Exploring the Barriers and Facilitators to seeking treatment for Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) among women in South Africa: A qualitative study

Thesis (MA)--Stellenbosch University, 2025.Pillay, D. 2025. Exploring the Barriers and Facilitators to seeking treatment for Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) among women in South Africa: A qualitative study. Unpublished masters thesis. Stellenbosch: Stellenbosch University [online]. Available: https://scholar.sun.ac.za/items/c573cb20-8604-417f-8d85-30ecf19d9bacDespite the high prevalence of major depressive disorder (MDD) in South Africa and the availability of effective treatment options, mental health services are underutilized. Individuals living with MDD delay or avoid seeking help for a variety of reasons. In South Africa, there is little research on the barriers and facilitators that women face when seeking treatment for MDD. This study examined the facilitators and barriers that women experience when seeking treatment for MDD in South Africa. The methodology used was exploratory qualitative research, with semi-structured interviews and convenience sampling. The study included 13 women living with MDD from various provinces across the country. The study was conceptualised using Bronfenbrenner's ecological systems theory (EST) as the theoretical foundation. Five main themes and nine subthemes were identified and analysed using thematic analysis. At the microsystem level, attitudinal factors such as a low perceived need for help and the side effects of medication were identified as barriers to treatment. At the mesosystem level, partner support and children were the most significant facilitators of treatment, while external family structures and employment support were highlighted as barriers. At the exosystem level, participants reported access and cost of healthcare services as barriers to treatment, while facilitators included support from healthcare experts and a combined treatment plan of pharmacology and psychotherapy. The stigma associated with MDD emerged as the most significant barrier at the macrosystem level. Furthermore, the participants stated that in order to overcome the treatment barriers of MDD, mental health care services in both public and private facilities should be improved, as should education and awareness of mental health literacy in various social structures. The study's findings revealed that individuals' decisions to seek treatment were influenced and shaped by personal beliefs, support from their partners, children, and healthcare professionals, as well as institutional and structural factors such as health care services and stigmatization of mental health disorders. This study's findings may help address the gap in local literature and contribute to future research on treatment barriers for MDD in South Africa.Master

Post-Exercise Acid-Base Profiles and Functional Recovery Following a 10 km Time Trial in Recreational and Trained Runners

Thesis (MSc)--Stellenbosch University, 2025.Mandell, K. J. 2025. Post-Exercise Acid-Base Profiles and Functional Recovery Following a 10 km Time Trial in Recreational and Trained Runners. Unpublished masters thesis. Stellenbosch: Stellenbosch University [online]. Available: https://scholar.sun.ac.za/items/0b7b5898-9642-4bd1-a4e0-a48f0444b4d8This M.Sc. thesis, conducted at Stellenbosch University under the supervision of Prof. Elmarie Terblanche, investigated sex differences in acid–base profiles and functional recovery following a 10 km time trial (TT) in recreational and trained runners. Endurance exercise research has predominantly focussed on elite athletes or short-duration high-intensity protocols, often incorporating supplementation, which leaves significant gaps in understanding unsupplemented and passive recovery dynamics in non-elite populations. This study addressed these voids by profiling 24-hour recovery in non-elite men and women, incorporating individual factors such as VO₂max to provide practical insights for training optimisation and injury prevention among recreational and trained athletes. The primary aim was to quantify TT-induced metabolic acidosis and subsequent 24-hour acid–base recovery, including markers like pH, bicarbonate ([HCO₃⁻]), base excess ([BE]), and lactate ([La-]). Secondary aims examined sex differences in these recovery patterns and explored inter-relationships across metabolic, neuromuscular (countermovement jump [CMJ] height and power), and subjective (muscle soreness [MS] via visual analogue scale [VAS] and perceived recovery status [PRS]) domains. Hypotheses proposed that the TT would induce significant acidosis normalising within 24 hours, with women exhibiting faster acid-base and neuromuscular recovery due to physiological advantages like enhanced lipid oxidation and oestrogen-mediated buffering. A repeated-measures cross-sectional design was employed with 24 recreational and trained runners (12 men: age 24.2 ± 3.0 years, VO₂max 56.3 ± 4.6 mL·kg⁻¹·min⁻¹; 12 women: age 22.2 ± 2.0 years, VO₂max 51.8 ± 4.4 mL·kg⁻¹·min⁻¹). Participants completed a maximal incremental treadmill test to determine VO₂max and ventilatory thresholds, followed by one 5 km familiarisation run and then two 10 km TTs (one week apart; faster analysed). Capillary blood samples and assessments at 0, 10, 30, 60 minutes, and 24 hours post-TT. Mixed-model ANOVA analysed sex × time interactions, with Pearson correlations and Hedges’ g effect sizes (p < 0.05). Results confirmed marked metabolic acidosis (pH drop to 7.15–7.20) and peak lactate 13.1 ± 4.4 mmol·L⁻¹, with acid–base markers normalising by 24 hours, supporting the primary hypothesis. Men exhibited greater initial disruptions (e.g., 28% higher lactate, 0.1 unit lower pH; p < 0.05) due to faster TT times (48 vs. 53 minutes; p = 0.03), but women cleared quicker in early phases (0–30 minutes). Neuromuscular recovery (CMJ) declined 15–20% post-TT, returning to normative ranges by 24 hours, while subjective markers (MS ~3–4 VAS, PRS ~4–6) remained impaired. Correlations linked acid–base status to Countermovement jump (CMJ) height and power (r = 0.50–0.70) but weakly to Muscle soreness (MS) and Perceived recovery status (PRS), partially supporting secondary hypotheses. Sex differences highlighted intensity-driven acidosis in men and oxidative advantages in women. The findings advocate multidimensional monitoring for recreational and trained athletes, with sex-tailored strategies: buffering supplements for men, lipid nutrition for women. This advances exercise physiology by emphasising non-elite contexts. Limitations include small sample (n=24), controlled lab conditions, unmatched intensities confounding sex effects, 24-hour follow-up missing prolonged fatigue, and no hormonal/muscle damage profiling. Future research should extend timelines (48–72 hours), incorporate hormone assessments, and use field settings for broader applicability.Master

