2694 research outputs found
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Synthesis of novel 2-thiohydantoin derivatives as potential anti-diabetic drugs
No full textM.Sc. (Chemistry)Department of ChemistryThiohydantoin is a hydantoin with one carbonyl group replaced with a thiocarbonyl group. In this study five series (glycinates, alaninates, butanoates, vallinates and norvalinates) of thiohydantoin derivatives (21a-v) were successfully synthesized and characterized using known analytical characterization techniques. The synthesis of these compounds followed four reaction steps using conventional methods from step one with nucleophilic substitution to Knoevenagel condensation reaction as the final step. All twenty two compounds were obtained in good to excellent yields and were subjected to in vitro screening for their inhibitory activity against α-glucosidase.
Among the five series of thiohydantoin derivatives, the alaninate derivative 21f exhibited the highest inhibition at both concentrations of 65 μM and 130 μM, with values of 71.13±0.61 and 64.20±0.54, respectively. The glycinate derivative 21j exhibited the highest inhibition of 60.95±1.07 at 130 μM, while butanoate derivatives showed a consistant moderate inhibition. Only compound 21z exhibited concentration-dependent trends of moderate inhibition on the norvallinates derivatives and the vallinates exhibited negligible inhibition.National Research Foundation (NRF
The importance of internship programs a form of experiential learning on graduate in the Limpopo Department of Education
No full textD.AdminDepartment of Public and Development AdministrationFor decades, internship programs in both the public and private sectors have been implemented however, there is a great concern of its importance on graduates. The Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996 advocates for reshaping public administration in South Africa, including good human-resource management and career-development practices, as well as employment and personnel management. Public Service Internship Program is a graduate work experience program for the Public Service that targets unemployed graduates to give them workplace experience and an opportunity to apply the work skills on what they have studied and will exercise in the future. In search of a method to provide graduates with experience as a prerequisite for employability, the constructivist approach known as Experiential Learning Theory developed by Kolbs is used. The investigation focuses on internship programs as a form experiential learning on graduates in the Limpopo Department of Education. A well-designed internship program allows graduates to gain knowledge, skills, and experience through experiential learning to acquire professional skills.
The pragmatic paradigm was used to conduct the study, which included both qualitative and quantitative methods. This was done to combine the strengths of both methods, so that when one method was unable to provide useful information, the other was used. The convergent parallel design was used, which allowed for data collection in both methods to gain a thorough understanding of the phenomena. The population of the study in this study refers to employees/officials and interns in the Limpopo Department of Education Head Office in Polokwane. The respondents were chosen using a purposive and random sampling procedure to gain more knowledge and experience about the internship program. The 180 respondents were drawn from the Limpopo Department of Education Head Office in Polokwane and included employees/officials and interns. A structured close-ended questionnaire and open-ended interview questions were used as data collection instruments. As a result, data was analysed using thematic and statistical desccriptive. When conducting the research study, research ethics were followed.
The findings of the research study were:
According to 78 (43%) of respondents, the Limpopo Department of Education has appointed interns until March 31, 2023. The results show that 85 (47%) of respondents believe that internship programs are important in the Department for providing experiential learning to graduates. Based on the findings of 73 (40%) of those who participated in the study, graduates
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who participate in an internship have a better chance of finding a permanent job. The findings also indicate that the LDoE faces a funding and personnel shortage, which impedes effective internship implementation. It was also revealed that there is a lack of personnel to oversee interns' work and progress, which has a negative impact on their experiential learning.
