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Effects of Varroa destructor on Apis Mellifera Capensis drone sperm quality characteristics and colony demographics
(John Wiley and Sons Ltd, 2026) Kotze, Retha Christina Magrietha; Murray, Janice Faith; van der Horst, Gerhard; Allsopp, Mike
Varroa destructor (V. destructor) threatens honeybee colonies and negatively affects drone weight and survival. Therefore, this mite species poses a risk to the reproductive potential of drones, and subsequently colony health and performance. However, studies on the impact of V. destructor infestation on sperm characteristics are limited, and results appear to be inconclusive. This study aimed to investigate the effect of V. destructor infestation on multiple sperm quality characteristics that are regarded as important for successful fertilization. In this cross-sectional study, conducted in the Western Cape, South Africa, during the summer of 2021, 53 sexually mature Apis mellifera capensis (A.m. capensis) were harvested. Analysis of semen included functional (total motility, progressive motility and swimming speeds; kinematic parameters) and structural sperm parameters (sperm head, tail, total length) using a computer-aided sperm analysis system. Drone weight and demographic information of colonies were also assessed. Three infestation groups were compared, i.e., < 1% (n = 4 colonies) (median: 0.33%; range: 0.00–0.40%), 1%–2% (n = 2 colonies) (median: 1.07%; range: 1.00%–1.45%) and 10% (n = 2 colonies) (10.0% ± 0.00%). In this study, V. destructor infestation had minor, non-significant effects on drone weight (11% lower in highly infested drones; p = 0.123) and sperm concentration (p = 0.064). Sperm motility was, however, significantly affected by infestation levels, with the least infected drones producing sperm with significantly higher total motility (99.1% vs. 83.9% and 68.2%; p = 0.002), progressiveness, swimming speed and kinematics (VCL, VSL, VAP; p < 0.001). Sperm vitality was not affected by V. destructor infestation (p = 0.559). Infestation altered sperm structure with drones from highly infected colonies producing significantly longer sperm (tail: 227 ± 1.22 μm vs. 224 ± 2.31 μm; total length: 236 ± 1.23 μm vs. 233 ± 2.16 μm; p < 0.001). Furthermore, significant relationships were observed between V. destructor infestation and sperm functionality as well as sperm structure.
The tripartite free trade agreement among the EAC, COMESA & SADC as an approach to foster regional integration in Africa - a critical analysis
(Univesity of the Western Cape, 2011) Roggendorf, Armin; Lenaghan, Patricia
The Tripartite Free Trade Agreement among the Common Market for East and Southern Africa (COMESA), the East African Community (EAC) and the Southern Africa Development Community (SADC) was announced in October 2008. It aims to serve two goals. First it complements the broader objectives of the African Union to establish the African Economic Community by 2034 latest. Second it aims to foster intra-regional trade within Africa which is, in parts, still insignificant. Therefore, this thesis will critically analyse the legal and rational frameworks within which the new Free Trade Area aims to operate. Moreover, this thesis will consider the challenges that interfere with fostering regional integration by analysing product categories that are excluded (sensitive products) and by identifying selected non-tariff obstacles to trade.
The value of positive psychological capital in predicting desirable and undesirable attitudes and behaviours at work
(Univesity of the Western Cape, 2011) Van Der Schyff, Tasneem; Jano, Rukhsana
Due to the competitive nature of the industry, retail organizations thrive on enhanced performance and the leverage of competitive advantage. In order for organizations to develop and sustain competitive advantage, human resource strategies should be formulated considering the factors that are highly unique and valuable, context specific, hard to imitate, and non-substitutable (Youssef & Luthans, 2007). In other words, in order to remain competitive, organizations need to focus on enhancing the value of their human resources in order to improve the ultimate psychological health of the organization (Toor & Offori, 2010). Psychological capital has gained prominence as an important construct on organizational behaviour research. Psychological capital is rooted in the theory of positive organizational behaviour which focuses on what is right with individuals and building on strengths. PsyCap recognizes the value of positively oriented human-resource strengths and psychological capacities that can be measured and developed in order for organizations to truly thrive under the pressures oftoday's workplace (Luthans & Youssef, 2004).
The impact of downsizing on remaining employees in the organisation (food industry) in the Western Cape
(Univesity of the Western Cape, 2013) Sayed, Zakira; Heslop, Karl
There has been a new wave of global downsizing in the early 2000's due to the proliferation of employees in the previous years. A question can be posed; to what extent have organizations yet to adopt a policy framework for ensuring a balance of procedural on the one hand and efficiency imperatives on the other (Chew & Howitz, 2002). Organisational downsizing has become an important issue recently affecting individuals and the economy of businesses. A "purposeful reduction in the size of an organization workforce" defines downsizing focusing on people and ensuring a lean philosophy (Cameron, Freeman, & Mishra, 1991). Companies all over the world have used a strategy of downsizing to improve employee competitiveness, organisational effectiveness, profitability, efficiency and to reduce the size of their workforce. Regardless of the reasons given for downsizing it have profound repercussions on all the functions in the organization. Due to the various social and institutional constraints as well as organisational and human research procedures firms follow, the effects of downsizing differ from resource and market based strategies. The rationale of the study is to determine to what extent downsizing affects the remaining employees within an organisation with respect to trust, communication, loyalty, employee commitment and career advancement opportunities.
English as a barrier to learning for isiXhosa speaking foundation phase learners in the Western Cape
(Univesity of the Western Cape, 2013) Salie, Maimona; Moletsane, Mokgadi
This study focuses on the use of English as the Language of Learning and Teaching (LOLT) and its impact on the language development of English second language (ESL) IsiXhosa-speaking learners. Although there are a variety of approaches to second language acquisition (SLA), the findings of this study are understood in terms of Krashen's Monitor Model and Cummins's Developmental Interdependence Hypothesis framework. Key factors identified in the study include the language policy of the school, the language awareness of educators, the role of language attitudes in gaining literacy proficiency, and learning barriers that prevent isiXhosa-speaking foundation phase learners from performing academically. This study is a qualitative case study which includes educators, parents and learners as research participants. The purpose of the research is to establish whether, because isiXhosa-speaking foundation phase learners receive their education in a language other than their primary language, namely in English, they are confronted by learning barriers which prevent them from performing academically.