18105 research outputs found
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Energy drinks and health policy implications in South Africa
No full textAccess restricted. Expected release date in 2027.Thesis (MSc (Pharm)) -- Faculty of Pharmacy, Pharmacy, 202
Decoding #BlackGirlMagic: an analysis of how Black women at a South African university construct and celebrate their identities through the hashtag
Full text linkThe emergence of the Black Girl Magic hashtag in 2013 marked a pivotal moment in the realm of social media, igniting a powerful movement that resonated far beyond the digital sphere. This hashtag, which initially gained traction on platforms like X/Twitter and Instagram, served as a catalyst for celebrating the multifaceted achievements and resilience of Black women. The profound impact of this movement on an individual level became the focal point of my personal journey, delving into the transformative effects of #BlackGirlMagic within the context of a media landscape historically characterised by a lack of diverse representation. The study takes a closer look at the significance of the hashtag in fostering a sense of acceptance among Black women. In a world where mainstream media has perpetuated narrow beauty standards and marginalised narratives, #BlackGirlMagic emerged as a beacon of empowerment (Mason, 2021). This research does not shy away from acknowledging the complex and nuanced dimensions inherent in this movement. It explores how factors such as featurism, colourism, texturism, body types, and nationalities intersect with the celebration, recognising that while #BlackGirlMagic champions empowerment, it also grapples with inherent limitations that need to be addressed (Sinon, 2020). The study explores how Black women students at Rhodes University use and understand the hashtag #BlackGirlMagic in their lives. The research considers the experiences and cultural practices of Black women in online spaces (Bevins, 2020). By delving into the ways in which they engage with #BlackGirlMagic, the study explores the digital landscape as a dynamic and evolving arena where identity, empowerment, and representation intersect. This approach allows for a deeper comprehension of the lived experiences of Black women in the online realm, shedding light on how Black women students at Rhodes University use #BlackGirlMagic and the challenges they face in seeking to be included and represented. By focusing on the experiences of Black women students at Rhodes University, the research can contribute to the broader discourse on digital activism and the role of social media in shaping contemporary feminist movements. This localised perspective offers valuable insights into how global movements like #BlackGirlMagic are adapted and reinterpreted within specific cultural and institutional contexts, highlighting the importance of digital spaces as sites of both empowerment and contestation for Black women.Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Humanities, Journalism and Media Studies, 202
Reclaiming the ‘Self’: self-objectification and victim-survivors’ bodies in Margie Orford’s The Eye of the Beholder and Akwaeke Emezi’s Freshwater
No full textSelf-objectification is conventionally viewed by objectification theorists as a negative process that is pursued by victims as a result of experiencing sexual violence. What makes self-objectification particularly negative is that it confirms that the victim feels alienated from their body following their harrowing experience. In this thesis, I argue that Margie Orford and Akwaeke Emezi depart from this view of self-objectification. Instead, through the protagonists in their respective novels, The Eye of the Beholder and Freshwater, Orford and Emezi offer a positive revision of self-objectification by articulating it as a necessary process in a victim’s journey toward reclaiming their body and, with it, their concept of ‘self”. To make this argument, I begin by drawing on Western existential phenomenology and African ontology to develop what is referred to as the basic relational view of the ‘self’ which understands the ‘self’ as the connection point between one’s body and one’s subjecthood. Applying this understanding of the ‘self’ to the selected texts, I show that it is the connection between each protagonist’s body and spirit that is disturbed by their experience of sexual violence. Initially aligning with the negative view of self-objectification, Orford and Emezi confirm this disturbance through their protagonists’ pursuits of self-objectifying behaviours. However, using Elaine Scarry’s artist–artifact model and Russel W. Belk’s articulation of the ‘extended self’, I demonstrate that it is by means of self-objectification that the protagonists are presented as able to reestablish a meaningful connection to their violated bodies and thereby reclaim their disrupted concepts of ‘self’ as they journey towards survivorhood. In this way, through the victim–survivor journeys of their respective protagonists in The Eye of the Beholder and Freshwater, Orford and Emezi inscribe the process of self-objectification with an unorthodox duality where it is not a wholly negative process, but rather one that is pivotal to a victim’s survival. Thus, I conclude in this thesis, Orford and Emezi offer a positive revision of self-objectification, a revision that has not yet been studied in the scholarship on the selected primary texts.Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Humanities, Literary Studies in English, 202
