A critical assessment of the oversight role of committees of parliament : a case of the Portfolio Committee of Public Works National Parliament in South Africa 2010 - 2015
- Authors: Yako, Roderic Ralph Odo
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: South Africa -- Department of Transport Legislative oversight Legislative bodies -- Committees
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/11928 , vital:39119
- Description: The research seeks to assess the efficacy of the oversight role of portfolio committees of Parliament with specific reference to the Portfolio Committee on Public Works between 2010 and 2015. The Portfolio Committee on Public Works has an overarching oversight role over all infrastructural and maintenance services rendered by the Department of Public Works. The Department of Public Works fulfils a pivotal function in the infrastructural and maintenance service rendition to all departments in the executive. This function overlaps on provincial and local government spheres. The researcher dwells much on the capacity and competency of members of portfolio committees and support staff in their use of oversight tools, inclusive of the Theory of Change, Monitoring and Evaluation, Budget Cycle Model, Public Sector Oversight Model and Logical Framework when conducting oversight within a financial year. The critical point that was noted was the inadequate time allocated by the Joint Programme Committee for committee oversight and the inadequate capacity of members and support to apply the instruments designed for effective and efficient oversight. The dearth of application of appropriate instruments for oversight is exacerbated by the proliferation of executive government departments, which stretches the work of the Portfolio Committee of Public Works without stretching the resources. The research methodology used included data collection using questionnaires and interviews as instruments for assessment. Questionnaires were distributed to all Whips of all parties in Parliament. A sample size was measured from the total number of members of Parliament less ministers and their deputies and officials. The sample was fifty members. After analysis of the data, it transpired that the responses on the questionnaires gave a convincing result confirming some assumptions that triggered the research. The researcher arrived at conclusions and thereafter suggested recommendations. The research reflected on weaknesses and achievements of the portfolio committees in their oversight role and stressed the importance of the application and use of oversight-related tools and models in order to achieve best practices for developmental results.
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- Date Issued: 2018
Economic change in town and countryside in the former Transkei : land use, livelihoods and market linkages in Ngcobo, Eastern Cape, South Africa
- Authors: Nikelo, Nqaba Benedictor
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Homelands (South Africa) Homelands (South Africa) -- Economic conditions
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , Agricultural Economics
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/10768 , vital:35757
- Description: In 1913 in South Africa the natives of land act during apartheid resulted to the separation of South Africa. South Africa was divided into two areas where they were black and white areas. This act had a rule that said the black people can only move out of their lands only if employed as labourers by the whites. The white population was one-fifth of the population and was given 92.5 percent of the land while the rest of the population were blacks and they were restricted to stay on the 7.5 percent of land. In the Eastern Cape, two homelands were created: the Transkei (in 1951) and the Ciskei (in 1961). In 1963 the Transkei became the first homeland to be granted the status of 'self-governing territory within the Republic of South Africa’, with the Ciskei following suit in 1972. The apartheid policies caused economic failure and corruption because very little economic and infrastructural development took place in the homelands. According to the ‘legacy perspective’: the former homelands are historically-determined structural poverty traps. The objective of the study is to describe the extent and change of economic function/role of Ngcobo town and linkages with its surrounding villages. Availability or convenient sampling and random sampling techniques were used to collect primary data from farmers and surrounding villages. Descriptive statistics was used to profile farmers as well as the participants in the surrounding villages. Descriptive statistics was used to describe the change in the economy of Ngcobo town and the change in the economy of the surrounding rural areas. Households in the former homelands devote a large share of their total expenditure to food and beverages, and yet it would appear that a relatively small share of this food originates from these same rural areas. The point of departure of this report is the observation that rural areas are diverse, whereby some areas within the former homeland areas in particular exhibit signs of dynamism which are not understandable in terms of the ‘legacy perspective’.
