How much its own and to what end?: SADC and the culture of security and regional organisation in Southern Africa
- Authors: Bischoff, Paul, 1954-
- Date: 2013
- Language: English
- Type: text , book
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/161650 , vital:40650 , ISBN 9781134118656
- Description: This book aims to examine the conceptions and practices of security adopted by Regional Organisations (ROs) across the globe. Since the end of the Cold War, there has been an increased focus on regions as a relevant realm for security, with actors within regional contexts identifying a significant degree of interdependency between one another. As a consequence, international security has taken on a distinct regionally institutionalised character, as seen by the increase in calls for greater utilisation of ‘Chapter VIII: Regional Arrangements’ of the UN, in order to create a devolved UN-led system of global security management. However, the idea of a system of global security management is a remote prospect, because divergence seems to be as important as commonality in terms of regional security.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
Human capital: workforce level of education in non-profit organisations operating in South Africa; a comparative study of civil societies in Cape Town
- Authors: Dominic, Mario-Princewill Patrick
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Nonprofit organizations -- South Africa -- Cape Town , Human capital -- South Africa -- Cape Town
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9230 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1021000
- Description: A descriptive research with quantitative approach examined human capital in Non-profit organisations with three objectives: to ascertain the qualifications and skills essential in the non-profit sector; to determine if Non-profit organisations provide training and education support for its workforce and to describe formal education level of NPO workforce in South Africa. The study population were employees of Non-Profit organisation (NPO’s) operating in Cape Town. In order to evaluate human capital, workforce level of education of the non-profit organisations in South Africa, significant to addressing most Non-profit organisations challenges in recent time, a survey has been conducted among the South Africa non-profits, identified on the basis of the simple random sampling. 300 questionnaires were sent out, and 147 valid responses received. Empirical results from the selected civil society organisation seem to suggest and concluded that Non-profit organisations workforce are educated up to Honours degree level on average. However, that education may not be priority for the workforce, rather passion for the job and that satisfactory human capital management reduces turnover, in order word attract and enable retention of productive workforce for non-profit organisation effectiveness.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
Human Rights and Conflict Transformation in Africa
- Authors: Juma, Laurence
- Date: 2013
- Language: English
- Type: text , book
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/127449 , vital:36012 , ISBN 9789956790418 , http://www.africanbookscollective.com/books/human-rights-and-conflict-transformation-in-africa
- Description: This study maps the interactions between human rights norms and values, on the one hand, and conflict resolution, post–conflict peace-building and reconstruction, on the other. It advances the view both from a theoretical and practical standpoint, that human rights have a role to play throughout the life of any conflict: from the pre-conflict to the post-conflict and reconstruction stages. Identifying entry points for human rights in the pre-conflict stage leading up to the establishment of the rule of law and societal reconstruction after the conflict, this book uses Sierra Leone and Democratic Republic of Congo experiences to illustrate the obstacles, the successes, and the significance of human rights norms to the overall peace agenda in societies afflicted by conflict.
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2013
Human rights implications of the compulsory HIV/AIDS testing policy: a critical appraisal of the law and practice in South Africa, Uganda and Canada
- Authors: Chiringa, Kudakwashe E M
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: HIV infections -- Prevention , HIV-positive persons -- Civil rights , AIDS (Disease) -- Patients -- Legal status, laws, etc. , AIDS (Disease) -- Law and legislation
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , LLM
- Identifier: vital:11106 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1017298 , HIV infections -- Prevention , HIV-positive persons -- Civil rights , AIDS (Disease) -- Patients -- Legal status, laws, etc. , AIDS (Disease) -- Law and legislation
- Description: HIV/AIDS has been an obstacle to socio-economic development and a major cause of loss of human life. It has also caused vast inequities and frustration to the public health sector. One of the significant efforts made by the public health sector to combat the epidemic is the implementation of a mandatory HIV/AIDS testing policy to scale-up HIV treatment. This dissertation examines the impact of this policy on the human rights of people infected with and affected by HIV/AIDS. Coercive government policies aimed at controlling the AIDS pandemic often infringe on the rights of individuals known to be or suspected of living with HIV/AIDS and this decreases the effectiveness of public health measures. The research methodology involved the study of written literature and a comparative literature study of the law and practice obtaining in South Africa, Uganda and Canada. It revealed that voluntary testing is effective and suitable in South Africa. This dissertation aimed to show that any public health approach that aims to achieve a comprehensive prevention strategy must be consistent with respect for human rights as enshrined in regional and international human rights law. Public health and human rights should, therefore, not be regarded as opposing forces; rather they should be seen as a unified system of protection of human welfare under the Bill of Rights and the Constitution. The solution to the crisis lies not only in testing every single person but also requires a shift of focus to more pressing issues that include gender equality, stigma and discrimination; prioritizing human rights, institutional capacity and resources; and an end to extreme poverty. A human rights-based approach to HIV/AIDS testing, such as the Voluntary Counselling and Testing (VCT) is recommended. Therefore, failure to adhere to the core principles of testing - which are informed consent, counselling and confidentiality of the test result - will only hinder the global fight against HIV/AIDS. The rights of those affected by HIV/AIDS need to be protected in order to address public health imperatives. This can be done through the use of the law as an instrument of social change as well as education and awareness. Key words, HIV/AIDS, mandatory testing, Voluntary Counselling and Testing, public health, human rights-based approach.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