A framework for establishing a distributed, daily-time-step water resources model based on a pre-existing spatially lumped monthly representation: A case study of the Grootdraai Catchment, South Africa
No full textProprietary monthly lumped models are pragmatic tools for water resources management and planning. However, their low spatial granularity and limited transparency pose significant obstacles to effective water quantity and quality management, particularly in developing countries. This study aimed to develop a distributed, daily-time-step model for a developing country catchment based on an existing black-box, lumped, monthly representation
The Legal and Social Context of Urban Movement, Housing, and Coping Mechanisms through Inheritance Practices amongst Women from Phokeng, Gugulethu, and Fingo Village
No full textSouth Africa’s urban restrictions in the twentieth century under colonial and apartheid administrations disenfranchised African women by limiting their mobility and access to housing. Oppressive land policies, pass laws, and patriarchal customary practices assigned low status to African women. The article uses an African feminist lens to analyse how colonial, racial, and traditional structures determined African women’s legal status in acquiring housing in urban areas. It then examines the strategies that women of Phokeng, Gugulethu, and Fingo Village used to access housing despite these restrictions. The Phokeng case examines how women navigated the dual identity of urban and rural living. The Gugulethu case shows how multigenerational living and matrilineal inheritance strategies around leasehold property empowered women to embrace female headship in the home from 1948. The Fingo Village case demonstrates the unconventional customary practices by which women could become custodians of family freehold property. These case studies demonstrate how inheritance became a mode of power and agency for African women. This African feminist comparative account adds to the literature on African women’s urban land narratives
Leveraging visualizations with systems for operational and strategic decision-making
No full textDynamic capability-enhancing technology, Subject Matter Experts (SMEs), System Experts (SEs) in planning and forecasting, and big data used for sensemaking combine to enable knowledge-based management decisions in interdisciplinary teams, increasing competitive advantage. This research extended Contingent Resource-based Theory CRBT by focusing on visualization’s role in this process. SMEs and SEs configure assumptions, with visualizations, in an interdisciplinary team to enable planning within the context of legal practice management systems. The study employed a mixed-method sequential explanatory design. An initial quantitative component determining which types of decision-making information technology contribute to the competitiveness of a firm was undertaken. Niche systems were found to increase technological dynamic capability through their highly configurable workflow tools, which provide customization capabilities and the ability to react to a changing environment quickly. Niche systems differentiated through process automation were found to be the aspect to focus on in a qualitative research study. A knowledge-sharing process model was developed from the literature, and this was overlayed with visualization as the new knowledge-sharing enabler. Then, a thematic qualitative study of interviews focusing on SMEs' and SEs' use of visualization in legal and financial system implementation was employed to establish the extent to which this process occurs in legal financial transformation projects. Seven subject matter experts and four system experts in legal transformation implementations were interviewed regarding using visualization to facilitate communication, verification, and process configuration during the knowledge-sharing process. The research illustrated how (1) low code systems data, (2) people, and (3) data enable the creation, sharing, and configuration of knowledge in practice in the legal practice management context. Recommendations for further research were made to automate refining budgeting and forecasting assumptions. This enables management to arrive at more accurate forecasts by refining assumptions and producing the resultant profit and loss reports visually in heat maps depicting variance between the forecast and actual profit and loss reports. The SMEs provide feedback, and the system cycles between multiple assumption iterations, reducing the variance and enhancing management decision-making. Visualization was found to assist the knowledge-sharing process through (1) verification, (2) process enablement, and (3) communication for decision-making. This research highlighted the value of variance heat maps and other visualizations and workflows in making planning assumptions explicit, thereby enhancing forecasting accuracy.Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Commerce, Rhodes Business School, 202
