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Exploring the teaching of Grade 10 accounting in Thabo Mofutsanyana district
No full textDissertation (M.Ed.(Curriculum Studies))--University of the Free State, 2023The literature revealed significant challenges affecting numerous teachers in the Thabo Mofutsanyana district, such as a lack of pedagogical content knowledge, changes in Curriculum and assessment policy statements, the predominant use of teacher-centred methods, shortage of textbooks in schools and teachers' lack of professional development.
A qualitative research approach was used along with the interpretivist paradigm to underpin this study. Semi-structured individual interviews were used as an instrument for collecting data. They were used to explore the views of five Accounting teachers who were purposively sampled in three schools.
The study's conceptual framework is from Shulman's (1986) theory on teachers' knowledge. Pedagogical Content Knowledge (PCK) is one of the most essential components of teachers' knowledge. This means teachers must have content knowledge and knowledge used for delivering content. Furthermore, teaching needs more than just being able to deliver subject content knowledge to learners. It is more to ensure effective learning, and learners absorb more for later accurate repetition. The study focuses on exploring the teaching of Grade 10 teachers in Thabo Mofutsanyana district. The data generated was analysed thematically. The study's findings revealed that teachers have sufficient pedagogical content knowledge but still use the predominant teaching method when teaching Accounting, which led to poor learner performance in Accounting and enrolment.
The researcher concludes that teaching Grade 10 Accounting requires teachers to use teaching methods promoting participation and active learning in class
Character and role of the state from a governance perspective
No full textDissertation(M.A.(Governance and Political Transformation))--University of the Free State, 2023In 1994, South Africa left behind its unequal and racist past, ushering in a new system of democracy that brought hope for a brighter future for its citizens. This new system was meant to bring and advocate for equality, job opportunities, the eradication of poverty and freedom; however, it seems that many South Africans are still plagued by the same issues they faced in the past. Most citizens are still experiencing poor service delivery in their communities, such as in the townships and rural areas, and unemployment remains a problem, as is corruption (Masiya, Davids & Mangai, 2019). The Finance Minister, Tito Mboweni, stated in his May 2021 Budget Vote debate that 163 municipalities were in financial distress and 40 in financial and service delivery crises. Moreover, 102 municipalities adopted budgets they could not fund. Mboweni concluded, “It is indeed lamentable that the trajectory of municipal performance is unimpressive. Much of the progress made has been eclipsed by the widespread ‘failure’ of many municipalities. Rather than moving communities forward, many municipalities have themselves regressed.” Lastly, Merton (2021) argues that ineffective political leadership, characterised by conflict among council members and undue political intervention in administrative affairs, has hindered the development of a functional municipal sector. One would assume that the local sphere of government would know and ensure the quality of service delivery as it is closest to communities; however, that is not the case in some South African municipalities.
This study will begin with a definition of the state, which will help to establish the role and character of the state as it is one of the underlying concepts of this study. Furthermore, this study will define ‘effective government’ to analyse or establish to what degree the South African government has been effective in addressing the issues or challenges faced by its citizens in the new democracy since 1994
Appraisal of geophysical methods used for groundwater exploration in South Africa
No full textDissertation (M.Sc.(Geohydrology))--University of the Free State, 2023Groundwater is a crucial resource that has been a means of survival for humans for many years, as seen in the tendency to settle near springs (Fitts, 2013). Interestingly, groundwater was extracted from dry mountain basins by Persians in what is now modern Iran (Fitts, 2013). Indeed, many methods have been developed over time to explore groundwater, as has been done with other resources of the Earth that are not readily visible.
According to Arefayne . (2016), groundwater exploration is “the investigation of underground formations to understand the hydrologic cycle, know the groundwater quality, and identify the nature, number, and type of aquifers”. Numerous exploration methods are employed and are often used in conjunction with one another to ensure the most accurate estimation of groundwater potentiality in a given area.
