Demographic and socioeconomic factors associated with under-5 mortality in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa

Thesis (M.A.(Demography and Population Studies))--University of the Witwatersrand, Faculty of Humanities, School of Social Sciences, 2016BACKGROUND: Under-5 children in KwaZulu-Natal are highly exposed to dying before reaching five years of life. Studies have been conducted to understand the demographic and socioeconomic factors that influence under-5 mortality, both nationally and internationally, with some contradicting findings on the association between some socioeconomic and demographic factors and under-5 mortality. While some studies found child mortality to be significantly associated with rural geographical place of residence, the reverse has also been established. The purpose of this study was to examine the association between socioeconomic and demographic factors and under-5 mortality in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. DESIGN: The study was cross-sectional, and utilises 2011 Census secondary data set from Statistics SA. Overall, the census revealed that 55 476 children under the age of 5 had died in the 12 months prior to the census nationally. In KwaZulu-Natal this figure was 15 356. The 10% sample showed that 1 474 under-5 children had died in the same period in KwaZulu-Natal. STATA 12.0 was used for the analysis. Binary logistic regression model was used to examine the association between under-5 mortality and the independent variables. RESULTS: The major findings of the study indicated that (i) male children were 1.22 times more likely to die compared to female children under the age of 5 years; (ii) mothers who had no schooling (AOR=1.82); mothers with primary level of education (AOR=2.43); and mothers with secondary level of education (AOR=1.77), were more likely to experience under-5 mortality compared to mothers with tertiary level education; (iii) mothers whose age at first birth was between 15-19 years (AOR=1.47) and those whose age at first birth was between 25-34 years (AOR=2.14) were more likely to experience under-5 mortality compared to mothers whose age at first birth was between 35-49 years; (iv) Black mothers were more likely to experience under-5 mortality compared to Indian mothers (AOR=5.99); (v) mothers who were employed were 1.22 times more likely to experience under-5 mortality compared to unemployed mothers. Lastly, under-5 mortality was less likely amongst mothers in the medium households compared to those from low income households (AOR=0.65). CONCLUSION: This study found that socioeconomic and demographic factors substantively determine under-5 mortality in KwaZulu-Natal. Evidence from this study suggest that interventions aimed at reducing under-5 mortality should focus on black women, the younger women, the less educated and those with low household income.MT201

Artificial intelligence and big data in the Maritime Silk Road Initiative: The road towards Sea Power 2.0

China’s Belt and Road Initiative continues to attract considerable attention from scholars and observers in diverse fields. However, students of the Belt and Road Initiative (‘the Initiative’) have focused extensively on the land and sea dimensions of this grand project while only tentatively touching on its other dimensions. This article draws attention to the digital and maritime dimensions of the Initiative, which are respectively known as the Digital Silk Road Initiative and the Maritime Silk Road Initiative. Specifically, the article focuses on how artificial intelligence and big data, as promoted under the Digital Silk Road Initiative, intersect with the Maritime Silk Road Initiative to produce what the author refers to as Sea power 2.0. To contextualise this intersection, the article draws on patent data to show how artificial intelligence and big data are adopted in supply chains. The results from the patent analysis show that artificial intelligence and big data will play a crucial role in future supply chains, and hence, the Maritime Silk Road Initiative. Although the article focuses mostly on the commercial side of Sea power 2.0, it concludes by pointing out how artificial intelligence and big data could serve military objectives

African languages as medium of assessment in the teaching of indigenous languages in higher education: a paradigm shift

This study was a call for a paradigm shift in the language of assessment for indigenous languages in higher education. It challenged the continued use of English in Teaching Practice supervision at one Zimbabwean State University whose language policy emphasises the teaching of African languages through the respective languages. It sought to establish challenges encountered by students studying African languages who are taught and examined through indigenous languages in all the other modules except for Teaching Practice. This research used the qualitative paradigm where ten randomly selected student teachers practicing ChiShona were interviewed together with two section coordinators. Document analysis was also used to analyse assessment reports. From the study, it was established that the English instruments were designed to accommodate supervisors who are not indigenous languages specialists, there was confusion among supervisors and supervisees on translating indigenous languages on documents and used during lesson delivery to English and vice versa and the student teachers’ potentials were limited due to difficulties in interpreting the instrument. The study concluded that the use of English in teaching practice for African languages was not effective as it compromised quality in both practice and supervision. It, therefore, recommends the use of assessment instruments prepared in indigenous languages

The Provision of Free Higher Education in South Africa: A Proper Concept or a Parable?