Managing operational uncertainty in manufacturing with industry 4.0 and 5.0 technologies: a modified neo-configurational perspective
No full textThe manufacturing sector is a significant economic multiplier due to its strong connections to the economy's downstream and upstream output sectors. It supports the notion that manufacturing drives industrialisation and can serve as the primary engine for growth and employment creation. Despite its importance, the manufacturing sector has challenges associated with diminishing size and lack of competitiveness, especially in countries such as South Africa. These challenges are exacerbated by prevailing operational uncertainties that negatively impact manufacturing firms. Literature on operational uncertainty, fourth and fifth industrial revolution technologies and organisational learning show several interrelated theoretical and methodological gaps, highlighting three empirical and theoretical gaps as well as two methodological gaps. Six propositions were developed to investigate the research objectives. This was done using a multi-method quantitative design based on the post-positivist paradigm, with data collected from 22 experts (expert survey) and 262 firm representatives (firm survey). The results of the study confirmed that operational uncertainty is a multi-dimensional construct with a reflective model for dimensions and reflective-reflective for higher-order construct. This means that for the dimensions, the indicators can be added or excluded in the formation of the dimension. The same is also true for construct, operational uncertainty. The results of the present study also confirm that operational uncertainty is a norm in the manufacturing industry with a Manufacturing Operational Uncertainty Index (MOUI) = 0.752, indicating the range of futures. This posits that it is difficult to divide these futures into a discrete and exhaustive set of possibilities due to the complexity of conditions (variables) at play. Industry 4.0 and 5.0 technologies and their capabilities can manage the operational uncertainty dimensions with these technologies capable of scenario planning and supply chain integration (SPSI), flexible production and mass customisation (FPMC), real-time system and process monitoring and response (RPMR), root cause analysis and sustainable solutions (RCAS). These technologies are mainly artificial intelligence (AI), Internet of Things (IoT), big data analytics (BDA) and to a less extent advanced robotics (ARB), blockchain and augmented and virtual reality (ARVR). Organisation learning is also an effective causal condition to incorporate in managing operational uncertainty with Industry 4.0 and 5.0 technologies. The study has both theoretical and methodological contributions. In theory, it advanced the modified neo-configuration theory, while the methodology provided an Manufacturing Operational Uncertainty Index and integrated fsQCA with fuzzy decision-making trial and evaluation laboratory (DEMATEL), and structural equation modelling partial least square (PLS-SEM). This research study is important since the recognition and dissemination of subjects within the field of operations management hold great significance for firms, which is contingent upon their sector of operation. This research offers valuable insights for academia, policymakers, and the manufacturing sector. It helps with their activities to effect meaningful change in day-to-day business operations, allowing for more effective progress in the subject area, and promoting practical, real-world issue-solving.Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Commerce, Rhodes Business School, 202
Scholar-activist transdisciplinary research praxis for blue justice in South Africa: perspectives from the South African Coastal Justice Network scholar-activist archive
No full textThis PhD thesis is an applied study on the research praxis of transdisciplinary (TD) scholar-activists contributing to social movements for environmental justice on the coasts and in the oceans (‘blue justice’). I wrote this thesis from my position as the coordinator of the Coastal Justice Network (CJN), which is a component of the Global Challenge Research Fund One Ocean Hub’s TD ocean governance programme. The CJN is a grouping of South African TD scholar-activists working collaboratively in processes of knowledge co-production with small-scale fishers (SSFs) and other coastal communities. These SSFs are leading resistances to blue injustice from the margins of ocean governance. Within a solidarity and environmental justice orientation to TD ocean research, CJN researchers and SSFs have responded together to a wide range of blue justice issues between 2020 and 2024 and, in doing so, have co-generated an activist archive. This thesis draws on the activist archive to surface core practices and priorities for research that contribute to movements for blue justice. The