Essays on inclusive growth and environmental quality: evidence from Sub-Saharan Africa

Thesis (PhD)--Stellenbosch University, 2025.Jinapor, J. A. 2025. Essays on inclusive growth and environmental quality: evidence from Sub-Saharan Africa. Unpublished doctoral dissertation. Stellenbosch: Stellenbosch University [online]. Available: https://scholar.sun.ac.za/items/09c6a3d9-bdb3-4286-b69b-13d32bd5534aEconomic growth, defined as the increase in the production of goods and services over time, differs significantly from inclusive economic growth, which aims to ensure that the benefits of growth are equitably shared across society. While economic growth is crucial for social progress as outlined in Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 8, inclusive growth targets broader objectives, including SDG 1 (poverty reduction), SDG 5 (gender equality), and SDG 10 (reduced inequalities). In sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), progress toward shared prosperity has been limited, with high levels of poverty, inequality, and unemployment persisting despite over two decades of economic growth. This indicates a lack of inclusivity in the region's development process and outcomes. Furthermore, inclusive economic growth must also be environmentally sustainable, meaning it should meet present growth needs without compromising the environmental resources that future generations will rely on. Environmental sustainability is now a central part of the global development agenda. This thesis identifies three major gaps in the literature that it aims to address. First, there is limited research on inclusive economic growth in SSA, particularly regarding the role of energy consumption and foreign direct investment (FDI). These factors are critical, as they can either drive or hinder inclusive growth depending on how they interact. Second, while stakeholders are increasingly aware of the environmental costs of economic expansion, there is a lack of research examining the relationship between FDI, industrialisation, and environmental quality. Additionally, the potential role of institutional quality in mitigating environmental harm from these variables has not been thoroughly explored. Third, SSA continues to suffer from severe energy deficits, largely due to low financial development and the inability to attract sufficient investment in the energy sector. The existing literature has not adequately explored how information and communication technology (ICT) and financial development interact to impact energy sufficiency, renewable energy consumption, and the broader energy transition in the region. This thesis contributes to the growing body of knowledge on how SSA can pursue multidimensional sustainability and inclusive growth in alignment with Africa’s Agenda 2063 and the United Nations (UN) Agenda 2030. However, the region faces significant constraints, including climate change vulnerability, limited financial and logistical capacity, and geopolitical instability. Using macro-level panel data from SSA countries between 2000 and 2019, the study presents empirical analyses across three main chapters. The first objective investigates the effects of FDI, energy consumption, and their interaction on inclusive economic growth using the two-stage system generalised method of moments (2SGMM). Results show that energy consumption promotes inclusive growth and that FDI has a non-linear relationship with it. FDI initially dampens growth but becomes beneficial beyond a certain point, especially when combined with renewable or non-renewable energy. The study encourages policymakers to attract FDI into renewable energy to support inclusive and sustainable development. The second objective examines the link between FDI, industrialisation, institutional quality, and environmental outcomes. Using the Driscoll and Kraay technique, findings reveal that FDI and industrialisation increase carbon emissions, but institutional quality helps mitigate this impact. The study supports the environmental Kuznets curve (EKC) hypothesis and urges stronger environmental institutions. The third objective explores how financial development and ICT influence energy security. Applying feasible generalised least squares (FGLS), Panel Correlated Standard Error (PCSE), and two-stage least squares (2SLS) techniques, the findings show positive impacts of financial development and ICT on renewable and non-renewable energy use. Their interaction further strengthens energy consumption, suggesting ICT-enhanced financial systems can support SSA’s energy transition.Doctora

Ecosystemic Challenges experienced by South African Teachers when Teaching Learners with Autism Spectrum Disorder in Inclusive Classrooms

Thesis (MEd)--Stellenbosch University, 2025.Louw, I. 2025. Ecosystemic Challenges experienced by South African Teachers when Teaching Learners with Autism Spectrum Disorder in Inclusive Classrooms. Unpublished masters thesis. Stellenbosch: Stellenbosch University [online]. Available: https://scholar.sun.ac.za/items/e92adbd1-de03-4ef8-848b-324a4ac9a0d7Inclusive education is a global phenomenon that aims to ensure all learners, regardless of their abilities or backgrounds, are supported in mainstream classrooms. In South Africa, the implementation of inclusive education has been guided by policies such as the Education White Paper 6. Yet, many teachers continue to face significant challenges, particularly when teaching learners with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). This study explores the ecosystemic challenges teachers experience when supporting learners with ASD in inclusive classrooms within a South African public-school context. Grounded in Bronfenbrenner’s Ecological Systems Theory, the research seeks to explore how factors at multiple levels, including classroom dynamics, school leadership, parental involvement, systemic support and national policy interact to shape teachers' experiences and effectiveness. Using a qualitative approach within the interpretivist paradigm, data were collected through a focus group with six mainstream teachers and two semi-structured interviews with Heads of Departments. A thematic analysis was used to identify key patterns in the data, revealing the gaps between inclusive education policy and the realities of classroom implementation. Findings indicated that teachers often feel underprepared, unsupported and overwhelmed due to large class sizes, a lack of specialised training, insufficient resources and limited collaboration with parents and support teams. The study concludes that meaningful inclusion requires systemic interventions across all ecological levels, including enhanced professional development, improved parent-teacher partnerships, teacher aids or facilitators and providing appropriate resources. This research contributes to the discourse on inclusive education in South Africa and offers practical recommendations to bridge the gap between policy and practice for learners with ASD.Master

