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Comparison of Some Statistical and Machine Learning Models for Continuous Survival Analysis
No full textM.Sc (e-Science)Department of Mathematical and Computational SciencesWhile statistical models have been traditionally utilized, there is a growing interest
in exploring the potential of machine learning techniques. Existing literature shows
varying results on their performance which is based on the dateset employed. This
study will conduct a comparative evaluation of the predictive accuracy of both statistical
and machine learning models for continuous survival analysis utilizing two distinct
datasets: time to first alcohol intake and North Carolina recidivism data. LassoCV was
used to select variables for both datasets by encouraging limited coefficient estimates.
Kaplan-Meier survival curves were utilized to compare the survival distributions among
groups of variables incorporated in the model, alongside the logrank test. The proposed
methods include the Cox Proportional Hazards, Lasso-regularized Cox, Survival Trees,
Random Survival Forest, and Neural Networks. Model performance was evaluated using
Integrated Brier score (IBS), Area Under the Curve and Concordance index. Our
findings shows consistent dominance of Neural Network (NN) and Random Survival
Forest (RSF) models across multiple metrics for both datasets. Specifically, Neural
Network demonstrates remarkable performance, closely followed by RSF, CoxPH and
CoxLasso models with slightly lower performance, and Survival Tree (ST) consistently
lags behind. This study can contribute to advancing knowledge and provides practical
guidance for improving survival in recidivism and alcohol intake.National Research Foundation (NRF
Effect of partial mutton meat substitution with Bambara groundnut (Vigna subterranea (L.) Verdc.) flour on physicochemical properties, lipid oxidation and sensory acceptability of low-fat patties
No full textMSCFSTDepartment of Food Science and TechnologyHealth concerns regarding fat consumption, as well as shifts in customer preference, have prompted substantial studies into low-fat products. This study examined the nutritional, colour, functional, and antioxidants properties of Bambara groundnut (BGN) flour varieties (cream, brown, and red-coated) grains as well as their influence on the physicochemical properties, lipid oxidation, and sensory acceptability of reduced-fat mutton patties. The patties were formulated with 2.5%, 5%, 7.5%, and 10% of BGN flours for each variety, and 100% mutton patties were used as a control. The BGN flours showed significant (p ˂ 0.05) differences in their nutritional composition (except for ash content), colour, functional (excluding the emulsion stability), antioxidant properties. The inclusion of BGN flours significantly increased the fibre (0.00 to 0.79%) and ash (1.16 to 1.99%) contents of the formulated mutton patties. However, moisture, protein contents, and carbohydrates decreased. The cooking yield of the formulated patties significantly increased with values ranging from 76.39 to 86.80% but the diameter decreased. The inclusion of BGN flours significantly increased the lightness, hue angle, colour difference and whiteness of patties. Nevertheless, the redness, yellowness, chroma, and yellowness index of the patties decreased. The hardness and resilience of formulated patties significantly increased with values varying from 16.41 to 17.66 N, and from 0.35 to 0.48 J/J, respectively, whereas the springiness, cohesiveness, and chewiness decreased. The lipid oxidation of formulated mutton patties significantly increased from day 7 to 21 but was still less than that of the control sample within storage days. The sensory properties of formulated patties were not significantly different from the control sample and were above the acceptable score of five. Different types of BGN flour varieties can each be utilised as additives in mutton patties without detrimental effects on the quality parameters of the patties.NR
Mpaluxo wa swivuriso swo vulavula hi vavasati eka Xitsonga