study was developed as a PhD portfolio through five papers, with an introduction and conclusion. The main aim of this study was to explore dimensions of scholar-activist TD research praxis and associated contributions to advancing blue justice in transformative ocean governance. In doing this, it sought to address some of the gaps in blue justice TD research, most notably the need for a deeper understanding of how to centre the voices and contributions of those most affected by environmental justice concerns. It also addresses the role of scholar-activist researchers practised as a form of political solidarity and reflexive co-engagement. The main research question is: How can scholar-activist transdisciplinary research praxis contribute to advancing blue justice in transformative ocean governance in South Africa? Methodologically, the study uses a form of activist ethnography, which is a scholar-activist methodology that includes an explicit political commitment to engagement and to generating knowledge for activism purposes. Methods within activist ethnographic research include participant and self-observation, critically reflexive “thick” descriptions of context and practice, interviews and conversations, direct political actions with activist partners and facilitation of mutual learning. At the centre of this work is the co-constructed scholar-activist archive, which offers a record of four years of such TD scholar-activist praxis. This thesis and the papers presented as part of the thesis all draw on the co-produced scholar-activist archive constructed out of the social movement work of the SSFs in collaboration with CJN researcher’s TD scholar-activist research praxis over four years, representing the type of activist ethnography referred to above. Compiling and organising the archive was one important level of analytical/synthesis work I undertook. I also drew on the archive to make visible key facets of blue justice work and reflected on this, making up three different levels of analytical work with the archive: 1) Constructing and organising the archive, 2) Selection of key foci in the archive, and 3) Meta-reflections. Through this approach, I address the main research question via four sub-questions, each the focus of a paper in this PhD by publication. Why is there a need to advance scholar-activist TD practice in transformative ocean governance research? This question is addressed in Paper 1 (Chapter 2 of this thesis). How can scholar-activists in blue justice support just and inclusive views of ocean governance? This question is addressed in Paper 2 (Chapter 3 of the thesis). What methods in blue justice research enable plural knowledges and perspectives for co-engagement? This question is addressed in Paper 3 (Chapter 4 of the thesis). How is blue justice resistance expressed and acknowledged as a key feature of inclusive ocean governance? This question is addressed in Paper 4 (Chapter 5 of the thesis). What emerges as key lessons for scholar-activist TD researchers in blue justice? This question is addressed in Paper 5 (Chapter 6 of the thesis) and in the meta-reflection in Chapter 7. The thesis as a whole offers: 1. Identification of a core practice, centred on “transformative space making” for care- ful, responsive and reflexive solidarity networks – ‘net-work’ – that allows community-based activists and social movements to leverage the kinds of research support they need when they need it. 2. Insight into participatory ocean governance and socially just ocean protection, practised through an ‘agonistic’ and counter-hegemonic knowledge co-production emergent from this form of TD scholar-activism. 3. Methods and guidance for these practices, with specific emphasis on agonistically plural and inclusive methods of blue resistance. 4. Insights into the positionality and ethical tensions of TD scholar-activist researchers. The study offers an empirical case of how a CJN, through TD scholar-activist praxis, can contribute to blue resistance and blue justice. The reflective chapter (Chapter 7) shows that this type of TD scholar-activist praxis is not without challenges and limitations; through a reflexive review of these, the study offers direction for further research. It also points to the roles of scholar-activists working in solidarity with SSFs in pursuit of blue justice. Overall, the thesis offers an orientation for TD researchers interested in aligning their research praxis with social movements working in counter-hegemonic ways for environmental justice.Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Education, Secondary and Post School Education, 202
Developing the behaviours that we value in physics knowers through implementing aspects of the Investigative Science Learning Environment (ISLE) approach in a South African high school
