University of Zululand Repository
Not a member yet
2409 research outputs found
Sort by
Assessing the microbial community structure’s diversity associated with nutrients concentration in the natural wetland systems
Get PDFA dissertation submitted in fulfilment of the requirements for the Degree of Master of Science in Microbiology in the Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, Faculty of Science and Agriculture at the University of Zululand, 2018.Microbial communities play a major role in natural wetlands systems biogeochemical cycles. Therefore, understanding the association between their composition, diversity and environmental parameters is significant in order to understand soil microbial ecology associated with nutrients concentration. Such knowledge may enhance the improvement in the management and protection of wetland systems, as nutrients are essential for wetland plant growth. Despite their usefulness, they promote toxin-producing cyanobacteria and facilitates algal biomass growth that cause undesirable eutrophication and oxygen depletion when present in excess. Nutrient pollution therefore is one of the most widespread and challenging environmental problems in the water that usually result to serious environmental and health challenges.
For this study, water and sediment samples were collected over a period of twelve months from Lake Icubhu, which is a fresh water wetland, and Nhlabane mouth Estuary. The physicochemical properties such as temperature, potential hydrogen (pH), chemical oxygen demand (COD), total suspended solids (TSS) and nutrients were analyzed in water samples. The InoLab_IDS multi 9310 was used for the analysis of temperature and pH, while the filter technique was used for the analysis of TSS concentrations, and spectrophotometric methods were used for the analysis of nutrients and COD concentrations, using respective kits.The pH ranged between 6.5 -7 in Lake Icubhu, and 6.9 – 7.3 in Nhlabane Estuary. Nitrate and nitrite were highest in the autumn (3.2 mg/l – 0.5 mg/l),and least in the summer (0.1 mg/l – 0.01 mg/l) for both wetlands, phosphorus and ammonium were also examined. The results of nutrients obtained in this study demonstrated a significant threat to the studied wetlands when compared to the South African standard for Water Quality Guidelines of Aquatic ecosystem throughout the study period. It has been observed and concluded from the values obtained in this study that seasonal variations contributed to nutrient cycling. Correlation coefficient of each wetland system were also analyzed in order to understand the pollution load, as well as the effect of physicochemical parameters on the nutrients. The correlation results revealed that all these parameters are interrelated with each other and should be considered together. Specifically, the Illumina Miseq Sequencing analysis method was used in this study to identify microbial community structures. After sequencing, the most represented bacterial community was Proteobacteria in both wetlands. Therefore, the core composition of these bacterial communities consisted of: Proteobacteria, Bacteroides, Actinobacteria, Firmicutes among others. While members of Actinobacteria, bacteroidetes and Acidobacteria were observed in Lake Icubhu, members of Firmicutes, Chloroflexi and Bacteroidetes were also dominant at Nhlabane Estuary. Finally, some representatives of Thermomicrobia, Fusobacteria, Verrucomicrobia and Fusobacteria were also retrieved from some samples. Based on the results of nutrients, microbial diversity and community structuresobtained in this study, it was concluded that seasonal variations and nutrient pollution loads were related to microbial community structures.National Research Foundatio
Synthesis and characterisation of CdS and PbS nanoparticles in an imidazolium based ionic liquid
No full textA thesis submitted to the Faculty of Science and Agriculture in fulfillment of the requirements for the Degree of Master Of Science (Chemistry) in the Department of Chemistry at the University of Zululand, 2018Semiconductor metal sulfides nanoparticles have been prepared using the imidazolium based ionic liquid surfactant as both the stabilizer and growth modifier. The structural and morphological properties of the as-prepared nanoparticles were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), ultraviolet visible and near infrared radiation (UV-Vis and NIR), photoluminescence and fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). Various synthetic methods (thermolysis, microwave and room temperature syntheses) were used and reaction parameters such as temperature and injection protocols, precursor type were varied to study the optical and structural properties of the as-synthesized nanoparticles. The CdS nanoparticle synthesis was carried by altering the reaction temperature and the injection protocol using single and dual source precursors. Cadmium ethyl xanthate was used as single source precursor whereas cadmium acetate and dodecanethiol were used as dual source molecular precursors in the presence of 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium methanesulfonate ionic liquid. XRD studies confirmed the formation of cubic and hexagonal phases for low