Recommendations of the study are:
The Department must address the issues that have a negative impact on internships and develop mechanisms that will lead to the most effective internship implementation possible. Implement internships designed to develop skills in demand, as well as a system that is effective in providing interns with the experience that is required in the labour market. Staff members should be trained, skilled, and experienced to supervise interns' learning progress. Internship programs should have their own budget and should be used specifically to ensure that internship objectives are met. At least 10 of the 300 interns currently assigned to the LDoE's headquarters should be hired on a permanent basis. It can also employ interns to school districts for at least five years, allowing them to gain middle management experience for future employment while being paid by the Department.NR
Intervention guidelines to mitigate the psychological impact of irregular high school attendance among learners in Vhembe District, Limpopo Province
No full textPhD (Psychology)Department of PsychologyIn this era of globalization, education is considered a first step for every human activity. Globally, learners are expected to attend school regularly per the national school calendar and rest after school, during weekends, holidays, and school holidays. Aim: The study developed intervention guidelines to mitigate the psychological impact of irregular high school attendance among learners in Vhembe District, Limpopo. Method: A qualitative approach and an exploratory research design were employed. The study comprised 16 (sixteen) Grade 12 learners and 8 (eight) teachers from the Sibasa and Mvudi circuits in Vhembe District. Purposive sampling was utilized. The study used a semi-structured interview guide and data was collected through face-to-face interviews. Thematic analysis was used to analyze the collected data. Results: The results show that high school learners are engaged in irregular high school attendance and experience many negative impacts such as psychological, physical, and social problems. Teachers also confirmed that high school learners are engaged in irregular high school attendance. The objective of prolonged school attendance is to improve academic performance and knowledge of major subjects, learners experience psychological impacts such as stress and lack of concentration. Conclusion: Vhembe high school learners attend school every day and go after school classes. Learners also attend school during weekends, holidays, and school holidays without resting. These prolonged demands of mental concentration result in a lack of attention in class, stress, burnout, and day sleeping for high school learners. Based on the findings’ intervention guidelines were developed during Phase 2.NR
Parental engagement in the education of Grade 1 learners during COVID-19 Pandemic in Rakwadu 2 Circuit
No full textM.Ed. (Early Childhood Education)Department of Early Childhood EducationThe study sought to investigate parental engagement in the education of Grade 1 learners during the Covid-19 pandemic in Rakwadu 2 Circuit in Limpopo province. The Covid-19 pandemic led to an abrupt closure of all South African schools on the 18th of March 2020. Therefore, the closure of schools was the right decision to control the spreading of the virus among learners and teachers.
However, learners’ performance was severely affected as they languished at home without any curricular assistance from parents. The study was guided by Joyce Epstein's theory, subsumed under the interpretive research paradigm. An explorative qualitative research design was employed, and data were collected through face-to-face interviews, observations and document analysis. Observations were conducted with the teachers only. Teachers were observed while collecting work from the learners and further analysed thematically. A purposeful sampling procedure was employed to select twelve (12) participants from two (2) primary schools; two (2) Grade 1 teachers per school (the total number of teachers was 4) and eight (8) parents whose learners were in Grade 1. There were four parents from each sampled school. The findings revealed distinctive challenges of insufficient parental engagement in the school setting. The study recommended parents to get involved in education to improve learners’ performance amidst the impact of the Covid19 pandemic.NR
The Adoption of the National Traffic Information System (NaTIS) by the Citizens during the Covid-19 Pandemic in South Africa
No full textM. Com (Business Information Systems)Department of Business Information SystemsThis study examines citizens' engagement with the National Department of Transport services in South Africa, focusing on the NaTIS system. The central issue under investigation is the factors influencing the adoption and utilization of NaTIS among South African citizens. This study identifies and synthesizes several key themes through an extensive literature review. These themes include - the significance of user-friendliness and robust support mechanisms, adaptability to new technologies, working experience, awareness, trust, user preferences, and the role of social influence in technology adoption. Underpinned by the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT), this study employs a mixed-method approach, hence, incorporating both quantitative and qualitative methods. It utilizes surveys, factor analysis, and regression analysis to gather and analyse data, thereby, offering a comprehensive understanding of the factors influencing NaTIS adoption.
