Cyber security: Challenges and the way forward
- Ayofe, Azeez N, Irwin, Barry V W
- Authors: Ayofe, Azeez N , Irwin, Barry V W
- Date: 2010
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/428613 , vital:72524 , https://d1wqtxts1xzle7.cloudfront.net/62565276/171920200330-53981-1mqgyr5.pdf?1585592737=andresponse-content-disposi-tion=inline%3B+filename%3DCYBER_SECURITY_CHALLENGES_AND_THE_WAY_FO.pdfandExpires=1714729368andSignature=dPUCAd1sMUF-gyDTkBFb2lzDvkVNpfp0sk1z-CdAeHH6O759dBiO-M158drmJsOo1XtOJBY4tNd8Um2gi11zw4U8yEzHO-bGUJGJTJcooTXaKwZLT-wPqS779Qo2oeiQOIiuAx6zSdcfSGjbDfFOL1YWV9UeKvhtcnGJ3p-CjJAhiPWJorGn1-z8mO6oouWzyJYc0hV0-Po8yywJD60eC2S6llQmfNRpX4otgq4fgZwZu4TEcMUWPfBzGPFPNYcCLfiQVK0YLV~XdTCWrhTlYPSMzVSs~DhQk9QPBU7IGmzQkGZo3UXnNu1slCVLb9Dqm~9DSbmttIXIDGYXEjP9l4w__andKey-Pair-Id=APKAJLOHF5GGSLRBV4ZA
- Description: The high level of insecurity on the internet is becoming worrisome so much so that transaction on the web has become a thing of doubt. Cy-bercrime is becoming ever more serious and prevalent. Findings from 2002 Computer Crime and Security Survey show an upward trend that demonstrates a need for a timely review of existing approaches to fighting this new phenomenon in the information age. In this paper, we provide an overview of Cybercrime and present an international per-spective on fighting Cybercrime. This work seeks to define the concept of cyber-crime, explain tools being used by the criminals to perpetrate their evil handiworks, identify reasons for cyber-crime, how it can be eradicated, look at those involved and the reasons for their involve-ment, we would look at how best to detect a criminal mail and in conclu-sion, proffer recommendations that would help in checking the increas-ing rate of cyber-crimes and criminals.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010
- Authors: Ayofe, Azeez N , Irwin, Barry V W
- Date: 2010
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/428613 , vital:72524 , https://d1wqtxts1xzle7.cloudfront.net/62565276/171920200330-53981-1mqgyr5.pdf?1585592737=andresponse-content-disposi-tion=inline%3B+filename%3DCYBER_SECURITY_CHALLENGES_AND_THE_WAY_FO.pdfandExpires=1714729368andSignature=dPUCAd1sMUF-gyDTkBFb2lzDvkVNpfp0sk1z-CdAeHH6O759dBiO-M158drmJsOo1XtOJBY4tNd8Um2gi11zw4U8yEzHO-bGUJGJTJcooTXaKwZLT-wPqS779Qo2oeiQOIiuAx6zSdcfSGjbDfFOL1YWV9UeKvhtcnGJ3p-CjJAhiPWJorGn1-z8mO6oouWzyJYc0hV0-Po8yywJD60eC2S6llQmfNRpX4otgq4fgZwZu4TEcMUWPfBzGPFPNYcCLfiQVK0YLV~XdTCWrhTlYPSMzVSs~DhQk9QPBU7IGmzQkGZo3UXnNu1slCVLb9Dqm~9DSbmttIXIDGYXEjP9l4w__andKey-Pair-Id=APKAJLOHF5GGSLRBV4ZA
- Description: The high level of insecurity on the internet is becoming worrisome so much so that transaction on the web has become a thing of doubt. Cy-bercrime is becoming ever more serious and prevalent. Findings from 2002 Computer Crime and Security Survey show an upward trend that demonstrates a need for a timely review of existing approaches to fighting this new phenomenon in the information age. In this paper, we provide an overview of Cybercrime and present an international per-spective on fighting Cybercrime. This work seeks to define the concept of cyber-crime, explain tools being used by the criminals to perpetrate their evil handiworks, identify reasons for cyber-crime, how it can be eradicated, look at those involved and the reasons for their involve-ment, we would look at how best to detect a criminal mail and in conclu-sion, proffer recommendations that would help in checking the increas-ing rate of cyber-crimes and criminals.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010
Data classification for artificial intelligence construct training to aid in network incident identification using network telescope data
- Cowie, Bradley, Irwin, Barry V W
- Authors: Cowie, Bradley , Irwin, Barry V W
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/430125 , vital:72667 , https://doi.org/10.1145/1899503.1899544
- Description: This paper considers the complexities involved in obtaining training da-ta for use by artificial intelligence constructs to identify potential network incidents using passive network telescope data. While a large amount of data obtained from network telescopes exists, this data is not current-ly marked for known incidents. Problems related to this marking process include the accuracy of the markings, the validity of the original data and the time involved. In an attempt to solve these issues two methods of training data generation are considered namely; manual identification and automated generation. The manual technique considers heuristics for finding network incidents while the automated technique considers building simulated data sets using existing models of virus propagation and malicious activity. An example artificial intelligence system is then constructed using these marked datasets.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010
- Authors: Cowie, Bradley , Irwin, Barry V W
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/430125 , vital:72667 , https://doi.org/10.1145/1899503.1899544
- Description: This paper considers the complexities involved in obtaining training da-ta for use by artificial intelligence constructs to identify potential network incidents using passive network telescope data. While a large amount of data obtained from network telescopes exists, this data is not current-ly marked for known incidents. Problems related to this marking process include the accuracy of the markings, the validity of the original data and the time involved. In an attempt to solve these issues two methods of training data generation are considered namely; manual identification and automated generation. The manual technique considers heuristics for finding network incidents while the automated technique considers building simulated data sets using existing models of virus propagation and malicious activity. An example artificial intelligence system is then constructed using these marked datasets.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010
David Lurie's learning and the meaning of J.M. Coetzee's Disgrace
- Authors: Wright, Laurence
- Date: 2010
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: vital:7063 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1007428 , http://hdl.handle.net/10520/EJC47864
- Description: preprint , One of the teasing characteristics of novels soused in literariness, like J.M. Coetzee’s, is their tendency to leak, to bleed, into vast inchoate terrains of intertextuality.The reader is constantly challenged to measure and assess their implications within or against the frail containing form of the story, much as Russian formalism taught us to keep sujet and fable in perpetual dialogue. However, it has become apparent that in the dense thickets of commentary occasioned by Coetzee’s most controversial novel, Disgrace (1999), insufficient attention has been paid to the intertextual implications of David Lurie’s learning, his scholarly preoccupations. Unless the reader attempts this kind of exploration, two of the most vexed issues freighting the novel’s central fabulation: Lucy’s curiously stoical, impassive response to her rape, together with her decision to stay on in South Africa; and David Lurie’s sudden, seemingly inexplicable care for the doomed dogs, from their last moments at the animal shelter until he lovingly consigns their corpses to the incinerator, must remain opaque. In particular, the final words of the novel, “Yes, I am giving him up” (220), uttered in relation to the immanent “Lösung” of the little dog Bev Shaw calls Driepoot, will tend to taunt the reader, rather than illuminate.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010