The provision of free-higher education is one of the most debated issues in South Africa today. The issue of free-higher education has drawn many commentators from sectors such as the media, business and within the political dominions. The main argument is where will the money to fund free-higher education will come from, whether the provision of free-higher education in South Africa is a proper concept or just a parable and also the terms of reference with regards to the provision of free-higher education in the country. By strictly examining the available and relevant literature on the concept of free-higher education in South Africa, the study was able to comprehensively understand the dynamics, implications and probability of providing free-higher education. Infrastructure challenges and economic growth are undoubtedly the major factors hindering the country from providing free-higher education, and unfortunately, with the government already forging ahead with implementing free-higher education without a proper and extensive feasibility study, the hasty implementation of free-higher education will have devastating implications for growth and service delivery in the country.&nbsp

Ubuciko bokwethiwa kwamagama abalingiswa emanovelini abhalwa ngemuva konyaka wezi-2000: kubhekwa ukwethiwa kwabalingiswa ukuthi kuyafana nokwetha jikelele.

Masters Degree. University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban.NgokwaseNingizimu Afrika igama liqukethe izinto ezithile ezihambisana nokwethiwa kwalo. Igama liqukethe ubuntu kanye nobunjalo bakhe lowo owethiwe lelo gama kepha ezinye izinhlanga zilibuka njengelebuli esetshenziswa ukwetha ukuze izinto zikwazi ukuhlukaniseka. Isifundo sokwethiwa kwamagama abantu sibizwa nge-anthrophonemi okuyigatsha le-onomastiki. I-anthrophonemi ibhekene nokufundwa kwamagama abantu. Lolu cwaningo luhlose ukuveza amagama ethiwe abalingiswa abawumfuziselo wabantu abaphilayo ngenhloso yokubheka ukuthi kuyefana yini ukwethiwa kwabalingiswa nokwethiwa kwabantu emhlabeni jikelele okanye okwabantu abaphilayo. Umbuzo oqanda ikhanda wothi ngabe ababhali bamanoveli bayakuqikelela yini ukwetha jikelele uma betha abalingiswa nokuthi bayaziqikelela yini izinguqukokwetha emagameni ethiwa abalingiswa. Lokhu kwenziwa ngokuqhathanisa incazelo enanyatheliswe egameni nempilo yomlingiswa nokuthi kuyahambisana yini nencazelo yegama lomuntu ophila emhlabeni kanye nezinguqukokwetha. Injulalwazi ye-onomastiki yenhlalo neyemibhalo isetshenzisiwe ukuseka izinhloso zalolu cwaningo. Amagama atonyulwe emanovelini amathathu: Amasokisi, Ngizigwaze Ngowami nethi Ngiyabonga.Thesis in isiZulu. Abstract also available in English

Thermochemical Storage and Lithium Ion Capacitors Efficiency of Manganese-Graphene Framework

Philosophiae Doctor - PhD (Chemistry)Lithium ion capacitors are new and promising class of energy storage devices formed from a combination of lithium-ion battery electrode materials with those of supercapacitors. They exhibit better electrochemical properties in terms of energy and power densities than the above mentioned storage systems. In this work, lithium manganese oxide spinel (LiMn2O4; LMO) and lithium manganese phosphate (LiMnPO4; LMP) as well as their respective nickel-doped graphenised derivatives (G-LMNO and G-LMNP) were synthesized and each cathode material used to fabricate lithium ion capacitors in an electrochemical assembly that utilised activated carbon (AC) as the negative electrode and lithium sulphate electrolyte in a two-electrode system. The synthetic protocol for the preparation of the materials followed a simple solvothermal route with subsequent calcination at 500 - 800 ?C. The morphological, structural and electrochemical properties of the as prepared materials were thoroughly investigated through various characterisation techniques involving High resolution scanning electron microscopy (HRSEM), High resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Raman spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD), Small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS), Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), Cyclic voltammetry (CV) and Galvanostatic charge/discharge

Nanoparticles-infused lithium manganese phosphate coated with magnesium-gold composite thin film - a possible novel material for lithium ion battery olivine cathode.