Human Trafficking: narratives of non-governmental organisation caregivers in the Eastern Cape
- Authors: Nabo, Sandisiwe Sifanelwe
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Human trafficking , Caregivers -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Human trafficking -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Human trafficking -- Prevention , Non-governmental organizations -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Economy
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , M Soc Sc (Psych)
- Identifier: vital:11613 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1005987 , Human trafficking , Caregivers -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Human trafficking -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Human trafficking -- Prevention , Non-governmental organizations -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Economy
- Description: Human trafficking is a social problem that has left no state or country immune to its effects. Literature indicates that human trafficking causes economic social and physical disruptions. Families are left broken and communities divided and children left homeless. Its victims are mostly women and children who come from low socio-economic status. Studies have been conducted on the roles of Non-Governmental Organisation`s across the globe but reports on the roles of NGOs in the Eastern Cape are unknown. This study reports on the roles of Non-Governmental Organisation`s (caregivers) in the Eastern Cape. This investigation is an exploratory qualitative study. A purposeful sampling strategy was used to recruit the Non-governmental organization (caregivers). In depth open ended interviews were conducted. The theories of Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) and socio-ecological theory were used to discuss the findings of the study. The findings of the study were categorized into four main themes including; knowledge of human trafficking, causes of human trafficking, roles of non-governmental organization (caregivers) in the Eastern Cape and strategies available in the Eastern Cape Province. The findings showed that human trafficking is present in the Eastern Cape. Abused and neglected children are more likely to become potential victims of human trafficking. The caregivers play a huge vital role in the fight against human trafficking. Lastly, the strategies implemented are not as effective as they would have been if adequate legislation was passed against human trafficking.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
Hungry but silent: a content analysis of media reporting on the 2011-2012 famine in Somalia
- Authors: Stupart, Richard
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Famines -- Political aspects -- Somalia Somalia -- In mass media Famines in mass media
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:3500 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1006054
- Description: This dissertation examines media coverage of the 2011- 2012 famine in Somalia by the websites of BBC News, CNN and Al Jazeera. Using both quantitative and qualitative content analyses, it asks why coverage of the famine began as late as it did, despite ample evidence of the coming famine. It further surveys the famine-related news reports for evidence of four paradigms through which the causes of famine can be understood; as a Malthusian competition between population and land, as a failure of food entitlements as conceived of by Sen (1981), as critical political event (Edkins, 2004), or as an issue of criminality (Alex de Waal, 2008). Findings include a dramatic silencing of victim’s accounts of famine, despite a reliance on their photographic images, as well as an overwhelming preference for Malthusian accounts of the famine. Late media coverage is explored via a new-values paradigm which links the sudden outburst of media coverage for the famine to a formal UN declaration, and suggests that this may have created a new elite-relevance to the event which did not exist before, and therefore making it of relevance to domestic publics.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
Hydrellia lagarosiphon Deeming (Diptera: Ephydridae), a potential biological control agent for the submerged aquatic weed, Lagarosiphon major (Ridl.) Moss ex Wager (Hydrocharitaceae)
- Authors: Martin, Grant D , Coetzee, Julie A , Baars, Jan-Robert
- Date: 2013
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/103912 , vital:32322 , https://doi.org/10.4001/003.021.0118
- Description: The leaf-mining fly, Hydrellia lagarosiphon Deeming (Diptera: Ephydridae), was investigated in its native range in South Africa, to determine its potential as a biological control agent for Lagarosiphon major (Ridl.) Moss ex Wager (Hydrocharitaceae), an invasive submerged macrophyte that is weedy in many parts of the world. The fly was found throughout the indigenous range of the plant in South Africa. High larval abundance was recorded at field sites with nearly all L. major shoots sampled ontaining larvae, with densities of up to 10 larvae per shoot. Adults laid batches of up to 15 eggs, usually on the abaxial sides of L. major leaves. The larvae mined internally, leaving the epidermal tissues of the upper and lower leaves intact. The larvae underwent three instars which took an average of 24 days and pupated within the leaf tissue, from which the adults emerged. Impact studies in the laboratory showed that H. lagarosiphon larval feeding significantly restricted the formation of L. major side branches. Based on its biology and damage caused to the plant, Hydrellia lagarosiphon could be considered as a useful biological control candidate for L. major in countries where the plant is invasive.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
Hydrothermal liquefaction of scenedesmus obliquus in a continuous reactor system
- Authors: Kaufmann, Gideon
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Biomass chemicals Microalgae -- Biotechnology , Supercritical fluids
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/47878 , vital:40393