- Authors: Wright, Laurence
- Date: 2010
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: vital:7063 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1007428 , http://hdl.handle.net/10520/EJC47864
- Description: preprint , One of the teasing characteristics of novels soused in literariness, like J.M. Coetzee’s, is their tendency to leak, to bleed, into vast inchoate terrains of intertextuality.The reader is constantly challenged to measure and assess their implications within or against the frail containing form of the story, much as Russian formalism taught us to keep sujet and fable in perpetual dialogue. However, it has become apparent that in the dense thickets of commentary occasioned by Coetzee’s most controversial novel, Disgrace (1999), insufficient attention has been paid to the intertextual implications of David Lurie’s learning, his scholarly preoccupations. Unless the reader attempts this kind of exploration, two of the most vexed issues freighting the novel’s central fabulation: Lucy’s curiously stoical, impassive response to her rape, together with her decision to stay on in South Africa; and David Lurie’s sudden, seemingly inexplicable care for the doomed dogs, from their last moments at the animal shelter until he lovingly consigns their corpses to the incinerator, must remain opaque. In particular, the final words of the novel, “Yes, I am giving him up” (220), uttered in relation to the immanent “Lösung” of the little dog Bev Shaw calls Driepoot, will tend to taunt the reader, rather than illuminate.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010
Desktop control for a host apparatus of a digital multimedia network
- Gurdan, Robby, Foss, Richard
- Authors: Gurdan, Robby , Foss, Richard
- Date: 2010
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/427070 , vital:72412 , https://patentimages.storage.googleapis.com/f6/97/d3/a66cc5c9e77021/US20100287491A1.pdf
- Description: The invention provides a desktop control and a browser for a host apparatus of a digital multimedia network. The desktop control comprises a processing core having at least one desk parameter link (DPL) to a device parameter of the host apparatus. Furthermore, the processing core can have at least one desk application link (DAL) to a browser application of the host apparatus. The processing core further has one or more desk item links to other desktop controls of another apparatus within the digital multimedia network.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010
- Authors: Gurdan, Robby , Foss, Richard
- Date: 2010
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/427070 , vital:72412 , https://patentimages.storage.googleapis.com/f6/97/d3/a66cc5c9e77021/US20100287491A1.pdf
- Description: The invention provides a desktop control and a browser for a host apparatus of a digital multimedia network. The desktop control comprises a processing core having at least one desk parameter link (DPL) to a device parameter of the host apparatus. Furthermore, the processing core can have at least one desk application link (DAL) to a browser application of the host apparatus. The processing core further has one or more desk item links to other desktop controls of another apparatus within the digital multimedia network.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010
Development of a stability-indicating high performance liquid chromatographic method for the analysis of topiramate and dissolution rate testing in topiramate tablets
- Mohammadi, Ali, Rezanour, Nasrin, Ansari Dogaheh, M, Walker, Roderick B
- Authors: Mohammadi, Ali , Rezanour, Nasrin , Ansari Dogaheh, M , Walker, Roderick B
- Date: 2010
- Language: English
- Type: text , Article
- Identifier: vital:6412 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1006507
- Description: A stability-indicating high performance liquid chromatographic(HPLC) method was developed and validated for the quantitation and dissolution determination of topiramate in tablet dosage forms. An isocratic separation was achieved using a phenyl column with a flow rate of 1 mL/min using UV detection at 264 nm. Topiramate has low UV absorbtivity and was subjected to derivatization with 9-fluorenylmethyl chloroformate (FMOC-Cl). The mobile phase for the separation consisted of acetonitrile: 50 mM sodium dihydrogen phosphate(NaH2PO4) containing 3 % v/v triethylamine (pH 2.8) in a 48:52 v/v ratio. Topiramate was subjected to oxidation, hydrolysis, photolysis and heat for the purposes of stress testing. Separation was achieved for the parent compound and all the degradation products in an overall analytical run time of approximately 15 min with the parent compound topiramate eluting at approximately 9.2 min. The method was linear over the concentration range of 1-100 μg/mL (r = 0.9996) with limits of quantitation and detection of 1 and 0.3 μg/mL, respectively.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010
- Authors: Mohammadi, Ali , Rezanour, Nasrin , Ansari Dogaheh, M , Walker, Roderick B
- Date: 2010
- Language: English
- Type: text , Article
- Identifier: vital:6412 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1006507
- Description: A stability-indicating high performance liquid chromatographic(HPLC) method was developed and validated for the quantitation and dissolution determination of topiramate in tablet dosage forms. An isocratic separation was achieved using a phenyl column with a flow rate of 1 mL/min using UV detection at 264 nm. Topiramate has low UV absorbtivity and was subjected to derivatization with 9-fluorenylmethyl chloroformate (FMOC-Cl). The mobile phase for the separation consisted of acetonitrile: 50 mM sodium dihydrogen phosphate(NaH2PO4) containing 3 % v/v triethylamine (pH 2.8) in a 48:52 v/v ratio. Topiramate was subjected to oxidation, hydrolysis, photolysis and heat for the purposes of stress testing. Separation was achieved for the parent compound and all the degradation products in an overall analytical run time of approximately 15 min with the parent compound topiramate eluting at approximately 9.2 min. The method was linear over the concentration range of 1-100 μg/mL (r = 0.9996) with limits of quantitation and detection of 1 and 0.3 μg/mL, respectively.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010
Development of an IMS Compliant, Cross Platform Client Using the JAIN SIP Applet Phone
- Muswera, Walter T, Terzoli, Alfredo
- Authors: Muswera, Walter T , Terzoli, Alfredo
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/431274 , vital:72760 , https://www.cs.ru.ac.za/research/g09M3278/Muswera.pdf
- Description: Several open source SIP/IMS Clients are currently in use in the Rhodes University Convergence Research Group. However, there is no single Client that provides researchers with all the required functionality need-ed to test the applications they have developed. Integrating advanced features into a single Client can help to speed up testing as well as pro-vide a variety of innovative communication services. In this paper we present an overview of two popular SIP/IMS Clients currently in use. We also discuss the features and design architecture of a Client called JAIN SIP Applet Phone (JSAP) which will be used as a basis for the development of a new IMS compliant Client. We then analyse what functionality JSAP lacks and propose features that need to be imple-mented.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010
- Authors: Muswera, Walter T , Terzoli, Alfredo