These exploration methods may be direct or indirect (Balasubramanian, 2017), with surface methods often indirect. These include esoteric techniques, which are the most ancient, also known as water witching or dowsing. Here, operators using a forked stick or an egg (Balasubramanian, 2017) claim to be able to detect water underground, the accuracy of which is fairly unproven (Arefayne and Abdi, 2016). Geomorphological methods study the landforms in the area of interest to show where the groundwater is likely to occur (Balasubramanian, 2017). Features such as pediplains or valley flats often show good groundwater potential (Sedhuraman et al., 2014). The slope and drainage density are also particularly important features as there is more infiltration in gently sloping areas, and a higher drainage density indicates more runoff and, hence, less potential for recharge (Sedhuraman et al., 2014).
Other surface exploration methods may be geological in nature (Balasubramanian, 2017). Such methods first collect and analyse topographic maps, aerial photographs, geological maps, and core logs. This is then supplemented by geological field reconnaissance and evaluation of hydrological data on stream flows, springs, well yields, groundwater recharge levels, and water quality (Balasubramanian, 2017). Faults, joints, and lineaments are also noted, as these may form preferential flow paths for groundwater (Van Tonder ., 2001).
The structure of the water-bearing strata can also give indications for groundwater occurrence (Balasubramanian, 2017). Contacts between permeable rock overlying impermeable strata along the sides of valleys are suitable locations for groundwater (Balasubramanian, 2017). Quartz veins and dykes can be linear and form ridges (Nel, 2017). There, erosion-prone rock types may form depressions and are connected with structures ideal for water storage (Nel, 2017).
Geobotany, which is the study of how plants are related to the subsurface, can also be used in the exploration of groundwater (Odhiambo, 2016). This means observing any anomaly in the growth of vegetation or trees growing in a straight line can be an indicator of subsurface moisture changes (Nel, 2017). The presence of phreatophytes can also allude to the presence of groundwater (Nel, 2017). Halophytes and white efflorescence of salt on the ground may also be an indication of shallow brackish or saline groundwater (Balasubramanian, 2017). Playas and precipitation of salt are also good indicators of possible groundwater occurrence (Balasubramanian, 2017). Photogeology, which is the use of aerial photography to study geology, can also provide valuable information for targets of a groundwater exploration exercise (Mekel, 1988).
Another manner through which groundwater exploration can be conducted is through the use of geophysical methods. There are a variety of geophysical methods used in groundwater exploration employed for several reasons. However, the main objective of geophysical surveys in hydrogeology is to provide parameters for the creation of models essential for decision-making in groundwater exploration and protection (Mpofu ., 2020).
Geophysical survey methods can be airborne, conducted on the surface, or even conducted down boreholes (Balasubramanian, 2017). These methods operate primarily by detecting anomalies or contrasts in the physical properties of the Earth (Balasubramanian, 2017). These properties include but are not limited to density, elasticity, magnetism, and electrical resistivity. Such anomalies indicate the potential zones which can be exploited for groundwater. The use of geophysics in groundwater exploration is very important as it removes the need to drill many boreholes before the target is reached (Mpofu ., 2020). Geophysical tools are invaluable in groundwater exploration; therefore, this study will be primarily based on the use of geophysics for groundwater exploration in South Africa
Taxonomy, spoilage, and virulence characteristics of species isolated from fish
No full textThesis (Ph.D.(Food Science))--University of the Free State, 2023In previous studies at the University of the Free State, aerobic, Gram-negative bacteria were isolated from Cape hake ( ), intended for human consumption. Although some of these isolates could be identified, six isolates remained unidentified. The purpose of this study was to determine the genomic and phenotypic characteristics of these isolates to assign them to the correct genus, to describe novel species, if present, to determine the significance of these isolates in terms of pathogenicity and/or spoilage, and to isolate bacteriophages against the bacterial strains for possible biocontrol strategies.
