21838 research outputs found
Sort by
Recovery of Fe(III) from acid mine drainage and its subsequent application for the production of ferric chloride for drinking water coagulation
Get PDFAcid mine drainage (AMD) is a highly acidic and biorecalcitrant wastewater matrix that is rich in dissolved metals and wreaks havoc into receiving environments due to its toxic nature that poses mutagenic, teratogenic, and carcinogenic effects to living organisms on exposure. This is mainly triggered by embodied chemical species and their severe toxicological effects. Stringent regulatory frameworks require acid mine drainage to be contained and treated before it could be discharged to the receiving biosphere. In recent decades, there has been a shift in paradigm, where chemical species enshrined in wastewater streams present a different avenue of resource mining and could be recovered for beneficiation, especially when pragmatically and technically viewed under circular economy, waste beneficiation, and waste valorisation concepts. This study seeks to pursue such a quest as inspired by waste beneficiation and valorisation. Specifically, acid mine drainage is rich in Fe and sulphate contents due to the weathering of pyrite because of the parent mineral. The high iron (Fe(III)), i.e., post oxidation, content in AMD presents an opportunity for recovery and use for iron salt production hence the gross focus of this novel study.
This study focused on selective and fractional recovery of Fe(III) from real coal mine AMD, using magnesium oxide nanoparticles (MgO-NPs), and subsequently employ it for green production of ferric chloride (FeCl3), a typical coagulant used in water and wastewater treatment. The goals of this innovative study were achieved by using a batch experimental method and protocol to optimize the conditions that are favourable for the removal of pollutants from rivers and wastewater. Specifically, the one-factor-at-a-time (OFAAT) were duly enacted, and they comprise the effect of contact time (mins.), effect of dosage (mL), and effect of mixing speed (rpm). Real water samples collected from the river was used for optimisation purposes. The quality of raw and final water was analysed in the SANAS/IEC/ISO 17025 accredited laboratory using state-of-the-art facilities such as photo spectrometers, ICP-MS, ICP-OES, Gallery plus discreet, and multi-parameter devises. Standard methods were also used to draw other technical conclusions. The composition of the recovered sludge from real AMD was characterised using X-ray fluorescence (XRF). Experiments were performed in triplicate and results were reported as mean values, with the cognizant of SDV of ≤5 for quality, repeatability, and trustworthiness of the obtained results. The efficacy of the synthetized ferric chloride was compared with the performance of commercial ferric chloride. Furthermore, its robustness and up-scalability were assessed using river water and municipal wastewater.
From the obtained results, optimum conditions were observed to be 0.2 mL/L (v/v ratio), 100 rpm of mixing speed, and 5 min of equilibration time. Under those conditions, the percentage removal efficacies for contaminants registered the following sequence: 99.8 ≥ 99.8 ≥ 99.7 ≥ 99.5 ≥ 99.2 ≥ 98.2 ≥ 95.3 ≥ 92.9 ≥ 81.1 ≥ 67.6 ≥ 52 ≥ 50 ≥ 48.8 ≥ 22.4 ≥ 11.8 ≥ 10.1 ≥ 10 ≥ 9.7 ≥ 6.7 ≥ 4.3% for Al ≥ ammonia ≥ turbidity ≥ Fe ≥ Cr ≥ Ni ≥ COD ≥ Mn ≥ Cu ≥ nitrite ≥ nitrate ≥ colour ≥ Ca ≥ alkalinity ≥ Mg ≥ K ≥ Na ≥ sulfate ≥ EC ≥ pH, respectively. Similar results were obtained when the same raw water was treated with commercially available FeCl3, which is already used by the water and wastewater industry in South Africa. The results also highlighted that the AMD-synthesized FeCl3 did not contain toxic heavy metals in its matrix, while the treated river water itself was within South African specifications for drinking water quality (SANS 241:2015). Interestingly, the efficacies of both the AMD-synthesized and commercially available FeCl3 were assessed for water and wastewater treatment and were found comparable, and similar performance was observed with municipal wastewater. This highlights that AMD-synthesized FeCl3 can be safely employed by the water and wastewater industry in South Africa and further afield and this will, although to a certain extent, address price and availability concerns surrounding commercial flocculants and coagulants. Furthermore, through AMD beneficiation, i.e., Fe(III) recovery, and partial acidity correction, water reclamation opportunities from AMD can be further pursued. Overall, resource recovery from waste and their reuse for treating other wastes can introduce sustainable paradigms and explicitly promote the United Nations (UN) sustainable development goals (SDGs). Future studies should look into pilot trials and mass production of ferric chloride using Fe(III) recovered from acid mine drainage, and this will ensure sustainability in the management of mine water and preserve the use of virgin materials for the production of ferric chloride.M. Sc. (Environmental Sciences)Environmental Science