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- Date Issued: 2018
Knowledge, attitudes and practice of professional nurses regarding organ donation in critical care units of public and private hospitals in Eastern Cape Province
- Authors: Green, Bukelwa
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Organ donors--Supply and demand Donation of organs, tissues, etc Transplantation of organs, tissues
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , Magister Curationis
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/11116 , vital:37138
- Description: Globally there is an overwhelming increase in the number of patients waiting for donated organs for transplantation, with a gross shortage of available organs. There are many contributing factors to this dearth of donated organs, including level of knowledge, cultural beliefs, lack of clear practice and the attitudes of health care providers, as the gatekeepers of the health system. This non-experimental research study assessed the attitudes, level of knowledge, and practices of professional nurses working in critical care units in public and private hospitals in Eastern Cape Province regarding organ donation. The study was conducted in both private and public hospital intensive care and renal care units. The targeted population in the study was professional nurses working in intensive and renal care units, trained in critical care or nephrology, as well as those who were not trained but working in these specialised areas. The non-probability, purposive sampling method was employed and total population was 187 professional nurses working in public and private critical care units but only 108 managed to yield data for this study. Data was collected with anonymous, self - developed questionnaires. The questionnaire was submitted to supervisors and statistician for validity. Reliability was established by conducting pretest of the instrument, which yielded positive results because all questionnaires were correctly completed.Data captured and analysed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) software for Windows version 22 and is presented by means of percentages and tables. Results: The findings were that, there is insufficient knowledge on the topic of organ donation, with subsequent inadequate practice, which derives from lack of pre-registration training and ongoing in-service education regarding the topic. The unavailability of full organ transplantation services in the province is viewed as a hindrance in the practice of organ donation. There was generally a positive attitude towards organ donation, particularly among Christian nurses. The knowledge deficit and limited practice seem not to have affected the attitudes of the participants, who supported the idea of organ donation. However, despite the positive attitudes, only 13 participants (12.0 percent) agreed to be registered as organ donors. 50 percent of participants lacked knowledge about availability and contact details of the provincial organ donation foundation, which may indicate inadequate marketing on the part of the foundation. There was no significant difference in knowledge, attitudes and practice between nurses in the private and public sectors. Rather differences were noted between the different levels of health care services, i.e. between the secondary and tertiary level. The tertiary level outperformed the secondary level institutions. It is recommended that organ donation be incorporated into the syllabi of health sciences courses both in universities and colleges, and that awareness campaigns be strengthened.
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- Date Issued: 2018
Determination of physiochemical properties and metal levels in soil, water, and plant from Alice landfill site
- Authors: Maphuhla, N G
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Heavy metals -- Environmental aspects Soil pollution Water -- Pollution
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/6224 , vital:29521
- Description: The state of soil is of great significance because it is a common medium for plant growth, which provides important nutrients to plants. Water pollution is the build-up of harmful substances in water bodies to the level that results in health problems for people and animals. Heavy metal pollution (of soil, water, and plants) and their health effects on people is a persistent social issue, and several types of research have recognized health risks of residents living close to open dumpsites. Dump sites are sources of heavy metal impurity and toxicity to the surrounding environment. Analyses were done on water and soil samples for temperature, pH, Electrical conductivity (EC), Total dissolved solids (TDS), alkalinity, organic matter, organic carbon and total hardness. The pH results range from slightly acidic (6.79) to neutral soil pH (7.09), and have been recorded within the normal range from WHO. All the determined physicochemical properties in soil and water have been recorded within the normal range, except for EC in water which was found to be above the permissible limits by WHO. The heavy metals concentration was determined using the AAS technique. The results obtained shows that the dumpsite‘s soil consists of high metal concentration when compared to control site. The concentration in dumpsites ranges between 1.2783 ± 0.83 mg/kg to 26.3213 ± 6.37 mg/kg. The descending order for selected metal concentrations were in this following order Mn> Cu>Hg>Pb. The Pb and Hg mean concentration was recorded above permissible limits, while the Mn and Cu were within the normal range suggested by WHO. In both water and Acacia karroo samples the Cu was not detected. The trend of metal concentration in water sample was found to be in this order Hg> Mn > Pb> Cu, while in Acacia karroo metal concentration is Hg> Mn> Pb> Cu. The one-way ANOVA test was used to compare the mean concentration of selected metals in each sampling site. The results show that there is a statistically significant difference between the mean concentrations of selected metals; this is supported by the value of F-static and p-value (p <0.05)
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- Date Issued: 2017
A critical analysis of the deductibility for income tax purposes of dual-purpose expenditure
- Authors: Pickup, Richard Kenneth
- Date: 2016
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/4155 , vital:20628
- Description: This thesis critically analysed the apportionment of dual-purpose expenditure. In doing so, two categories of dual-expenditure were examined: expenditure that has been incurred for both trade and non-trade purposes, and expenditure that has been incurred to produce both taxable and exempt income. In conducting this analysis, this thesis set out to answer three questions: has the apportionment of dual-purpose expenditure been officially sanctioned in South Africa, when does the need for apportionment arise, and on what basis should a taxpayer apportion expenditure that has been incurred for a dual purpose? A doctrinal methodology was applied to the documentary data which consisted of relevant tax legislation; South African, Australian and English case law; and commentary of experts in the field of tax law. From the analysis performed, it was revealed that the apportionment of dual-purpose expenditure has been officially sanctioned in South Africa. In addition, it was concluded that the applicable legal principles for determining the need for apportionment and for performing the apportionment calculation are clear and well-established. The difficulty which taxpayers, the courts and the South African Revenue Service face, however, is applying these principles in practice. This research therefore concluded that there is a need for further guidance in this complex area of tax law. In addition, this research proposed some recommendations which could provide more certainty and clarity.
