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Unexpected XPS binding energy observations further highlighted by DFT calculations of ruthenocene-containing [Irᴵᴵᴵ(ppy)₂(RCOCHCORc)] Complexes: Cytotoxicity and Crystal Structure of [Ir(ppy)₂(FcCOCHCORc)]
(MDPI, 2024) Buitendach, Blenerhassitt E.; Erasmus, Elizabeth; Fourie, Eleanor; Malan, Frederick P.; Conradie, Jeanet; Niemantsverdriet, J. W. (Hans); Swarts, Jannie C.
The series of iridium(III) complexes, [Ir(ppy)₂(RCOCHCOR′)], with R = CH₃ and R′ = CH₃ (1), Rc (2), and Fc (3), as well as R = Rc and R′ = Rc (4) or Fc (5), and R = R′ = Fc (6), ppy = 2-phenylpyridinyl, Fc = Feᴵᴵ(η⁵–C₅H₄)(η⁵–C₅H₅), and Rc = Ruᴵᴵ(η⁵–C₅H₄)(η⁵–C₅H₅), has been investigated by singlecrystal X-ray crystallography and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) supplemented by DFT calculations. Here, in the range of 3.74 ≤ ΣχR ≤ 4.68, for Ir 4f, Ru 3d and 3p and N 1s orbitals, binding energies unexpectedly decreased with increasing ΣχR (ΣχR = the sum of Gordy group electronegativities of the R groups on β-diketonato ligands = a measure of electron density on atoms), while in Fe 2p orbitals, XPS binding energy, as expected, increased with increasing ΣχR. Which trend direction prevails is a function of main quantum level, n = 1, 2, 3. . ., sub-quantum level (s, p, d, and f), initial state energies, and final state relaxation energies, and it may differ from compound series to compound series. Relations between DFT-calculated orbital energies and ΣχR followed opposite trend directions than binding energy/ΣχR trends. X-ray-induced decomposition of compounds was observed. The results confirmed good communication between molecular fragments. Lower binding energies of both the Ir 4f₇/₂ and N 1s photoelectron lines are associated with shorter Ir-N bond lengths. Cytotoxic tests showed that 1 (IC₅₀ = 25.1 μM) and 3 (IC₅₀ = 37.8 μM) are less cytotoxic against HeLa cells than cisplatin (IC₅₀ = 1.1 μM), but more cytotoxic than the free β-diketone FcCOCH₂COCH₃(IC₅₀ = 66.6 μM).
Die politieke loopbaan van Jacob Daniel Du Plessis (Japie) Basson tot 1966
(University of the Free State, 1996) Adendorff, Willem Theron; Barnard, S. L.
Die tema wat in hierdie verhandeling onder die loep geneem word, poog om die orientering van 'n ervare politikus, Japie Basson, weer te gee in die tydperk van die dertiger- tot sestigerjare van hierdie eeu. Arthur Barlow, 'n bekende voormalige politikus, bet die wens uitgespreek dat Basson se loopbaan in die politiek opgeteken moes word. Barlow, outeur van Almost in Confidence, bet dié wens uitgespreek met 'n inskripsie in sy werk wat by aan Basson geskenk bet: ''𝘞𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘣𝘦𝘴𝘵 𝘸𝘪𝘴𝘩𝘦𝘴 𝘧𝘳𝘰𝘮 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘢𝘶𝘵𝘩𝘰𝘳. 𝘐 𝘩𝘰𝘱𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘑𝘢𝘱𝘪𝘦 𝘉𝘢𝘴𝘴𝘰𝘯, 𝘰𝘯𝘦 𝘰𝘧 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘰𝘶𝘵𝘴𝘵𝘢𝘯𝘥𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘮𝘦𝘯 𝘢𝘮𝘰𝘯𝘨 𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘯𝘨𝘦𝘳 𝘮𝘦𝘮𝘣𝘦𝘳𝘴 𝘰𝘧 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘏𝘰𝘶𝘴𝘦 𝘰𝘧 𝘈𝘴𝘴𝘦𝘮𝘣𝘭𝘺, 𝘸𝘪𝘭𝘭 𝘰𝘯𝘦 𝘥𝘢𝘺 𝘤𝘢𝘳𝘳𝘺 𝘰𝘶𝘵 𝘪𝘯 𝘱𝘳𝘪𝘷𝘢𝘵𝘦 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘪𝘯 𝘢 𝘉𝘰𝘰𝘬, 𝘱𝘳𝘦𝘧𝘦𝘳𝘢𝘣𝘭𝘺 𝘪𝘯 𝘈𝘧𝘳𝘪𝘬𝘢𝘢𝘯𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘴𝘵𝘰𝘳𝘺 𝘰𝘧 𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘭𝘪𝘧𝘦 𝘪𝘯 𝘗𝘢𝘳𝘭𝘪𝘢𝘮𝘦𝘯𝘵 ... 𝘐 𝘬𝘯𝘰𝘸 𝘪𝘵 𝘸𝘪𝘭𝘭 𝘣𝘦 𝘤𝘰𝘭𝘰𝘶𝘳𝘧𝘶𝘭 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘪𝘯𝘵𝘦𝘳𝘦𝘴𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘨.