The guiding reasons why Public Interest Entities in Europe Elect a particular Audit Firm and Auditors versus the Cost of the Audit
Get PDFDeclining audit fees represent a worldwide phenomenon which draws particular attention and concerns in the audit profession. The study explores the guiding reasons of public interest entities (PIEs) in Europe when electing a particular auditor, and investigates whether these reasons are reflected on audit fees. Further, it considers the impact of the prevailing macroeconomic conditions on these reasons, and accordingly on the cost of the audit. To this end the study intends to investigate whether these guiding reasons represent a declining factor on audit fees and under which macroeconomic conditions. To achieve the study objectives, a pragmatic mixed methods research approach is adopted, comprising surveys of respondents at audit firms and PIEs, and semi-structured interviews with participants at purposively selected PIEs, in Europe. The study finds that the guiding reasons are associated with the macroeconomic conditions, and reflect PIEs’ expectations from the external audit. Ultimately, these expectations impact the cost of the audit depending on the current trends in the economy. The study proposes that the audit regulatory authorities should take actions to regulate PIEs’ expectations from the external auditors and regulate the reporting requirements of auditors and audit firms, to achieve a proper balance between the scope of the audit procedures and the cost of the audit. In this view, the study recommends audit regulatory authorities adopt guidelines for determining the cost of the audit based on the assessed audit risk and scope of audit procedures.AuditingN/
Young adults' experiences of COVID-19 related psychological stressors and coping mechanisms during the pandemic in Johannesburg
Get PDFDespite increased knowledge about the COVID-19 pandemic itself, knowledge about its impact on mental health is still lacking in South Africa. This study, thus, sought to understand young adults’ experiences of COVID-19-related psychological stressors, trauma, and coping mechanisms used to deal with such stressors. The study was conducted in Orange Farm, South of Johannesburg in the Gauteng province, South Africa. The study population consisted of young adults aged between 18 and 35. Snowball sampling was employed as it is a convenient method for accessing hard-to-reach populations. A sample of 10 young adults was recruited for the current study. This study was qualitative and employed a semi-structured interview technique to explore young adults’ experiences with COVID-19-related psychological stress and trauma. Data was analysed and interpreted using a thematic analysis. Major themes that have emerged from the data analysis include: the changes in perceptions of the COVID-19 pandemic; the experience of psychological stressors due to the pandemic; the coping mechanisms that were used by young adults; positive outcomes from the pandemic; and the long-term effects of the psychological stressors experienced. The study also highlighted the various coping mechanisms that were employed to deal with the stressors brought on by the pandemic. The current study findings have implications for policymaking to mitigate pandemic-related stressors and ensure the psychological well-being of young adults in future pandemics.M.A. (Psychology)Psycholog
Managing violence in rural secondary schools of KwaZulu-Natal: experiences of educators and learners
No full textThis study explores the management of violence in schools, drawing inspiration from the National School Safety Policy Framework and personal experiences in rural secondary schools in KwaZulu-Natal. The study reveals that educators and learners in these schools work in environments that are not conducive for teaching and learning, leading to fear and fear-based violence. Factors contributing to school violence include social ills, lack of communication, anger issues, social media impact, and adolescent stage. Despite a drop in violent incidents, some learners and educators still face physical and emotional abuse but find it difficult to report cases due to fear.
The researcher conducted a study on the experiences of teachers and learners in selected rural secondary schools in KwaZulu-Natal about school-based violence. The study used a questionnaire to gather biographical information and semi-structured interviews to understand the challenges educators and learners face. The data was analysed and interpreted to address the primary research questions: what are the experiences of teachers and learners in their schools about violence? The researcher also scrutinized relevant documents to identify factors contributing to school-based violence and proposed strategies for its management. The study emphasized the detrimental effects of school-based violence and the potential roles of various stakeholders.
