This thesis presents the results of three studies aimed at improving brine-quality at the Swartkops solar salt-works (Swartkops Sea Salt [Pty] Ltd) on the outskirts of Port Elizabeth, South Africa. This is a highly eutrophic salt-works, the management of which has become increasingly difficult in recent years. The fundamental problem is how best to operate the system at maximum capacity while limiting nutrient inputs from the nutrient-rich microtidal Swartkops Estuary. In the first study, brine-quality at several sites along the axis of the Swartkops Estuary, and the extent to which it is affected by a variety of factors, is compared. Sites were sampled on micro- and macrotidal time scales, and were selected by the management of the salt-works as possible locations for a new pump-house (for extracting brine from the estuary) for their salt-work operations at Swartkops and Missionvale. The study showed that there are incremental benefits to be had from moving the site of extraction downstream from its present position to a site closer to the mouth of the estuary, where the concentration of nutrients usually is lower and where salinity usually is higher. There is little to be gained from moving the site of extraction laterally, to the mouth of the Inlet from which brine currently is extracted, so that brine is extracted directly from the estuary itself. A set of models relating the concentrations of NH+ 4 , NO{u100000}3 , and PO34{u100000} to salinity is proposed. These take into account the influences of site and season and may be used to estimate the concentration of these nutrients from a measurement of salinity. The model for PO34{u100000} shows that it would be more damaging to the salt-works’ operations to pump “low”-salinity brine during the early months of summer than during autumn. Evidence is also presented to show that Wylde Bridge has no influence on nutrient concentrations in the estuary, with tidal flushing generally passing beyond the Wylde-Bridge break-point. The exceptionally heavy flooding of the estuary that occurred in September 2002 may, however, have biased this conclusion, because of its scouring effect. The second study concentrated on monitoring the effect of (1) decreasing pond depth and (2) increasing pond salinity—two readily available management tools—on brine quality at the salt-works. Pond depth throughout the salt-works was decreased by 40 cm, and the salinity of Pond 5, a pond in the middle of the system, was increased to 175 S. Both measures were kept in place for the duration of the study (Nov. 2002–Aug. 2004). The pond-depth experiment did not have the expected result, there being no evidence of the increase in microalgal growth in the water column that was predicted based on previous research. There was, however, a significant increase in benthic chlorophyll-a, and there was a general improvement in the condition of the sedimentary system of the salt-works. There was also a substantial decrease in particulate organic matter in the water column, with clear evidence that the remaining fraction was closely associated with living forms of particulate matter rather than with detritus. The pond-salinity experiment proves that there is a flourishing, and resilient, population of brine shrimp (Artemia salina L.) at the salt-works. Restocking the salina, or stocking it with a different strain of brine shrimp, is therefore not necessary. The results of this study show that the brine shrimp population at the salt-works needs salinities of greater than about 65–70 S to survive. As a living force they almost certainly need a protective salinity that is greater than about 120–140 S, perhaps even as great as 160 S. Brine shrimp thrived in the high salinity milieu of the experimental pond for the duration of the study, but dwindled from three other ponds of the system once their salinities fell to below 90 S, eventually to disappear from them, apparently completely, once salinity fell to below 65 S. The third and final study concentrated on establishing whether the products released by decomposing barley straw could be used in a solar salt-works to control macroalgal blooms without detrimentally affecting the benthic-mat. Previous research has shown that these products are effective inhibitors of macroalgal growth and that they remain effective under saline conditions. The results presented here show that the same products, or products released under similar conditions of decomposition, adversely effect both the structure and the function of the mat. Consequently, their use in a solar salt-works cannot be recommended.