Cooperative search and rescue using a scheduling algorithm

Thesis (MEng)--Stellenbosch University, 2025.Buys, S. 2025. Cooperative search and rescue using a scheduling algorithm. Unpublished masters thesis. Stellenbosch: Stellenbosch University [online]. Available: https://scholar.sun.ac.za/items/e8c0f195-7216-4f5e-9d5b-c49a663b7c39Autonomous search and rescue (SAR) operations demand innovative solutions that can efficiently coordinate multiple search agents in complex and dynamic environments. The autonomous SAR problem is often modelled as a coverage path planning (CPP) problem, as both aim to systematically explore all points in a given area while operating under the critical time pressures inherent in SAR scenarios. Many existing methods divide the search environment into distinct sub-areas to enhance search efficiency for multiple search agents. However, the strict constraints imposed to achieve optimal performance in these settings often limit the algorithm’s adaptability for real-world scenarios. Two typical real-world scenarios include limited fuel availability and partially mapped or fully unmapped environments. Limited fuel availability often necessitates reliance on a single refuelling station, making such divisions impractical. Additionally, partially mapped environments complicate the process of optimally dividing the search area. This thesis presents a novel framework for search and rescue missions that integrates a scheduler and a multi-agent path planner. The scheduler allocates exploration cells, or frontiers, to agents using a greedy-heuristic strategy, while the multi-agent path planner ensures collision-free trajectories, enabling effective collaboration between agents. The approach was further extended to operate in unmapped environments, where agents adapt to unknown terrain during execution, and in scenarios constrained by limited fuel, incorporating refuelling strategies to maintain mission continuity. The proposed system was tested in simulations of varying complexity, including real-world-inspired scenarios, to evaluate metrics such as success rate, computational scalability, and the efficiency of the planned trajectories. The results demonstrate the system’s ability to outperform baseline approaches, achieving higher success rates for a wide range of environmental types. These findings underline the framework’s potential as a practical tool for autonomous search and rescue missions, advancing the capabilities of UAV systems in critical applications.Master

Exploring the framing of news by selected specialist beat journalists during the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020

Thesis (MA)--Stellenbosch University, 2025.Jam Jam, Z. 2025. Exploring the framing of news by selected specialist beat journalists during the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020. Unpublished masters thesis. Stellenbosch: Stellenbosch University [online]. Available: https://scholar.sun.ac.za/items/aacf2356-4ce1-4768-a114-704dfc14495fENGLISH ABSTRACT: The South African government instituted regulations during the Covid-19 pandemic lockdown levels five and four (between 26 March 2020 and 31 May 2020) to impose restrictions and curb the spread of the virus. These restrictions were imposed to ensure people adhered to social distancing, no travelling, no events, and no access to public places. Considering that the government-imposed restrictions, journalists fulfilled their journalistic duties by reporting on different activities and related issues during the lockdown. These include the increasing number of Covid infections, closure of schools, universities implementing online learning, as well as the cancellation of events and sporting activities. This study explores how selected specialist beat journalists from selected newspapers framed news during the Covid-19 pandemic. The selected journalists were beat specialists in the areas of politics, education, business, entertainment, sport (cricket), local community news, and sport (rugby). The newspaper articles written by the journalists were sampled from South African-based news organisations that publish daily news in the English language. The newspapers are The Herald, The Sowetan, Cape Times, The Citizen KZN, The Cape Argus, and The Mercury. In employing the beat concept and framing theory, a qualitative framing analysis was applied as the central methodology. Eight frames were identified in the sampled news articles which are: Covid-19 pandemic, education, local community, politics, economic, entertainment and lifestyle, sport, and miscellaneous. Some of the themes that have been identified through the analysis were the consumption of home remedies to cure Covid-19, vandalism, police brutality, implementation of online learning in the education sector and increased mental health issues. The general conclusion of the study is that selected specialist beat journalists framed news according to their beats as well as the Covid-19 pandemic itself. While journalists did adapt their reporting to incorporate Covid-19, most of them continued to focus on their specific beats. Future studies could conduct quantitative research to better understand the number of stories that were written across different media outlets and beats during the Covid-19 lockdowns. In addition, interviews with journalists would also help gain more insight into how they adapted their reporting practices and routines.AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Geen opsomming beskikbaar nie.Master

Developing a methodology and tool for the monitoring and evaluation of social initiatives: a systems-thinking approach