Recommendations for addressing violence in schools include security measures, policy implementation, and monitoring. Stakeholders should play their roles, including parent involvement, sports, and training educators to spot early signs of violence. The Department of Education should also create a monitoring tool and implement safety policies to address the violence. The research aims to encourage all stakeholders to be active in the education system and address the root causes of violence in schools.M, Ed. (Educational Leadership and Management)Educational Leadership and Managemen
Anti-capitalist subjectivity : considerations of fantasy, (in)action, and solidarity building
No full textAnti-capitalist subjectivities are produced through politically generative refusals of
the divisive, profit-oriented, and manageable subject positions made available by
capitalism’s socio-symbolic order. Pushing back against liberal political theories
which presume subjectivity to be a priori or coherent, this article employs psychoanalytic
theory to grapple with the flowing, changing, patterned, and disjointed nature
of anti-capitalist subject formations. Although mainstream psychoanalysis has,
historically, aligned with the dictates of capital, I argue that psychoanalytic theory
nonetheless offers a useful resource for understanding how anti-capitalist refusal can
foster emancipatory desires and situated political commitments within and among
subjects. In fleshing out these arguments, I engage with the role that fantasy plays
in forming anti-capitalist subjectivities. I also consider what solidarity building and
political action mean with respect to anti-capitalist subjectivity. By way of conclusion,
I argue why we should make the case for anti-capitalist subjectivity, offering
some directions that future work may take.Institute for Social and Health Studies (ISHS
A clinical leadership-mentoring framework for nurse managers in mental health care settings
No full textText in EnglishIn the rapidly evolving landscape of the 21st century, leadership is recognised not
merely as an art but as a value-driven imperative vital for transformation across all
fields, including mental health care. The ongoing transition from traditional to modern
leadership approaches presents fascinating challenges, particularly in nursing.
Mentoring of upcoming nurse leaders is essential for a successful role transition.
The purpose of this study was to develop a clinical leadership-mentoring framework
for nurse managers in mental health care settings to foster growth in mental health
leadership. A qualitative approach and grounded theory design were used to explore
and describe the leadership-mentoring opportunities and challenges that novice
clinical nurse leaders and clinical nurse leaders are faced with in mental health care
settings.
Focus group interviews were used for data collection. The population consisted of
assistant nursing managers and operational nursing managers working in two public
mental health care institutions in Gauteng Province, as these individuals engaged in
leading mental health care institutions. The total number of participants for the
research study was twenty-seven (27). The sample consisted of assistant nursing
managers (n = 12) and operational nursing managers (n = 15). Thematic data analysis
was conducted.
The findings revealed that there are challenges experienced by the assistant
managers and the operational managers for effective clinical leadership mentoring.
The clinical leaders recounted their own experiences of being mentored and identified
the factors and strategies that facilitated the mentorship of novice leaders. Institutional
and professional challenges, as well as difficulties encountered when working with
mentees, were outlined as aspects that impeded effective mentorship. Clinical nurse
leaders reflected on opportunities, or a lack thereof, for promotion into leadership
positions within a mental health care setting and indicated the importance of sound
mentorship to facilitate the process. Dickoff and James' survey list of 1968 was used
for the development of a clinical leadership-mentoring framework for managers in
mental health clinical settings.D. Phil. (Health Studies)Health Studie
The effects of exchange rate fluctuations on the determination of anti-dumping measures in South Africa
No full textText in EnglishThe main aim of this thesis is to investigate the effects of exchange rate fluctuations on the determination of anti-dumping measures in South Africa. The provisions of Article 2.4.1 of the Agreement on Implementation of Article VI of the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade 1994 (commonly referred to as “the Anti-dumping Agreement” or “ADA (1994)”), which explain how exchange rate fluctuations should be assessed in calculating anti-dumping measures, are problematic as they are opened to different interpretations. Due to the limited guidance in Article 2.4.1 of the ADA (1994), investigating jurisdictions evaluate each inquiry on a case-by-case basis and to their own advantage. This often results in an unfair calculation of various anti-dumping measures against foreign exporters and countries, leading to a large number of disputes and the lodging of appeals with the World Trade Organisation (WTO) Appellate Body. This thesis investigates these issues using two case studies based on information obtained from non-confidential applications submitted to the International Trade Administration Commission of South Africa (ITAC) by industries within the Southern African Customs Union (SACU). This study confirms that the way in which exchange rate fluctuations are calculated can have a significant effect on the size of the anti-dumping penalties applied by the authorities. The study also shows that the public interest and the welfare effects of anti-dumping measures on consumers are not considered by the authorities in determining such measures. The study recommends that policy makers review Article 2.4.1 of the ADA (1994) with a view to standardising the way in which exchange rate fluctuations are dealt with in the determination of anti-dumping duties and to consider the welfare effects of such measures on consumers and the public at large.D. Phil. (Economics)Economic
The relationship of big five personality traits, emotional intelligence, and cultural intelligence in predicting posting outcomes of South African ex-pats
No full textOwing to the ever-increasing globalisation and global integration, many countries and
organisations are compelled to post increasing number of employees to represent their
countries and conduct business in foreign countries. These posted employees face serious
challenges of culture shock and cross-cultural-adjustment, which may impair their ability to
perform duties, leading to unsuccessful posting.