- Description: In 2009 InnoVenton, a research institute at the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University (NMMU) set out to establish a technological concept of micro-algae to fuel, at which point an algae farm was established. The overall research strategy is envisaged to focus on a number of potential uses of algae biomass and related processes such as water treatment can take place, the binding of the biomass to coal fines to create briquettes are possible, and bio crude production from direct liquefaction. This project will focus on the latter. In 2010 a partnership between NMMU and the University of Cape Town’s (UCT) Department of Chemical Engineering was established to design, construct and commission a test unit that could convert the algae biomass into a pumpable bio crude by the liquefaction process. During the initial operation of this test unit, flow problems of the reaction product were observed. As such, the aim of this study is to investigate a number of process conditions and develop strategies to minimise or alleviate this problem. As part of this study, UCT will replicate the NMMU test unit in Cape Town in order to start focussing on finding relevant solutions to the problems which exist. Presently continuous reactor systems are not used for the liquefaction of micro-algae. According to Toor, et al(2011)¹ Other feedstocks have been placed in continuous reactor systems with good end results. They continue to write in their review that batch systems were used in most experiments. If micro-algae are to become a competitive alternative to crude oil then batch systems are not the way forward. From a commercial and efficiency standpoint, there are significant advantages to move from typical batch reactors to continuous reactors, specifically in terms of downtime and loading/unloading of vessels. From the evidence gathered in Port Elizabeth, the nature of the reaction product caused typical plugflow reactor systems to block. The aim of this study is to investigate possible solutions to the problem of the reactor system blockage and thus pave the way for the implementation of a continuous reactor system. There are many variables which can be manipulated to achieve success for example the use of catalysts, co-feeding of reactant gases like hydrogen, residence time, temperature or pressure. Manipulating these variable can help to change conversion and/or product spectrum. The results of this study will be compared to results obtained by typical batch experimentation conducted at NMMU. This research varied temperature only. This variation was effective enough to find solutions to the obstacles that were present. Once the algae feedstock was being diverted to the vent pot via the safety relief valve, it was understood that something was blocked. Once the reactor was cooled and removed, it was apparent that the reactor was not blocking up however the exit line to the product catch pot was. To solve this problem a new heated zone was created. This heated the exit line and the top of the product catch pot to around 50°C below the reaction temperature. This upgrade to the system made the oil liquor less vicous and flow easier. The exit line never blocked up again during the research. Energy values of the product were comparable to that of coal. Higher reaction temperatures favoured the production of paraffins and olefins while lower reaction temperatures favoured the production of oxygenates. An ampoule sampler was introduced to take samples of the gas exit line. The comprehensive gas chromatography analysis of the gas in the ampoules revealed that eventhough the concentration of the products present were low, there were significant quantities of paraffins present in the gas stream. More research and the variation of variables discussed previously need to be conducted. It is also apparent that the test unit needs to be upgraded to a bigger reactor and possibly to use materials of construction which do not corrode easily. A computer model could be developed in conjunction with the current test unit and then a bigger reactor might not be needed. The reducing of the oxygen content in the final bio crude also needs to be investigated. Overall the research is very promising in the fact that the final bio crude that was produced is comparable to coal. With further research it will be possible to create a product that is comparable to fossil crude oil and then could be used as a supplement to crude oil.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
ICT and education in a less privileged school of NMBA
- Authors: Mahleza, Nomfundo
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Educational technology -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Educational innovations -- Technological innovations -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Communication -- Technological innovations
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/6237 , vital:21058
- Description: Today’s society requires citizens to have a greater knowledge of information technology (IT) than in previous decades. Strategy programs at a national level define the skill needed in an information society and encourage people to learn these skills (Ministry of Education, 2004). In order for everybody to have the opportunity to learn the basics of the new technology, computer science should be included in general education. The development of technology, like Information and Communication Technology (ICT) has turned the world into a global village (Hashem, 2006). The key instrument in this globalisation is the personal computer. Computer–mediated communication is increasingly becoming the dominant means of communication, particularly in the developed and in some developing countries (Adebisi, 2008). In a developing country, ICT is one of the prime ingredients for development. This generally means improvement of people’s lifestyle through improved education, income, skills development and employment. Development should now also be viewed as a multidimensional process involving major changes in social structures, popular attitudes and a national progression of life from unsatisfactory to satisfactory (Servaes, 1999). Since one of the goals of education is to prepare students for work and citizenship, schools are attempting to change their policies, practices and a curriculum to meet the challenge of making pupils ready for a future quite different than the immediate past (Turker & Codding, 1998). The integration of ICT into the teaching and learning environment in secondary education in Port Elizabeth could change learning and teaching attitudes of learners and teachers and help to prepare them for future challenges. However, the success of this integration will depend on how the learners and teachers adapt to the changes and whether they can make ICT technologies part of their daily life. As it is, there is little or no information available regarding the extent of current ICT usage and access in these secondary schools. The research focuses on the availability, usage and the impact of ICT in education, particularly at a secondary school in the poverty-stricken area of Zwide in Port Elizabeth.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