Based on 16S rRNA gene sequences, phylogenetic analysis confirmed that the six unidentified bacterial strains used in this study represented members of the genus . Four of these six isolates were further characterized to determine whether they were novel species. Using genomic and phenotypic techniques, the DNA G+C content of strains SH 11-4(b), SH 19-2(b), SH 20-4 and SH 40-3 supported their affiliation with the genus . Digital DNA-DNA hybridization, average nucleotide identity and amino acid identity values, and phenotypic characteristics demonstrated that strains SH 11-4(b), SH 19-2(b) and SH 40-3 represented novel species of the genus . Results for strain SH 20-4 confirmed that it was not a novel species but represented another member of . The names of the novel species were proposed as SH 11-4(b), SH 19-2(b), and SH 40-3.
The potential pathogenicity and/or food spoilage capability of the six fish isolates and reference strains were then evaluated by determining the production of siderophores, the production of a variety of enzymes that function as virulence factors, evaluating their antimicrobial resistance patterns, their ability to form biofilms, as well as the determination of their resistance to antibiofilm compounds. All the isolates produced Siderophores indicating their ability to sequester iron for survival. Gelatinase, whose expression has been linked to enhanced biofilm formation, was produced in the most significant amounts by most organisms in this study. ‘ ’ SH 11-4(b) could be regarded as a potential pathogen since it produced more than 4/8 virulence enzymes. strains SH 11-3(a) and ‘. ’ SH 40-3 were the most resistant to antimicrobials. The antimicrobial resistance/susceptibility of the and species in this study was determined using the Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion susceptibility method. The antimicrobial tests concluded that the fluoroquinolone and cephem antimicrobials would be the most effective in treating infections.
SH 20-4 was regarded as a strong biofilm former since it gave positive results for biofilm formation using three different methods, while strains SH 11-3(a) and ‘K. ’ SH 11-4(b) were the least successful at forming biofilms.
This study revealed that 100 mM D-glucose was the most effective biofilm inhibition compound against the test strains. Organisms whose biofilms showed the most resistance towards the inhibition compounds included K. SH 20-4 and ‘K. ’ SH 40-3 and susceptibility to the inhibition compounds mainly was observed in SH 11-3(a), SH 11-3(b), ‘K. ’ SH 11-4(b) and ‘K. piscis’ SH 19-2(b).
Another aim of this study was to isolate lytic bacteriophages against the species that may be pathogenic to fish or may cause food spoilage by using a two-fold agar overlay in a plaque experiment. Thirty-four phage isolates were obtained from the sewage and fishpond water samples. Strains SH 11-3(a) and SH 11-3(b) showed sensitivity toward a few phage isolates while ‘K. ’ SH 19-2(a) displayed the greatest resistance towards phage infection. Phage strains 11-3(b)-S2 showed a broader host spectrum than other phage isolates because they displayed lytic activity against 5/12 isolates. Most of the isolated phages were identified by transmission electron microscopy as members of the , , , families.
The three new members of the genus were accurately classified, described, and named. The role of the six species in virulence was determined. Some isolated phages can potentially prevent, eliminate, or reduce infections in fish
Global species diversity and distribution of the psychedelic fungal genus Panaeolus
No full textPsychedelic fungi have received considerable attention recently due to their promising treatment potential of several psychiatric disorders and medical conditions, both in clinical settings but also as a nutraceutical. Besides research, a growing number of companies are developing capacity to conduct research and clinical trials where these fungi and their products can be used, and to provide these fungi to the public market that are rapidly becoming legal across the world. Whereas Psilocybe species are better known as psychedelic fungi, species in Panaeolus are also reputed to contain the psychedelic compound psilocybin and used recreationally. For the novice, there is no contemporary scientific summary of all the species in this genus that are known to be psychedelic, compared to those that are not. The global distribution and species diversity of these brown to white, often inconspicuous mushrooms are also not summarised, nor is it known to what extent DNA sequence data that are needed for identification have been generated for all of the species in this genus. However, psychedelic Panaeolus species are used and moved across the world. This lack of data makes it difficult to regulate bioexploitation and apply law enforcement of these fungi and the compounds they contain, especially seen in the light of the rapid development of the related markets. The aim of this review is to summarise current scientific data and knowledge on the species biodiversity, geographical distribution, extent of sequence data for identification purposes, and the psychedelic potential of species, based on published results. The review revealed where species are mostly known from, while also indicating areas seriously lacking such biodiversity data. A significant degree of study across the world is still needed to confirm which of these species are truly psychedelic and exactly what compounds they can produce.Publisher's versio