Hitchcock, O. E. J. 2025. Developing a Methodology and Tool for the Monitoring and Evaluation of Social Initiatives: A Systems-Thinking Approach. Unpublished masters thesis. Stellenbosch: Stellenbosch University [online]. Available: https://scholar.sun.ac.za/items/c4fe4856-dfd9-44bb-8e3f-d04441395efdThesis (MEng)--Stellenbosch University, 2025.ENGLISH ABSTRACT: This thesis presents a conceptual Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) approach with a supporting framework designed for the M&E of Social Initiatives (SIs), addressing critical challenges in accurately assessing complex, context dependent interventions. Rooted in a Systems- Thinking (ST) approach and guided by the principles of Realist Evaluation (RE), the framework is designed to capture both the nuanced context and the dynamic mechanisms underpinning SIs. While traditional M&E methods often lack the adaptability required to account for contextspecific variables, this integrated methodology advances the field by offering a comprehensive, adaptable tool for practitioners and evaluators. The research is structured in two primary phases. Phase 1 involves a scoping review, systematically analysing existing literature on M&E, ST, and RE to establish a theoretical foundation for the framework. This phase identifies the limitations of current evaluation methodologies in capturing the interplay between context and mechanism within SIs, thereby establishing the need for a more holistic approach. Phase 2 then details the iterative development of the framework, integrating insights from ST and RE to enable evaluators to systematically link SI outputs, outcomes, and impacts to underlying causal mechanisms. The framework is tested through a case study application to Unjani Clinics, a South African Non-Profit Company (NPC) providing low-cost, nurse-led Primary Health Care (PHC) services to underserved communities. This case study demonstrates the application of the coneptual methodology and supporting framework, applying ST tools such as Causal Loop Diagrams (CLDs) and Behaviour over time graphs (BOTGs) to map and measure the complexities within the healthcare system and Unjani’s role within it. Outputs are examined as tangible, measurable results, such as clinic expansion and increased patient consultations, while outcomes reflect broader, long-term impacts, including improved health metrics and economic empowerment within local communities. The findings underscore the framework’s effectiveness in identifying and mapping the mechanisms through which Unjani Clinics impact community health outcomes, enabling a clearer understanding of both direct and indirect contributions. Furthermore, the study highlights the importance of contextual factors—such as public-private partnerships, community trust, and healthcare accessibility—in shaping the success and sustainability of SIs. Limitations arising from data availability and eHealth Research Ethics Committee (HREC) constraints are acknowledged, and recommendations for future research include expanded longitudinal studies and the incorporation of additional metrics to validate the framework’s applicability across varied social sectors. In conclusion, this thesis contributes to the field of M&E by offering a validated, theoretically grounded framework that bridges the gap between M&E theory and practical application to the M&E of SIs. By incorporating ST and RE, the framework allows evaluators to comprehensively assess SIs in real-world, complex environments, ultimately supporting more informed decision-making and enhancing the long-term effectiveness of social interventions. The framework’s adaptability and usablility make it a valuable asset for stakeholders engaged in the planning, implementation, and evaluation of SIs, particularly in contexts where traditional M&E approaches may fall short.AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Hierdie tesis bied ’n konseptuele benadering tot monitering en evaluering met ’n ondersteunende raamwerk vir sosiale intiative wat belangrike uitdagings in die akkuraatheid van konteksafhanklike evaluering aanspreek. Gegrond op ’n sisteemdenke-benadering en gelei deur die beginsels van realistiese evaluering, is die raamwerk ontwerp om sowel die konteks as die dinamiese meganismes wat sosiale intervensies onderlˆe, vas te vang. Hierdie ge¨ıntegreerde metodologie bied ’n omvattende, aanpasbare instrument vir praktisyns en evalueerders. Die navorsing is gestruktureer in twee fases. Fase 1 behels omvang hersiening, sowel as ’n literatuuroorsig oor monitering en evaluering, sisteemdenke en realistiese evaluering om ’n teoretiese grondslag vir die raamwerk te skep. Hierdie fase beklemtoon die tekortkominge van huidige metodologie¨e om die wisselwerking tussen konteks en meganisme in sosiale intervensies vas te vang. Fase 2 fokus op die iteratiewe ontwikkeling van die raamwerk om uitsette, uitkomste en impakte sistematies aan oorsaaklike meganismes te koppel. Die raamwerk word getoets deur ’n gevallestudie van Unjani-klinieke, ’n Suid-Afrikaanse maatskappy sonder winsoogmerk wat bekostigbare, verpleegster-geleide primˆere gesondheidsorgdienste aan onderbediende gemeenskappe verskaf. Hierdie gevallestudie demonstreer die raamwerk se operasionalisering deur sisteemdenke-instrumente soos oorsaaklike terugvoerlusse en gedragsoor-tyd-grafieke te gebruik om die kompleksiteite in die gesondheidstelsel te karteer en te meet. Tasbare, meetbare uitsette, soos kliniekuitbreiding en verhoogde konsultasies, asook langtermyn-uitkomste, soos verbeterde gesondheid en ekonomiese bemagtiging, word ondersoek. Die bevindinge beklemtoon die raamwerk se doeltreffenheid in die identifisering en kartering van die maganismes waardeur Unjni Klinieke ’n impak op gemeenskapsgesondheidsuitkomstes maak. Dit help om ’n duideliker begrip van beide, directe an indirekte bydraes te ontwikkel. Verder beklemtoon dit die rol van kontekstuele faktore—soos publiek-private vennootskappe, gemeenskapsvertroue en gesondheidsorgtoeganklikheid—in die vorming van sukses en volhoubaarheid van sociale initiatiewe. Beperkings wat ontstaan as gevolg van databeskikbaarheid en die Gesondheidnavorsingsetiekkomitee se beperkings word erken, en aanbevelings vir toekomstige navorsing sluit uitgebreide longitudinale studies in, sowel as die insluiting van addisionele maatstawwe om die raamwerk se toepasbaarheid oor verskeie sosiale sektore te valideer. Ten slotte dra hierdie tesis by tot die veld van monitoring en evaluering deur ’n gevalideerde, teoreties gefundeerde raamwerk te bied wat die gaping oorbrug tussen monitoring en evalueringteorie en praktiese toepassing op die monitoring en evaluering van sosiale inisiatiewe. Deur sisteemdenke en realistiese evaluering in te sluit, stel die raamwerk evaluators in staat om sosiale inisiatiewe omvattend te assesseer in komplekse, werklike omgewings, wat uiteindelik meer ingeligte besluitneming ondersteun en die langtermyn-doeltreffendheid van sosiale intervensies versterk. Die aanpasbaarheid en bruikbaarheid van die raamwerk maak dit ’n waardevolle hulpmiddel vir belanghebbendes wat betrokke is by die beplanning, implementering en evaluering van sosiale inisiatiewe, veral in kontekste waar tradisionele monitoring en evaliering-benaderings moontlik tekort skiet.Master