Identification and evaluation of key factors for rehabilitation of shores denuded of mussels (Perna perna) along the Transkei Coast, South Africa
- Authors: Macala, Lukholo
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Mussels -- Ecology -- South Africa -- Transkei , Mussels -- Conservation -- South Africa -- Transkei , Mussels -- Growth -- South Africa -- Transkei , Mussels -- Effect of human beings on -- South Africa -- Transkei , Mussels -- Reproduction -- South Africa -- Transkei , Perna -- South Africa -- Transkei
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:5611 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002966 , Mussels -- Ecology -- South Africa -- Transkei , Mussels -- Conservation -- South Africa -- Transkei , Mussels -- Growth -- South Africa -- Transkei , Mussels -- Effect of human beings on -- South Africa -- Transkei , Mussels -- Reproduction -- South Africa -- Transkei , Perna -- South Africa -- Transkei
- Description: Mussels play an important supplementary role in the diet of local communities on the Transkei coast in the Eastern Cape province of South Africa. The exploitation of mussels date back to about 1350 years ago, but in the last 3 decades, exploitation of the brown mussel Perna perna has become unsustainable with mussels collected as small as 30-40mm when they are only just sexually mature. Dye and Dyantyi (2002) developed a technique to rehabilitate areas denuded of adult mussels. The government sponsored Mussel Rehabilitation Project (MRP) to use this technique but only some sites have been successfully rehabilitated, reaching c. 80 % cover within a year whilst others only reach about 5%. At an unexploited site (Riet River), I tested the effects of mussel size and wave strength on the effectiveness of the rehabilitation technique, hypothesizing that different size classes may respond differently due to differences in their energy allocation (growth vs reproduction), while wave action determines food supply. Small (1-2cm) and large mussels (3-4cm) were deployed for rehabilitation at 2 exposed and 2 sheltered sites, separated by 100s m. A similar study was repeated in Coffee Bay where shores are exploited. Six sites were selected, 3 sites that had been successfully rehabilitated and 3 that were unsuccessful according to the MRP. Again, two size classes were used but these differed from the first experiment. Mussels of 3-4cm size were now rated as small and 5-6cm as large. Two methods were used to re-attach mussels, the original and the same method with the addition of mesh bags during mussel deployment. Treatments were examined on three occasions at approximately one month intervals. At Riet River, the sites chosen did not show differences in wave strength (measured using dynamometers) or water flux (measured using erosion of cement balls) so that water motion was excluded from the analyses. Small mussels grew faster and had weaker attachment than large mussels. There was no difference in condition index between small and large mussels, or in the numbers of recruits settling among the byssus threads of deployed mussels of the two size classes. In Coffee Bay, there was no relationship between rehabilitation success and maximum wave force, and no difference in bulk water flux among sites. Small mussels deployed using mesh bags survived better than non-meshed or large mussels of either treatment. There was no difference in condition index (CI) between mesh and no-mesh, or between small and large mussels. As in the case of Riet River, small mussels grew faster than large mussels, but large mussels attached stronger than small mussels, with no effect of mesh. Although the factors that improve reseeding of mussels can be identified (use of mesh, use of small mussels, choice of sites with high recruitment rates), successful long-term rehabilitation requires appropriate subsequent management of re-seeded sites.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
Identification of a uniquely southern African clade of coastal pipefishes Syngnathus spp.
- Authors: Mwale, Monica , Kaiser, Horst , Barker, Nigel P , Wilson, A B , Teske, Peter R
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/445499 , vital:74393 , https://doi.org/10.1111/jfb.12130
- Description: The taxonomic status of two southern African coastal pipefish species, Syngnathus temminckii and Syngnathus watermeyeri, was investigated using a combination of morphological and genetic data. Morphological data showed that S. temminckii is distinct from the broadly distributed European pipefish Syngnathus acus, and a molecular phylogeny reconstructed using mitochondrial DNA recovered S. temminckii and S. watermeyeri as sister taxa. The southern African species share an evolutionary origin with north‐eastern Atlantic Ocean and Mediterranean Sea species, including S. acus. These data support the existence of a distinct southern African clade of Syngnathus pipefishes that has diverged in situ to form the two species present in the region today.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
Identification of the determinants of customer satisfaction with services provided by a selected pension fund agency
- Authors: Mayekiso, Pumza
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Consumer satisfaction -- South Africa , Customer relations -- Management , Trust companies -- Customer services
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:8913 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1021059
- Description: Understanding customers’ views on service quality is important for any business providing service and interested in making sure that they are being responsive to customers. Continuous evaluation of customer satisfaction is an important factor in the service sector. To date, most attempts have focused on what determines customer satisfaction in services rendered by organisations. The primary objective of the current study was to identify the determinants of customer satisfaction with services at Government Employees Pension Fund. The study investigated how customer satisfaction (the dependent variable) is influenced by the different elements, namely service quality, perceived value, and customer expectations, which represented the independent variables. The significance of the study hinges on three area i.e. management, policy makers and stakeholders. The study will also provide a justifiably valid and reliable guide to designing workable service delivery improvement strategies for creating and delivering customer value, achieving customer satisfaction and achieving sustainable business growth of Government Employees Pension Fund. The data collection was made using the questionnaire. A total of 150 questionnaires was distributed and 108 were completed and returned. This translated to a response rate of 72 percent. The empirical results showed that service quality and perceived value have a positive impact on customer satisfaction. On the other hand, the results revealed that customer expectations do not have a positive influence on customer satisfaction.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