and high temperatures respectively. The SAED results revealed that the nanoparticles were crystalline and the morphological studies further showed formation of nano-sized particles in the range of 2 – 15 nm, with close to spherical shaped morphologies. Blue-shifted band gaps further confirmed formation of very small CdS nanoparticles, which were temperature dependent. In the synthesis of PbS nanoparticles, the effect of sulfur source (with the same lead source, lead acetate) was studied for dual source precursors with respect to temperature and lead ethyl xanthate complex was used as single source molecular precursor in the ionic liquid medium. Sodium sulfide and dodecanethiol were used as different sulfur sources. XRD studies confirmed formation of cubic phase of PbS. Electron microscopy analyses showed that the nanoparticle morphologies differed significantly depending on the synthetic factors such as temperature, nature of precursors and ranged from spherical to cubic shapes. TEM images together with SAED patterns revealed crystalline nanoparticles with sizes ranging from 29 to 53 nm. SEM images further confirmed formation of cubic shaped PbS nanoparticles. The study has successfully shown a facile method for the synthesis of CdS and PbS nanoparticles, this method can be used for other nanomaterials as well. Ionic liquids can indeed be used as both media solvents and as stabilizing/capping agents, replacing the traditionally known solvents. The use of various reaction parameters has led to different morphological and structural properties of the a-synthesized nanoparticles.NRF Innovation
NRF/DST South Africa-Egypt Programm
E-records readiness in context of e-government strategy in Swaziland
No full textA dissertation submitted to the Faculty of Arts in fulfilment of the requirements for the Doctor Of Philosophy in Library and Information Science in the Department of Library and Information Studies at the University of Zululand, 2018E-records readiness is key to the implementation of electronic records management
programmes and ultimately the e-Government in the public sector. However, past studies
about Swaziland show no evidence of research that ascertains the depth of e-Records
readiness in the context of the current e-Government strategy. Studies that have been
documented on records management systems in the country have largely focused on paperbased records management in government ministries. The aim of the study was to assess e-Records readiness in the Swaziland government ministries with a view to conceptualising
framework for the effective management of e-Records as a facilitating tool for e-
Government. The study sought to establish the national legal and policy framework governing management of electronic records in Swaziland’s government ministries in the context of e-Government; the level of compliance to policies, standards, tools, procedures and responsibilities for e- Records management in the government ministries; establish the e-Records management products and technologies existing in the government ministries; examine resource capacity and training for e-Records management staff; find out if there is internal awareness of the link between the e-Record management and the e-Government strategy; as well as explore the depth of the government wide digital preservation strategy. The IRMT (2004) E-Records Readiness Tool was adapted and used as the analytical framework for this study. This tool is designed to assist organizations to benchmark
themselves and to determine where they stand in respect to the management of electronic
records. The study mainly used the quantitative research approach exploiting a survey that utilized a questionnaire as a data collection instrument. The quantitative approach was however complemented by a qualitative research approach which utilized observation and interview techniques. Using both quantitative and qualitative approaches made it possible to triangulate and validate the findings. The unit of analysis was the Swaziland government ministries, with a survey design involving all the 19 Government Ministries. The target study participants comprised of the Directorate of Swaziland National Archives, the Directorate of Computer Services, the Directorate of E-Government, the records officers and the action officers
The nexus between digitization, preservation and access in the context of selection of materials for archives
No full textArticles published in the Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal). 1893 (2018).
http://digitalcommons.unl.edu/libphilprac/1893.The study sought to assess the importance of archival materials and its selection for digitization
with a view to make recommendations for the National Archives of Nigeria in ensuring a
successful digitization project. The specific objectives of this paper are:
1. To examine the importance of archival materials.
2. To analyze nexus between preservation and access in the context of digitization.
3. To examine the importance of selection in digitization.
4. To recommend methods for selecting materials for digitization at National Archives of
Nigeria
Indo-Pakistani conflict and development of South Asia: is an independent Kashmir State a possible consideration?