𝘈𝘳𝘵𝘩𝘶𝘳 𝘉𝘢𝘳𝘭𝘰𝘸 𝘔.𝘗.
𝘏𝘰𝘶𝘴𝘦 𝘰𝘧 𝘈𝘴𝘴𝘦𝘮𝘣𝘭𝘺
𝘊𝘢𝘱𝘦 𝘛𝘰𝘸𝘯
15𝘵𝘩 𝘔𝘢𝘺 56"
Barlow noem hiermee een van die belangrikste redes waarom hierdie tema in dié studie ondersoek is. Slegs enkele publikasies fokus op die opposisiepartye en die rol van individue in dié dramatiese tydperk in die partypolitieke geskiedenis. Oor die Verenigde Party se rol as amptelike opposisie na 1948 bestaan daar bloedweinig werke. Net so bestaan daar weinig sekondêre bronne oor politici van hierdie tydperk, met die uitsondering van werke oor sommige Eerste Ministers van Suid-Afrika.
𝗩𝗘𝗥𝗪𝗬𝗦 𝗡𝗔 𝗗𝗜𝗘 𝗔𝗔𝗡𝗚𝗘𝗛𝗘𝗚𝗧𝗘 𝗗𝗢𝗞𝗨𝗠𝗘𝗡𝗧 𝗩𝗜𝗥 '𝗡 𝗩𝗢𝗟𝗟𝗘𝗗𝗜𝗚𝗘 𝗢𝗣𝗦𝗢𝗠𝗠𝗜𝗡𝗚!
Perspectives of novice teachers about the impact of blended teaching on learning of mathematics
(University of the Free State, 2022) Raxangana, Lukholo; Pule, K. G.
Teaching mathematics in the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) era offers novice mathematics teachers daunting challenges. Despite using various aids in teaching the learning area, novice mathematic teachers still experience challenges during crises such as during the COVID-19 pandemic era. Such challenges could escalate and confirm the preconceived notion perceived by others that mathematics is a challenging learning area. This study sought to investigate the perspectives of novice teachers on the impact of blended teaching and learning mathematics in Sedibeng West District. The study involved eight novice teachers from four selected schools. Blended Teaching (BT) approaches for novice teachers are intended to ensure that they are effective in their teaching so that learners can gain a deeper insight into mathematics. The researcher adopted a case study design involving thematic analysis of responses from novice mathematics teachers. The researcher conducted semi-structured and focus group interviews due to the origination of discrete ethical defies that do not fully match those fostered by one-on-one discussions on collecting the data. This study was framed mainly within a Social Constructivist theory by Vygotsky (1978).
The study used the Community of Inquiry (CoI) model as its analytical framework to analyse the data. It emerged from the study that there were various perspectives of novice teachers about the impact of blended teaching on learning mathematics. These included the impact of load-shedding, benefits of blended teaching, perceptions of novice teachers, and hindrances of BT. Novice teachers from the selected schools ascribed their perceptions of the challenges associated with blended teaching tools. The anticipated findings of this study will give curriculum designers, district directors, school management teams, and mathematics teachers a clear overview of how these perceptions could be addressed across the board. Thus, the recommendation was that the teacher development division could train novice teachers in the Department of Basic Education to bridge the gap between teacher training institutions of higher learning. Novice teachers should attend classes on time to avoid the misuse of internet connection so that they (novice teachers) can supervise the learning process when using the devices. The development of Data-free blended teaching tools should assist all learners regardless of their location during load shedding.
