UWCScholar
This repository serves as a digital archive for the preservation of research / scholarly output / publications from the University of the western Cape.

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Recent Submissions
Father-son relationship quality and associated adolescent risks
(University of the Western Cape, 2010) Hendricks, Lynn Hendricks; Malcolm, Charles
International research over the past two decades has advanced knowledge in the study of fathers and the protective role they play in the prevention of adolescent risk behaviours. Studies have often investigated parental relationships and their influence on adolescent risk behaviours but rarely the specific role of the adolescents’ relationships with their fathers or father figures in prevention of risk behaviour. Three main hypotheses were investigated: first, that the theoretically aligned dimensions of relationship quality would be nomogically validated; second, that there would be little significance difference in the dimensions of relationship quality across groupings of father residential status; and third, that the quality of the fatherson relationship is a stronger predictor of risk behaviour than father’s residential status (whether the adolescent lived with the father or not), or whether the “father” is a biological father or not. Three samples of adolescents were included: a fatherresident group (biological fathers reside in the adolescents’ homes) (N = 196); a nonresident group (biological fathers live elsewhere) (N = 72); and a father figure group (no contact with biological father) (N = 58). The school-based sample of 331 participants all resided in a low-income area of Cape Town. Risk behaviours were investigated using the Problem Oriented Screening Instrument for Teenagers (POSIT). Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) risk behaviour was assessed on a POSIT sub-scale designed specifically for South Africa, the POSIT HIV/STD Risk iv Subscale.
Reservoir characterization and sedimentary architecture of the siliciclastic sediments in the southern Pletmos basin, South Africa
(Universty of the Western Cape, 2021) Oghenekome, Monica Enifome; Chatterjee, Tapas
The present research characterizes the siliciclastic reservoirs sediments of the southern Pletmos Basin and provide insights into the reservoir mineralogical variation, rock type, depositional environment for accurate identification and quantification of the hydrocarbon
Vaccination of African penguins (spheniscus demersus) against high-pathogenicity avian influenza
(Wiley, 2024) Roberts, Laura Christl; Ludynia ,Katrin; Abernethy, Darrell
Background: High-pathogenicity avian influenza (HPAI) has become a conservation threat to wild birds. Therefore, suitable vaccine technology and practical application methods require investigation. Methods: Twenty-four African penguins (Spheniscus demersus) were vaccinated with either a conventional inactivated clade 2.3.4.4b H5N8 HPAI whole virus or a tobacco leaf-produced H5 haemagglutinin-based virus-like particle (VLP). Six birds received a second dose of the inactivated vaccine. Antibody responses were assessed and compared by employing haemagglutination inhibition tests. Results: A second dose of inactivated vaccine was required to induce antibody titres above the level required to suppress virus shedding, while a single dose of VLP vaccine produced these levels by day 14, and one bird still had antibodies on day 430. Limitations: Bacterial contamination of the VLP vaccine limited the monitoring period and sample size in that treatment group, and it was not possible to perform a challenge study with field virus. Conclusion: VLP vaccines offer a more practical option than inactivated whole viruses, especially in logistically challenging situations involving wild birds.
Exploring the use of “productive practice” in learning congruency and similarity in grade 9 Mathematics
(University of the Western Cape, 2024) Sakupapa, Catherine Longwe; Julie, Cyril
Poor performance in geometry has been experienced by many learners within South Africa, and internationally. This wide underperformance has led to a number of research by various scholars. There is a shift in the discourse regarding teaching and learning amongst researchers and educators. Many researchers are now underscoring and supporting student learning, rather than teacher teaching. This shift has resulted in promoting a student learning approach. In this regard, this study focused on designing some instructional activities as part of the intervention to a complex problem of learner underperformance in geometry. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether the use of “productive practice” can improve learner performance in learning congruence and similarity in grade 9 Mathematics. The research question asked was: How does implementing “productive practice” as a pedagogical strategy influence Grade 9 learner’s understanding, retention, and performance in congruence and similarity in geometry? This study was qualitative in nature, and employed design research, also known as educational design research/developmental research as an approach. Data was collected from participants using observational notes, audio recordings of learners’ discussion when they engaged with activities, and learners’ written work based on the designed activities. The framework that informed this study is “productive practice” and the Van Hiele theory of geometric thinking.
Women’s right to abortion versus paternal rights in South Africa
(Universty of the Western Cape, 2024) Zweni, Bongumsa; Diala, Anthony C.
The right to abortion is regulated by various sections of the Constitution, including section 12(2)(a), which provides that everyone has the right to make decisions regarding their reproductive health, as well as section 27. The aforementioned right is further provided for by the Choice on Termination of Pregnancy Act 92 of 1996. This Act was enacted for the sole purpose of regulating the termination of pregnancy in South Africa. Despite the fact that the right to abortion is legally protected, there is great stigmatisation surrounding abortion, women are shunned and shamed for legally seeking an abortion. This unfortunately leads to unsafe abortions performed by unqualified persons at some backroom in Soweto, increasing the number of deaths arising from unsafe abortions. Almost thirty years after the enactment of the Termination of Pregnancy Act. An Act which sought to protect women’s reproductive rights and affirm their right to freedom of choice.