No full textPhD (Xitsonga)Department of African LanguagesNdzavisiso lowu wu kongomisa eka ku lavisisa ndlela leyi swivuriso swa Xitsonga swi hlamuselaka vavasati ha yona. Ririmi ri khumba swilo swo tala swo fana na switekatekisana, tinsimu, swivulavulelo, mitsheketo, mitshayilo na swivuriso. Ndzavisiso lowu wu xopaxopa swivuriso. Swivuriso hi swin’wana swa swikhavisa ririmi leswi welaka ehansi ka matsalwa eka xiyenge xa mfuwo wa rixaka. Swivuriso i mavulavulelo ya ndhavuko lama ya hundzisiwaka kusuka eka rixaka rin’wana ku ya eka rin’wana hi ku vulavula. Eka ndzavisiso lowu ku langutiwa nkucetelo lowu vavanuna va nga na wona eka swivuriso swa Xitsonga swo vulavula hi vavasati. Ndzavisiso lowu wu teka xivumbeko xa maendlelo ma nkoka hikuva wu kongomisa eka ku hlotana na tinhlamuselo to enta mayelana na hilaha vavasati va hlamuseriwaka hakona eka swivuriso swa Xitsonga ehandle ko khumba tinhlayonhlayo. Mahungu ma ndzavisiso lowu ma hlengeletiwile hi ku tirhisa maendlelo lama ya vuriwaka Nxopaxopo wa Matsalwa na nhlokohliso wa swivutiso. Hi ku tirhisa maendlelo ma Nxopaxopo wa matsalwa, swivuriso swi ta hlengeletiwa kusuka eka matsalwa yo hambana. Maendlelo lama ma vula ku hlengeleta matsalwa mo karhi hi xikongomelo xo tsavula swivuriso leswi fambelanaka na nhlokomhaka. Swivuriso leswi fambelanaka na nhlokomhaka swi tsavuriwile kusuka eka matsalwa ma Xitsonga lama landzelaka: HP Junod (1936), NL Nkatini (2004) F Rikhotso (1993), F Rikhotso (1996) MM Marhanele na V Bila (2016). Swivuriso leswi hlengeletiweke swi xopaxopiwa hi ku tirhisa maendlelo ya nxopelomikongomelo. Maendlelo ma Nxopelamikongomelo i maendlelo mo xopaxopa vundzeni bya swivuriso ku ya hi mongo wa swona. Maendlelo lama ma tirhisiwa eka ku xopaxopa, ku hlamusela na ku humesa vuxokoxoko bya mahungu lama hlengeletiweke. Swivuriso leswi hlengeletiweke swi aviwa ku ri karhi ku landzeleriwa mikongomelo ya swona yo hambana eka mapaluxelo ma swona eka vavasati. Ndzavisiso lowu wu simekiwile ehansi ka tithiyori timbirhi, ku nga feminisiti na ya Nxopaxopa wa Matsalwa hi Vuenti. Thiyori ya Nxopaxopo wa Matsalwa hi Vuenti yi kombisa leswaku matsalwa ma xopaxopiwa hi vuenti ku kumisisa swa nkoka eka wona. Thiyori feminisiti yi kongomana na ku lwisana na mikhuva hinkwayo leyi kandziyelaka timfanelo ta vavasati. Tithiyori leti ti pfuna vanhu ku twisisa leswaku leswi va tsalaka hi swona swi xopaxopiwa hi vuenti. Ndzavisiso lowu wu kumisisile leswaku swivuriso swo tala swo vulavula hi vavasati swi va hlamusela va ri vanhu vo kala mahanyelo. Hi ndzavisiso lowu ku bumabumeriwa leswaku swivuriso leswi vulavulaka vavasati ku biha swi nga ha tirhisiwi, kambe ku tirhisiwa leswi kombisaka ndzingano
wa rimbewu Eka ndzavisiso lowu swivuriso leswi vulavulaka hi vavasati swi xopaxopiwa hi vuenti. Nkoka wa ndzavisiso lowu i ku humesela erivaleni ndlela leyi swivuriso swa Xitsonga swi hlamuselaka vavasati hakona.NR
Views of women regarding gender-based violence in Thulamela Municipality, Limpopo Province
No full textM. A. (Psychology)Department of PsychologyBackground: South Africa is identified to be one of the most unsafe countries for women because of its high prevalence of Gender-Based violence. About 10.516 rapes, 1.514 cases of attempted murder and 14.401 assaults against female victims were recorded in 2023 (Mpako &Ndoma, 2023). Gender Links has reported that more than two thirds of women in Limpopo have had an experience on some form of gender-based violence in their lifetime, including partner and non-partner violence. Therefore, the aim of the study was to explore the views of women regarding Gender based violence. The objectives were: to explore the views of women on gender- based violence against women, to explore the social impacts of GBV towards women, to describe the effects of GBV on women as victims of GBV and to explore the potential measures that may reduce GBV against women.
Methods: The study was qualitative in nature and utilized exploratory research design to explore the views of women regarding gender-based violence. The study was conducted at the five villages with the Thulamela municipality, Thohoyandou, Lwamondo, Tshisaulu, Itsani, Muledane. A sample of 20 Tshivenda speaking women aged between the ages of 25 to 50 were selected using purposive sampling method. Semi-structured interviews and an interview guide was used during data collection process, and the study employed thematic analysis for the purpose of data analysis. Pre-testing of the interview guide was done using two participants who fell within the inclusion criteria of the study but were later excluded in the actual study. Trustworthiness of the study was assessed using credibility, conformability, dependability and transferability. Furthermore, the study adhered to the following research ethics; institutional ethics, informed consent, confidentiality, avoidance of harm, voluntary participation, publication of results and acknowledgement of others works.