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/431274 , vital:72760 , https://www.cs.ru.ac.za/research/g09M3278/Muswera.pdf
- Description: Several open source SIP/IMS Clients are currently in use in the Rhodes University Convergence Research Group. However, there is no single Client that provides researchers with all the required functionality need-ed to test the applications they have developed. Integrating advanced features into a single Client can help to speed up testing as well as pro-vide a variety of innovative communication services. In this paper we present an overview of two popular SIP/IMS Clients currently in use. We also discuss the features and design architecture of a Client called JAIN SIP Applet Phone (JSAP) which will be used as a basis for the development of a new IMS compliant Client. We then analyse what functionality JSAP lacks and propose features that need to be imple-mented.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010
Dialectics of dance and dress: the performative negotiation of Soli girl initiates (Moye) in Zambia
- Authors: Simbao, Ruth K
- Date: 2010
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/147492 , vital:38643 , https://doi.org/10.1162/afar.2010.43.3.64
- Description: During a 2005 dance rehearsal in Nkomeshya Village near Lusaka, Zambia, a group of Soli girl initiates (moye) entered a clearing, slowly moving towards the drummer who beckoned them with her rhythmic eats. The girls per-formed a polite curtseying step, reflecting the meek modesty they are taught to display when they humbly greet elders or their future husbands with downcast eyes.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010
- Authors: Simbao, Ruth K
- Date: 2010
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/147492 , vital:38643 , https://doi.org/10.1162/afar.2010.43.3.64
- Description: During a 2005 dance rehearsal in Nkomeshya Village near Lusaka, Zambia, a group of Soli girl initiates (moye) entered a clearing, slowly moving towards the drummer who beckoned them with her rhythmic eats. The girls per-formed a polite curtseying step, reflecting the meek modesty they are taught to display when they humbly greet elders or their future husbands with downcast eyes.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010
Differing interpretations of reconciliation in South Africa: a discussion of the home for all campaign
- Authors: Matthews, Sally
- Date: 2010
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/142454 , vital:38081 , DOI:10.1353/trn.2010.0000
- Description: The theme of reconciliation remains an important one in South African politics. The issue of reconciliation was recently highlighted by South African Human Rights Commission chairperson, Jody Kollapen. According to Kollapen, in South Africa we have a problematic narrow interpretation of reconciliation, one that presents reconciliation and transformation as being in opposition to one another. This paper explores some of the debates about reconciliation as a process and then relates these to the Home for All Campaign. This Campaign was aimed at encouraging white South Africans to acknowledge the injustices of the past and to commit themselves to healing divisions and reducing inequalities in contemporary South Africa. It conceived of reconciliation as a process in which the onus is on white South Africans to take the initiative in reconciling with black South Africans. The Campaign received much publicity and provoked debate but never managed to gain the support of a significant number of white South Africans. In this paper, I explore the reasons for the Campaign's failure to meet all of its objectives, relating this to contemporary South African discourse on reconciliation. I argue that the Campaign's interpretation of reconciliation was valuable and necessary and that it remains imperative in South Africa that white South Africans critically reflect upon past and present privileges and take the initiative in processes of inter-racial reconciliation.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010
- Authors: Matthews, Sally
- Date: 2010
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/142454 , vital:38081 , DOI:10.1353/trn.2010.0000
- Description: The theme of reconciliation remains an important one in South African politics. The issue of reconciliation was recently highlighted by South African Human Rights Commission chairperson, Jody Kollapen. According to Kollapen, in South Africa we have a problematic narrow interpretation of reconciliation, one that presents reconciliation and transformation as being in opposition to one another. This paper explores some of the debates about reconciliation as a process and then relates these to the Home for All Campaign. This Campaign was aimed at encouraging white South Africans to acknowledge the injustices of the past and to commit themselves to healing divisions and reducing inequalities in contemporary South Africa. It conceived of reconciliation as a process in which the onus is on white South Africans to take the initiative in reconciling with black South Africans. The Campaign received much publicity and provoked debate but never managed to gain the support of a significant number of white South Africans. In this paper, I explore the reasons for the Campaign's failure to meet all of its objectives, relating this to contemporary South African discourse on reconciliation. I argue that the Campaign's interpretation of reconciliation was valuable and necessary and that it remains imperative in South Africa that white South Africans critically reflect upon past and present privileges and take the initiative in processes of inter-racial reconciliation.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010
Digital multimedia network with hierarchical parameter control protocol
- Gurdan, Robby, Foss, Richard
- Authors: Gurdan, Robby , Foss, Richard
- Date: 2010
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/427083 , vital:72413 , https://patentimages.storage.googleapis.com/21/04/39/2266c533e05a46/US20100299421A1.pdf
- Description: The present invention relates to a digital multimedia network of apparatuses each comprising a control device, wherein a device parameter of an apparatus is controlled by sending a command message (CMD) to said control device of said apparatus containing a tree-structured hierarchical parameter address (HPA) which consists of parameter grouping identifiers each corresponding to a hierarchy level of a predetermined tree-structured parameter hierarchy used for addressing device parameters throughout said digital multimedia network.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010
- Authors: Gurdan, Robby , Foss, Richard
- Date: 2010
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/427083 , vital:72413 , https://patentimages.storage.googleapis.com/21/04/39/2266c533e05a46/US20100299421A1.pdf
- Description: The present invention relates to a digital multimedia network of apparatuses each comprising a control device, wherein a device parameter of an apparatus is controlled by sending a command message (CMD) to said control device of said apparatus containing a tree-structured hierarchical parameter address (HPA) which consists of parameter grouping identifiers each corresponding to a hierarchy level of a predetermined tree-structured parameter hierarchy used for addressing device parameters throughout said digital multimedia network.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010
Does reservoir trophic status influence the feeding and growth of the sharptooth catfish, Clarias gariepinus (Teleostei: Clariidae)?