The contributions of Enactus to South Africa’s social and solidarity economy: a case study of a university
(OASIS, 2024) Ndlovu, Crespen; Lefera, Maraka
𝗕𝗮𝗰𝗸𝗴𝗿𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗱: Over the past decade, there has been a noticeable rise in worldwide acknowledgement of the Social and Solidarity Economy (SSE) and its substantial socioeconomic and environmental benefits. In response, the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) passed a resolution on 18 April 2023 advocating for government and institutional support to the SSE towards accelerating the achievement of sustainable development Goals (SDGs). However, there is a lack of understanding of how higher education institutions contribute to this agenda.
𝗔𝗶𝗺:The study examines the contributions of Entrepreneurial Action Us (Enactus) to South Africa’s SSE.
𝗦𝗲𝘁𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: The case study was conducted at the Central University of Technology (CUT), Free State in South Africa, to examine how higher education and the SSE interact through Enactus initiatives.
𝗠𝗲𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗱𝘀: The study utilised a qualitative research design involving semi-structured interviews with 11 students and alumni and an analysis of Enactus’ annual impact reports. This allowed for a comprehensive understanding of participants’ experiences and perceptions regarding Enactus’ impact on the SSE.
𝗥𝗲𝘀𝘂𝗹𝘁𝘀: Enactus enhances student entrepreneurship and innovation, promoting economic growth, job creation and community sustainability. Initiatives like the student-led Vermi Village Enterprise have empowered youth and women and created employment opportunities. Collaboration with local corporations and educational institutions has fostered sustainable changes, improving regenerative agriculture and urban food production, thus addressing multiple poverty facets.
𝗖𝗼𝗻𝗰𝗹𝘂𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻: This study highlights the crucial role of initiatives like Enactus in promoting a more inclusive and sustainable economy, advancing the broader objectives of the SDGs, and supporting a brighter future for South Africa.
𝗖𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗿𝗶𝗯𝘂𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻: Despite resource limitations and the need for greater stakeholder engagement, Enactus projects and enterprises hold significant potential for driving sustainable development and socioeconomic equality, ultimately strengthening South Africa’s SSE.
Creating a model to develop self-sustainable aquaculture agribusiness enterprises in South Africa
(University of the Free State, 2023) Brown-Webb, Bernadette; Nesamvuni, A. E.; van Niekerk, J. A.
South Africa’s policies emphasize the importance of small enterprise and aquaculture sector development in meeting development goals. Public and private investments do not have the expected impacts on enterprise development and job creation, and enterprise sustainability remains low. Many start-ups receiving support, including public funding, fail to become self-sustainable after the financial support ends.
This study hypothesized that the development of self-sustainable aquaculture enterprises is not adequately supported by the enabling environment for the sector. The research objectives were to (1) determine the impacts of key stakeholders on enterprise development; (2) identify critical success factors for enterprises; (3) understand the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on the sector; (4) understand the challenges that compromise development of self-sustainable enterprises; and (5) develop and validate an enterprise development model to create self-sustainable aquaculture enterprises.
The study was conducted in Saldanha Bay, in the Western Cape Province on South Africa’s west coast. A multiple-case study approach was followed, focusing on the marine bivalve shellfish farming industry. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with the owners or managers of ten aquaculture enterprises in Saldanha Bay, and with nine representatives of key role players in the sector. Consultations with enterprise development experts and stakeholder focus groups were also conducted.
The mussel farming sector has a well-developed commercial value chain. Vertical integration is prominent, and 32% of farms have access to 51% of the farming area. Self-sustainable enterprises had minimum farm sizes of 15 ha, produced for at least 5 years, had a commercial focus and strong leadership. In-depth analysis of four case studies indicated success factors as having commercial focus, good management and leadership, access to finance, economies of scale, and perseverance.
Key aquaculture stakeholders had positive and negative impacts on aquaculture sector development. Role players listed the main impacts as the approach to enterprise development (56%), community-based/co-operative ventures (67%) and impacts of different mandates (44%). Enterprise respondents listed community-based/co-operative ventures (50%), impacts of different mandates (40%) and the enabling environment (60%). Recommendations include resourcing of aquaculture industry associations, developing a focused aquaculture enterprise and supplier development (ESD) strategy and programme, streamlining application processes, and finalising the Oceans Economy Master Plan, to include aquaculture specific legislation. Both enterprise and role player respondent groups described critical success factors as environmentally sustainable farming (80% and 78%), addressing economic challenges/opportunities (90% and 89%) and good business leadership and management (100% each). Recommendations include a focused aquaculture development programme such as an incubator, a market development mechanism and an integrated research and development programme.
