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Bioequivalence assessment of generic products an innovative South African approach

  • Authors: Walker, Roderick B , Kanfer, Isadore , Skinner, Michael F
  • Date: 2006
  • Subjects: To be catalogued
  • Language: English
  • Type: text , article
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/184256 , vital:44194 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1080/10601330500534014"
  • Description: Concurrent with the implementation of new legislation mandating Generic Substitution in South Africa, a new set of guidelines for bioavailability and bioequivalence have been published. Since one of the main objectives of the new legislation in South Africa relating to Generic Substitution is to ensure that medicines of high quality, safety, and efficacy are made more accessible and more affordable to the wider public, the need to speed up approval of such multi-source products has become a regulatory priority. In order to facilitate this process, various bioequivalence issues have been addressed including important issues such as the acceptance criteria and associated bioequivalence intervals, use of a foreign reference product and the issue of assessing highly variable drugs (HVDs). In addition, dispensations have been made with respect to food effect assessment and variability relating to genetic polymorphism in drug metabolism (genotyping/phenotyping). Furthermore, the use of “old” biostudies submitted in support of an application is subject to expiry date. Acceptance of appropriate data requires that specific criteria such as Cmax and AUC, in addition to the usual considerations, also meet the limits specified by the particular registration authority of the country where such products are intended to be marketed. Generally, these limits require that the 90% confidence interval (CI) for AUC and Cmax test/reference ratios lies within the acceptance interval of 0.80–1.25 calculated using log-transformed data. While such acceptance criteria are, in general, ubiquitous, some differences in acceptance criteria do exist between various countries. The new guidelines for bioavailability/bioequivalence studies developed by the South African regulatory authority, the Medicines Control Council (MCC), makes provision for highly variable drugs and the use of a non-South African reference product. The MCC requires that the acceptance criterion for Cmax ratios be set at 0.75–1.33 while maintaining AUC ratios at 0.80–1.25 using a 90% CI. Furthermore, provision is made to apply scaling based on average bioequivalence assessment and, as an interim measure, consideration has also been given to the use of a foreign reference product provided that equivalence between that product and the innovator product currently available on the South African market can be shown using in vitro testing.
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  • Date Issued: 2006

Biogeographic and nearshore–offshore trends in isotope ratios of intertidal mussels and their food sources around the coast of southern Africa

  • Authors: Hill, Jaclyn M , McQuaid, Christopher D , Kaehler, Sven
  • Date: 2006
  • Language: English
  • Type: text , Article
  • Identifier: vital:6878 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1011633
  • Description: There are broad differences in oceanography and primary production around the southern African coast that are likely to give rise to major differences in trophic pathways. Stable isotope ratios provide integrated information on trophic relationships, yet there has been limited research on geographic variation in isotopic composition of marine consumers and their food. In this study, δ13C and δ15N of suspended particulate matter (SPM), intertidal mussels and common macroalgae along the southern African coastline were explored. Nearshore–offshore isotope trends as well as biogeographic and temporal patterns in isotopic ratios of mussel tissue, macroalgae and SPM were investigated at 12 sites along the coast from Namibia to the Mozambique border. SPM exhibited overall trends of nearshore 13C depletion from south-west to north-east along the coastline and from nearshore (0 km) to offshore (10 km) waters, in both cases suggesting a shift from a nearshore signature strongly influenced by macroalgal detritus to one more representative of oceanic phytoplankton. With one exception it was possible, using discriminant analysis, to categorize mussel populations into 4 geographic groups, on the basis of both carbon and nitrogen signatures: the east coast, the south-east coast, the south-west coast and the west coast. Macroalgae showed no consistent biogeographic trends and need to be examined in greater detail to relate nearshore SPM values to living macroalgal signatures. A linear mixing model indicated that mussels along the entire coastline generally demonstrated more than 50% dependence on nearshore carbon and nitrogen, emphasizing the importance of nearshore primary production to intertidal consumers.
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  • Date Issued: 2006