Get PDFA thesis submitted to the Faculty of Arts in fulfilment of the requirements for the Degree of Doctor Of Philosophy (Development Studies) in the Department of Anthropology and Development Studies at the University of Zululand, 2018The thesis explores the conflict between India and Pakistan over Kashmir as a dispute symbol. It highlights the socio-economic implications of the conflict on the conflicting states of India and Pakistan. The conflicting symbol, Kashmir, as well as the entire South Asia that house all of them, with a view to suggest a lasting solution which it gives as, the creation of an independent Kashmir State. It is argued here that domestic politics in both India and Pakistan complicates the Kashmiri issue. In Pakistan, it has enabled the military to assume a dominant and pre-eminent position in politics. In India, a penchant for coalition government creates an immobility that is felt on the Kashmir crisis. In general, there is an on-going, serious and intense arms race between India and Pakistan that has increasingly led to a diversion of resources to investment in nuclear technology by both countries. Holding on to Kashmir has made India vulnerable to terrorist attacks, with the consequences of not only diverting developmental resources to enhancing security, but also exacerbating conflict with Pakistan. Economic relations between the main antagonists have remained marginal since the partition. Initiatives such as cooperation in water resource management between the two countries, and proposed joint development of oil and gas pipelines have failed to materialize. This led to the conclusion that both countries have allowed their economic relations with potential for huge benefits to be held hostage to the Kashmir crisis.
In terms of the level of economic development, India holds big advantage. This advantage is harnessed into a superior conventional military capability which has also enabled India to rule out first strike as its nuclear doctrine. However, the disadvantageous position of Pakistan makes it view nuclear weapons as the equalizer, and the possibility of a first use is not ruled out. As a possible negotiated solution to the Kashmir conflict, it is argued here that as long as both India and Pakistan cling to their historically-entrenched positions, there is hardly any chance for permanent peace in Kashmir, thereby complicating their strategic stance in the region. It also argues that the Independence of Kashmir is the only guarantee of a lasting solution to the Kashmir conflict and South East Asia development crisis. The theories of Neo-Realism and Neo-Liberalism are central in this thesis to explain outcomes towards peace initiatives between India and Pakistan, and the implications for South Asia. Three specific concepts advanced by neo-realists and neo-liberal theorists are chosen to explore and explain the three principles of this study: The Balance of Power, Security and Economic Co-operation. Kashmir’s embroidery of encounters from forces of brutality, state repression particularly on the Indian occupied territories, massive militarization, stunted infrastructural and socio-economic development, insecurity to gross human rights violations leaves impacts so grave for social structures needed for modernity and sense of decent livelihood. Methodologically, the thesis provides a conceptual definition of the right to self-determination particularly from the United Nations perspective. It then applies the United Nations declared right of self-determination to Kashmir. This is achieved by outlining United Nations action on Kashmiri self-determination and then by applying the components of the right to Kashmir. The thesis concludes with some observations regarding resolving the Kashmir crisis. The central of this is the inevitable position that the realization of the right to self-determination will bring to fore in realizing peace and development for the region as a whole and to the parties involved in the crisis
Educators’ and learners’ views on factors that contribute to poor performance of grade 12 physical science learners in the uMkhanyakude District in KwaZulu-Natal
Get PDFA dissertation submitted in fulfilment of the requirements for the Degree Master of Education in the Department of Curriculum and Instructional Studies, Faculty of Education at the University Of Zululand, 2018.Physical Sciences continue to be one of the subjects that yield poor results in Grade 12 every year. Many factors have been said to contribute to the poor Grade 12 results including resources and teaching methods. This study however, investigated the educators’ and learners’ views on factors that contribute to poor performance in Grade 12 from a rural UMkhanyakude district of KwaZulu Natal. A questionnaire with both closed and open-ended questions was used to determine learners’ views, while an interview schedule was used to delve into the educators’ views.
