregulated apoptotic protein Bax and p53 gene. However, the MO + Dox combination induced antiproliferative potential similarly to MO, suggesting a possible synergistic effect.
: MO aqueous leaf extract displayed antiproliferative potential by inducing apoptosis and oxidative damage to the MCF-7 breast cancer cell
Assessment of groundwater ingress into mine workings from the deep-seated fractured rock aquifer in the Bushveld Igneous Complex at Dishaba mine
No full textDissertation (M.Sc.(Geohydrology))--University of the Free State, 2023Dishaba Mine is reported to experience approximately 16 ML of groundwater ingress daily. The water ingresses occur across the mine, from off-reef haulages to mostly Merensky reef stopes. The water enters the mine workings through fractures, boreholes, and open mining excavations, and poses a risk in terms of mine safety. However, the water entering the mine also presents an opportunity for the mine to reduce its reliance on potable water and potentially use groundwater to meet day to day water requirements for mining and ore processing