Biomonitoring in two contrasting catchments

  • Authors: Maseti, Pumza Penelope
  • Date: 2006
  • Subjects: Water quality biological assessment -- South Africa , Water quality management -- South Africa , Rivers -- South Africa , Freshwater fishes -- South Africa
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
  • Identifier: vital:6034 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1006175 , Water quality biological assessment -- South Africa , Water quality management -- South Africa , Rivers -- South Africa , Freshwater fishes -- South Africa
  • Description: The introduction of instream biological monitoring to water resources management has been an increasing trend world-wide. This monitoring uses biological field assessments of instream biota such as macroinvertebrates, fish and riparian vegetation as an integrated and sensitive tool for diagnosing the condition of the ecosystems and assessing ecological impacts. Biomonitoring information has become an important component in the overall assessment of water resources and is used to drive and direct processes of decision-making and management of water resources. The River Health Programme (RHP) was initiated in South Africa to serve as a source of information regarding the ecological status of river systems, in order to support rational management of these natural resources. In this study, biomonitoring indices (SASS5 and FAII) were used to assess the present ecological status of two rivers located in contrasting catchments of the Eastern Cape. The first river is the Buffalo River located in an urban and industrialized catchment. The second river is the Inxu River draining a rural and afforested catchment. SASS5 was used successfully in both rivers and the results based on water quality and SASS5 indicated that most sites selected on the upper catchment of the Buffalo River have a fair water quality with most sites selected on the lower catchment having a poor water quality. The Inxu River sites (both upper and lower catchment) based on SASS5 and water quality results have a good to fair water quality. The majority of sites sampled on both rivers systems had very low FAII scores and fell within a critically modified water quality category. This result may be due to the fact that these rivers have low fish diversities (either low natural diversity or low diversity due to the presence of alien fish species), poor water quality or inadequate sampling methods. Observations from this study suggest that this index may not be suitable for rivers with low fish diversity. A fish index that is usable to all ecoregions of South Africa with minor adaptations to suit local conditions is still needed, as the present FAII index does not meet these requirements.
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  • Date Issued: 2006

Blogging, journalism and the public sphere: assessing the value of the 'blogosphere' as a new form of the public sphere : a case study of the Mail & Guardian Online's Blogmark

  • Authors: Sibanda, Fortune
  • Date: 2006
  • Subjects: Habermas, Jürgen -- Criticism and interpretation , Mail & Guardian , Blogs -- South Africa , Online journalism -- South Africa , Electronic newspapers -- South Africa
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
  • Identifier: vital:3483 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002938 , Habermas, Jürgen -- Criticism and interpretation , Mail & Guardian , Blogs -- South Africa , Online journalism -- South Africa , Electronic newspapers -- South Africa
  • Description: The study seeks to investigate whether weblogs can act as virtual public spheres, where people can meet to discuss issues of interest to them. It uses the Mail & Guardian Online’s Blogmark as a case study. Weblogs – highly interactive online journals comprised of links and postings in reverse chronological order – are fast becoming an avenue of choice for many internet users wanting to share opinions and news with others online. Because of their unique read-and-write characteristics, some have equated them to the 18th century coffeehouses, around which the early forms of citizen involvement in public affairs began in early capitalist Europe. Despite their growing popularity, however, not much scholarly work has been dedicated to the practice of blogging in Africa, and particularly in South Africa. The study’s theoretical framework is drawn from Jürgen Habermas’s concept of the public sphere. While noting some of the criticisms of the Habermasian model, it is argued that the concept is instrumental in our understanding of the relationship between the media and democracy. The study, however, adopted a re-worked model of the concept of the public sphere. This model argues for the need to have a multiplicity of public sphericules (instead of one single public sphere as advocated by Habermas), around which individuals can congregate to discuss issues of common concern to them. Using a combination of qualitative content analysis, self-completion questionnaires and a semi-structured interview, the study found Blogmark to be an example of how emerging internet genres such as weblogs can be vehicles of citizen involvement in public life. A range of issues were discussed in the blog, from politics, race and ii i gender issues, to personal anecdotes, relationships, and sex. However, while some posts exhibited high levels of interactivity, with many bloggers joining in to offer their opinions, some read like online monologues. The study argues that although blogging is a practice that is still limited to a few privileged individuals, with the everrising size of the ‘blogosphere’, weblogs such as Blogmark are making a small but not insignificant contribution to the number of voices that can be heard in the public realm.
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  • Date Issued: 2006

Book review: Derek Barker: English Academic Literary Discourse in South Africa 1958-2004: A Review of 11 Academic Journals

  • Authors: Wright, Laurence
  • Date: 2006
  • Language: English
  • Type: Article
  • Identifier: vital:7044 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1007386
  • Description: Barker’s book concerns the evolution and publishing trajectories of South African journals devoted to English literary studies between the years 1958 (when the first such journal, English Studies in Africa, came into being) and 2004, the end-date of the survey. In other words, his work coincides with the period in South African history when apartheid’s protagonists were pushing for total political and social ascendancy through to the nation’s emergence into the arena of democratic possibility.
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  • Date Issued: 2006