Frequency results from learner questionnaires revealed that learners viewed issues such as overcrowded classrooms, lack of parental support, lack of support from education local office, lack of resources, and a negative attitude towards Physical Science as the main factors that contribute to poor performance in Grade 12 Physical Sciences. The inductive analysis of the teachers’ interview transcripts revealed that teachers believed that giving extra support without resources such as well-resourced laboratories, and parental support is sometimes impossible. These key findings can contribute to programmes that seek to strengthen the teaching of Sciences in rural contexts; thus this study makes a contribution to what is known about the factors that contribute to poor performance in Grade 12 in a rural context
Effects of teacher stress on learner academic performance in rural secondary schools in the Vhembe district
Get PDFA dissertation submitted to the Faculty of Education in fulfillment of the requirements of the Degree of Doctor Of Education in the Department of Educational Psychology at the University of Zululand, 2018Teaching is regarded by many as one of the most stressful occupations, as evidenced by reports of academic results consistently poor in rural schools and teachers leaving the profession each day. Stress in general has always been a concern in many schools. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of teacher stress on learner academic performance in rural secondary schools. This study used both quantitative and qualitative research approaches in which questionnaires and interviews were used for data collection processes. Simple random sampling and purposive sampling procedures were used to select participants from rural secondary schools in Vhembe District with a matric pass rate of less than sixty percent over a period of five years. Quantitative data was analyzed using IBM Statistical package for Social Sciences (SPSS) Version 24 (IBM SPSS statistics), and Atlas.ti Version 6 programme for qualitative data. Results showed that teachers in secondary schools in the rural areas experience high levels of stress which has adverse effects on learner academic performance. These results guided me in developing the Three Pillars Teacher Stress Coping Model to assist teachers in rural areas to alleviate the stress they experience as they promote teaching and learning. The study contributed to the literature on the effect of the experience of stress by teachers on learner academic performance in rural secondary schools.National Research Foundation Of South Africa (Grant Number CPT160513164973 and 10524
Teacher and learner experiences and conceptions about ‘assessment for learning’ and its impact on learner performance in life sciences in uThungulu District
No full textA thesis submitted to the Faculty Of Education in fulfillment of the requirements for the Degree Of Doctor Of Philosophy (D.Ed) in Science Education in the Department of Mathematics, Science and Technology Education at the University Of Zululand, 2018Classroom assessment is an essential component of teaching and learning. It should be an on-going process that improves instruction rather than a periodic evaluation of what has been achieved. This study was designed to investigate teachers’ and learners’ conceptions and experiences about assessment for learning (AfL) and its impact on learners’ performance in Life Science. Simple random sampling was used to select four schools from the uThungulu district to participate in the study. Two of the selected schools constituted the Treatment Condition while the other two served as the Comparison Group. Altogether, 160 Grade 11 learners (forty from each participating school) participated in the study – comprised of four intact classrooms, one from each participating school. Two teachers were trained to use AfL as an instructional approach, while the teachers of the Comparison Group used their usual instructional approaches. The topic being studied by all the learners were Animal Nutrition and Cellular Respiration, lasting six weeks for the two groups. In addition, 80 Life Science teachers also took part in the study as respondents on their assessment practices in the subject. Data were collected using pre- and post-tests for the learners and a questionnaire for the teachers. These were followed by semi-structured interviews with the two teachers of the Treatment Group and selected learners from the same group. The quantitative component of the study took the form of a Quasi-Experimental Pretest-Posttest Comparison Group Design, while the qualitative component employed a hermeneutical research approach. Data were collected using a