Cultural intelligence characterises an individual’s capability to function and manage effectively
in culturally diverse situation (posting). The big five personality traits, along with emotional
intelligence, are postulated to have effect on adjustment, and task (work) performance. The
aim of this study was to determine the nature of relationship between cultural intelligence
factors on posting experience. To investigate the relationship between cultural intelligence
factors and big five personality traits; as well as the relationship between cultural intelligence
factors and emotional intelligence factors. To assess whether the big five personality traits and
emotional intelligence factors moderate the relationship between cultural intelligence and
posting experience.
The results of Pearson’s correlation analysis revealed a very weak to no correlation between
cultural intelligence and posting experience. The results of the correlation analysis between big
five personality traits and cultural intelligence revealed significant moderate positive
correlation between all big five personality traits and cultural intelligence factors. The results
of the correlation analysis between all emotional intelligence factors and cultural intelligence
factors demonstrated significant moderate positive correlation between emotional intelligence
factors and cultural intelligence factors.
Results of the linear multiple regression analysis revealed that motivational and metacognitive
cultural intelligence have significant effect on posting experience. However, the findings also
indicated that cognitive cultural intelligence does not have significant effect on posting
experience, and that behavioural cultural intelligence has significant but negative effect on
posting experience. The results of moderation analysis revealed that big five personality traits and emotional intelligence factors did not have significant moderating effect on the relationship
between cultural intelligence and posting experience.
Limitation of the empirical study was linked the utilisation of self-report measures and
relatively small target population. A common limitation of self-report study is the self-report
bias.
The theoretical and mixed empirical findings of the study illustrate that cultural intelligence
factors of motivational and metacognitive have positive effect on posting experience. The
findings also revealed a positive relationship between cultural intelligence and both the big five
personality traits, and emotional intelligence. Therefore, organisations need to consider the
significance of cultural intelligence, big five personality trait, and emotional intelligence in
their pre-posting personnel selection, assessment, and capacity building, for effective and
desirable posting experience.D. Phil. (Consulting Psychology)Psycholog
Online social networks, radical business transparency and ethical climate : a conceptual governance framework
No full textThis research study aims to examine the factors influencing responsible engagement
when interacting with online social networks (OSN) to provide the building blocks of a
conceptual governance framework addressing the paradigm shift from traditional
Corporate Transparency to the notion of Radical Transparency.
The literature review validates measuring levels of responsible OSN engagement by
surveying the frequency usage of business-friendly OSN platforms relative to socialbased
OSN platforms. The research delves into behavioural science, online privacy
and ethical climate within the organisation. The literature identified three cases
namely; awareness of online behaviour, the competency levels of online privacy
literacy, and the work culture and ethical environment. The literature further identified
validated survey response scales toward gauging factors influencing responsible
levels of OSN engagement specifically; 1.) Online self-awareness accounts for the
employee’s online self-efficacy and online self-esteem using the Online Self-Efficacy
Scale (OSES) and the Rosenberg self-esteem scale (RSES), respectively, 2.) Online
privacy literacy accounting for the employee’s awareness and competency in evasive
action toward privacy and security risk using an adapted version of the online privacy
literacy scale (OPLIS), 3.) Online organisational awareness accounts for the
perception by the employees of the ethical climate within the organisation using an
online adapted ethical climate questionnaire (ECQ). In addition, observable
behavioural mediating factors were accounted for using the Security Behavioural
Intentions Scale (SeBIS), the Bergen social media addiction scale (BSMAS) and OSN
engagement habits. A qualitative study of 29 in-depth executive management
interviews was conducted and complemented with a quantitative study of N1=328
respondents from organisations in the financial and health sectors. Of the N1=328
respondents, N2=234 completed the ethical climate questionnaire (ECQ).