The study provides empirical insights into citizens' interactions with NaTIS. Key findings emphasize the importance of - user-friendliness, adaptability to new technologies, and social influence - in promoting technology acceptance. These findings present valuable guidance for policymakers and public service managers, to enhance the quality of e-Government services in South Africa. The recommendations offered in the study can contribute to making public services more citizen-centric and technologically-acceptable.National Research Foundation (NRF
Novel thiazolidinedione derivatives as corrosion inhibitors for mild steel and zinc in 1 M HCI
No full textPh.D. (Chemistry)Department of ChemistryCorrosion inhibition studies on mild steel (MS) and zinc in 1 M HCl were carried out at four temperatures (303.15 K, 313.15 K, 323.15 K, and 333.15 K) using eight novel thiazolidinedione derivatives (TZDs) codenamed: A1, A2, A3 (alaninates), B1, B2 (butanoates), G1, G2, and G3 (glycinates). After synthesis, the TZDs were characterized using nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy. Specifically, two NMR techniques were employed: proton NMR (1H NMR) at 400MHz and carbon 13 NMR (13C NMR) at 100MHz. After characterization, five experimental techniques were employed to investigate the corrosion inhibition potential of the TZDs: weight loss (WL) analysis, potentiodynamic polarization (PDP), electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The adsorption of the TZDs onto both metals was found to be best modelled by the Langmuir adsorption isotherm. Thermodynamic data showed that all TZDs adsorbed spontaneously onto both metal surfaces, transitioning from mixed type adsorption to chemisorption with an increase in temperature. However, WL analysis percentage inhibition (%IEWL) and activation energy (Ea) data showed that all TZDs adsorbed onto zinc via chemisorption. Data obtained from PDP analysis showed that the TZDs inhibit corrosion on MS at both anodic and cathodic sites, with a prevalence of cathodic action. However, on zinc, all TZDs inhibit corrosion exclusively at anodic sites. Data from EIS analysis showed that the adsorption of the TZDs onto both metals is a charge transfer driven process. The significantly depressed semi-circles obtained from zinc EIS data shows that capacitance plays much less of a role relative to MS, explaining the much lower phase shift (n) values obtained. Spectra obtained from FTIR analysis show that carbonyl, amine, nitro, aliphatic and aromatic functional groups all take part in the formation of an adsorption film on both metal surfaces.NR
Impacts of climate change on water resources availability for agriculture in Nzhelele Area, Limpopo Province
No full textMESHWRDepartment of Earth SciencesMany countries worldwide are experiencing climate change associated impacts on their most valuable sectors such as water resources and agriculture, and South Africa is no exception. The impacts of climate change on water resources availability are projected to increase in almost all regions. This will have a devastating impact on agriculture, especially in a semi-arid and water scarce area of South Africa. This study investigated the impacts if climate change on the availability of water resources for agriculture in Nzhelele area, Limpopo Province. The Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) was used to evaluate the impacts of climate change on future water resources availability. The SWAT model was calibrated and validated using data for the periods 1991-2000 and 2001-2009 using the SWATCUP-SUFI-2 technique. SWAT model was then fed with projected rainfall and temperature data from Conformal Cubic Atmospheric model (CCAM) for the periods 2023-2053 (near future) and 2053–2082 (far future) to simulate future inflows. Crop water requirements (CWR) for selected crops (maize, tomato, groundnuts, and sweet potato) were estimated using the crop coefficient approach for wet season (summer) and dry season (winter) in near future and far future. The CWRs were compared with inflows to evaluate the availability of water to meet future CWRs. The SWAT model performance was evaluated based on evaluation criteria Coefficient of determination (R2), Nash-Sutcliffe efficiency (NSE), percent bias (PBIAS) and ratio of the root mean square error to the standard deviation of measured data (RSR). The model showed good performance statistics of R2 of 0.71, NSE of 0.56, PBIAS of +0.6% and RSR of 0.66. The study findings revealed that simulated inflows will decrease by 28.67% and 48.22% in the near future and far future, respectively, relative to the baseline period 1987-2009. A comparison of inflows and CWR showed that in near future, water requirements for maize, tomato, groundnuts, and sweet potato in wet season will exceeds inflows by 49.54, 10.05, 9.43, and 9.14%, respectively. In the dry season, water requirements for tomato and sweet potato will be higher than inflows by 29.87 and 71.12%, respectively. However, estimated water requirements for maize were 62% lower than inflows in dry season. In far future, water requirements for maize, tomato, groundnuts, and sweet potato in wet season will be higher than inflows by 66.08, 26.9, 27.15, and 37.22%, respectively, and in dry season water requirements for tomato and sweet potato and maize will be higher than inflows by 62.30, 89.42 and 25.87%, respectively. The study concluded that projected inflows will not be able to meet the simulated future crop water requirements in Raliphaswa irrigation scheme under changing climatic conditions.National Research Foundation (NRF
The physiology of sprouting and its ecological implications for Savanna woodland and dynamics in the Nylsvley Nature Reserve, Limpopo Province, South Africa
No full textPh.D. (Biological Sciences)Department of Biological SciencesDisturbance in its various forms is an integral component of any ecosystem, and it contributes significantly to the patterning of the vegetation. Many savanna plant species survive disturbance, such as cutting or clipping, through resprouting. Sprouting is important, particularly in situations where chances for the establishment of seedlings is rare. High disturbance intensity suppresses plant recovery, while low disturbance intensity stimulates plant regrowth. Disturbing plants frequently depletes stored carbohydrate reserves which are indispensable for regrowth, while disturbing plants less frequently allows plants space to accumulate root carbohydrate reserves. Savanna plants in game reserves are usually exposed to disturbance in the form of grazing, browsing, accidental fires, and competition. It is necessary to comprehend how savanna plant species respond to the disturbance for the sustenance of the life of the game in those ecosystems. This study assessed how savanna plants (i) respond to cutting, (ii) relate to bark thickness, stem diameter, and fire, and (iii) respond to release from competition.