Building cultural capital through value-driven leadership: a case study in an international finance company

  • Authors: Ackerman, Mariana
  • Date: 2006
  • Subjects: Financial institutions, International -- Namibia Case studies , Leadership -- Namibia Case studies , Corporate culture -- Namibia Case studies , Organizational change -- Namibia Case studies , Organizational effectiveness -- Namibia Case studies
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
  • Identifier: vital:2919 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002428 , Financial institutions, International -- Namibia Case studies , Leadership -- Namibia Case studies , Corporate culture -- Namibia Case studies , Organizational change -- Namibia Case studies , Organizational effectiveness -- Namibia Case studies
  • Description: Today, organizations are placed under extreme pressure to adapt to the ever-increasing changes in their environments in order to survive. Research proves that corporate culture has the ability to either blunt or aid change. Past research conducted in Z-Nam, a subsidiary of an international finance company situated in Namibia, indicated that a divided culture resulted in limitations in their functioning, including their adaptability. Pressure was placed on Z-Nam by its majority shareholder to internalise a set of core values into its daily functioning in order to build a strong adaptable culture. This objective called for values-driven leadership. The four core values identified by Head Office were integrity, respect, accountability and pushing beyond boundaries. In becoming more values-driven, values theory posits that Z-Nam will build its cultural capital and so reap the benefits of higher performance, talent retention and adaptability. In this way Z-Nam will be able to combat the weaknesses in its current culture. Leadership adaptability and the capacity to lead change were seen to distinguish cultural changes that succeed from those that do not. Principles inherent in the field of OD were also considered, as they are seen to assist in the effective management of change. The methodology involved a purposive sample being drawn that included the top leadership team and internal OD consultant. Semi-structured interviews were conducted and thematic analysis employed in analysing the resultant data with three main aims in mind. Firstly, to assess Z-Nam's top management's perception of the current set of values being lived in the organization, to establish their level of support for the desired set of values proposed by Head Office and lastly to establish whether the leadership team is ready to promote the adoption of a new set of core values. Through comparing the themes that emerged from the data with literature on OD, values, culture and change, the researcher was able to make inferences as to the leadership's readiness and capacity to successfully lead cultural change. These findings were substantiated with secondary data from previous research activities. It was found that Z-Nam was not utilising its culture as an asset and that several barriers existed to adopting and implementing the desired values. It was concluded that Z-Nam will not be able to successfully embark on cultural change until its leadership recognises the importance of culture and their personal responsibility in bringing about the desired change, adequately assimilates information from past research and comes to a consensus as to the necessary accommodations that need to be made.
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  • Date Issued: 2006

Cases of recontextualising the environmental discourse in the National Curriculum Statement (R-9)

  • Authors: Ramsarup, Presha
  • Date: 2006
  • Subjects: Education -- South Africa -- Curricula Environmental education -- Curricula -- South Africa
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
  • Identifier: vital:1444 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003325
  • Description: With an intention of opening a vantage point on the story of how curriculum is actually created, this study follows the recontextualising of the environmental discourse of the National Curriculum Statement (R-9) in three case sites. These are: Grade seven Department of Education training material developed to introduce educators to the NCS (R-9), Delta Environmental Centre an environmental education non-governmental organisation, a rural primary school situated south of Durban. Using elements of the Bernstein’s (1990) framework of pedagogic discourse, the study traces how the environmental discourse was de-located from the field of production and relocated into the pedagogic practice of each case. In trying to follow the continuity, changes and discontinuities in the official [environmental] discourse as it is recontextualised, the study utilises Bernstein’s conceptual constructs of selective appropriation and ideological transformation. These constructs of selective appropriation and ideological transformation enabled me to ‘look into’ each case and get a perspective of how to explain the recontextualising processes. The study acknowledged that discourses are shaped and steered by historical, political and economic realities and begins by tracing the genesis of the environmental discourse within formal curriculum policy in South Africa. This socio-historical review highlights the main factors and happenings that shaped the present curriculum discourse and its production as official policy discourse. The study highlighted that within each case the recontextualising story is unique but some clear patterns emerged as factors that impacted on recontextualising processes. These were the role of history and context, knowledge and experience of the discourse, ideology and emphasis, and the depth with which the discourse was engaged. The discussion of these factors gave valuable insights into the recontextualising of curriculum discourses. The study comments on the need to clarify the environmental focus in the Learning Areas and to actualise this into practice so that the discourse becomes an integral part of teaching, learning and assessment. The study also highlights the need for professional development opportunities that will enable educators to clarify the nature and focus of the environmental discourse in the NCS (R-9), and its articulation in Learning Area in context. In particular, the environment and social justice relationships appear to require greater clarity of focus and interpretation in recontextualising processes. There also appears to be a need to develop educators’ foundational knowledge of environmental issues to strengthen the recontextualising of this discourse.
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  • Date Issued: 2006