Identifying and evaluating risk factors that predict traumatic stress severity in South Africa
- Authors: Van Wyk, Rozelle
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Post-traumatic stress disorder -- Risk factors , Medical personnel -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9968 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020937
- Description: Background: This study identified, addressed and validated risk factors that can be measured in the peri-traumatic period which may eventually be used in predicting the development of traumatic stress. Many people in South Africa possibly suffer from Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) if we consider the extent of trauma exposures that is apparent within the South African population. Traumatised individuals are at risk but may remain undiagnosed and untreated. It makes sense for first line and primary health care practitioners (i.e., not highly qualified psychological practitioners) to screen for risk since they have the initial contact with trauma individuals. A relatively easy screening instrument that can be administered time efficiently would be useful in this regard. The principles of this instrument are that it needs to be objectively measurable, quick and easy to administer. No consistent measure geared towards identifying risk factors in such a manner immediately post trauma currently exists in South Africa. Objectives: The overall aim was to start a process of designing a psychometric instrument that is valid in predicting the development of traumatic stress. Since this is the initial stage of constructing a new measure, content validity was of utmost importance. It became imperative to ensure that items were not only relevant and appropriate, but also accurate and capable in identifying at-risk individuals. The proposed end goal is to develop effective identification strategies in South Africa geared towards helping victims of traumatic events. Method: A pilot psychometric questionnaire was compiled using three major international reviews, South African research on known risk factors, and literature on PTSD risk assessment considerations. This preliminary assembled item pool was used as a departure point and evaluated quantitatively as well as qualitatively by expert reviewers who have research and/or clinical experience with PTSD in a South African context. Their feedback resulted in either the omission or the modification of certain items; for some items, further exploration was recommended. The questionnaire was further scrutinised and modified accordingly after qualitative interviews with and critical feedback from the intended administrators or primary health care professionals, namely Registered Counsellors (RCs) and/or nursing staff from a participating general government hospital and a non-government organisation. Findings: Expert reviewers did not agree consistently across all the items. At times they rated certain items as relevant according to the necessity of the information rather than with regards to the relevance of the content of the item – in terms of prediction of PTSD. It was also observed that intended administrators did not always agree with expert reviewers.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
Identifying drivers of corporate social responsibility for community involvement
- Authors: Gwama, Mzwandile Sebastian
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Social responsibility of business , Corporate governance
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/6597 , vital:21124
- Description: Organisations operate under unpredictable business environments. These business environments can be classified into internal and external environments. The decision taken by organisations to allocate resources for CSR depends on business environments. Organisations have no control of external business environments. Global financial crisis is an example of an external business environment of which organisations have no control over. The event in the business environments can influence the organisation to review its CSR operations. The beneficiaries of the organisation's CSR program get affected by such decision reviews and face even bigger challenges.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
Identity and origins of introduced and native Azolla species in Florida
- Authors: Madeira, Paul T , Center, Ted D , Coetzee, Julie A , Pemberton, Robert W , Purcell, Matthew F , Hill, Martin P
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/419313 , vital:71634 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.aquabot.2013.07.009"
- Description: Azolla pinnata, an introduced aquatic fern, is spreading rapidly causing concern that it may displace native Azolla. It is now present in the Arthur R. Marshall Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge, the northernmost portion of the Florida Everglades. Because A. pinnata subspecies are native to Africa, Southeast Asia, and Australia, determining the actual geographic origin of the Florida exotic is important to the discovery of efficacious biological control agents. Both the exotic and native Azollas were examined using morphological and molecular criteria. Both criteria distinguished three A. pinnata subspecies with the Florida exotic matching the Australian A. pinnata subsp. pinnata. Molecular divergence between the A. pinnata subspecies indicates the three types should be considered separate species. The Florida native was characterized by both molecular and morphological methods as Azolla caroliniana. The discovery of a previously uncharacterized Ecuadorian Azolla, which appears to be a paternal ancestor of A. caroliniana, indicates that A. caroliniana is a hybrid species.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
Immobilisation of electric eel acetylcholinesterase on nanofibres electrospun from a nylon and chitosan blend
- Authors: Mafuma, Tendai Simbarashe
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Acetylcholinesterase Acetylcholinesterase -- Inhibitors Electric eel Biosensors Immobilized enzymes Pesticides -- Environmental aspects Pesticides -- Toxicology Nylon Chitosan Nanofibers Electrospinning