Chapter 3 of the current thesis experimented on juveniles of the two savanna plant species, namely Dichrostachys cinerea (D. cinerea) and Terminalia sericea (T. sericea), and Chapter 4 experimented on seedlings and juveniles of the same two savanna plant species referred to in chapter 3. Juvenile individuals that were utilized for experimentation in chapter 3 were not the same as those utilized in Chapter 4. Dichrostachys cinerea (D. cinerea) and Terminalia sericea (T. sericea), were subjected to clipping. In one instance, a group of juvenile plants per species was cut seasonally during the first year of experimentation for the whole experimental period, while in another instance, seedlings
and juveniles were cut; the responses of plants were monitored and compared in both instances. Clipping of individual plant species monthly in the year simulated how seasons differentially affect plants' responses to cutting. The study was carried out for two and half years. The heights of cut plants were compared to establish how the plants responded to clipping. The heights of the plants were measured in both instances only towards the conclusion of the experiments. The bark thickness, and stem diameter of plants of different age groups were measured using Vernier callipers and diameter tapes, respectively. Gaps created between grass plants were measured pre- and post-removal of their potential competitors.
All the individual plant species that were clipped anyhow survived clipping throughout the experimental period. Winter-clipped plant species generally outgrew plants that were clipped in other seasons, probably due to ample carbohydrate root reserves during this season of the year. Juveniles grew faster than seedlings in terms of height when both were cut at the same time of the day, presumptively due to more carbohydrates in their roots than in those of the seedlings. More seedlings died than juveniles when both were exposed to the same fire intensity. We found root reserves affected differentially between seasons of the year. The bark thickness increased with plant age and height to about 50 cm in trunk circumference; thereafter, the relationship was inconsistent. Openings that resulted when grass plants competed for resources such as moisture became readily available for invasion by new plant species, mainly alien plants. Managed disturbance is thus important and necessary to maintain ecosystems in balance. Communities should thus be educated on how savanna ecosystems respond to disturbances at different seasons of the year to mitigate
situations where our savanna ecosystems could be converted into ecosystems that are not suitable for savanna games.NR
Flood risks and spatial vulnerabilities: a case study of the University of Venda, South Africa
No full textMURPDepartment of Urban and Regional PlanningThis study explored flood risks and spatial vulnerabilities using a case study of the University of Venda in South Africa. Although there is a wealth of literature on flood hazards and vulnerabilities in developing nations and some South African regions, no such studies were conducted at the University of Venda. The study's goals were as follows: (i) To determine the spatial vulnerability level of the University of Venda to flood risks; (ii) To highlight the spatial risks associated with flooding; and (iii) To recommend sustainable spatial planning coping strategies to reduce flood risks and vulnerabilities at the University of Venda. This study would benefit the entire populace of the University of Venda, including the students and staff members. The theory of urban resilience to floods (Liao, 2012) was used to make meaning of the research findings. The temporal scope stretches from 1982, when the University of Venda was established, to 2022, to provide current experiences on flooding: the conceptual scope covered flood risks, vulnerability, flooding, small rural towns, and low-lying areas. I employed the mixed method, combining quantitative and qualitative methodologies to collect data. I would triangulate three sampling procedures to select 357 students randomly, academic staff members conveniently, and two spatial planners purposively. Data was collected through interviews, questionnaires, mapping, and observation. Quantitative data would be analysed using SPSS, and thematic content analysis was used to analyse qualitative data. The results showed that rainfall amount, topography, drainage systems, river proximity, and municipality response determine spatial vulnerability to flooding in the study area. Also, physical vulnerability was a major determinant of flood vulnerability in the study area. Key recommendations include public awareness and participation, a sustainable drainage system, relocation, and renovation.NR
The role of entrepreneurial leadership on the business performance in small medium and micro enterprises in Vhembe District, Limpopo Province