Cellulases (CMCases) and polyphenol oxidases from thermophilic Bacillus spp

  • Authors: Mayende, Lungisa , Wilhelmi, Brendan S , Pletschke, Brett I
  • Date: 2006
  • Language: English
  • Type: Article
  • Identifier: vital:6462 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1005791 , http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.soilbio.2006.03.019
  • Description: In composting, organic matter is degraded by cellulases and ligninolytic enzymes at temperatures typically above 50 °C. This study isolated thermophilic microorganisms from a compost system that were then screened for cellulase and polyphenol oxidase activity. Temperature optima for the cellulases and polyphenol oxidases were determined as 70 and 40 °C, respectively. Maximal cellulase activity was determined as 1.333 mg glucose released ml[superscript −1] min[superscript −1]. Maximal polyphenol oxidase activity attained was 5.111 nmol phenol ml[superscript −1] min[superscript −1]. Cellulases were found to be stable over a period of 1 h. The isolated compost microorganisms were identified as strains of Bacillus using 16S ribosomal DNA sequence analysis.
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  • Date Issued: 2006

Ceropegia macmasteri (Apocynaceae-Asclepiadoideae-Ceropegieae), a new species from Eastern Cape, South Africa

  • Authors: Dold, Anthony P
  • Date: 2006
  • Language: English
  • Type: Article
  • Identifier: vital:6515 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1005943 , http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.sajb.2005.06.005
  • Description: Ceropegia macmasteri, a new species from Cathcart in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa, is only known from a single population in Dohne sourveld grassland where it occurs with another rare local endemic species of the Ceropegieae, Brachystelma cathcartense R.A.Dyer. The new species, an herbaceous grassland plant with a tuberous rootstock, most closely resembles C. stentiae E.A.Bruce, but is distinguished by its linear-erect corona lobes and inner corona conniving to form a central column.
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  • Date Issued: 2006

Changes in English writing in computer mediated communication a case study

  • Authors: Yang, Ranran
  • Date: 2006
  • Subjects: Telematics -- South Africa , English language -- Written English
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
  • Identifier: vital:8475 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/452 , Telematics -- South Africa , English language -- Written English
  • Description: This research study aims to identity the shifts in form and function of English writing in Computer Mediated Communication (CMC) and determine whether writing changed through CMC. It critically evaluates English writing in CMC in South Africa, and includes a case study of both synchronous and asynchronous forms of CMC. Chapter 1, outlines the problem concerning the changes of writing in both form and function in the present age of CMC. This chapter, also gives a detailed description and outlines the methodology of this study. Chapter 2, centres on the historical and theoretical aspects of writing using the work done by scholars such as McLuhan, Shlain and Baron. The literature is divided into two subsections. The research and theories highlights the importance and complexity of writing in human history. It also gives insight into understanding the impacts of different mediums on writing. This chapter similarly depicts an understanding in the use of writing to represent language, and in particular, how speech and writing divvied up communication functions in literature societies. Chapter 3, gives a detailed theoretical and critical outline of writing in the present age of CMC. Based on the nature of the computer medium, writing in CMC often has its own characteristics which can serve both developmental and social purposes. The aim of this chapter is to grasp an appropriate analogy through which to capture the changes the computer technology would engender in writing communication, and re-examine the relationship between writing and speech in CMC. Chapter 4, comprises of an empirical research study done in South African on-line discourse, focusing on the changes of writing in CMC. The hypothesis of this case study is that writing in CMC differentiates the conventional writing in a variety of ways. Therefore, the study looks at the particular writing style in CMC and determines whether computer-mediated writing is gradually becoming a mirror of speech. This chapter explains methodology and the process of data coding in this case study. It also includes a summary of the survey results, as well as a discussion of the findings from this case study. Chapter 5, includes a conclusion of this study and suggestions for further research. It is the hope of the researcher that this study will provoke questions and thoughts for further inquiries.
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  • Date Issued: 2006

Changes in the anthropometric, physical and motor characteristics of elite soccer players aged 15 to 18 years within a training year