Investigation of Involucral bract browning in Protea spp.

Thesis (MScAgric)--Stellenbosch University, 2025.Smith, A. 2025. Investigation of Involucral Bract Browning in Protea spp. Unpublished masters thesis. Stellenbosch: Stellenbosch University [online]. Available: https://scholar.sun.ac.za/items/e51d8073-0b0f-4d0e-9517-f3f660fa4577ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Involucral bract browning (BB) is a pre-harvest disorder that significantly diminishes the aesthetic appeal and market value of Protea stems, a niche export product for the indigenous South African cut flower industry. Characterized by brown-black involucral bract blemishes, with the severity is increased with post-harvest storage and extended vase life, but not the incidence. Despite the disorder’s severe impact on the economic viability of protea exports, it is largely under-characterized as previous South African export standards only address general blemishes. A six-point classification system for more consistent scoring of incidence and severity for BB was thus proposed. This study explored possible factors influencing BB, including production area, cultivar, and harvest timing. Warmer and drier regions were found to be more prone to BB, particularly for inflorescences maturing in late summer. Cultivars with larger, darker coloured inflorescences visibly exhibited reduced BB severity compared to those with smaller, lighter-coloured inflorescences. Investigating possible physiological and environmental contributors to BB, a split-plot experiment was conducted, using potted Protea ‘Pink Ice’ plants, with temperature as the main effect and irrigation as the secondary factor. Warmed blocks (Ambient +1.6°C) were created using overhead infra-red lights, whilst water deficit irrigation of half optimal (½x), optimal (x), and double optimal (2x) was implemented. Results revealed that elevated temperatures and sub-optimal irrigation (½x) significantly increased BB occurrence while reducing inflorescence size, whereas optimal (x) and supra-optimal (2x) irrigation mitigated BB without negatively affecting plant water status. In a study considering amelioration treatments for BB, waxed paper bags (WPB), non-woven polyethylene (Innoseal) bags, shade netting bags (SNB), along with evaporative cooling (EC), and reflective Raynox Plus™ applications were compared. The WPB and Innoseal treatments showed potential for decreasing BB, whereas the SNB and Raynox Plus™ negatively affected the aesthetic appeal of the inflorescences, whilst the EC treatment was discontinued due to poor irrigation water quality. Covering inflorescences early or throughout their full floral development significantly reduced BB incidence by up to 60% compared to unprotected control stems, whereas limited benefit was derived from covering inflorescence later during development. When comparing the efficacy of overhead fixed 20% white shade netting (SN) to reduce BB compared to that of waxed paper bags (WPB), both treatments effectively reduced BB severity, but SN treatments were less effective in reducing BB than the WPB treatment which delivered larger, market-preferred inflorescences within a more stable temperature environment, without affecting the relative humidity. In a successive season, SN treatments caused minor delays in spring bud break but resulted in an advanced harvest time. While the use of WPB is considered more labour intensive a study comparing it with the cost-effectiveness and long-term sustainability of erecting shade netting is warranted. BB remains a critical concern for Protea production, particularly under predicted increasing harsh and unpredictable climatic conditions. While methods like WPB and SN show promise in mitigating BB, refining these strategies and exploring alternative solutions should be