No full textM. Com (Business Management)Department of Business ManagementIn recent years, Small, Medium, and Micro Enterprises (SMMEs) in South Africa's Vhembe District have been pivotal in driving economic growth, fostering job creation, and sparking innovation within the region. Despite their significant contributions to the local economy, these enterprises face formidable challenges that impede their performance and sustainability, including limited access to financial and human resources, fierce competition from more giant corporations, and the unpredictability of market conditions. The study's main objective was to explore how various entrepreneurial leadership styles affect small, medium, and micro enterprises in the Vhembe district regarding overall business performance. To address this knowledge gap, the study utilised the interpretive paradigm and employed a qualitative research method with an exploratory design. In addition, the study employed in-depth interviews to examine the role of entrepreneurial leadership within the socio-economic and cultural context of the Vhembe District. Theoretical frameworks, such as transformational, authentic, and servant leadership, are examined for their relevance to the South African business landscape. The study scrutinised various dimensions of entrepreneurial leadership, including strategic decision-making, innovation orientation, employee motivation, and risk management. The study selected 16 participants through purposive sampling to ensure diverse perspectives and experiences were represented. Data collection was conducted through interviews, and data presentation and analysis were done using Atlas.ti 23. The study limited the evaluation of SMMEs' performance to specific metrics and non-financial indicators, including innovation and employee satisfaction. This approach allowed for a focused examination of how different leadership styles influenced aspects of performance. The study focused on a specific geographical area and was centred around that area, which may have impacted the relationship between leadership styles and SMMEs' performance since the qualitative study used ATLAS.ti to identify patterns and themes emerging from participants' responses.
The study’s findings highlighted the positive influence of leadership styles such as transformational and collaborative leadership on financial outcomes, innovation, creativity, and customer satisfaction. However, SMMEs faced significant challenges in
implementing these leadership styles, including internal resistance, external constraints, and resource limitations. Entrepreneurs emphasised the importance of leadership development programs, employee empowerment, flexibility, and strategic decision-making to foster an adaptive organisational culture. These findings provide actionable insights for enhancing entrepreneurial leadership within SMMEs in the region. Some findings aligned with the literature, while others diverged, thus enhancing detailed perspectives on the role of entrepreneurial leadership in SMMEs. The discussion revealed how these leadership traits influence diverse aspects of SMMEs' performance in Vhembe, highlighting the intricate interplay between entrepreneurial leadership and SMME outcomes. The alignment of findings with existing literature strengthens and validates the theoretical foundations established in previous research. Specifically, the study provides empirical evidence that substantiates the claims and assertions made by scholars in the field. By corroborating and extending upon established theories, the findings comprehensively understand how entrepreneurial leadership styles impact various facets of Small, Medium, and Micro Enterprises (SMMEs) in the Vhembe district. This validation contributes to the credibility of existing theories and expands the knowledge base by introducing context-specific insights and highlighting the intricate dynamics at play in the unique socio-economic environment of the Vhembe district. Therefore, the study fortifies and adds depth to the existing theoretical framework, contributing to advancing knowledge in this critical domain. The study illuminated distinctive aspects of entrepreneurial leadership within the Vhembe district, unravelling context-specific nuances that distinguished it from broader contexts. These unique aspects provided actionable insights tailored for SMME owners, managers, policymakers, and other regional stakeholders. By pinpointing the specific characteristics and intricacies of entrepreneurial leadership relevant to the local socio-economic environment, the study offered targeted guidance for decision-makers to formulate strategies and policies aligned with the distinctive features of the Vhembe district. This approach ensured that recommendations and interventions were finely tuned to address the challenges and opportunities inherent to the local business landscape, fostering more effective and contextually relevant outcomes. These insights can inform targeted strategies and policies to support and nurture entrepreneurship within the SMME sector. Areas for further studies include exploring broader geographical contexts, assessing financial metrics, and investigating the scalability of entrepreneurial leadership in varied
business landscapes. This study contributes to economic development and job creation by informing best practices for fostering entrepreneurial leadership in SMMEs. Recommendations include tailored leadership development programs, promotion of employee empowerment, flexibility in leadership approaches, and enhancing leadership awareness. This study calls for future research to explore broader contexts and assess financial metrics while contributing to the global discourse on fostering entrepreneurial leadership in SMMEs.NR