- Potts, Warren M, Hecht, Thomas, Andrew, Timothy G
- Authors: Potts, Warren M , Hecht, Thomas , Andrew, Timothy G
- Date: 2010
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/124309 , vital:35591 , https://doi.org/10.2989/A JAS.2008.33.2.6.503
- Description: The diet and growth of sharptooth catfish, Clarias gariepinus, in an oligotrophic system (Kat River Reservoir, Eastern Cape, South Africa) were compared to those in a eutrophic system (Laing Reservoir, Eastern Cape) to determine if the trophic status of a waterbody had an effect on the growth rate of the species. In order of importance, the diet of catfish in Kat River Reservoir consisted of fish, insects, zooplankton, plant material and other items, while the diet of catfish in Laing Reservoir consisted of fish, plant material, zooplankton, other vertebrates and insects. The diets of catfish in the two reservoirs had a similarity index of 68.1% and there was no significant difference in their nutritional value. Fish prey was the most important dietary component in both reservoirs. Temperature regime and zooplankton and zoobenthos density were similar in both systems. However, fish prey density was significantly higher in the eutrophic Laing Reservoir and catfish grew significantly faster in that system. The slower growth rate in Kat River Reservoir was attributed to the higher energy costs associated with the capture of fish prey, which was less abundant than in Laing Reservoir. Trophic status therefore had an indirect effect on catfish growth by influencing the availability of fish prey.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010
- Authors: Potts, Warren M , Hecht, Thomas , Andrew, Timothy G
- Date: 2010
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/124309 , vital:35591 , https://doi.org/10.2989/A JAS.2008.33.2.6.503
- Description: The diet and growth of sharptooth catfish, Clarias gariepinus, in an oligotrophic system (Kat River Reservoir, Eastern Cape, South Africa) were compared to those in a eutrophic system (Laing Reservoir, Eastern Cape) to determine if the trophic status of a waterbody had an effect on the growth rate of the species. In order of importance, the diet of catfish in Kat River Reservoir consisted of fish, insects, zooplankton, plant material and other items, while the diet of catfish in Laing Reservoir consisted of fish, plant material, zooplankton, other vertebrates and insects. The diets of catfish in the two reservoirs had a similarity index of 68.1% and there was no significant difference in their nutritional value. Fish prey was the most important dietary component in both reservoirs. Temperature regime and zooplankton and zoobenthos density were similar in both systems. However, fish prey density was significantly higher in the eutrophic Laing Reservoir and catfish grew significantly faster in that system. The slower growth rate in Kat River Reservoir was attributed to the higher energy costs associated with the capture of fish prey, which was less abundant than in Laing Reservoir. Trophic status therefore had an indirect effect on catfish growth by influencing the availability of fish prey.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010
Ecological impacts of small dams on South African rivers Part 2: Biotic response – abundance and composition of macroinvertebrate communities
- Mantel, Sukhmani K, Muller, N W J, Hughes, Denis A
- Authors: Mantel, Sukhmani K , Muller, N W J , Hughes, Denis A
- Date: 2010
- Language: English
- Type: text , Article
- Identifier: vital:7095 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1012437
- Description: This paper investigates the cumulative impacts of small dams on invertebrate communities in 2 regions of South Africa – the Western Cape and Mpumalanga. Previous research found reduced discharge, increased total dissolved salts, and a decrease in average score per taxon (ASPT; collected using SASS4 methods) at sites with high density of small dams in their catchment. These changes in ASPT are investigated using the invertebrate abundance data available in the River Health Programme. Multivariate analyses found differences in invertebrate communities in rivers with high densities of small dams in their catchment in foothill-gravel streams (in both Western Cape and Mpumalanga) and in foothill-cobble streams (in Western Cape only). Opportunistic taxa that are tolerant of pollution, and capable of exploiting various habitats, and those that prefer slower currents increased in numbers, while other taxa that are sensitive to pollution and disturbance declined in numbers. Some regional differences were noted possibly reflecting climatic differences between the regions. Since the results of this study are correlative, it highlights the need for a systematic (by sites and seasons) and detailed (at species level) collection of data to verify the results of cumulative effects of small dams. This can further the development of a framework for small-dam construction and management that will limit their impact on river catchments.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010
- Authors: Mantel, Sukhmani K , Muller, N W J , Hughes, Denis A
- Date: 2010
- Language: English
- Type: text , Article
- Identifier: vital:7095 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1012437
- Description: This paper investigates the cumulative impacts of small dams on invertebrate communities in 2 regions of South Africa – the Western Cape and Mpumalanga. Previous research found reduced discharge, increased total dissolved salts, and a decrease in average score per taxon (ASPT; collected using SASS4 methods) at sites with high density of small dams in their catchment. These changes in ASPT are investigated using the invertebrate abundance data available in the River Health Programme. Multivariate analyses found differences in invertebrate communities in rivers with high densities of small dams in their catchment in foothill-gravel streams (in both Western Cape and Mpumalanga) and in foothill-cobble streams (in Western Cape only). Opportunistic taxa that are tolerant of pollution, and capable of exploiting various habitats, and those that prefer slower currents increased in numbers, while other taxa that are sensitive to pollution and disturbance declined in numbers. Some regional differences were noted possibly reflecting climatic differences between the regions. Since the results of this study are correlative, it highlights the need for a systematic (by sites and seasons) and detailed (at species level) collection of data to verify the results of cumulative effects of small dams. This can further the development of a framework for small-dam construction and management that will limit their impact on river catchments.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010
Econometric determinants of liquidity of the South African bond market
- Mingiri, Kapingura Forget https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5808-5612
- Authors: Mingiri, Kapingura Forget https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5808-5612
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: Economic indicators , Economic forecasting -- Africa , Bond market
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/26346 , vital:65243