  • Authors: Baatjes, Sherman Gerard
  • Date: 2006
  • Subjects: Soccer -- Training -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Soccer players -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
  • Identifier: vital:10100 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/472 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1011990 , Soccer -- Training -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Soccer players -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth
  • Description: The primary aim of this study was to investigate the seasonal changes that occur in the anthropometric, physical and motor characteristics of elite junior soccer players over the course of a training year. The participants targeted were elite soccer players from the NMMU-FCK Soccer School of Excellence and a total of 18 players between the ages of 15 to 18 years were recruited to comprise the sample for the study. The participants in the sample were assessed on four separate occasions. Each testing period was separated by a three month interval with the first testing period taking place in June 2005, at the start of their pre-season period, and the last testing session taking place in March of the following year, at the end of their playing season. In order to determine which specific characteristics of soccer were to be tested, the relevant literature was reviewed to establish the requirements, attributes and indicators of success in elite soccer. Therefore the test battery used was compiled in an attempt to address each of the identified physical attributes that contributes to successful soccer play. The battery included the following tests: weight, height and percentage body fat to represent the anthropometric characteristics. The physical characteristics were assessed by testing flexibility, anaerobic speed endurance, aerobic endurance, and muscular strength tests (1 RM bench and leg press, grip strength, and isokinetic knee strength). The motor assessments comprised of tests for speed (10-m, 20-m, and 40-m), explosive leg power (vertical jump), agility, and soccer-specific tests (dribbling and shooting at goal). In addition maturity status during the study was assessed using grip strength and height scores. All of the participants within the study sample were assessed on each day of the testing period, in alphabetical order, and this order was maintained during each testing period. Each of the four testing sessions lasted three days. On entering the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University-Biokinetics and Sport Science Centre (NMMU-BSSC) laboratory on day 1, the participants completed the test battery in the following order: anthropometric measurements (weight, height, skinfolds), flexibility test (sit and reach), leg power test (vertical jump), muscular strength tests (1RM bench press, 1RM leg press, grip strength), and an aerobic endurance test (Multi-Stage Shuttle Run). The tests conducted on day 2 of the test battery were conducted as field tests at the NMMU-FCK soccer playing fields and the participants completed the tests in the same alphabetical order as day 1. The testing battery was conducted in the following order: speed tests (10m, 20m, and 40m sprinting), agility test (Illinois agility run), soccer-specific tests (dribbling and accuracy tests), speed endurance test (Yo-Yo intermittent recovery test). Testing on day 3 consisted of Isokinetic dynamometry strength testing and was conducted at the NMMU-BSSC. Each participant completed the testing protocol according to the same alphabetical order as was used on days 1 and 2. In order to achieve the aim of the study, the following objectives were set: to determine the anthropometric, physical and motor characteristics of the participants at the pre-season, start of season, mid-season and end of season stages of the training year and to identify the peak scores achieved for each variable tested; to compare the variables tested at each of the four testing sessions to determine the progression of each variable tested and to identify at which testing session peak performance related fitness was achieved; to compare the results obtained with relevant data from other research literature; and to monitor the maturation status of the participants. Based on the results achieved it can be concluded that the participants achieved peak physical fitness at the mid-season period (testing session 3). It would appear that the attainment of these results was determined by the participants being exposed to both a pre-season and an in-season training period. It seems that both the completion of the specific types of training that occurred during these two periods, as well as the competitive matches played, elevated the participants physical fitness to the levels required for success at the elite level.
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  • Date Issued: 2006

Changing energy profiles and consumption patterns following electrification in five rural villages, South Africa

  • Authors: Madubansi, Mainza , Shackleton, Charlie M
  • Date: 2006
  • Language: English
  • Type: Article
  • Identifier: vital:6640 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1006866
  • Description: Following the democratic transition in South Africa in the early 1990s the government has implemented a widespread electrification programme, as well as introduced a free basic electricity allowance as a means of poverty alleviation. Yet there are limited longitudinal studies on the impacts of the introduction of electricity on the patterns of household energy use, and even more so in the neglected rural sector. This study reports on the patterns of household energy use in five rural settlements in 1991 and again in 2002. Results indicate a changing pattern of energy use for lighting and powering entertainment appliances, more specifically from dry-cell batteries and paraffin to electricity. Yet for thermal needs, most notably cooking, fuelwood has remained the most widespread fuel, and the amount used per month has not changed, despite increasing scarcity of wood in the local environment. There has been an increase in the proportion of households purchasing fuelwood as opposed to collecting their own. Overall, the mean total number of fuel types used per household has increased, indicating that electricity is simply viewed as an additional energy, rather than an alternative. Yet, electricity accounted for approximately 60% of expenditure on energy sources in 2002, despite the government's policy of a free basic allowance of 5–6 kWh per month. This has implications for energy supply costing, as well as the poverty alleviation dimensions of the whole programme.
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  • Date Issued: 2006