Onboarding Gen Z at the Centre for Teaching and Learning at the University of the Free State
No full textDissertation (MBA (Business Administration))--University of the Free State, 2023The youngest and latest entrants into the workforce are known as ‘Generation Z’. This generation faces various challenges and obstacles when they are being integrated into the workplace. There is insufficient information and confusion about their expectations, challenges, obstacles, characteristics, work values and preferences, which hinder effort to attract, recruit and retain this generational cohort in the organisation. This study aims to assess the expectations and challenges that accompany the onboarding programme at the Centre of Teaching and Learning (CTL) of the University of the Free State (UFS). Furthermore, the study wishes to propose strategies for an onboarding programme at this centre in the hope of addressing the issues mentioned above. This study adopted a qualitative method and purposive sampling was employed to sample the participants. The sample size was thirteen Gen Z employees between the ages of eighteen and twentyfive years and seven Gen Z supervisors participants, who supervise Gen Z employees, were between the ages of twenty-five to forty, all employed at the CTL. Semi-structured interviews were used to collect data and a thematic analysis was used to analyse the results. Evidence from the interviews reveals the expectations and challenges Gen Z employees experience when they enter the workplace; the expectations and challenges Gen Z supervisors have in working with Gen Z employees versus the experience of working in the workplace and how these experiences differ. Additionally, this research explores participants’ understanding and experience of participating in an onboarding programme, whether a programme could be created for the CTL and what this programme would look like. Moreover, the study recommends that the CTL, together with the Human Resources Division at the UFS, pilot an onboarding programme for all new employees
Bohemia Africanus: materialising a fictive allegorical site between uncanny places
No full textDissertation (M.Arch.(Architecture))--University of the Free State, 2023This dissertation explores the transformation of literary allegories into architecture, challenging the commonplace safety we find in the notions of truth, home, and the familiar. The design programme centres on a travelling theatre which explores the way the audience allegorically conceives and experience truth in the production of the uncanny and macabre play, African Gothic, by Reza de Wet. By architecturally emplacing this fictional theatre production in three real murder scenes, the dissertation attempts to not only produce a contextual milieu for the play but also to address the way we engage with the 'truth' and memories of places where dark crimes have been committed.
In the context of a nation grappling with high crime rates like South Africa, the pertinent issue of addressing the aftermath of genuine criminal issues emerges as a significant concern. How we engage with the truth and memories associated with crime scenes necessitates not only relevant but also innovative approaches, which have yet to be adequately addressed. Due to the scarcity of architectural research and subsequent guidance on the matter of architectural interventions within crime sites, these scenes often turn into forbidden territories, both in discussion and physical presence.
Drawing inspiration from the content of the play "African Gothic," three recent instances of crime scenes in South Africa were symbolically pinpointed as the backdrop for a mobile theatre and the reenactment of the play. These locations include a farm in the Griekwastad district, a school residence in Stella, and a housing estate known as De Zalze.
This dissertation proposes that allegory be used to question truth, home, and safety, furthermore the dissertation considers the exploration of allegory to approach real sites of uncanny and macabre crimes.
Enter the allegory. Derived from the Greek "Allos", allegory roughly translates to "speak openly" and to "another," these definitions combine to an approach which is to openly say one thing and to mean another. By embracing and interpreting the allegorical elements woven into the theatrical work "African Gothic," these delicate locations are approached, comprehended, and dissected in novel manners, potentially paving the way for transformative shifts and embracing change within these crime-ridden areas. Exploring and challenging the concepts of truth could play a pivotal role in the process of comprehending and reconciling with these sites marked by tragedy.