- Description: The importance of the bond market to the financial system and broader economy of a country cannot be underestimated. It is important to analyse factors which determine liquidity in this essential market. This study seeks to establish the determinants of liquidity in the South African bond market using monthly data covering the period 1995 to 2009. It begins by providing an updated overview of the South African bond market and an analysis of the relevant literature. Two models linking bond market liquidity to its theoretical determinants were specified. In contrast to the available literature, this study analyses liquidity at both macroeconomic and market microstructure level using two measures of liquidity, volume and the bid-ask spread, applying the VAR approach and two-stage least squares for robust check. All macroeconomic variables (except stock market) were identified to have an impact on bond market liquidity in the long-run. As far as market microstructure factors are concerned, both volume and volatility were established to be important determinants of liquidity in the South African bond market. The study recommended that, as for macroeconomic factors, authorities should keep inflation at low and stables levels as well as a stable currency. Also, offering bond investors certain facilities and the removal of restrictions on foreign investor activities are other important conditions to improve bond market liquidity. As far as market microstructure factors are concerned, we suggest that, ways to safe-guard against excessive volatility include the creation of a vibrant derivative market, development of a more active and well-functioning repurchase market./ , Thesis (MCom) -- Faculty of Management and Commerce, 2010
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010
- Authors: Mingiri, Kapingura Forget https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5808-5612
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: Economic indicators , Economic forecasting -- Africa , Bond market
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/26346 , vital:65243
- Description: The importance of the bond market to the financial system and broader economy of a country cannot be underestimated. It is important to analyse factors which determine liquidity in this essential market. This study seeks to establish the determinants of liquidity in the South African bond market using monthly data covering the period 1995 to 2009. It begins by providing an updated overview of the South African bond market and an analysis of the relevant literature. Two models linking bond market liquidity to its theoretical determinants were specified. In contrast to the available literature, this study analyses liquidity at both macroeconomic and market microstructure level using two measures of liquidity, volume and the bid-ask spread, applying the VAR approach and two-stage least squares for robust check. All macroeconomic variables (except stock market) were identified to have an impact on bond market liquidity in the long-run. As far as market microstructure factors are concerned, both volume and volatility were established to be important determinants of liquidity in the South African bond market. The study recommended that, as for macroeconomic factors, authorities should keep inflation at low and stables levels as well as a stable currency. Also, offering bond investors certain facilities and the removal of restrictions on foreign investor activities are other important conditions to improve bond market liquidity. As far as market microstructure factors are concerned, we suggest that, ways to safe-guard against excessive volatility include the creation of a vibrant derivative market, development of a more active and well-functioning repurchase market./ , Thesis (MCom) -- Faculty of Management and Commerce, 2010
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010
Education for Sustainable Development and retention: unravelling a research agenda
- Authors: Lotz-Sisitka, Heila
- Date: 2010
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/127192 , vital:35975 , https://10.1007/s11159-010-9165-9
- Description: This paper considers the question of what education for sustainable development (ESD) research might signify when linked to the concept of “retention”, and how this relation (ESD and retention) might be researched. It considers two different perspectives on retention, as revealed through educational research trajectories, drawing on existing research and case studies. Firstly, it discusses an ESD research agenda that documents retention by focusing on the issue of keeping children in schools. This research agenda is typical of the existing discourses surrounding Education for All (EFA). It then discusses a related ESD research agenda that focuses more on the pedagogical and curricular aspects of retention, as this provides for a deeper understanding of how ESD can contribute to improving the quality of teaching and learning within a wider EFA retention agenda.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010
- Authors: Lotz-Sisitka, Heila
- Date: 2010
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/127192 , vital:35975 , https://10.1007/s11159-010-9165-9
- Description: This paper considers the question of what education for sustainable development (ESD) research might signify when linked to the concept of “retention”, and how this relation (ESD and retention) might be researched. It considers two different perspectives on retention, as revealed through educational research trajectories, drawing on existing research and case studies. Firstly, it discusses an ESD research agenda that documents retention by focusing on the issue of keeping children in schools. This research agenda is typical of the existing discourses surrounding Education for All (EFA). It then discusses a related ESD research agenda that focuses more on the pedagogical and curricular aspects of retention, as this provides for a deeper understanding of how ESD can contribute to improving the quality of teaching and learning within a wider EFA retention agenda.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010
Effects of hyperinflation on stock market performance: case of Zimbabwe
- Authors: Mutandwa, Tsitsi Hope
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: Stocks--Zimbabwe , Stock exchanges--Zimbabwe , Inflation targeting--Zimbabwe
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/24980 , vital:63768
- Description: In this study an analysis of the long-term equilibrium relationship between inflation, selected macroeconomic variables and the Zimbabwe stock market (represented by market capitalization) is explored. Using stock market capitalization as a proxy for stock market performance is important for an investigator since it can capture movements in the whole market. The link between stock market performance and macroeconomic variables in particular inflation is well-documented in the literature. However, a void in the literature relates to examining the cointegration between hyperinflation and stock market performance. Although hyperinflation is nothing more than inflation at high rates, clarity on this point is necessary because of the seemingly unclear nature of the relationship in the literature. Inflation has mostly been documented as negatively impacting on financial markets. This is not so clear when it comes to hyperinflation. The Zimbabwean stock market has performed well during the high inflation period. This then raises the question: Does hyperinflation stimulate the growth of the stock market? The analysis is undertaken by employing cointegration and vector error correction modeling approach using quarterly data for the period 1980-2007 Our results show among others, that hyperinflation has impacted negatively on the growth of the stock market in Zimbabwe. However, other driving factors such as foreign direct investment and relatively high bank lending rates may have fuelled the observed growth in the stock market during the period of study. , Thesis (MCom) -- Faculty of Management and Commerce, 2010
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010
- Authors: Mutandwa, Tsitsi Hope
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: Stocks--Zimbabwe , Stock exchanges--Zimbabwe , Inflation targeting--Zimbabwe
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/24980 , vital:63768