a priority for the South African protea industry.AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Omhullende skutblaarverbruining (BB) is 'n voor-oes-afwyking wat die aantreklikheid en markwaarde van Protea snyblomme, 'n nis-uitvoerproduk vir die inheemse Suid-Afrikaanse snyblombedryf, aansienlik verminder. Hierdie afwyking word gekenmerk deur bruin-swart letsels op die omhullende skutblare waarvan die erns word verhoog met na-oes berging en verlengde vaas lewe, maar nie die voorkoms nie. Ten spyte van die afwyking se ernstige impak op die ekonomiese lewensvatbaarheid van die protea-uitvoerbedyrf, is dit grootliks ondergekenmerk aangesien vorige Suid-Afrikaanse uitvoerstandaarde net enkele letsels aanspreek. 'n Sespunt-klassifikasiestelsel vir meer konsekwente gradering van voorkoms en erns vir BB is dus voorgestel. Hierdie studie het moontlike faktore ondersoek wat BB beïnvloed, insluitend produksie area, kultivar en oes periode. Daar is gevind dat warmer en droër streke meer geneig is tot BB, veral vir bloeiwyses wat in die laat somer volwasse raak. Kultivars wat groter bloeiwyses met ‘n donkerder kleur het sigbaar verminderde BB-erns getoon in vergelyking met dié met kleiner, ligterkleurige bloeiwyses. Om moontlike fisiologiese en omgewingsbydraers tot BB te ondersoek, is 'n split-plot eksperiment uitgevoer, met gebruik van gepotte Protea 'Pink Ice' plante, met temperatuur as die hoof effek en besproeing as die sekondêre faktor. Verwarmde blokke (Omgewing +1.6°C) is geskep deur oorhoofse infrarooi ligte te gebruik, terwyl watertekortbesproeiing van halfoptimaal (½x), optimaal (x) en dubbeloptimaal (2x) geïmplementeer is. Resultate het aan die lig gebring dat verhoogde temperature en sub-optimale besproeiing (½x) die voorkom van BB aansienlik verhoog, wat gelei het tot kleiner terwyl bloeiwyses, terwyl optimale (x) en supra-optimale (2x) besproeiing BB verminder het sonder om plantwaterstatus negatief te beïnvloed. In 'n studie wat beheer metodes vir BB oorweeg, is waspapiersakke (WPB), nie-geweefde poliëtileen (Innoseal) sakke, skadunetsakke (SNB), asook verdampingsverkoeling (EC), en Raynox Plus™-toedienings vergelyk. Die WPB- en Innoseal-behandelings het potensiaal getoon om BB te verlaag, waar die SNB en Raynox Plus™ die aantreklikheid van die bloeiwyses negatief beïnvloed het, terwyl die EC-behandeling gestaak is as gevolg van swak kwaliteit van die water wat gebruik was. Deur bloeiwyses vroeg of regdeur hul volle blomontwikkeling te bedek, het BB-insidensie aansienlik verminder met tot 60% in vergelyking met onbeskermde kontrole bloeiwyses, terwyl beperkte voordeel verkry is uit die bedekking van bloeiwyses later tydens ontwikkeling. Wanneer die doeltreffendheid van oorhoofse vaste 20% wit skadu-net (SN) vergelyk word met dié van waspapiersakke (WPB) om BB te verminder, het beide behandelings die ernstigheid van BB effektief verminder, maar SN-behandelings was minder effektief in die vermindering van BB as die WPB- behandeling wat bo en behalwe groter bloeiwyses, wat dit mark voorkeur gee, gelewer het binne 'n meer stabiele temperatuur omgewing, sonder om die relatiewe humiditeit te beïnvloed. In 'n opeenvolgende seisoen het SN-behandelings geringe vertragings in die lentebot veroorsaak, maar het gelei tot 'n vroeër oestyd. Alhoewel die gebruik van WPB meer arbeidsintensief is, is 'n studie wat dit vergelyk met die koste doeltreffendheid en langtermyn volhoubaarheid van die oprigting van skadunet geregverdig. BB bly 'n kritieke bekommernis vir Protea-produksie, veral onder voorspelde toenemende moeilike en onvoorspelbare klimaatstoestande. Terwyl metodes soos WPB en SN belofte toon om BB te verminder, behoort die verfyning van hierdie strategieë en die ondersoek van alternatiewe oplossings 'n prioriteit vir die Suid-Afrikaanse proteabedryf te wees.Master