Codeswitching, borrowing and mixing in a corpus of Xhosa English

  • Authors: De Klerk, Vivian A
  • Date: 2006
  • Language: English
  • Type: Article
  • Identifier: vital:6130 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1011582
  • Description: The paper analyses selected aspects of the codeswitching behaviour in a spoken corpus of the English of 326 people, all of them mother-tongue speakers of Xhosa (a local African language in South Africa), and all of whom would see themselves as Xhosa/English bilinguals. The corpus comprises approximately 550,000 transcribed words of spontaneous, relaxed, oral discourse in English between pairs of Xhosaspeaking interlocutors, discussing a wide range of topics. While the usual pattern in bilingual speech is to use the L1 as matrix language and the L2 as embedded language, in this corpus the opposite is the case, as interlocutors were interviewed in English (the L2). The corpus therefore offers a ‘mirror image’, in a sense, of normal codeswitching behaviour. Using Wordsmith (a concordancer programme), all incidences of codeswitching into Xhosa during these conversations were identified and analysed in an effort to reveal underlying patterns. Examination of the amount and nature of codeswitching in the corpus promised to throw some light on the extent to which participants are genuinely bilingual, in terms of their ability to converse comfortably in English.
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  • Date Issued: 2006

Cognitive pharmaceutical services and the community pharmacist: are South African patients receiving them and are they willing to pay?

  • Authors: Hill, Peter W , Dowse, Roslind
  • Date: 2006
  • Language: English
  • Type: text , article
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/156829 , vital:40054 , DOI 10.1211/ijpp.15.2.0007
  • Description: The objectives of this study were to ascertain the opinions of randomly selected South African medical aid members regarding the provision by community pharmacists of patient counselling and information; member satisfaction with pharmacist services; their rating of pharmacist accessibility; and if pharmacists should be reimbursed for providing cognitive pharmaceutical services. Setting A South African private healthcare insurance company.
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  • Date Issued: 2006

Commentary: Negotiating distant influences: globalization and broadcasting policy reforms in Zambia and South Africa

  • Authors: Banda, Fackson
  • Date: 2006
  • Language: English
  • Type: text , article
  • Identifier: vital:6325 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1008299 , https://doi.org/10.22230/cjc.2006v31n2a1785
  • Description: preprint , This commentary looks at the influences of globalisation on broadcasting policy reforms in Zambia and South Africa, with specific focus on such processes as deregulation, privatisation, commercialisation, communitarianism and technological convergence. It concludes that globalisation does not affect southern African countries uniformly; rather, it is refracted in accordance with the different cultural and political experiences of such countries.
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  • Date Issued: 2006

Communication strategies in management: a case study of interpersonal manager-staff communication at a South African university

  • Authors: Balarin, Megan Georgina
  • Date: 2006
  • Subjects: Communication in management -- South Africa Interpersonal communication -- South Africa Communication -- Education College personnel management -- South Africa Universities and colleges -- South Africa Education, Higher -- South Africa -- Management
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
  • Identifier: vital:1452 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003333
  • Description: Communication is a central feature of human life. The ability to talk is the very feature that distinguishes us from our primate ancestors. Knowing how to use language effectively gives the bearers of this knowledge power over their environment and an upper hand in their dealings with others. Thus, understanding the importance of communication in management is an essential tool for managers who wish to build and develop their organisations and their staff within these organisations. This thesis takes a case study view of manager-staff communication at a South African university. In this study managers and staff members contribute their feelings on current communication practices at this organisation through an online questionnaire and in-depth interviews. In an interpretive paradigm this thesis answers three central questions: 1) what role do managers and staff think communication plays in their working relationships, 2) what do they perceive to be effective and ineffective communication strategies and 3) What strategies can they suggest to enhance effective communication? Through in-depth qualitative research and numerical data analysis this thesis discovers central themes that pertain to the effective flow of communication in this organisation. These themes include: motivation and praise, the role of listening, building relationships, respect, acknowledging others’ languages and cultures, building teams, communicating frequently and using email and technology effectively, as well as keeping notes of meetings and discussions. Challenges to effective communication include not having enough time, suffering from stress, and the challenges of physical space and distance. By paying attention to basic human principles, such as the fact that acknowledging people for a job well done encourages them to perform well in future, this thesis relates the general concepts of communication and management theory to the specific realities and individual, personal experiences of manager-staff communication. In this way it sheds a beam of light on management communication practices and points the way towards an ideal where managers and staff members use communication as a tool of empowerment and understanding.
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  • Date Issued: 2006