- Description: In this study an analysis of the long-term equilibrium relationship between inflation, selected macroeconomic variables and the Zimbabwe stock market (represented by market capitalization) is explored. Using stock market capitalization as a proxy for stock market performance is important for an investigator since it can capture movements in the whole market. The link between stock market performance and macroeconomic variables in particular inflation is well-documented in the literature. However, a void in the literature relates to examining the cointegration between hyperinflation and stock market performance. Although hyperinflation is nothing more than inflation at high rates, clarity on this point is necessary because of the seemingly unclear nature of the relationship in the literature. Inflation has mostly been documented as negatively impacting on financial markets. This is not so clear when it comes to hyperinflation. The Zimbabwean stock market has performed well during the high inflation period. This then raises the question: Does hyperinflation stimulate the growth of the stock market? The analysis is undertaken by employing cointegration and vector error correction modeling approach using quarterly data for the period 1980-2007 Our results show among others, that hyperinflation has impacted negatively on the growth of the stock market in Zimbabwe. However, other driving factors such as foreign direct investment and relatively high bank lending rates may have fuelled the observed growth in the stock market during the period of study. , Thesis (MCom) -- Faculty of Management and Commerce, 2010
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010
Electrocatalytic oxidation of amitrole and diuron on iron (II) tetraaminophthalocyanine-single walled carbon nanotube dendrimer
- Mugadza, Tawanda, Nyokong, Tebello
- Authors: Mugadza, Tawanda , Nyokong, Tebello
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/262611 , vital:53536 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.electacta.2009.12.051"
- Description: FeTAPc-single walled carbon nanotube (SWCNT) dendrimers are employed as glassy carbon electrode modifiers for the electrocatalytic oxidations of amitrole and diuron. The catalytic rate constants were 4.55 × 103 M−1 s−1 and 1.79 × 104 M−1 s−1 for amitrole and diuron, respectively using chronoamperometric studies. The diffusion constants were found to be 1.52 × 10−4 cm2 s−1 and 1.91 × 10−4 cm2 s−1 for diuron and amitrole, respectively. The linear concentration range for both were from 5.0 × 10−5 to 1.0 × 10−4 M and sensitivities of 0.6603 μA/μM and 0.6641 μA/μM for amitrole and diuron, with corresponding limits of detection of 2.15 × 10−7 and 2.6 × 10−7 M using the 3δ notation, respectively.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010
- Authors: Mugadza, Tawanda , Nyokong, Tebello
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/262611 , vital:53536 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.electacta.2009.12.051"
- Description: FeTAPc-single walled carbon nanotube (SWCNT) dendrimers are employed as glassy carbon electrode modifiers for the electrocatalytic oxidations of amitrole and diuron. The catalytic rate constants were 4.55 × 103 M−1 s−1 and 1.79 × 104 M−1 s−1 for amitrole and diuron, respectively using chronoamperometric studies. The diffusion constants were found to be 1.52 × 10−4 cm2 s−1 and 1.91 × 10−4 cm2 s−1 for diuron and amitrole, respectively. The linear concentration range for both were from 5.0 × 10−5 to 1.0 × 10−4 M and sensitivities of 0.6603 μA/μM and 0.6641 μA/μM for amitrole and diuron, with corresponding limits of detection of 2.15 × 10−7 and 2.6 × 10−7 M using the 3δ notation, respectively.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010
Electrochemical, spectroscopic and microscopic studies of new manganese phthalocyanine complexes in solution and as self-assembled monolayers on gold
- Coates, Megan, Antunes, Edith M, Nyokong, Tebello
- Authors: Coates, Megan , Antunes, Edith M , Nyokong, Tebello
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/261144 , vital:53363 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1142/S1088424610002471"
- Description: Four new manganese(III) phthalocyanines (3a–d), octasubstituted at the peripheral position with pentylthio, decylthio, benzylthio, and phenylthio groups, respectively, were synthesized. Their specific electrochemical, spectroscopic and microscopic properties in solution and as self-assembled monolayers on gold were characterized. The UV-vis spectra confirmed red-shifted Q bands for all the complexes, due to the effect of the central metal and the electron-donating substituents. Three redox couples were visible during cyclic voltammetry studies for the four complexes, and spectroelectrochemistry confirmed the couples as corresponding to MnIIIPc-2/MnIIPc-2 (II) (metal reduction), MnIIPc-2/MnIIPc-3 (III) (ring reduction) and MnIIIPc-1/MnIIIPc-2 (I) (ring oxidation). Electrochemistry was also used to determine the blocking characteristics of the MnPc self-assembled monolayers on gold, which proved to be highly dependent on the type of substituent. Other methods of characterization included Raman spectroscopy, atomic force and scanning electrochemical microscopy analyses of the SAMs.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010
- Authors: Coates, Megan , Antunes, Edith M , Nyokong, Tebello
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/261144 , vital:53363 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1142/S1088424610002471"
- Description: Four new manganese(III) phthalocyanines (3a–d), octasubstituted at the peripheral position with pentylthio, decylthio, benzylthio, and phenylthio groups, respectively, were synthesized. Their specific electrochemical, spectroscopic and microscopic properties in solution and as self-assembled monolayers on gold were characterized. The UV-vis spectra confirmed red-shifted Q bands for all the complexes, due to the effect of the central metal and the electron-donating substituents. Three redox couples were visible during cyclic voltammetry studies for the four complexes, and spectroelectrochemistry confirmed the couples as corresponding to MnIIIPc-2/MnIIPc-2 (II) (metal reduction), MnIIPc-2/MnIIPc-3 (III) (ring reduction) and MnIIIPc-1/MnIIIPc-2 (I) (ring oxidation). Electrochemistry was also used to determine the blocking characteristics of the MnPc self-assembled monolayers on gold, which proved to be highly dependent on the type of substituent. Other methods of characterization included Raman spectroscopy, atomic force and scanning electrochemical microscopy analyses of the SAMs.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010
Empirically modelled Pc3 activity based on solar wind parameters
- Heilig, B, Lotz, S I, Verő, J, Sutcliffe, P, Reda, J, Pajunpää, G, Raita, T
- Authors: Heilig, B , Lotz, S I , Verő, J , Sutcliffe, P , Reda, J , Pajunpää, G , Raita, T
- Date: 2010
- Language: English
- Type: text , Article
- Identifier: vital:6814 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1004324
- Description: It is known that under certain solar wind (SW)/interplanetary magnetic field (IMF) conditions (e.g. high SW speed, low cone angle) the occurrence of ground-level Pc3–4 pulsations is more likely. In this paper we demonstrate that in the event of anomalously low SW particle density, Pc3 activity is extremely low regardless of otherwise favourable SW speed and cone angle. We re-investigate the SW control of Pc3 pulsation activity through a statistical analysis and two empirical models with emphasis on the influence of SW density on Pc3 activity. We utilise SW and IMF measurements from the OMNI project and ground-based magnetometer measurements from the MM100 array to relate SW and IMF measurements to the occurrence of Pc3 activity. Multiple linear regression and artificial neural network models are used in iterative processes in order to identify sets of SW-based input parameters, which optimally reproduce a set of Pc3 activity data. The inclusion of SW density in the parameter set significantly improves the models. Not only the density itself, but other density related parameters, such as the dynamic pressure of the SW, or the standoff distance of the magnetopause work equally well in the model. The disappearance of Pc3s during low-density events can have at least four reasons according to the existing upstream wave theory: 1. Pausing the ion-cyclotron resonance that generates the upstream ultra low frequency waves in the absence of protons, 2. Weakening of the bow shock that implies less efficient reflection, 3. The SW becomes sub-Alfvénic and hence it is not able to sweep back the waves propagating upstream with the Alfvén-speed, and 4. The increase of the standoff distance of the magnetopause (and of the bow shock). Although the models cannot account for the lack of Pc3s during intervals when the SW density is extremely low, the resulting sets of optimal model inputs support the generation of mid latitude Pc3 activity predominantly through upstream waves.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010