test, questionnaire, survey and semi-structured interviews. The findings revealed that the current formative assessment practices used by Life Science teachers in uThungulu district are out of alignment with the principles of formative assessment as directed by the Department of Basic Education (DBE). Furthermore, the respondents’ conceptions of AfL did not influence their classroom assessment and instructional practices. On the question of learner performance following the six week instructional intervention, the study found that learners in the Treatment Group performed significantly higher than learners’ in the Comparison Group. From these results, recommendations are made to influence both policy and classroom practice. Investigating the wide variety of assessment practices has allowed me to come to understand the culture of assessment within the AfL approach, where assessment placed learners at the center of learning to help support the learning process. Learners’ views/experiences about AfL approach suggests that AfL instructional approach constitutes a better strategy that makes learning a more enjoyable and pleasant experience
Ethnobotanical study of medicinal plants in southwestern Nigeria and traditional healers’ perception of indigenous knowledge digitisation
Get PDFPeer reviewed article published under Inkanyiso journal, Volume 10 Number 1, p.90-102, November 2018.This paper investigated the ethnobotany of medicinal plants among traditional
healers in southwest Nigeria. It identified plants, the diseases they are used to
treat, and explored the indigenous healers’ perceptions of digitisation of their
medical knowledge. Structured interview schedule was used to elicit information
from 18 interviewees. The study showed that 44 families, comprising 82 genera
and 96 species with Asteraceae, Malvaceae, Euphorbiaceae, Poaceae and
Fabaceae having the highest number of genera and species. Species cited with
high fidelity levels included Phragmanthora capitata (100%), Anacardium
occidentale (100%), Anacardium occidentale (100%) and Gossypium hirsutum
(80%). Interviewees possessed an appreciation for computer; and were in full
support of documentation and digitisation of traditional medical knowledge. They
perceived documentation, digitisation and involving libraries as ways of preserving
traditional knowledge. Barriers to traditional healers’ practice included use of
herbicides, scarcity of medicinal plants, urbanisation, undefined dosages and/or
side effects, deforestation, overgrazing activities, and bush burning.
Documentation and digitisation of traditional healing knowledge should be treated
with urgency thereby preserving the rich culture of Yoruba people for posterity.
Libraries for indigenous knowledge systems should be established across Nigeria.
Mounting courses at the general or first-degree levels can be contributory to
medicinal plants preservation
Predictability of the Dollar- Rand exchange rate using Taylor Rule fundamentals and commodity Prices.
No full textA dissertation submitted to the Faculty Of Commerce, Administration and Law in fulfillment of the requirements of the Degree Of Master of Commerce (Economics) in the Department of Economics at the University Of Zululand, 2018International trade is strongly hinged on the exchange rates of participating nations. The financial crisis of 2008/2009 amongst other things, brought to light the strong interdependence of nations and their currencies. It is therefore of paramount importance for South Africa to be able to effectively predict its long and short term exchange rates especially vis-à-vis its major trading currency, the US dollar. South Africa being a small open commodity exporting economy with inflation targeting as a monetary policy framework is quite vulnerable to international shocks. This paper is an attempt to forecast the US/ R exchange rate using time series data for the period 1980-2016. The paper estimated three forecasting models, namely, the augmented Taylor rule specification, a Johansen Vector Error Correction Model (VECM) and a Random walk approach. The results from the Root Mean Squared Error (RMSE) show that the Random walk model outperforms both the Taylor rule and VECM models. This brings us to the conclusion that although commodity prices and interest rates may influence short term international trade flows, they are not strong enough to influence exchange rate in the long term. Future researchers should attempt to use other variables, such as socio-political instability and downward economic ratings, in explaining exchange rate movements and forecasting using more sophisticated techniques like neural networks or dynamic stochastic general equilibrium modelling