Conceptualizing headship and embodiment in Ephesians : a cognitive-linguistic approach to contexts, construal, and constructed meaning

Thesis (PhD)--Stellenbosch University, 2025.Brown, J. S. 2025. Conceptualizing headship and embodiment in Ephesians: A cognitive-linguistic approach to contexts, construal, and constructed meaning. Unpublished doctoral dissertation. Stellenbosch: Stellenbosch University [online]. Available: https://scholar.sun.ac.za/items/843198a7-ef58-4778-9484-2daa8eb1ebf7ENGLISH SUMMARY: The laborious search for the locus of meaning continues to confound philosophers and hermeneuts alike. Cognitive Linguistics’ nascent philosophy of embodied realism promises much by grounding meaning firmly in the body, but the academic polemics continue, and the use of cognitive-linguistic methods has not been widely embraced in theological research. The prominent Conceptual Metaphor and Conceptual Integration Theories have revitalized investigation into the unique and powerful ways humans construct meaning using metaphors. No longer viewed simply as rhetorical device, metaphors are foundational for human creativity and conceptualization and are inextricably pervasive in the hermeneutical effort referred to as reading the Scriptures. In preparation for a journey into the ocean of human meaning-making, this study first considers the implications of embracing epistemic humility towards the frenetic conversation partner found in contemporary cognitive science. The exploration begins with a series of cognitive-linguistic analyses of the profound construal of divinity and humanity found in the metaphors of embodiment and headship in Ephesians 1:22-23—that the universal church is a body with the glorified Jesus Christ as its head. These theologically significant utterances, and the cognitive contexts which make them meaningful, are assessed by handling papyri 46, the oldest extant manuscript containing these linguistic promptings, as a cognitive artefact of live human communication. This study illuminates how the teleological and ontological natures of a mediative Christ are constructed through emergent conceptual metaphors that reach deeply into cultural experiences of beneficent rule, honor, and body. Following from this, emergent blends of divine headship and embodiment are tested for their tectonic characteristics using Robert Masson’s formulation of how metaphoric conceptualizations transform conventionalized ideologies and enable the creation of new knowledge, inferences, and theological truths. A conceptual-integrative analysis of κεφᾰλή is conducted by investigating the meaningful cognitive contexts that substantiate its comprehension and illuminates the ways the human head is the most conceptually important, spiritually significant, physically elevated, vitally crucial, and socially identifiable container of the body. Then, the tectonic activity resulting from the conceptual blends emergent from ΠΡΟΣΕΦΕΣΙΟΥΣ in 46 is measured and verified within the ideological and theological landscapes of Early Christianity. The study then endeavors, laying aside the tools of lexical and conceptual analysis, an investigation of the realities actualized by the body itself. A synthesization of cognitive-scientific research regarding the body’s cognitive sense of self, the spiritual realities experienced in recalled experiences of death, and the epistemics of embodied cognition, establishes that the body is far more capable, implicated, and involved in constructing and interpreting reality than is traditionally believed. To bring the journey to an end, this study posits a hermeneutic of realization which recognizes our bodies not as the prison of creativity, but as the very gift of it.AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Die moeisame soeke na die kern essensie van betekenis laat filosowe en hermeneute voortdurend kop krap. Kognitiewe linguistiek se ontluikende filosofie van beliggaamde realisme beloof baie deur betekenis stewig in die liggaam te grond, maar akademiese polemiek duur voort, en die gebruik van kognitief-linguistiese metodes is nog nie wyd in teologiese navorsing aanvaar nie. Die prominente teoriee van Konseptuele Metafoor en Konseptuele Integrasie het die ondersoek na die unieke en kragtige maniere waarop mense betekenis deur metafore konstrueer, laat herleef. Metafore word nie langer bloot as retoriese hulpmiddels beskou nie, maar as fundamenteel vir menslike kreatiwiteit en konseptualisering, en is onlosmaaklik verweef in die hermeneutiese poging wat as Skriflesing bekend staan. Ter voorbereiding van 'n reis in die oseaan van menslike betekenisvorming, oorweeg hierdie studie eers die implikasies van die aanvaarding van epistemiese nederigheid teenoor die frenetiese gespreksgenoot wat in die hedendaagse kognitiewe wetenskap gevind word. Die ondersoek begin met 'n reeks kognitief-linguistiese analises van die diepgaande konstruksie van goddelikheid en menslikheid wat in die metafore van beliggaming en hoofskap in Efesiers 1:22-23 gevind word—dat die universele kerk 'n liggaam is met die verheerlikte Jesus Christus as sy hoof. Hierdie teologies beduidende uitsprake, en die kognitiewe kontekste wat hulle betekenisvol maak, word beoordeel deur papirus 46, die oudste bestaande manuskrip wat hierdie taalkundige leidrade bevat. Die papyrus word dus hanteer as 'n kognitiewe artefak van lewende menslike kommunikasie. Hierdie studie werp lig op hoe die teleologiese en ontologiese aard van 'n bemiddelende Christus gekonstrueer word deur opkomende konseptuele metafore wat diep in kulturele ervarings van welwillende heerskappy, eer en liggaam indring. Hierna word die opkomende kruisbestuiwings van goddelike hoofskap en beliggaming getoets vir hul tektoniese kenmerke met behulp van Robert Masson se formulering oor hoe metaforiese konseptualisasies konvensionele ideologiee transformeer, en die skepping van nuwe kennis, afleidings en teologiese waarhede moontlik maak. ’n Konseptueel-integrerende analise van κεφαλή word uitgevoer deur die betekenisvolle kognitiewe kontekste te ondersoek wat die begrip daarvan ondersteun en wat ook lig werp op die maniere waarop die menslike kop die mees konseptueel belangrike, geestelik betekenisvolle, fisies verhewe, lewensbelangrike en sosiaal identifiseerbare houer van die liggaam is. Die tektoniese aktiwiteit wat voortvloei uit die konseptuele mengsels wat in ΠΡΟΣΕΦΕΣΙΟΥΣ in 46 opduik, word gemeet en binne die ideologiese en teologiese landskappe van die vroee Christendom geverifieer. Die studie onderneem dan, nadat die gereedskap van leksikale en konseptuele analise eenkant gesit is, ’n ondersoek na die realiteite wat deur die liggaam self verwerklik word. 'n Sintese van kognitief-wetenskaplike navorsing oor die liggaam se kognitiewe sin van self, die geestelike werklikhede wat ervaar word in herroepde ervarings van dood, en die epistemiek van beliggaamde kognisie, stel vas dat die liggaam baie meer in staat, betrokke en verweef is in die konstruksie en interpretasie van die werklikheid as wat tradisioneel geglo word. Om die reis tot 'n einde te bring, stel hierdie studie 'n hermeneutiek van realisering voor wat ons liggame erken, nie as die tronk van kreatiwiteit nie, maar as die gawe daarvan.Doctora

The effect of different low delivery rate drip irrigation systems on the physiological responses of citrus reticulata Blanco (Nadorcott)