Enterprise respondents listed the main areas of COVID-19 impacts on operations and production (100%), requirements to survive and rebuild (89%), factors promoting resilience (78%) and initiatives to prepare and rebuild (67%). Role player respondents listed impacts on the sector (100%), requirements to survive (89%), factors promoting resilience (78%) and support measures (67%). Recommendations include interventions to rebuild a more resilient sector, follow-up assessments, prioritising interventions for surviving enterprises, and developing an industry-based Business Continuity Strategy.
The key factors affecting mussel production were a supportive regulatory framework, favourable environmental and economic conditions, appropriate species and technologies, and efficient farm and enterprise management. Challenges affecting these factors were identified and used to develop an aquaculture enterprise development model (AEDM) that could develop self-sustainable enterprises. The AEDM includes a vision for the sector, a mechanism for implementation, an aquaculture incubator, an integrated research and development programme, and a market development mechanism. The study recommends the implementation of a pilot AEDM in the Saldanha Bay Aquaculture Development Zone (ADZ). This will allow for testing of assumptions and refining of the model before rolling it out to other ADZs or industries.
A complexity approach to the incipient sign system of Zephaniah in the 1983 Afrikaans bible translation
(University of the Free State, 2022) de Villiers, Francois Tertius; Naudé, Jacobus A.; Miller-Naudé, Cynthia L.
Traditionally a translation is considered to be the result of the interaction between only two elements – the source text and the target text, each defined as being a single text. From the perspective of complexity, the current study argues that the source of a translation should not be viewed as just one text. The current study demonstrates that a translation emerges from a complex source that consists of various elements such as various texts and other factors. These could include other translations apart from the source text that translators consulted.
The current study uses the Book of Zephaniah in the Afrikaans Bible Translation of 1983 as an example to detect instances where the translators deviated from their source text. Using principles of Descriptive Translation Studies, the current study compares the translation to its explicitly stated source text (i.e. 𝘉𝘪𝘣𝘭𝘪𝘢 𝘏𝘦𝘣𝘳𝘢𝘪𝘤𝘢 𝘚𝘵𝘶𝘵𝘵𝘨𝘢𝘳𝘵𝘦𝘯𝘴𝘪𝘢 𝘰𝘧 1977). 𝘉𝘪𝘣𝘭𝘪𝘢 𝘏𝘦𝘣𝘳𝘢𝘪𝘤𝘢 𝘚𝘵𝘶𝘵𝘵𝘨𝘢𝘳𝘵𝘦𝘯𝘴𝘪𝘢 is a scholarly edition of the Hebrew Bible that contains a critical Hebrew text based on 𝘊𝘰𝘥𝘦𝘹 𝘓𝘦𝘯𝘪𝘯𝘨𝘳𝘢𝘥𝘦𝘯𝘴𝘪𝘴 supplemented by a text critical apparatus. Using principles of Descriptive Translation Studies, the translation was compared to its source text to determine the translators’ translation strategies. Describing translation strategies revealed that translators used the strategies of addition, deletion, specification, and transposition. In cases where the Hebrew source text of 𝘉𝘪𝘣𝘭𝘪𝘤𝘢 𝘏𝘦𝘣𝘳𝘢𝘪𝘤𝘢 𝘚𝘵𝘶𝘵𝘵𝘨𝘢𝘳𝘵𝘦𝘯𝘴𝘪𝘢 was problematic, the translators sometimes deviated from their source text by following neither the Hebrew text nor the text critical apparatus. In such instances, the translators were forced to base their translation on sources beyond their stated source text; at least some of these additional sources can be identified. This study thus demonstrates the presence of a complex source for the Afrikaans 1983 translation of the Bible in particular, but it also has implications for Bible translations in general.
Exploring edamame survival mechanisms under combined drought and heat stress: photosynthesis efficiency and carbohydrate accumulation
(Elsevier, 2024) Hlahla, Jeremiah M.; Mafa, Mpho S.; van der Merwe, Rouxléne; Moloi, Makoena J.