>Magister Scientiae - MScArchitecturally enhanced electrode materials for lithium ion batteries (LIB) with permeable morphologies have received broad research interests over the past years for their promising properties. However, literature based on modified porous nanoparticles of lithium manganese phosphate (LiMnPO₄) is meagre. The goal of this project is to explore lithium manganese phosphate (LiMnPO₄) nanoparticles and enhance its energy and power density through surface treatment with transition metal nanoparticles. Nanostructured materials offer advantages of a large surface to volume ratio, efficient electron conducting pathways and facile strain relaxation. The material can store lithium ions but have large structure change and volume expansion during charge/discharge processes, which can cause mechanical failure. LiMnPO₄ is a promising, low cost and high energy density (700 Wh/kg) cathode material with high theoretical capacity and high operating voltage of 4.1 V vs. Ag/AgCl which falls within the electrochemical stability window of conventional electrolyte solutions. LiMnPO₄ has safety features due to the presence of a strong P–O covalent bond. The LiMnPO₄ nanoparticles were synthesized via a sol-gel method followed by coating with gold nanoparticles to enhance conductivity. A magnesium oxide (MgO) nanowire was then coated onto the LiMnPO₄/Au, in order to form a support for gold nanoparticles which will then form a thin film on top of LiMnPO₄ nanoparticles crystals. The formed products will be LiMnPO₄/Mg-Au composite. MgO has good electrical and thermal conductivity with improved corrosion resistance. Thus the electronic and optical properties of MgO nanowires were sufficient for the increase in the lithium ion diffusion. The pristine LiMnPO₄ and LiMnPO₄/Mg-Au composite were examined using a combination of spectroscopic and microscopic techniques along with cyclic voltammetry (CV) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). Microscopic results revealed that the LiMnPO₄/Mg-Au composite contains well crystallized particles and regular morphological structures with narrow size distributions. The composite cathode exhibits better reversibility and kinetics than the pristine LiMnPO₄ due to the presence of the conductive additives in the LiMnPO₄/Mg-Au composite. This is demonstrated in the values of the diffusion coefficient (D) and the values of charge and discharge capacities determined through cyclic voltammetry. For the composite cathode, D= 2.0 x 10⁻⁹ cm²/s while for pristine LiMnPO₄ D = 4.81 x 10⁻¹⁰ cm2/s. The charge capacity and the discharge capacity for LiMnPO₄/Mg-Au composite were 259.9 mAh/g and 157.6 mAh/g, respectively, at 10 mV/s. The corresponding values for pristine LiMnPO₄ were 115 mAh/g and 44.75 mAh/g, respectively. A similar trend was observed in the results obtained from EIS measurements. These results indicate that LiMnPO₄/Mg-Au composite has better conductivity and will facilitate faster electron transfer and therefore better electrochemical performance than pristine LiMnPO₄. The composite cathode material (LiMnPO₄/Mg-Au) with improved electronic conductivity holds great promise for enhancing electrochemical performances, discharge capacity, cycle performance and the suppression of the reductive decomposition of the electrolyte solution on the LiMnPO₄ surface. This study proposes an easy to scale-up and cost-effective technique for producing novel high-performance nanostructured LiMnPO₄ nanopowder cathode material

Diplomates' perceptions of their psychiatric nursing component of the four-year comprehensive programme

The study attempted to identify R425 diplomates' perceptions of their psychiatric competencies. An exploratory descriptive survey investigated specific strengths and weaknesses of the R425 diplomates in the psychiatric clinical units in the KwaZulu-Natal Province, as perceived by the diplomates themselves. The diplomates were reportedly competent in performing numerous, but not all cognitive, psychomotor and affective skills addressed by this survey. The R425 diplomates perceived themselves to be incompetent in designing and implementating rehabilitation programmes/workshops, managing community projects, conducting research and managing crises in psychiatric nursing units.Health SciencesM.A. (Health Studies

An analysis of the supply chain management process in the KZN department of public works.

Master’s degree. University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban.Reforming public procurement has had the objective of making delivery of goods and services more effective and efficient, less expensive and capable of providing a better quality of service. These measures have not always been positively received by those mostly affected. The aim of this study was to determine the critical success factors underlying the efficiency and effectiveness of the Supply Chain Management processes that can provide competitive advantage in the procuring of goods & services and assist the Department to render an effective and efficient service delivery as well as ensure that the process complies with the requirements of the Constitution. At policy level, the dissertation seeks to provide a theoretical framework which will help in understanding the effect of supply chain variables in procuring goods & services, as well as the performance of the entire supply chain management processes. In order to obtain a management and officials perspective on the effectiveness of Supply Chain Management (SCM) processes in the Department, a dual approach was used, where qualitative and quantitative methods of data collection were used with a probability sample of 90 questionnaires distributed to Departmental officials and 50 interviews conducted with senior management with the aim of obtaining more insight information on Supply Chain Management processes in the Department. The study revealed that the Departments SCM policies are in line with the SCM Framework and other Regulatory documents, it further revealed that there are challenges in the implementation of SCM processes. Furthermore the study revealed that supply chain is affected by the quality of the relationship with suppliers and selection criteria. The comparative analysis of chapters that preceded this chapter was provided. Possible constraints were presented as findings. Recommendations that were provided include: the review of policies and processes to address the lead time and other challenges, performance management, supplier selection and support, implementation of electronic system in improvement processes and having the right human skill. Successful procurement management emanates from good planning, execution, monitoring and control processes. Although the department’s procurement function plays a prominent role in the procurement of goods and services, the success of the contract depends largely on the performance of the contractor and its subcontractors. Therefore, it is essential that the contract procured through supply chain management policy is properly monitored and enforced

Assessment of regional planning in KwaZulu-Natal

A substantial amount of effort and resources have been put into regional and sub-regional planning in KwaZulu-Natal over the last five years. At a time of demarcation changes and the advent of new rounds of planning for the incoming District and Local Councils, it is appropriate to take stock of what has been achieved, and to consider what changes will be required to meet future local government needs. The objectives of this research project were to investigate the recent regional and sub-regional planning that has been undertaken in KwaZulu-Natal; to identify the strengths and weaknesses of these integrated development plans; to assess how useful and effective they have been in guiding development and investment; to identify examples of good practice in methodology and content; and to make recommendations as to how these plans can be modified to meet the requirements of the new Councils