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:3886 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1001620
- Description: Organophosphates and carbamates are potent inhibitors of the neurotransmitter acetylcholinesterase. This inhibition results in the blocking of nerve signal transference into the post synaptic neuron leading to loss of muscle action and death. Because of the universal mechanisms of signal transduction in animals, these inhibitors have been widely used as agricultural pesticides as well as chemical warfare agents (nerve agents). Health issues associated with pesticide usage result from the fact that both the pesticides and their breakdown products often end up in water and food sources as well as in the soil. As a result, there has been an increase in the number of studies aimed at the detection of these pesticides in the environment. One popular research area is enzyme based biosensor construction. Some important criteria for consideration during the construction of biosensors are the importance of a suitable solid support as well as the enzyme immobilisation method. Recently, there has been increased interest in using nano-scale material e.g. using nanoparticles as enzyme support material. This is largely due to their advantages such as large surface area to volume ratio as well as reduced mass transfer resistance. Electrospinning is a straight forward and cost effective method for producing nanofibres from any soluble polymer(s). The applications of electrospun nanofibres have been reported in clinical studies, biofuel production as well as bioremediation. In this study two polymers were selected: nylon for its mechanical stability and chitosan for its biocompatibility and hydrophilicity, for the fabrication of electrospun nanofibres which would function as immobilisation support material for acetylcholinesterase. The first objective of this study was to electrospin nanofibres from a nylon-6 and chitosan blend solution. A binary solvent system consisting of formic acid and acetic acid (50:50) successfully dissolved and blended the polymers which were subsequently electrospun. Scanning electron microscopy characterisation of the nanofibres showed that (i) a nylon-6: chitosan ratio of 16%: 3% resulted in the formation of bead free nanofibres and (ii) the fibres were collected in non-woven mats characterised by different size nanofibres with average diameters of 250 nm for the main fibres and 40 nm for the smaller nanofibres. Fourier transform infra-red (FT-IR) analysis of the nanofibres indicated that a new product had been formed during the blending of the two polymers. The second aim of the study was to carry out a facile immobilisation of electric eel acetylcholinesterase via glutaraldehyde (GA) cross-linking. Glutaraldehyde solution 5% (v/v) resulted in the immobilisation of 0.334 mg/cm² of acetylcholinesterase onto the nanofibres. The immobilisation procedure was optimised with reference to acetylcholinestease and crosslinker concentrations, incubation time and the cross-linking method. A comparative investigation into the optimum pH and temperature conditions, pH and thermal stabilities, substrate and inhibition kinetics was then carried out on free and immobilised acetylcholinesterase. The final objective of this study was to determine the storage stabilities of the immobilised and free enzymes as well as the reusability characteristics of the immobilised acetylcholinesterase. Several conclusions were drawn from this study. Acetylcholinesterase was successfully immobilised onto the surface of nylon-6:chitosan nanofibres with retention of its activity. There was a shift in the pH optimum of the immobilised acetylcholineseterase by 0.5 units towards a neutral pH. Although both free and immobilised acetylcholinesterase exhibited the same optimum temperature, immobilised acetylcholinesterase showed enhanced thermal stability. In terms of pH stability, immobilised acetylcholinesterase showed greater stability at acidic pH whilst free acetylcholinesterase was more stable under alkaline pH conditions. Relative to free acetylcholinesterase, the immobilised enzyme showed considerable storage stability retaining ~50% of its activity when stored for 49 days at 4°C. Immobilised acetylcholinesterase also retained > 20% of its initial activity after 9 consecutive reuse cycles. When exposed to fixed concentrations of carbofuran or demeton-S-methyl sulfone, immobilised acetylcholinesterase showed similar inhibition characteristics to that of the free enzyme. The decrease in enzyme activity observed after immobilisation to the nanofibres may have been due to several reasons which include some enzyme molecules being immobilised in structural conformations which reduced substrate access to the catalytic site, participation of the catalytic residues in immobilisation and enzyme denaturation due to the reaction conditions used for acetylcholinesterase immobilisation. Similar observations have been widely reported in literature and this is one of the major drawbacks of enzyme immobilisation. In conclusion, nylon-6:chitosan electrospun nanofibres were shown to be suitable supports for facile acetylcholinesterase immobilisation and the immobilised enzyme has potential for use in pesticide detection. Future recommendations for this study include a comparative study of the GA cross-linking method for AChE immobilisation which will lead to more intensely bound enzyme molecules to prevent non-specific binding. An investigation into the effect of inhibitors on stored immobilised AChE, as well as reactivation and reuse studies, may also be useful for determining the cost-effectiveness of reusing immobilised AChE for pesticide detection in environmental water samples. Several models have been designed for the determination of the kinetic parameters for immobilised enzymes. These take into account the mass transfer resistance as well as the overall charge of the immobilisation matrix. The use of these models to analyse experimental data will give a clear understanding of the effects of immobilisation on enzyme activity
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
Impact and implication of future mobility on the South African automotive industry
- Authors: Mnyaka, Mtutuzeli Bennett Basil
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Motor Industry Development Programme , Motor vehicle industry -- South Africa , Subsidies -- South Africa , Incentives in industry -- South Africa , Competition -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:8894 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020891