- Authors: Heilig, B , Lotz, S I , Verő, J , Sutcliffe, P , Reda, J , Pajunpää, G , Raita, T
- Date: 2010
- Language: English
- Type: text , Article
- Identifier: vital:6814 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1004324
- Description: It is known that under certain solar wind (SW)/interplanetary magnetic field (IMF) conditions (e.g. high SW speed, low cone angle) the occurrence of ground-level Pc3–4 pulsations is more likely. In this paper we demonstrate that in the event of anomalously low SW particle density, Pc3 activity is extremely low regardless of otherwise favourable SW speed and cone angle. We re-investigate the SW control of Pc3 pulsation activity through a statistical analysis and two empirical models with emphasis on the influence of SW density on Pc3 activity. We utilise SW and IMF measurements from the OMNI project and ground-based magnetometer measurements from the MM100 array to relate SW and IMF measurements to the occurrence of Pc3 activity. Multiple linear regression and artificial neural network models are used in iterative processes in order to identify sets of SW-based input parameters, which optimally reproduce a set of Pc3 activity data. The inclusion of SW density in the parameter set significantly improves the models. Not only the density itself, but other density related parameters, such as the dynamic pressure of the SW, or the standoff distance of the magnetopause work equally well in the model. The disappearance of Pc3s during low-density events can have at least four reasons according to the existing upstream wave theory: 1. Pausing the ion-cyclotron resonance that generates the upstream ultra low frequency waves in the absence of protons, 2. Weakening of the bow shock that implies less efficient reflection, 3. The SW becomes sub-Alfvénic and hence it is not able to sweep back the waves propagating upstream with the Alfvén-speed, and 4. The increase of the standoff distance of the magnetopause (and of the bow shock). Although the models cannot account for the lack of Pc3s during intervals when the SW density is extremely low, the resulting sets of optimal model inputs support the generation of mid latitude Pc3 activity predominantly through upstream waves.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010
Estuarine use by spotted grunter Pomadasys commersonnii in a South African estuary, as determined by acoustic telemetry
- Childs, Amber-Robyn, Cowley, Paul D, Næsje, T F, Booth, Anthony J, Potts, Warren M, Thorstad, Eva B, Økland, F
- Authors: Childs, Amber-Robyn , Cowley, Paul D , Næsje, T F , Booth, Anthony J , Potts, Warren M , Thorstad, Eva B , Økland, F
- Date: 2010
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/124428 , vital:35612 , https://doi.org/10.2989/A JMS.2008.30.1.12.462
- Description: Estuaries are important in the life history and the maintenance of the diversity of coastal fish species because of their function as nursery areas for juveniles as well as feeding grounds for adults (Cyrus 1991). The dependence of many fish species on estuaries is well documented (e.g. Wallace et al. 1984, Lenanton and Potter 1987, Blaber et al. 1989, Whitfield 1990, Hoss and Thayer 1993). Spotted grunter Pomadasys commersonnii (Haemulidae) (Lacepède 1801) is an estuarine-dependent species which spawns in the KwaZulu-Natal inshore coastal waters, between August and December (Wallace 1975b, Wallace and van der Elst 1975, Harris and Cyrus 1997, 1999). The eggs and larvae are transported southwards by the Agulhas Current, and juveniles between 20 mm and 50 mm TL recruit into the KwaZulu-Natal and south-eastern Cape estuaries (Wallace and van der Elst 1975, Whitfield 1990). Juvenile spotted grunter make use of the abundant food resources in estuaries, where they grow rapidly and remain for a period of 1–3 years (Wallace and Schleyer 1979, Day et al. 1981). Upon attaining sexual maturity (at between 300 mm and 400 mm TL), they return to the marine environment (Wallace 1975b). Some adults, however, return to estuaries to feed and to regain condition after spawning (Wallace 1975b, Whitfield 1994). The return of post-spawning fish coincides with increased catches by fishers in estuaries between July and January. These events are known as ‘grunter runs’ (Wallace 1975a, Marais and Baird 1980, Marais 1988, Pradervand and Baird 2002). It is suggested that adults spend up to several months in estuaries, before moving back to sea where they undergo gonadal development and ultimately spawn (Wallace 1975b, Wallace and van der Elst 1975). It is believed that adult fish also enter estuaries in a prespawning state to gain condition en route to their spawning grounds in KwaZulu-Natal (Webb 2002).
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010
- Authors: Childs, Amber-Robyn , Cowley, Paul D , Næsje, T F , Booth, Anthony J , Potts, Warren M , Thorstad, Eva B , Økland, F
- Date: 2010
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/124428 , vital:35612 , https://doi.org/10.2989/A JMS.2008.30.1.12.462
- Description: Estuaries are important in the life history and the maintenance of the diversity of coastal fish species because of their function as nursery areas for juveniles as well as feeding grounds for adults (Cyrus 1991). The dependence of many fish species on estuaries is well documented (e.g. Wallace et al. 1984, Lenanton and Potter 1987, Blaber et al. 1989, Whitfield 1990, Hoss and Thayer 1993). Spotted grunter Pomadasys commersonnii (Haemulidae) (Lacepède 1801) is an estuarine-dependent species which spawns in the KwaZulu-Natal inshore coastal waters, between August and December (Wallace 1975b, Wallace and van der Elst 1975, Harris and Cyrus 1997, 1999). The eggs and larvae are transported southwards by the Agulhas Current, and juveniles between 20 mm and 50 mm TL recruit into the KwaZulu-Natal and south-eastern Cape estuaries (Wallace and van der Elst 1975, Whitfield 1990). Juvenile spotted grunter make use of the abundant food resources in estuaries, where they grow rapidly and remain for a period of 1–3 years (Wallace and Schleyer 1979, Day et al. 1981). Upon attaining sexual maturity (at between 300 mm and 400 mm TL), they return to the marine environment (Wallace 1975b). Some adults, however, return to estuaries to feed and to regain condition after spawning (Wallace 1975b, Whitfield 1994). The return of post-spawning fish coincides with increased catches by fishers in estuaries between July and January. These events are known as ‘grunter runs’ (Wallace 1975a, Marais and Baird 1980, Marais 1988, Pradervand and Baird 2002). It is suggested that adults spend up to several months in estuaries, before moving back to sea where they undergo gonadal development and ultimately spawn (Wallace 1975b, Wallace and van der Elst 1975). It is believed that adult fish also enter estuaries in a prespawning state to gain condition en route to their spawning grounds in KwaZulu-Natal (Webb 2002).