Full text linkSituated in Physics Education Research, this study focused on physics learning through the Investigative Science Learning Environment (ISLE) approach. The ISLE approach is underpinned by the belief that students should learn physics through doing physics, and that all aspects of the learning experience should seek to enhance student well-being. The ISLE approach was introduced in the physics classrooms of two, well-resourced, independent South African high schools. Physics provides a context in which to develop behaviours that assist learning and that promote a learning-orientated mindset. Physics students need to be able to (i) actively engage to facilitate learning, (ii) connect the domains of a problem to construct a coherent knowledge structure, (iii) transfer their understanding of a concept to a new context, and (iv) grapple with concepts and problems. These behaviours, which are valued in physics students, should be modelled through activities so that students can be trained to adopt these practices. The Specialization dimension of Legitimation Code Theory (LCT) was used as the analytical framework for this study and translation devices were developed and used to code the activities in terms of the behaviours that they value. Both quantitative and qualitative data were collected in a mixed methods approach, and inductively determined codes were thematically analysed. The ISLE activities, as well as activities that were developed, based on ISLE principles, were found to legitimate the behaviours that we value in physics knowers. The student experience of the ISLE approach demonstrated the development of these behaviours for many students, although there remained a strong emphasis on performance. Activities that model all four of the valued behaviours were particularly effective.Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Humanities, Physics and Electronics, 202
Examining the effects of small molecule tyrosine kinase inhibitors on glucose metabolism in skeletal muscle and liver cell lines in vitro
Full text linkDiabetes mellitus is rising due to aging, sedentary lifestyles, obesity, and unhealthy diets, posing a global health threat. Due to increase in prevalence together with shortfalls associated with current treatment options, there is still a necessity for a continuous search of new pharmacotherapies. Small molecule tyrosine kinase inhibitors are drugs, used in cancer chemotherapy and have been shown to affect glycaemic control and metabolism variably. Studies have shown that tyrosine kinase inhibitors can alter glycaemic control and glucose metabolism, with some demonstrating hypoglycaemic activities whilst others showing hyperglycaemic properties. The mechanism by which tyrosine kinase inhibitors cause glycaemic dysregulation is not well understood, therefore, the clinical significance of these chemotherapeutic agents on glucose handling is also poorly documented. Aims and objectives: This study aims to elucidate how small molecule tyrosine kinase inhibitors affect glucose metabolism in C2C12 and HepG2 cells in vitro, including their impact on glucose uptake, AKT, GLUT-4, and IL-6 expression, GLUT-4 translocation, and alpha-amylase and alpha-glucosidase activity. Methods: In this study, C2C12 and HepG2 cells were seeded in well plates and the initial media glucose concentration was recorded. Cells were then treated with small molecule tyrosine kinase inhibitors; imatinib, dasatinib, axitinib, and erlotinib for 24 hours. Thereafter, the effect of the test drugs was assessed on cell viability, glucose uptake, expression of AKT GLUT-4 and IL-6, and translocation of GLUT-4. Furthermore, effects of the drugs were assessed on the activities of alpha amylase and glucosidase using calometric assays. Results and Discussion: Cells treated with small molecule tyrosine kinase inhibitors were viable after 24 hours. A concentration-dependent increase in glucose uptake in C2C12 cells treated with imatinib was observed as the concentration of imatinib increased. Axitinib, dasatinib, and erlotinib demonstrated glucose uptake levels comparable to the control across all concentrations. Small molecule tyrosine kinase inhibitors demonstrated an increase in GLUT4 translocation in the absence of insulin. GLUT4 expression was comparable in cells treated with small molecule tyrosine kinase inhibitors and the control. Small molecule tyrosine kinase inhibitors showed an increase in AKT expression. C2C12 cells treated with small molecule tyrosine kinase inhibitors were observed to have elevated IL-6 expression compared to the control. The HepG2 cells treated with erlotinib and imatinib demonstrated elevated glucose uptake while cells treated with axitinib and dasatinib were observed to have a lower glucose uptake. Treatment with dasatinib led to a decrease in Akt expression as concentration increased. Small molecule tyrosine kinase inhibitors demonstrated inhibition of alpha-amylase, while only dasatinib and axitinib showed inhibition of alpha-glucosidase. Conclusion: The results show that small molecule tyrosine kinase inhibitors impact glucose metabolism in C2C12 and HepG2 cells via their effect on GLUT-4 translocation and expression and AKT expression. Dasatinib showed promising potential with regard to antidiabetic capabilities. Further research is needed to better understand these mechanisms' effects on metabolic homeostasis and inform future therapeutic strategies.Thesis (MSc (Pharm)) -- Faculty of Pharmacy, Pharmacy, 202