The purpose of this study was to explore and identify factors that either facilitate or inhibit individuals volunteering for HIV-testing. The target group was comprised of Xhosa first-language construction workers in a company with an HIV/AIDS workplace policy and programme. This programme provides basic education and awareness about HIV/AIDS. This education includes information about where to access voluntary counselling and testing (VCT) services. Interpretive qualitative research was undertaken in order to explore the beliefs, perceptions and intentions of the target group in regard to the utilisation VCT services. Data was collected using an unstructured interview guide. The data was analysed using Tesch’s approach to content analysis. Concerns about validity and reliability were engaged throughout the research process and supported further by using researcher reflexivity and an independent researcher. The independent researcher analysed data separately and only after discussion and consensus being found between the two researchers were final categories and codes agreed upon and data analysis considered complete. Findings revealed that an HIV/AIDS workplace programme has a positive impact on the health-seeking behaviour of workers in the construction company used in this research. Respondents knew how HIV/AIDS is transmitted, how to prevent transmission and where to find HIV-testing treatment and support. In this case HIV-testing services can easily be accessed further facilitating respondents volunteering for HIV-testing. It was also found that family, friends and churches support HIV-testing behaviour by providing education, guidance and support to respondents encouraging behaviour change. On the other hand, respondents held that community members who had not benefited from an HIV/AIDS workplace programme such as theirs are exposed daily to the devastating effects of HIV leading to AIDS deaths and live in fear of the disease. Debilitating illness and eventual death is equated with an HIV-positive diagnosis which causes community members to believe it is better not to volunteer for HIV-testing than to ascertain one’s HIV-status. The HIV/AIDS workplace policy and xv programme on the other hand is seen to have provided respondents with HIV/AIDS knowledge enabling them to overcome their fear of an HIV-positive diagnosis and to volunteer for regular HIV-testing.

Although much research has been conducted on the greening of universities in the international context, not many studies focus on this topic in the South African context. A literature overview also identified that there are insufficient guidelines for green buildings at South African universities. Even though the Green Star rating tool is implemented in South Africa, no set of guidelines for green buildings exits at South African universities. The development of guidelines for green buildings at Nelson Mandela Metropolitan is a challenge which needs to be investigated. From the literature overview, it was possible to develop a framework containing seventeen green building aspects which could assist in developing green building guidelines. For this study, a two stage process was used to obtain information to evaluate green building guidelines critically at South African universities. Green building guidelines, as available at South African universities, were firstly explored by conducting a content analysis of all South African university websites. The information available on South African university websites regarding green buildings was scant and only two universities, namely the University of Cape Town and the University of Pretoria, reported that they had a green building. Stage two in the research process involved the empirical investigation of guidelines for green buildings at Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University. The results of the descriptive statistics showed that most building guidelines were perceived as important, but difficult to implement. The building guideline that was ranked the most important was the design of buildings that required low levels of maintenance or were maintenance free. The building guideline that was ranked the easiest to implement was to save energy in general. Considering the 17 suggested aspects and the five groups identified, a proposed set of green building guidelines was developed. The data gathered in this study is important as it could be utilised by the university to develop and implement the proposed green building guidelines.

An evidence-based approach to clinical practice aims to deliver appropriate care in an efficient manner to individual patients. This approach entails the integration of research evidence, clinical expertise and the interpretation of patients' needs and perspectives in making decisions about the best care modalities. The increased emphasis internationally on improved patient care and cost effectiveness in health care delivery highlighted the need for quality health services that have to be built upon the use of best evidence to inform practice and patient-care decision-making (McKenna, Ashton and Keeney, 2004:178). Critical care nursing science, a specialised branch of nursing, focusing on the care of the critically ill patient in a designated unit, is no exception to the drive to provide improved quality and cost-effective patient care. Critical care practitioners are seen to have a specialised knowledge base, specific skills in delivering advanced health care and a commitment to serve the critically ill patient. It is expected of them to be aware of new and emerging evidence about health disease processes, treatment modalities and technology used in the critical-care units. Due to the dynamic nature of a critical care unit, it is essential that every practitioner working in the unit, whether a novice professional nurse or senior unit manager, needs to be aware of the current evidence guiding their practices (Elliot, Aitken, Chaboyer, 2007:18). With reference to the critically ill patient who is connected to a mechanical ventilator, practices related to the nursing care of this group of patients, who mostly occupy the critical care units, should be based on the best evidence in order to provide cost-effective and quality care. The research study aimed to explore and describe four identified nursing care practices related to safety of a mechanically ventilated patient as performed by professional nurses in the critical care units in the Nelson Mandela Metropole. The identified nursing-care practices include: endotrachael tube placement verification, endotracheal tube cuff pressure monitoring, endotrachael tube suctioning and mechanical ventilator settings. This objective was operationalized in Stage One of the study, by using a quantitative, explorative, descriptive and contextual approach. A structured questionnaire was utilised to collect data from professional nurses working in critical care units. From the analysed data, it was decided to select the two nursing care practices that were done least according to the best recommended practice, namely endotracheal tube suctioning and endotracheal tube cuff pressure monitoring. Based on the results, systematic reviews were done respectively on the two nursing care practices. On completion of Stage One of the study, evidence-informed clinical guidelines for the two identified nursing care practices were developed. The clinical guidelines were based on the evidence found in conducting the systematic reviews. The draft clinical guidelines were reviewed by an expert panel. Feedback from the reviewers was considered to prepare the final evidence-informed clinical guidelines. Based on the clinical guidelines, two clinical algorithms were developed, which might be used at the patient's bedside and can assist in quick dissemination of the recommendations for practice. Ethical considerations were maintained throughout the study. The quality of the study was ensured in applying the principles of validity and reliability as well as performing a critical appraisal of all data collected during the systematic review. It is envisaged that the study findings be disseminated in the critical care units in the Nelson Mandela Metropole and published in peer reviewed journals.

The Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality implemented a new regulated public transport system with the objective to support the Economic and Social development of the City. The system will be done by transforming current diversified minibus taxi and bus operations into integrated city wide system which will provide the citizens with efficient, affordable, accessible and safe public transport services. The decision was based on the 2006 Public Transport Plan (PTP) prepared by Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality. The long term strategy is based on the Nelson Mandela Bay 2020 Vision taking into account national and provincial transport policies. (Public Transport Operational Plan Draft 2008). The plan has been developed by the municipality in collaboration with the Eastern Cape Department of Roads and transport supported by the National Department of Transport.

In an ever-changing environment, it has become difficult for organisation to create and maintain a competitive advantage. Nowhere is it more evident than in the manufacturing industry. For organisations to be successful, it is imperative for them to have a clear and well-defined strategy. This strategy should be viewed as the steering mechanism of the organisation. With the ever-increasing demands of customers, organisations have been forced to be agile in order to adapt to sudden changes. Now more than ever, technology can be used as a powerful tool. For organisations to be profitable and grow, they need to have a management team that is competent to manage the organisation in turbulent times. To ensure a competitive advantage, management must be able to predict the future needs of the organisation. The use of technology forecasting and technology audits can assist management in addressing this process. Most organisations are technology intensive and deliver products or services. The research attempts to determine a strategy for the successful implementation and management of technology in a manufacturing organisation. It also tries to establish the impact of technology auditing on the competitive advantage of the organisation. A comprehensive technological audit questionnaire was used in conducting an audit at Valor Fruit Processors (Pty) Ltd. It must be emphasised that this model is a generic model and should be customised to suit each particular organisation.

This study investigates the causes of the service delivery protests in South African municipalities that occurred between 2005 to 2013. In a sense, the recent widespread service delivery protests which, in many instances, have turned violent, have sounded an alarm that cannot be ignored. The study is premised on the fact that no political democracy can survive and flourish if the mass of its people remain in poverty, and in a state of inequality and unemployed without tangible prospects for a better life. In this regard, the presence of service delivery protests, especially violent ones, is a threat to South Africa’s young democracy and its sustainability. This study is based on the assumption that the Nelson Mandela Bay Metropolitan Municipality, like other municipalities in South Africa, could be confronted with the possibility of further violent service delivery protests if the current causes were not scientifically investigated and solutions found. The study adopted a hypothesis with a view that South African municipalities could succeed in rendering effective public services if matters of poor public participation, corruption, service delivery inhibiting systemic factors, a cumbersome legislative environment, political infighting, poor intergovernmental fiscal regime and the low capacity of municipalities were adequately addressed. The study proposed to provide a brief literature review on the emergence of service delivery protests against the backdrop of a theoretical investigation on the new local government developmental mandate. The empirical survey and research methodology employed in the study is described, followed by the operationalisation of the survey questionnaire used for gathering field data. The research findings of the empirical survey are then statistically analysed, interpreted and reported. Some of the findings on the causes of service delivery protests includes slow pace of service delivery, especially in the delivery of sustainable human settlements, poor public participation and other underpinning systemic factors. Recommendations flowing from, inter alia, the results of the empirical study, are presented on how the existing status quo can be changed to enhance service delivery and development. If adopted, these recommendations will enable the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality, as a development agent, to fulfil its developmental mandate thereby addressing the causes of the service delivery protests currently facing it.