Results: The findings of the study found that GBV is indeed prevalent in the Thulamela municipality. The study found psychological, social and physical impacts of GBV on women as victims of gender-based violence. The following impacts were identified: stress and depression, trauma, suicide, alcoholism, anxiety and mood disorder, low self-esteem, feelings of worthlessness and shame. Furthermore the study suggested that changing certain societal norms and expectation like normalising divorce might help reduce GBV against women.
Recommendation: based on the findings of the study, it is recommended that communities are to change certain societal expectations and norms and teach females to be more independent financially to reduce the number of females who become victims of GBV. The study further recommends that the department of justice along with the department of correctional services to give longer sentences to perpetrators of GBV.National Research Foundation (NRF
A metagenomic snapshot of selected wastewater treatment plants in Vhembe Region, Limpopo, South Africa: Investigating the resistome
No full textM.Sc. (Microbiology)Department of Biochemistry and MicrobiologyBackground: Water is crucial for human life. Rural communities often rely on natural water sources which may become polluted by wastewater due to various activities such as domestic use and agriculture. Antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) may be transferred from wastewater to the environment and pose a global challenge they affect both human and animal-related sectors. Studying antibiotic resistance in wastewater treatment plants within Vhembe offers a representation of antibiotic resistance genes from entire communities. Knowledge of antibiotic resistance circulating in Vhembe has been sparsely studied. Metagenomics approaches allow for a broad overview of the resistome and the bacterial communities within environmental samples. Aim: To perform wastewater surveillance of antibiotic resistance genes and associated bacteria within Vhembe, Limpopo, South Africa, using a metagenomics approach. Method: A total of 32 sample duplicates were collected from the influents (n=18) and the effluents (n = 14) from nine wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) around the Vhembe region, Limpopo, South Africa. One hundred milliliter was filtered using sterile cotton gauze and Wattman filter paper to remove debris and membrane filtered through 0.22um membrane filters to capture the bacteria within each sample. DNA was extracted directly from the 0.22 μm filters using a DNA miniprep kit. DNA was quantified using a spectrophotometer. Shotgun 18 metagenomic sequencing was performed on DNA extracts. Open-source bioinformatics pipelines were used to process and analyze raw sequence data, uncovering information of the bacterial community composition and associated ARGs in wastewater. Results: Site observations reveal animal and human activities within and near the sites. ARG analysis revealed an overall number 0f 220 ARGs detected across the WWTPs. Thirty-six genes were common to influent samples and 16 in within effluent samples, encoding predominantly against macrolides, sulfonamides and tetracyclines, beta-lactamases, and aminoglycosides. Some unique ARGS were detected at sites near South African borders. Bacterial Diversity showed the predominance of some genera, such as Arcobacter, Aeromonas, Pseudomonas and Acinetobacter. Pathogens were predominantly enteric and pulmonary, with some being linked to animals in past studies. A notable increase in some members of Mycobactericeae, among other bacteria, was noted in effluents.Water Research Commission (WRC
A framework fo the application of the Fourth Industrial Revolution in improving the service quality of tertiary institutions in South Africa
No full textPh.D. (Business Information Systems)Department of Business Information SystemsWith the capability of re-shaping the global economy, 4IR necessitates countries to keep up with technological innovations that require most sectors within a country to be restructured drastically. Tertiary institutions are therefore required to transform the delivery of higher education services to the next generation with a seamless combination of skills and knowledge set. Thus, quality measures must be redefined in the context of 4IR. However, very few studies have attempted to define and measure quality from a 4IR perspective and lack frameworks addressing 4IR-based quality improvement solutions. This study investigated how 4IR can be applied within the context of tertiary institutions for improving service quality following a positivist paradigm. A quantitative research design was adopted to obtain an understanding of the 4IR stances and quantitative data was collected through questionnaires to gain an idea of the student and staff members' perceptions of 4IR service quality. The participants were sampled from the University of Venda’s population of students and staff. A quantitative method for data analysis was employed through statistical analysis using SPSS software.