- Description: The South African Automotive industry has been one that has enjoyed the subsidies schemes like the Motor Industry Development Program (MIDP), and in the near future the Automotive Production Development Program (APDP). There are however different schools of thought when it comes to subsidies for an industry. One is that there should be no incentives when others are for the schemes, which one is best for the growing economy of a young democratic and highly unemployed nation? Looking at the next planned incentive scheme to be introduced to replace the MIDP, the APDP is it better than the MIDP? How are these schemes going to benefit the country in the future and will they exist for as long as we have the Auto industry in South Africa? The objective is to prompt those in political power and positions capable of influencing infrastructure changes to think long term when making decisions today that will affect future generations. Future generations should be able to benefit from future technologies of the day and not be hindered by the lack of improved and capable infrastructure.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
Impact of an increase of the local content quota on radio broadcasters
- Authors: Maqina, Bandile Chumani
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Radio broadcasting -- South Africa , Broadcasting -- South Africa , Radio and music
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:9414 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020594
- Description: With the ever growing disenfranchisement of musicians and artist in the in ability of government entities to enforce stricter and favourable music quota which aim to increase the consumption of local music by increasing the current music quota as it stands from 25 percent to at least 60 percent for commercial radio, with more and more musicians calling for an increase in the current quota. In an open letter to the then Minister of Arts and Culture, Mr Pallo Jordan from the South African Music Quota Committee (SAMQC) (Oct 2007) they voiced their concerns: “The SA content quota of 25 percent for commercial radio is not only too low, it is also often meaningless, because The Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA) allows stations to include gig guides, interviews and promotions as part of their local quota. You state, and we agree, that “cultural industries are serious business”. The structures protecting the national interest in iron, minerals, fishing, sport and many other areas are strongly enforced and defended here in South Africa. Why not our music?” More initiatives such as the “Play Local of Die” campaign whose aim is to urge commercial broadcasters to increase their local content with regards to commercial radios stations playlist was launched by South African Hip Hop artist commonly known as JR (Real Name: JR Bogopa) to further exhibit the South African musicians plight in how pivotal it is to their careers and overall financial well-being that the current quota be raised significantly. The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of local content quota on domestic radio broadcasters in South Africa. The population for this study included 100 radio station which broadcast in the republic of South Africa. The response rate for the e-mail questionnaire was 100 percent of the 100 respondents. A Likert-type scale instrument consisted of 39 questions divided into two sections: Section one looked at the demographic profile of the respondents and section two focused on getting responses on the factors impacting local content quotaand domestic broadcasters, namely local content quota, implications for domestic broadcasters, revenue streams, impact on local musicians, governments role in local content quota, success factors, globalisation and piracy. In order to realise the purpose of this study, the following research design was used: Step 1 A literature review was conducted to determine the various factors impacting local artists, local broadcasters and local content quota. Step 2 A questionnaire was composed according to the principles and guidelines in steps 1. Step 3 Empirical data was obtained with the aid of an e-mail survey. Step 4 The results of the data were analysed and interpreted. Step 5 The empirical results were integrated with Step 3. Step 6 Conclusions and recommendations were completed. The main findings from the study were: The study revealed that the radio industry is not unanimous in the call from artists for government to increase the local content quota and thus prefer that the current status quo continue. That local content quota are not the only way to curb the South African music industry‟s woes, artists should seek to maximise their revenue by exploiting the infinite avenues for revenue that globalisation avails.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
Impact of Chinese small business on sustainable livelihoods in Port Elizabeth after 1994
- Authors: Pang, Jing
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Economic assistance, Chinese , Small business , Entrepreneurship , South Africa -- Politics and government --1994-
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9229 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020983
- Description: Since the advent of democracy in April 1994, the issues of economic empowerment and growth have been high on the agenda of the Government of National Unity of South Africa. In order to achieve social-economic growth, resolve wealth and asset gaps between rich and poor, decrease unemployment and meet the Millennium Development Goals, government has sought efficient mechanisms of transformation. The formation of SMMEs was put forward as a solution to solve the above problems. SMMEs play a vital role in economic development and livelihoods uplifting. The purpose of this study is to examine how Chinese SMMEs have impacted on sustainable livelihoods in Nelson Mandela Bay Metropolitan District. The study has identified the challenges of local livelihoods in the district. The findings on the effects of Chinese SMMEs were that: (1) They have provided affordable goods and services to local people, improving livelihoods by means of reducing living costs of the local population and thus providing relief on their financial capital; (2) The vast extent of their services in the district has enlarged their network of offerings in urban, suburban and even rural settings; (3) They have enabled the poor’s access to the economic markets and services; (4) They have contributed positively to employment by providing local jobseekers with gainful employment and access to financial capital; (5) They have empowered the local employee base through training and skills transfer; (6) They have promoted knowledge and skills that have enriched local human capital and positively contributed to livelihoods; and (7) They have made a contribution to GDP and tax revenues. Revenues fed to government have helped fund welfare and public services, including in the areas of education, health care, pensions, unemployment benefits, public transportation, infrastructure and housing. These benefits have collectively contributed to the improvement of local livelihoods in the district.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