The qualitative and quantitative findings show that through frequency usage, OSN
usage in the business environment is directed primarily towards business
communication with limited social use. In addition, the qualitative and quantitative
studies highlight the role of online self-awareness, privacy literacy, and organisational
awareness associated with responsible OSN behaviour. However, both studies
identify the key influencing factor associated with responsible OSN engagement, that being positive behavioural intent to exercise online security and privacy and to be
vigilant about the perils of OSN addiction.
A governance framework to mitigate exposure against reputational risk while
encouraging employees to be online brand ambassadors in both business and private
OSN engagement is recommended. Key to such a governance framework is fostering
an organisational online ethos and culture by providing training in online privacy
through a well-defined set of policies and processes while developing online self-awareness through a code of conduct.Business ManagementD.B.L
The archaeology of the skirmish at Redelinghuys (Vegkop) during the South African War, December 1901
No full textAbstract in English, Afrikaans and IsiXhosaThe dynamics of skirmishes during a war differ quite a bit from formal engagements. The skirmish on Vegkop during the latter part of the South African War of 1899 to 1902 is a typical example of such an incident. Through the use of metal detectors and the aid of written and oral tradition, the researcher was able to establish the events of the skirmish, as well as highlight the key differences between a skirmish and a battle. Although very small in comparison to the more popular battle sites, any skirmish site investigation can improve our understanding of the dynamics of war. The archaeological investigation into the skirmish between the Boer forces and the British forces in the Sandveld area of the Western Cape provides new insight into the mindset of the guerrilla fighters who boldly took on the British forces on their own territory and who were vastly unprepared for such an invasionDaar bestaan ‘n wesentlike verskil in die dinamika tussen skermutselings en die meer formele
gevegte tydens ‘n oorlog. Die gebeure by Vegkop gedurende die laaste deel van die Suid-Afrikaanse
Oorlog van 1899 tot 1902 is ‘n sprekende voorbeeld van so ‘n skermutseling. Die gebruik van
metaalverklikkers, tesame met geskrewe bronne en mondelinge oorvertellings, het die navorser in
staat gestel om die gebeure tydens die skermutseling te ondersoek, sowel as om die oorwegende
verskille tussen ‘n skermutseling en ‘n formele geveg aan te dui. Hoewel ‘n skermutseling klein is in
vergelyking met die meer bekende gevegte, kan enige ondersoek na ‘n skermutselingsterrein ons
meer insig gee oor die dinamika van ‘n oorlog. Die argeologiese ondersoek na die skermutseling
tussen die Boeremagte en die Britse magte, in die Sandveld-streek van die Wes-Kaap, bied nuwe
insigte tot die ingesteldheid van die guerrillavegters wat waaghalsig die niksvermoedende Britse
magte op hul eie grondgebied aangepak hetUbudlelwane bongquzulwano ngexesha lemfazwe bohlukile kancinane kwidabi elisesikweni.
Ungquzulwano lwaseVegkop njengenxalenye yokugqibela yeMfazwe yoMzantsi Afrika yowe1899
ukuya kowe1902 ngumzekelo oqhelekileyo wesiganeko esinjalo. Ngokusebenzisa izixhobo zentsimbi
kunye noncedo lwembali ebhaliweyo neyomlomo, umphandi ukwazile ukufumana iziganeko zolu
ngquzulwano, kunye nokubhentsisa umahluko ophambili phakathi kongquzulwano kunye nedabi
okanye imfazwe. Nangona ezi ziganeko zincinci kakhulu xa zithelekiswa neendawo
zamadabi/iimfazwe ezaziwa kakhulu, naluphi na uphando lwendawo yongquzulwano lunokuphucula
ukuqonda kwethu iintshukumo zemfazwe. Uphando lwenzululwazi ngezakudala malunga
nongquzulwano phakathi kwemikhosi yamaBhulu kunye nemikhosi yaseBritani kwindawo
yaseSandveld eNtshona Koloni lunika umbono omtsha malunga nendlela yokucinga yabanqolobi
abathi ngenkalipho bahlasela imikhosi yaseBritani kwindawo yayo neyayingalilungiselelanga
kwaphela olo hlaseloM.A. (Archaeology)Anthropology and Archaeolog