The findings of the study identified challenges that inhibits and benefits that could promote a 4IR-based quality of service environment. The study found that 4IR-based quality planning plays a significant role in quality of teaching and learning management. 4IR technologies were perceived to be useful as respondents had some form of awareness. Factors such as 4IR-based institutional responsiveness, empathy and assurance were significantly shown to measure service improvement. Based on the findings, a framework for implementing a 4IR service quality improvement in the teaching, learning, and research context was developed and validated. This study contributed to addressing how best tertiary institutions can implement 4IR by assessing their readiness levels. The Framework will assist tertiary institutions in gathering knowledge of the policies, strategies, and governance mechanisms required for supporting 4IR initiatives while providing guidance to understand quality 4.0 issues. It is recommended that tertiary institutions redesign their technological pedagogies to keep up with the demands of current educations needs and quality standards.NR
An investigation of hygiene practices in butcheries and the prevalence of antibiotic resistant Listeria monocytogenes in Limpopo, South Africa.
No full textMSCFSTDepartment of Food Science and TechnologyListeria monocytogenes is a foodborne bacterial pathogen associated with serious public health and food safety problems. It is an intracellular microbe that causes Listeriosis, a life-threatening disease that yields to bacteremia, meningitis, and spontaneous miscarriage. This study aimed to conduct the survey and investigate the prevalence and antibiotic susceptibility of L. monocytogenes from butcheries (village & commercial) and supermarkets beef plate meat in the Vhembe district. Evaluation of meat safety practices and hygiene among different butcheries and supermarkets was conducted using a questionnaire. The prevalence of L. monocytogenes in retail beef plate meat was determined on chromogenic agar and the antibiotics susceptibility was examined from L. monocytogenes isolates using the well diffusion method. The results of this study revealed that (i) some supermarkets followed the meat safety practices and hygiene, whereas there was a combination of good and unhygienic meat handling practices identified at commercial and village butcheries (ii) L. monocytogenes were identified in high numbers however some other species of Listeria such as L. ivanovii and L. innocua were found in beef plate meat (iii) The Listeria isolates were resistant to a wide range of antibiotics used to treat human listeriosis such as ampicillin, tetracycline and nalidixic acid in large numbers while a few of the isolates were susceptible to sulphamethoxazole and intermediary responsive to oxytetracycline and chlortetracycline. The findings from this study concluded that some supermarkets follow the safety procedures while commercial and village butcheries do not follow the procedures and regulations, furthermore, the prevalence of the pathogenic L. monocytogenes may harm the communities around Vhembe district. Moreover, treatment in case of an outbreak may become burdensome as the pathogen may be resistant to antimicrobial treatment. It is recommended that intervention through training on food safety to improve the hygienic practices of meat handling along the beef supply chain, more especially within commercial and village butcheries be conducted, also L. monocytogenes control measures from relevant authorities need to be put in place, meat must be prepared adequately, and antibiotics must be utilized appropriately. In addition, conducting molecular research on Listeria species to determine the virulence genes present in L. monocytogenes isolated from retail beef, to keep track of the type of strains of Listeria that may be circulating in the Vhembe district is recommended.NR
Constraints management as an aspect of role fulfilment: a case of Departmental Heads in primary schools in the Vhembe West District of Limpopo Province
No full textMEDEMDepartment of Educational StudiesDepartmental heads (DHs) in primary and secondary schools have multiple roles and responsibilities to fulfil. They are expected to perform diverse roles that are not only limited to being class educators but also as supervisors, coordinators, and departmental administrators. Most of them do not receive formal training to become DHs, how to perform these roles, or how to respond to the challenges accompanying these roles and responsibilities. The aim of this study is to establish strategies to manage constraints that prevent departmental heads from fulfilling their roles effectively within the Vhembe West District of Limpopo Province. The study employed an interpretivist paradigm to understand the social realities that DHs experience at school. The study was conducted within the Theory of Constraints (TOC), a management philosophy that focuses on managing constraints to improve production in the system. The research design of this study is a multiple-qualitative case study. The population of the study is all DHs in Elim, Soutpansberg East, and Vhuronga Two (2) Circuits. Purposeful sampling was employed to draw a sample of 9 DHs. Data was collected through a semi-structured interview schedule and document analysis. The data was analysed thematically. Findings from this study revealed, amongst others, the following: the roles of all participants are monitoring, curriculum management, coordination, and planning activities to enhance implementation of the curriculum. Participants experience constraints that emanate from the pressure of time, such as feeling bored, demotivated, losing interest in their job, and being stressed because of the way resistant educators behave towards them. Other constraints expressed by participants include too much workload, verbal attacks by resistant educators, a lack of trust towards educators who were once defiant, the absenteeism of learners, learners from child-headed families, and insufficient professional development programmes. This study recommended that DHs should be excluded from being full-time classroom educators, that DHs should identify their constraints, develop and employ suitable solutions, and build action plans that could be used to overcome these constraints, and policymakers should reduce the current teaching load of DHs.NR
Reforming reformed liturgy: An African decoconial study of liturgical practices in the Black Reformed Churches of South Africa (RCSA)
No full textPh. D. (Theology)Department of Human SciencesThe introduction of Western Christianity has resulted in the colonisation of African societies, with little regard for the indigenous religious beliefs and knowledge systems of the people. A predicament confronts African Christians whereby adherence to integrity necessitates the observance of Western cultural customs in their religious practices, while simultaneously upholding their native African cultural heritage. This study focuses on the reading of African Decolonial literature, with the aim of Decolonising Christian Liturgy for the worship services in South African black Reformed churches, focusing on the order of worship in the African context. Research questions were used to unpack the problem in question and come up with strategies that help to Decolonise Reformed Liturgies and, in the process, enrich them with an African outlook.