The combined drought and heat (DH) stress have devastating effects on plant physiological and biochemical processes, leading to poor yield. The aims of this study were to identify the physio-biochemical mechanisms employed by edamame (Glycine max L. Merrill) for survival and to establish better performing cultivars under DH stress. The impact of DH stress on the photosynthesis efficiency and osmolytes production in three edamame cultivars (UVE14, UVE17 and AGS429) was investigated. Non-destructive measurements were performed to determine the photosynthesis attributes, while pigments, non-structural carbohydrates (starch, glucose, sucrose, trehalose) and proline were extracted and quantified spectrophotometrically. The results showed that chlorophyll a (Chl-a), Chl-b, total chlorophyll and carotenoids in AGS429 were not affected under DH stress, which corresponded to increased normalised difference vegetative index (NDVI). Positive correlations between the carotenoids and total chlorophyll contents suggest that in AGS429, prevention of chlorophyll degradation under DH stress could be attributed to the increased carotenoids because they have antioxidative function. Additionally, AGS429 and UVE14 had increased trehalose, suggesting high osmotic adjustment under DH stress. An increase in starch production maintained glucose balance in AGS429 and UVE14, demonstrating higher photosynthetic efficiency compared to UVE17. The DH stress reduced photochemical reactions and carbohydrate accumulation in UVE17. This study shows that AGS429 and UVE14 protected the photosystems and photosynthetic pigments during DH stress, which led to higher photosynthetic capacity and accumulation of carbohydrates. Thus, maintaining the photosynthesis efficiency and carbohydrate metabolism processes in the AGS429 and UVE14 were adaptation features under DH stress.
A systematic literature review on transparency in executive remuneration disclosures and their determinants
(MDPI, 2024) Siwendu, Tando O.; Ambe, Cosmas M.
There are ongoing debates globally regarding excessive executive compensation, the perceived weak link between pay and performance, and the widening inequality gap. The South African corporate governance code King IV’s Principle 14 addresses the need for fair, responsible, and transparent remuneration. At the same time, the newly enacted Companies Amendment Act No. 16 of 2024 in South Africa emphasizes transparency in compensation, shareholder voting, and responding to shareholder feedback. This study conducts a systematic literature review of 30 articles on the transparency of executive remuneration disclosures and their determinants by analyzing Scopus-indexed articles published between 2010 and 2023, selected through specific keyword searches. The findings suggest an increasing focus on research regarding the disclosure of executive compensation, predominantly conducted in the Global North and primarily framed through agency theory. Studies exploring the factors influencing executive remuneration and the relationship between pay and performance are prevalent, with mixed results generally indicating a positive connection. Firm size emerges as a key factor in transparency, and many studies employ binary scoring to evaluate whether executive compensation disclosure is present. This paper provides valuable insights for investors, analysts, and policymakers and adds to the current understanding of executive remuneration transparency.
COVID-19 pandemic in schools: an exploration of the self-efficacy of beginner teachers in Qwaqwa
(Noyam Publishers, 2022) Ndabankulu, Amanda; Muller, Marguerite; Tsotetsi, Cias T.
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic outbreak, schools in South Africa would have lost a considerable percentage of the annual school curriculum by the end of the lockdown. The Department of Basic Education had to work out plans for curriculum recovery during the COVID-19 pandemic. The proposed plan was to gradual reopening schools using the “Phasing in Approach”. This study explored the Self-Efficacy of beginner teachers in Qwaqwa schools during the COVID-19 pandemic. Informed by Bandura’s Social Cognitive Theory, we used the qualitative research approach and generated data through semi-structured interviews. The telephonic interviews were conducted in two different phases; the first (T1) was in January 2021, and the second (T2) was in August 2021. We interviewed 5 participants of beginner teachers in the Qwaqwa town of the Thabo-Mofutsanyane district. The finding showed that beginner teachers had very high levels of self-efficacy, as they were able to face the challenges brought by the COVID-19 pandemic. Some identified challenges had many classes to teach, and the curriculum coverage was disturbed. On a positive note, the class size was reduced. This study recommended that the Department of Basic Education attend to the issues of overcrowding in schools and the lack of sources, especially in rural schools, as these were the main challenges of beginner teachers. This paper contributes to the existing literature on how beginner teachers’ self-efficacy helped them overcome challenges during the pandemic.
(De)colonising outcomes of community participation – a South African ethnography of ‘ethics in practice’
(SAGE Publications, 2022) Brear, Michelle R.; Tsotetsi, Cias T.
Theoretically, community participation decolonises research ethics in settings where a ‘coloniality of power’ persists. We used ethnographic methods to document our experiences of ‘ethics in practice’, and interrogate the (de)colonising outcomes, of community participation in voluntary informed assent and consent (VIAC) procedures with 16–17-year-old Black South African youth and parents. Community participation decolonised by: (1) disrupting and problematising the power dynamics of written VIAC procedures and (2) minimally shifting power to youth and parents. However, community participation sometimes reinforced existing power hierarchies. In postcolonial qualitative research settings, community participation has potential to, but will not necessarily, decolonise ethics in practice.