Community structure and predation impact of carnivorous macrozooplankton in the polar frontal zone (Southern Ocean), with particular reference to chaetognaths

  • Authors: Lukáč, Danica
  • Date: 2006
  • Subjects: Zooplankton -- Antarctic Ocean , Chaetognatha
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
  • Identifier: vital:5653 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1005336 , Zooplankton -- Antarctic Ocean , Chaetognatha
  • Description: The community structure and predation impact of carnivorous macrozooplankton (>2 cm; chaetognaths, medusae, ctenophores and mysids), with particular emphasis on the chaetognaths Eukrohnia hamata and Sagitta gazellae, were investigated during three surveys conducted in late austral summer (April/May) of 2001, 2004 and 2005 in the Polar Frontal Zone in the vicinity of the Prince Edward Islands (46º45’S, 37º50’E), Southern Ocean. The 2001 survey formed part of the Marion Offshore Variability Ecosystem Study (MOVES II), while the 2004 and 2005 surveys formed part of the Dynamics of Eddy Impacts on Marion’s Ecosystem study (DEIMEC III and IV respectively). Macrozooplankton samples were collected using WP-2, RMT-8 and Bongo nets. Results of the hydrographic survey indicated that the region of investigation, the Polar Frontal Zone (PFZ), is an area of high mesoscale variability. During the 2004 survey the Antarctic Polar Front (APF) and the Subantarctic Front (SAF) merged to form an intense frontal feature with subsurface temperature and salinity ranging from 8.5-7.5ºC and 34.15-33.88, respectively. A cyclonic cold core eddy, believed to have been spawned from the APF, was observed during the 2005 survey. Macrozooplankton abundance and biomass ranged from 0 to 43.731 ind. m⁻³, and from 0 to 41.55 mg wwt m⁻³ respectively, during the three surveys. Among the carnivorous macrozooplankton, chaetognaths (Eukrohnia hamata and Sagitta gazellae) were most prominent, contributing up to 85% of the total biomass during all three surveys. Elevated biomass values were found near and within the frontal feature during the 2004 survey, and also along the eddy edge during the 2005 survey. However, hierarchical cluster analysis did not reveal the presence of distinct zooplankton groupings associated with the various water masses encountered during the surveys and this is probably due to the high mesoscale variability in oceanographic conditions that are characteristic of the PFZ. The total average predation impact of the selected carnivorous macrozooplankton during the 2001, 2004 and 2005 surveys accounted for 4.93 ± 6.76%, 0.55 ± 0.51% and 4.88 ± 4.45 of the mesozooplankton standing stock, respectively. S. gazellae had the highest consumption rate in all three surveys, consuming up to 800 g Dwt 1000m⁻³d⁻¹ during the study. Of the two chaetognaths, E. hamata dominated the chaetognath standing stock. The combined abundance and biomass values of E. hamata and S. gazellae ranged from 0 to 43.73 ind. m⁻³ and from 0 to 41.551 mg wwt m⁻³ respectively, during the three surveys. Inter-annual variability in the chaetognath densities was apparent. Highest abundances and biomasses tended to be associated with specific water masses, confirming the existence of a relationship between zooplankton community structure and hydrographic conditions. Generally, about 90% of the chaetognaths contained no food in their guts. S. gazellae consumed a wider variety of prey. Oil droplets occurred in the guts of ≈ 51% of E. hamata. Cannibalism was low in both species, but greater in S. gazellae than E. hamata. During the three surveys, the feeding rate values of E. hamata and S. gazellae went up to 0.48 and 2.099 prey d⁻¹ respectively. S. gazellae also had a greater predation impact on the mesozooplankton standing stock than E. hamata. The mean predation impact of the chaetognaths combined was 0.31 ± 0.291%, 0.52 ± 0.28% and 0.53 ± 0.56% of the mesozooplankton standing stock during the 2001, 2004 and 2005 surveys, respectively. During all three surveys, the majority of individuals (≈ 76%) of the chaetognaths were at stage I maturity, suggesting that during the time of study the chaetognaths were not reproducing. In both species a significant difference (log-linear analysis, p < 0.05) in maturities between the years investigated was observed. In general, there were no differences in lengths and maturities between the different water masses encountered during the surveys. The lengths of E. hamata and S. gazellae ranged from 5 to 24 mm and from 9.4 to 63.6 mm, respectively.
  • Full Text:
  • Date Issued: 2006