Thesis (MScAgric)--Stellenbosch University, 2025.van Zyl, G. B. 2025. The effect of different low delivery rate drip irrigation systems on the physiological responses of Citrus reticulata Blanco (Nadorcott). Unpublished masters thesis. Stellenbosch: Stellenbosch University [online]. Available: https://scholar.sun.ac.za/items/87fa0c33-d1e1-4c07-9d7f-aec9a3038bd9ENGLISH ABSTRACT: This study investigates the dynamics of soil water distribution in relation to root distribution under varying drip irrigation delivery rates for citrus trees. The research focuses on three irrigation rates 0.4 L/h, 0.7 L/h, and 1.6 L/h and their impact on soil water distribution within the root zone development, salt accumulation, and overall tree performance. Results indicate significant differences in soil water distribution within the rootzone across the different studied drip irrigation rates. The 0.4 L/h treatment exhibited the highest volumetric water content (θv) in the upper root zone at 200 mm, with a subsequent decrease below 300 mm, leading to potential leaching. In contrast, the 0.7 L/h and 1.6 L/h treatments maintained more consistent θv levels throughout the root zone, facilitating better water distribution and root activity. The 0.4 L/h treatment, however, showed increased salt accumulation at 600 mm depth, negatively impacting root function, and limiting vertical root distribution, which restricted the canopy volume and yield. The 0.4 L/h treatment had a high concentration of fine roots at 300 mm, spreading horizontally but with limited vertical distribution, restricting the root zone and canopy growth. The 0.7 L/h treatment had denser vertical roots at 700 mm, while the 1.6 L/h treatment showed extensive root distribution both horizontally and vertically, supporting greater canopy volume Moreover, the study found that the 0.7 L/h and 1.6 L/h treatments demonstrated superior Production Water Use Efficiency (WUEP), with the 1.6 L/h treatment yielding the highest efficiency at 13.87 kg/m³.The 0.4 L/h treatment resulted in the lowest WUEP of 11.42 kg/m³, and was also associated with the smallest canopy volume together with lower fruit production. Despite lower total water inputs, the 0.4 L/h treatment presented higher risks of equipment failure and mechanical issues, which could exacerbate water deficits during periods of prolonged power outages. The 0.4 L/h treatment had fewer flowers per shoot, likely due to competition for carbohydrates in its smaller canopy. This led to more fruit per shoot but a lower fruit growth curve, ultimately reducing fruit size and yield. In conclusion, the 0.7 L/h irrigation system shows the most promising results for commercial citrus farming, optimizing water use and minimizing risk. The study highlights the importance of balancing irrigation rates to achieve optimal performance while considering factors such as root health, water distribution, and salt management.AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Hierdie studie ondersoek die dinamika van grondwaterverspreiding in verband met wortelverspreiding onder verskillende besproeiingstelsels vir sitrusbome. Die navorsing fokus op drie besproeing behandelings 0.4 L/h, 0.7 L/h en 1.6 L/h en hul impak op waterinhoud, wortelontwikkeling, die opbou van soute en algehele boom prestasie. Resultate toon betekenisvolle verskille in waterverpreiding oor die onderskeie besproeiingstelsels. Die 0.4 L/h behandeling het die hoogste volumetriese waterinhoud (θv) in die boonste wortelsone by 200 mm gehad, met 'n daaropvolgende afname onder 300 mm, wat moontlike uitloging tot gevolg het. In teenstelling hiermee het die 0.7 L/h en 1.6 L/h behandelings meer konstante θv vlakke deur die wortelsone gehandhaaf, wat beter waterverspreiding en wortelaktiwiteit bevorder het. Die 0.4 L/h behandeling het egter verhoogde soutakkumulering by 600 mm diepte getoon, wat wortelfunksionaliteid negatief beïnvloed en die vertikale wortelverspreiding beperk het, wat die boomvolume en produksie geaffekteer het. Die 0.4 L/h behandeling het 'n hoë konsentrasie fyn wortels op 300 mm gehad, wat horisontaal versprei het maar met beperkte vertikale verspreiding, wat die wortelsone en boomvolume beperk het. Die 0.7 L/h-behandeling het digter wortels op 700 mm gehad, terwyl die 1.6 L/h-behandeling 'n uitgebreide wortelverspreiding beide horisontaal en vertikaal getoon het, wat 'n groter boomvolume ondersteun het. Verder het die studie getoon dat die 0.7 L/h en 1.6 L/h behandelings Produksie Water Verbruik Effektiwiteit (WVEP) verbeter het teenoor die 0.4 L/h behandeling. Die 1.6 L/h behandeling het die hoogste WVEP van 13.87 kg/m³ gelewer. Hoewel die 0.4 L/h behandelings die laagste WVEP van 11.42 kg/m³ behaal het, was dit geassosieer met die kleinste boomvolume en laer vrugproduksie. Ondanks laer totale waterinsette, het die 0.4 L/h behandeling groter risiko’s van toerustingfoute en meganiese probleme, wat watergebreke tydens lang periodes van kragonderbrekings kan vererger. Die 0.4 L/h behandeling het minder blomme per loot gehad, waarskynlik as gevolg van kompetisie vir koolhidrate in die kleiner blaredak. Dit het gelei tot meer vrugte per loot, maar 'n laer vruggroei-kurwe, wat uiteindelik vruggrootte en opbrengs verminder het In gevolgtrekking, het resultate van die 0.7 L/h besproeiingstelsel die mees belowende potensiaal vir kommersiële sitrus verbouing getoon, wat watergebruik optimaliseer en risiko’s verminder. Die studie beklemtoon die belangrikheid om besproeiings lewerings in balans te bring om optimale prestasie te behaal, terwyl faktore soos wortelgesondheid, waterverspreiding en soutopbou in ag geneem word.Master