The study was organised around four research models: exploratory, descriptive, normative, and action research. The population of interest for the study comprised male and female youths and adults at the black RCSA, specifically in Limpopo Province's Vhembe District in South Africa. The research utilises focus groups and interviews as methods of data collection. The purpose of these tools was to enhance the researcher's understanding of the participants' perspectives and viewpoints on the Reformed Order of Liturgy, as well as its potential for decolonisation. This has significant implications for the church's identity and the spiritual experiences of believers during worship.
Chapter One primarily aimed to introduce the process of reformation and decolonisation of Reformed Liturgy within an African setting, with a specific emphasis on the black Reformed Church in South Africa (RCSA). Chapter Two focused on presenting secondary material from multiple sources, specifically emphasising and demonstrating the historical development of the worship order in black Reformed churches. Moreover, it functioned as a manual for examining the decolonial viewpoint of black Reformed churches and striving to research methodologies used to obtain and analyse data as part of the research process. Chapter Four explored how missionaries utilised church rituals to achieve colonial domination over the African mindset. Furthermore, it examines the several approaches through which church ritual was used to establish control over the
African mindset. Chapter Five explored the reasons behind the need for the Reformed Liturgy to undergo reformation and decolonisation.NR
Bioaccumulation and the human health risk of p,p'-DDT, p,p'-DDD, p,p'-DDE in freshwater fish species from the north-eastern Limpopo River valley, Vhembe District, Limpopo Province, South Africa
No full textM.Sc. (Zoology)Department of Biological SciencesDichloro-diphenyl-trichloroethane (DDT) has been used globally as an agricultural pesticide since the early 1940s, and both the United States and Canada banned its use in 1972. DDT is still used in the malaria-endemic region of South Africa for vector control through indoor residual spraying (IRS). Studies have reported a link between DDT exposure and prostate cancer risk and/or aggressive disease presentation in Italy, Canada, and the United States. Epidemiological analysis of men with prostate cancer (PCa) in South Africa showed an increased PCa risk in Vhavenda people, the predominant population of Vhembe. The Vhembe District municipality falls in the malaria-endemic region, where DDT is used for vector control. The region of interest is fed by three major tributaries of the Limpopo River, which provide communities with agriculture, washing/bathing and portable water as well food (fish). Therefore, environmental levels of p,p-DDT, p,p-dichlorodiphenyldichloroethane (DDD) and p,p- dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylene (DDE) were measured before and after of the 2022 malaria high-transmission period (HTP), through sampling fish, from the Mutale and Mutshindudi rivers, and Thathe Vondo Dam. Fishes were bought from fishermen at the Thathe Vondo Dam and along the Mutale and Mutshindudi rivers. The fish's edible part (muscle), one piece raw and one piece cooked was tested for DDTs. Fish from the Mutshundudi River had higher DDT residuals than all other sites before the IRS. None of the DDTs were present after the yearly IRS. Daily exposure of DDTs for consumers was estimated by comparing estimated daily intake (EDI) with different criteria. The results revealed that the EDIs in our study were all lower than those criteria. Target hazard quotient (THQ) and risk ratio (R) were used to evaluate non-carcinogenic (toxic) and carcinogenic risks. There was no carcinogenic or toxic risk for humans consuming fish from the Mutale and Mutshindudi rivers and Thathe Vondo Dam. This indicates that DDT, DDD, and DDE in fish are not affecting the PCa burden in the Vhavenda men living in remote communities.National Research Foundation (NRF