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010
Ethics-oriented learning in environmental education workplaces: An activity theory approach
- Authors: Olvitt, Lausanne L
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/370961 , vital:66398 , xlink:href="https://www.ajol.info/index.php/sajee/article/view/122874"
- Description: In the context of increasing national and global environmental challenges and their implications for the working world, new ethics and practices are being introduced into workplaces that take better account of socio-ecological relations. Little is understood, however, about the nature of ethics-oriented workplace learning. Drawing on Cultural Historical Activity Theory (CHAT), which enables historically and contextually situated relational perspectives to emerge, this paper explores contradictions in the activity systems of two young environmental education learner-practitioners struggling to engage with the ethical dimensions of their professional work and the professional development course they are studying. The study focuses in particular on the environmental values and ethics component of their course – a year-long Learnership in Environmental Education, Training and Development Practices (EETDP). The paper reflects how tensions and contradictions within and between the interacting activity systems of the workplace, the course, and its regulating qualifications authority influence the teaching and learning of the environmental ethics component of the course. Ethics-oriented teaching and learning processes are found to be strongly influenced by the ‘rules’ and ‘mediating tools’ of these interacting systems, but these are often at odds with the ethical perspectives, socio-cultural context and skills of the ‘subject’ and ‘community’. These systemic contradictions can be more fully understood when their cultural and historical origins are made explicit. The analytical process has led to a more nuanced understanding of ethics-oriented teaching and learning in a workplace-based course, and has revealed several areas needing more careful research (particularly the area of environmental discourses) and the explicit and implicit language of ethics.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010
- Authors: Olvitt, Lausanne L
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/370961 , vital:66398 , xlink:href="https://www.ajol.info/index.php/sajee/article/view/122874"
- Description: In the context of increasing national and global environmental challenges and their implications for the working world, new ethics and practices are being introduced into workplaces that take better account of socio-ecological relations. Little is understood, however, about the nature of ethics-oriented workplace learning. Drawing on Cultural Historical Activity Theory (CHAT), which enables historically and contextually situated relational perspectives to emerge, this paper explores contradictions in the activity systems of two young environmental education learner-practitioners struggling to engage with the ethical dimensions of their professional work and the professional development course they are studying. The study focuses in particular on the environmental values and ethics component of their course – a year-long Learnership in Environmental Education, Training and Development Practices (EETDP). The paper reflects how tensions and contradictions within and between the interacting activity systems of the workplace, the course, and its regulating qualifications authority influence the teaching and learning of the environmental ethics component of the course. Ethics-oriented teaching and learning processes are found to be strongly influenced by the ‘rules’ and ‘mediating tools’ of these interacting systems, but these are often at odds with the ethical perspectives, socio-cultural context and skills of the ‘subject’ and ‘community’. These systemic contradictions can be more fully understood when their cultural and historical origins are made explicit. The analytical process has led to a more nuanced understanding of ethics-oriented teaching and learning in a workplace-based course, and has revealed several areas needing more careful research (particularly the area of environmental discourses) and the explicit and implicit language of ethics.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010
Extending Java’s communication mechanisms for multicore processors
- Authors: Wells, George C
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/430526 , vital:72697 , https://citeseerx.ist.psu.edu/document?repid=rep1type=pdfdoi=4068ed60c317e81dc70288cf36ff586dc057233f
- Description: With the current trend towards the increased use of multicore proces-sors, there is a growing need for simple, efficient parallel programming mechanisms. While Java has good support for multithreaded and dis-tributed application development, our research into tuple-space systems for multicore processors highlighted a gap in the concurrency facilities available in Java. This arises in the context of independent applications (running in separate virtual machines) that need to synchronise their ac-tivities or communicate with each other. There are several possible solu-tions to this problem, ranging from extensions to the language and/or runtime environment through to the use of distributed programming methods. Using the latter introduces considerable performance over-heads, and so we explored the use of the Java Native Interface in order to take advantage of the interprocess communication (IPC) facilities pro-vided by the underlying operating system. The analysis and comparison of the performance of the standard approaches and our prototype library suggest that there are real benefits to be gained by alternative ap-proaches to the provision of IPC mechanisms for independent Java programs executing on multicore systems. We hope that these findings will spur further investigation of this problem and other possible solu-tions.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010
- Authors: Wells, George C
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/430526 , vital:72697 , https://citeseerx.ist.psu.edu/document?repid=rep1type=pdfdoi=4068ed60c317e81dc70288cf36ff586dc057233f
- Description: With the current trend towards the increased use of multicore proces-sors, there is a growing need for simple, efficient parallel programming mechanisms. While Java has good support for multithreaded and dis-tributed application development, our research into tuple-space systems for multicore processors highlighted a gap in the concurrency facilities available in Java. This arises in the context of independent applications (running in separate virtual machines) that need to synchronise their ac-tivities or communicate with each other. There are several possible solu-tions to this problem, ranging from extensions to the language and/or runtime environment through to the use of distributed programming methods. Using the latter introduces considerable performance over-heads, and so we explored the use of the Java Native Interface in order to take advantage of the interprocess communication (IPC) facilities pro-vided by the underlying operating system. The analysis and comparison of the performance of the standard approaches and our prototype library suggest that there are real benefits to be gained by alternative ap-proaches to the provision of IPC mechanisms for independent Java programs executing on multicore systems. We hope that these findings will spur further investigation of this problem and other possible solu-tions.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010