Impact of human dimensions on smallholder farming in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa
- Authors: Kibirige, Douglas
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Farms, Small -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Agriculture -- Economic aspects -- South Africa , Rural development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Community development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Entrepreneurship -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , South Africa -- Social conditions , South Africa -- Economic conditions , DEA approach , Stochastic production frontier , Production efficiency , Human dimensions , Irrigation
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD (Agricultural Economics)
- Identifier: vital:11201 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1007532 , Farms, Small -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Agriculture -- Economic aspects -- South Africa , Rural development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Community development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Entrepreneurship -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , South Africa -- Social conditions , South Africa -- Economic conditions , DEA approach , Stochastic production frontier , Production efficiency , Human dimensions , Irrigation
- Description: Considering the backward and forward linkages, the agro-industrial sector contributes about 12 percent of South Africa‘s GDP, and employs approximately 8.5 million people. In the Eastern Cape Province, the sector contributes about 1.9 percent of the Provincial GDP, and over 3 million people derive their livelihoods from subsistence smallholder farming. Despite its importance, agricultural productivity has stagnated for several years across the Eastern Cape rural communities. There have been several attempts by the government to improve the agricultural productivity on smallholder farms since the end of apartheid, especially through the establishment of small-scale irrigation schemes, subsidization of farm inputs, and provision of credit facilities and enacting a number of land reform policies. In spite of the government support, most rural communities like Qamata and Tyefu are still faced with high levels of poverty affecting 76 percent and 91 percent of the population, respectively. This research evaluated the current smallholders‘ production efficiency, and the link between smallholder farmers‘ human dimensions (entrepreneurial spirit and positive psychological capital, goals and social capital, and other efficiency related variables) with production efficiency and household commercialisation index/level. The study used participatory approaches for site selection, sample selection and data collection. The analysis was based on both information from informal interviews and formal primary data collection. The Data Envelopment Analysis and Stochastic Production Frontier techniques were used to determine the relative efficiencies of individual farmers and to identify the major factors that influence the efficiency of production. Overall, 158 farmers were interviewed both at Qamata and Tyefu irrigation schemes. Descriptive statistics of this study indicated that most of the farmers were men with an average age of 61 years, and mean household size of 4 persons with the household head having at least obtained some primary school education. Farming is the major source of livelihood for smallholders with an average income of R4527.49 per crop season. Smallholders use improved seeds, fertilizers and tractor for ploughing with less use of pesticides and herbicides. Although smallholder irrigators generate more gross margins from maize and cabbage enterprises, generally both categories of farmers exhibited a low average household commercialization index for maize and cabbage at 0.41 and 0.22, respectively. Both Data Envelopment Analysis and Stochastic Production Frontier results indicate that farmers are about 98 percent technically efficient in maize and cabbage enterprises, respectively. However, farmers were allocatively inefficient as they were under-utilizing seed and pesticides while over-utilizing inorganic fertilizers. Factors that are positively associated with technical efficiency in maize production included household size, farming experience, off-farm income, use of agro-chemical; gross margins and commercialisation level of maize output. Determinants of technical efficiency in cabbage enterprise included farming experience, amount of land owned, use of agro-chemicals, group membership and gross margins accrued to cabbage sales. Farmers‘ human dimensions that could be more positively and significantly associated with production, efficiency and household commercialisation level included risk taking (hope), innovativeness (confidence) and optimism for entrepreneurial/positive psychological capital. Farmers‘ goals included self-esteem and independence, and only external social capital which were identified to be more positively and significantly associated with farmers‘ production efficiency and commercialization level. The transition from homestead subsistence to commercial oriented small-scale irrigation farming is inevitable since smallholder irrigators earn more incomes from maize and cabbage and are relatively food secure. However, the key policy options that must be considered to address inefficiencies and improved commercialization level to aid the transition include: agricultural policies geared toward attracting youth in farming, improved quality of extension services, speeding up the land reform process, and formation of cooperatives and participatory policy formulation that takes full cognizance of the farmers‘ human dimensions. Since farmers‘ human dimensions as defined in the literature and this study are not things that are amenable to direct policy intervention, they can only be modified indirectly through policy actions that affect their determinants. This means that a number of the demographic and socio-economic characteristics such as age, sex and education level of household head, farming experience, size of land owned, crop incomes, source of water for irrigation and location of the irrigation scheme that govern the way people perceive reality and respond to them must be the focus of concerted policy actions over the medium to long term.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013