Comparative efficiency of immobilized non-transition metal phthalocyanine photosensitizers for the visible light transformation of chlorophenols

  • Authors: Agboola, Bolade , Ozoemena, Kenneth I , Nyokong, Tebello
  • Date: 2006
  • Subjects: To be catalogued
  • Language: English
  • Type: text , article
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/286043 , vital:56233 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.molcata.2005.12.009"
  • Description: Photolysis of aqueous solutions of chlorophenols (4-chlorophenol, 2,4-dichlorophenol, 2,4,5-trichlorophenol and pentachlorophenol) in the presence of immobilized non-transition metal phthalocyanine photosensitizers onto Amberlite® is presented. The photosensitizers studied are: Al (AlOCPc) and Zn (ZnOCPc) octacarboxyphthalocyanines; Al (AlPcS4) and Zn (ZnPcS4) tetrasulfophthalocyanines; sulfonated phthalocyanine complexes (containing mixtures of differently substituted derivatives) of Al (AlPcSmix), Zn (ZnPcSmix), Ge (GePcSmix), Si (SiPcSmix) and Sn (SnPcSmix). Photolysis of the chlorophenols resulted mainly in the formation of chlorobenzoquinone derivatives. The complexes showed order of activity towards the transformation of pentachlorophenol as follows: ZnOCPc > SiPcSmix > SnPcSmix > ZnPcSmix > GePcSmix > ZnPcS4 > AlPcSmix > AlOCPc > AlPcS4. The generation of singlet oxygen (1O2) by these immobilized MPc photosensitizers was found to play a major role in their photoactivities towards the transformation of these chlorophenols. Langmuir–Hinshelwood (L–H) kinetic model studies showed that the ZnOCPc, GePcSmix and ZnPcSmix photocatalysis occurred on the catalysts surface. © 2005 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
  • Full Text:
  • Date Issued: 2006

Comparative electrochemistry and electrocatalytic activities of cobalt, iron and manganese phthalocyanine complexes axially co-ordinated to mercaptopyridine self-assembled monolayer at gold electrodes

  • Authors: Ozoemena, Kenneth I , Nyokong, Tebello
  • Date: 2006
  • Subjects: To be catalogued
  • Language: English
  • Type: text , article
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/286054 , vital:56234 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.electacta.2005.08.007"
  • Description: Comparative surface electrochemistry and electrocatalytic properties of solid ultrathin monolayer films of metallophthalocyanine (MPc) complexes of cobalt (CoPc), iron (FePc) and manganese (MnPc) self-immobilised, via axial ligation reaction, onto preformed 4-mercaptopyridine self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) on gold electrodes have been described. Surface electrochemical parameters of the modified electrodes showed that these MPc-SAMs are densely packed with flat orientations. The electrochemical, electrocatalytic and stability properties of these MPc complexes follow this order: FePc > MnPc > CoPc. This finding is remarkable as it suggests that the success of using this method of self-assembling of MPc onto gold electrode is largely dependent on the bond distance between the pyridine linker and the central metal of the MPc; the shorter the distance, the faster the co-ordination and the better the electrocatalytic properties towards L-cysteine and thiocyanate. Thus, the superiority of FePc-based SAM over those of the MnPc and CoPc, has been proposed to be the result of the more favorable axial co-ordination properties of FePc with pyridine (i.e. shorter Fe–N(pyridine) bond length.
  • Full Text:
  • Date Issued: 2006

Comparison of satellite rainfall data with observations from gauging station networks

  • Authors: Hughes, Denis A
  • Date: 2006
  • Language: English
  • Type: text , Article
  • Identifier: vital:7079 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1009748
  • Description: Networks of ground-based hydro-meteorological observations are frequently sparse in developing countries and the situation is not improving. Part of the reason is the lack of resources available in countries which have more pressing economic and social issues. However, these are also the very countries where improved estimates of water resource availability are required. While hydrological models have the potential to provide the necessary information, without adequately accurate climate (rainfall, evaporation, etc.) input information, it is extremely difficult to establish models and generate representative water resource availability information. This paper reports on a preliminary analysis of the potential for using satellite derived rainfall data through a comparison with available gauge data for four basins in the southern Africa region. It is clear that the satellite data cannot be used directly in conjunction with historical gauge data. Specifically, the satellite data do not reflect the strong influences on precipitation of topography in some of the basins. However, the prospects of applying relatively straightforward adjustments are promising and further assessments appear to be justified.
  • Full Text:
  • Date Issued: 2006
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