Even when a page is mainly a constellation of words connected with lines, it is a 'written drawing' rather than just text, and the configuration refers to the structure of the research, the design of both written and drawn parts. (Haralambidou, 2007).
Just as we seek comfort and certainty in the notion of truth, we also find solace and certainty in our "architectural" vision of constructing secure and familiar dwellings. In a nation confronted with escalating inequality and crime rates, it becomes imperative to explore alternative approaches to handling unique and harrowing architectural scenarios and sites
The investigation of groundwater transport in a geological formation: West Park Cemetery, Johannesburg, South Africa
No full textDissertation (M.Sc.(Geohydrology))--University of the Free State, 2023Groundwater is a source of fresh water for many people who live in communities with little surface water around the world. The major sectors of groundwater use are municipal; rural; agricultural irrigation; agricultural-livestock watering; industry and mining. The amount and quality of groundwater have nevertheless decreased because of anthropogenic activities, global climate change, and poor groundwater management. The use of fertilizers and pesticides, urban development, the dumping of household waste on the land, municipal waste discharge and laboratory waste disposal, the aquifer close to contaminated streams, mining operations, and the discharge of effluents with high concentrations of industrial chemicals and sludge on the land pose a concern on groundwater. Due to the migration of solutions from leachate to the soil, dumpsites are also regarded as important sources of groundwater pollution. Pollution from naturally existing toxins, such as arsenic or fluoride, should not be overlooked. Historically, contaminated drinking water has been known to be capable of transmitting dangerous chemicals and deadly diseases. In this thesis, we have considered contamination from cemeteries because they also contribute to contaminating groundwater, which spreads infectious diseases and dangerous substances. Many lives are lost because of the spread of some infectious diseases, resulting in a large number of burials that could pollute groundwater. The Johannesburg West Park Cemetery was selected as our case study location. We gathered a variety of data regarding the cemetery expect for water samples as the boreholes were dry. The collected data were subjected to numerous analyses, and a detailed presentation of the geological structure under the cemetery was made. A high rate of burials was seen between 2020 and 2022, primarily because of the spread of COVID-19. We presented evidence to support our claim that the crossover seen during the decay process cannot be replicated by the decay model with the classical derivative. To simulate the transition from fast decay to slow decay, a fractional model was utilized using a Mittag-Leffler function as the solution. The acquired results assisted us in choosing an appropriate mathematical formulation of the advection-dispersion equation, which was also numerically examined. Under certain hypotheses, we ran some numerical simulations utilizing the mass released within the geological formation as the beginning concentration. The cemetery's boreholes should be checked monthly to improve the environment, and additional boreholes should be dug to figure out the type of aquifer beneath the cemetery and the direction of flow since these details aren't currently known. This will help to ensure that the cemetery does not contaminate the environment, or the water supplies nearby
Self-compassion as a mechanism to facilitate the adjustment of first-year students to University environments
No full textDespite high enrolment rates at higher education institutions, a perturbing number of first-year university students discontinue their studies. As first-year students constitute a vulnerable group, it is important to investigate ways in which to facilitate their adjustment to university. Extant research within student populations, including first-year students, deems self-compassion to be a robust protective factor in adjustment to university. However, studies rely largely on quantitative research designs, overlooking the voices and everyday experiences of first-year students. Accordingly, this study aimed to qualitatively explore experiences and practices of self-compassion amongst first-year students when faced with the challenges of adjusting to university. To capture in-depth, rich, thick contextual data, 12 South African first-year students participated in semi-structured interviews in their first semester, while follow-up interviews were conducted with 9 participants in the second semester. Themes generated through reflexive thematic analysis highlighted the yin and yang of self-compassion as a valuable conceptual tool to understand and promote first-year students’ experiences and practices of self-compassion. Further, students’ experiences of self-compassion are more nuanced and contradictory than previous research has indicated. Lastly, receiving social support and being self-compassionate constitute reciprocal processes that students engage with in distinct ways, affecting both the depth and breadth of their experiences. Based on this research, self-compassion is vital for strengths-based mental health programmes amongst first-year students. Programmes should promote the practice of the yin and the yang of self-compassion, foster an accepting approach to experiences, and recognise the nuanced, potentially contradictory nature of self-compassion.University of the Free StatePublisher's versio
Genomic analysis of respiratory syncytial virus circulating in the Free State during the COVID-19 pandemic
No full textDissertation(M.Med.Sc.(Virology))--University of the Free State, 2023Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a highly contagious virus that is responsible for most infant hospitalisations in developed nations and accounts for a significant childhood mortality in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). The RSV has two main subtypes, namely A and B, which co-circulate and exhibit a predominance during different RSV epidemic seasons. This virus exhibits a high degree of genetic diversity, resulting in the emergence of various genotypes. The regulation of viral replication is primarily governed by two major RSV glycoproteins, namely the attachment (G) protein and the fusion (F) protein. These proteins possess potential glycosylation sites, although the variability is more pronounced in the G protein, while the F protein remains relatively conserved across different virus isolates.