Substance abuse is a major social issue within the South African Police Service (SAPS). To address this issue, the SAPS implement an Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) as an intervention to address problems that may affect the work performance of employees. Despite the existence of this programme, substance abuse is still occurring and has a negative impact on work performance. This concern has fuelled the researcher to initiate this study. The goal of this study is to gain an understanding of Port Elizabeth SAPS employees’ perceptions regarding the effectiveness of the EAP substance abuse prevention programme. A qualitative research methodology, with a descriptive, exploratory and contextual research design was implemented. The researcher elected to use non-probability sampling, specifically, purposive sampling for this study. A sample of ten employees was chosen from an area demarcated for the purpose of the study, within the SAPS in Port Elizabeth. Data was collected through semi-structured, individual interviews. Interviews were continued until saturation point was reached. The interviews were analyzed according to the detailed guidelines set out by Tesch (in Creswell, 2003:192). The data was verified according to Guba’s principles (in De Vos, Strydom, Fouche & Delport, 2002:351). The researcher also employed the services of an independent coder in order to enhance the trustworthiness of the study. The perceptions of EAP as a substance abuse prevention programme, by employees of the SAPS in Port Elizabeth, have not been highlighted adequately within the South African context. The researcher’s study will hence contribute to the existing body of knowledge of the discipline.

Background: In recent years the incidence of Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) has increased. Objectives: The primary aim of the study was to determine the treatment of children and adolescents diagnosed with ADHD in South Africa and more specifically the Eastern Cape. Methods: The study consisted of two parts, a retrospective drug utilisation study and a questionnaire survey. The drug utilisation study was conducted on chronic medication records of a private sector medical scheme administrator and contained records from 1994 to 2006. A total of 42 250 records representing 8 274 patients and 4 001 families, were analysed. The questionnaire survey was conducted in the Eastern Cape. The questionnaires were distributed by responsible pharmacists to parents of children receiving medication for the treatment of ADHD from his/her pharmacy. Fifty one completed questionnaires were analysed. Results: The average age of patients in the drug utilisation study were 14.28 (SD = 5.50) years. Males represented 77.37 percent of patients. Ritalin® 10 mg was the most frequently prescribed methylphenidate-containing product, followed by Ritalin® LA 20 mg. The two most frequently prescribed active ingredients apart from methylphenidate were fluticasone and budesonide. The two most common comorbid conditions were allergic rhinitis and asthma. The average age of patients in the questionnaire survey was 10.26 (SD = 2.51) years. Males represented 73.58 percent of patients. A third of patients had relatives previously diagnosed with ADHD. Ritalin® 10 mg was the most frequently prescribed methylphenidate-containing product. Conclusion: ADHD is a complex life-long disorder. It does not only affect the child diagnosed with the disorder, but also has effects on the family, schooling system and peer relationship. Therefore, more studies regarding the incidence and treatment of ADHD need to be conducted in South Africa.

The students are the future economic backbone of the country and it is essential that measures are taken to reduce the number of new HIV infections in this segment of the population. Free voluntary counselling and testing for HIV was introduced at the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University as one of the prevention strategies to curb the spread of HIV. This service has grown steadily over the years but strategies need to be formulated and implemented to improve the existing service and thereby increase the utilisation of the testing service. This treatise takes the form of an investigative survey involving literature review and a survey of all the individuals who utilised the VCT service over a three month period. The author has attempted to portray the general views and best practices of experts in the field of VCT service delivery. The identified best practices were used as an assessment tool to determine to what extent the VCT service at the NMMU complies with national and international standards. The quantification of these insights must be viewed with caution since the survey sample was relatively low due to time constraints. It has been shown that the VCT service at the NMMU largely complies with national and international standards although several recommendations have been presented for consideration.