Following the advent of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 and the onset of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) era, a significant decline in RSV activity was observed, aligning with the enforcement of non-pharmaceutical interventions (NPI). Consequently, the COVID-19 pandemic brought about a significant shift in the seasonality and epidemiology of RSV, resulting in an out of season RSV outbreak. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the genetic diversity of the circulating strains in South Africa before and during the COVID-19 pandemic.
In this study, 69 nasopharyngeal swabs were collected from children who presented with respiratory distress (n=50) and severe acute respiratory infection (SARI) (n=19) and required hospital admission in different participating hospitals in the Free State province, Bloemfontein, South Africa. The samples were then subjected to multiplex panels to detect RSV. The viral RNA was extracted from RSV positive samples and overlapping fragments of the RSVA/B genomes were amplified using the Superscript IV One-Step RT-PCR kit. Libraries were prepared with QIAseq-FX single-cell RNA library preparation kit. The RSV whole genome was sequenced using the Illumina MiSeq, platform, and the obtained data was then analysed using Genome Detective and Geneious software. The virus genotypes were identified through phylogenetic analysis utilising a Nextclade typing tool. The phylodynamics of RSV, genetic diversity, and evolutionary patterns were analysed using IQ Tree and BEAST software.
The sequence phylogenetic analysis revealed a notable level of genetic diversity among the RSV strains in South Africa. In this study, the analysis showed that all study strains belonged to the GA2.3.5 and GB5.0.5a genotypes, which were predominant during the whole study period. These genotypes have been characterised previously and are circulating globally as the predominating genotypes. The phylogenetic analysis of the G-gene showed that strains responsible for the South African epidemic observed during the COVID-19 resurgence in 2020-2021 formed distinct clusters with contemporary strains from various geographic origins, suggesting continuous minor introduction within South Africa. Furthermore, the estimated mean evolutionary rates for RSV-A and RSV-B were found to be 1.48 × 10⁻³ and 1.92 × 10⁻³ nucleotide substitutions/site/year, respectively. The genetic diversity patterns in GA2.3.5 and GB5.0.5a genotypes were similar according to the Bayesian Skyride plot analysis. Our results suggest that the COVID-19 lockdown in South Africa caused a minor bottleneck suggesting other strains ceased to circulate, then followed by increased diversity as restrictions were lifted, indicating increased circulation of this variants.
The relaxation of COVID-19 restrictions in South Africa led to a surge in the off-season RSV epidemic among children. This increase in cases can be attributed to the presence of pre-existing strains, which may have been able to spread in the paediatric population that is immunologically naïve or have waned immunity. Therefore, it is crucial to conduct genomic sequencing to gain insights into the circulation patterns of RSV and the diversity of RSV strains. Given the need to comprehensively understand the RSV evolutionary patterns and its impact on vaccine effectiveness, it is imperative for genomic surveillance strategies to focus on and prioritize the use of whole genome sequencing