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- Date Issued: 2016
An analysis of policy implementation on HIV and AIDS in pregnant women : a case study of Lukhanji sub-district Municipality in the Eastern Cape Province in South Africa
- Authors: Sinyanya, Yoliswa
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: AIDS (Disease) in pregnancy -- Government policy -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , HIV infections -- Government policy -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , HIV-positive women -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/2282 , vital:27747
- Description: This research was conducted with the aim to evaluate the policy interventions on HIV and AIDS in pregnant women in the Lukhanji sub district of Chris Hani District Municipality. The study would also propose policy improvement strategies towards curbing the spread of HIV and AIDS in pregnant women. In realizing these goals, the entire research process was guided by the research objectives and questions which sought to evaluate policies and strategies relevant to HIV prevalence in pregnant women. The secondary research objectives were accomplished through the review and analysis of the relevant literature and theories. Qualitative research approach was used in determining the findings and conclusions from the study. Data was collected using qualitative research methods and in this case a structured questionnaire was developed and distributed to the study participants. The Questionnaires were handed and discussed with each participant. Demographics, socioeconomic and cultural factors were considered in designing the data collection tool. These factors are known to have an impact on the prevalence of HIV. It has been shown through the study that demographic variables have an effect on HIV prevalence. Hence when considering policy interventions these should be taken into account. All the respondents were given enough time and they provided clear and comprehensive responses to the questionnaire and follow up discussions. The evaluation of the responses showed that various HIV prevention related policies are being implemented within the Lukhanji sub-district. Numerous programmes relating to HIV and AIDS, also specifically covering pregnant women are being rolled out across the sub-district. HIV prevalence in the study population is rated as average to low when comparing with the district, provincial and national statistics. Current data obtained from the study indicates that HIV prevalence stands at 17%. This finding demonstrates the heterogeneity of HIV prevalence when comparing this result with current provincial and national statistics. Evaluation of the different HIV and AIDS programmes that are aligned to provincial and national policy somehow explain the positive outcomes observed in the Lukhanji sub-district The study recommends that more work be done in reaching out to the communities using various communication channels and strategies. This could address the challenges associated with the lack of cooperation with local traditional leaders, because this has been found to have a negative impact on implementation of some programmes such as circumcision. One of the positive findings from the study is the accessibility of health care facilities to the local rural communities. Further research on the subject should be undertaken to ensure continuous evaluation as this topic is viewed as a continuous global issue.
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- Date Issued: 2015
Agriculture as a contributor to local economic development (LED) in Nkonkobe Local Municipality
- Authors: Rali, Jongikhaya
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Agricultural development projects -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Poverty -- Economic aspects -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape. , Job creation
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9201 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020402
- Description: Africa while being underdeveloped in terms of industry and infrastructure has much rural land and therefore has significant potential to provide global food security. This study investigates agriculture as a contributor to economic development of Nkonkobe Local Municipality, Eastern Cape, South Africa. While the potential of agriculture, in Nkonkobe Local Municipality is high, this sector has not been fully developed to the benefit of the community and the municipality at large. The results of this study have pointed out that the Eastern Cape, Nkonkobe Local Municipality in particular is where communal farming is practiced on the largest scale and where further growth can take place. This study is informed by the goals of reconstruction and development, as expressed in the Government’s Reconstruction and Development Programme (1995) tabled to meet the basic needs of the people, develop its human resources and to build the local economy. This study aims to transform Nkonkobe Local Municipality into an economically developed area of Amathole District Municipality, by improving the area’s agricultural contribution to the Local Economic Development (LED) of the area. This study supports entrepreneurship and innovation, job creation, raising the quality of basic services to the poorest citizens of Nkonkobe Local Municipality, and increasing the distribution of agricultural land to small holders. This study promotes the development of agricultural sector, which will enable it to absorb more low skilled labour which will assist in poverty alleviation, and promote LED initiatives. This study also develops and promotes the sustainable contribution of agriculture to LED programmes, and improves the participation of local communities in these programmes. The study was conducted using qualitative research methodology. The findings of the study reveal that agricultural infrastructure in support of LED in Nkonkobe Local Municipality must be established and improved. Such infrastructure should include the reticulation of services, such as irrigation schemes, big dams, farming equipment, tractors, laboratories, cold storages and communication links. These services are currently inadequate in the area, and hamper development and progress that the area clearly has great potential to add in terms of global food security and poverty alleviation.
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- Date Issued: 2013
Major spoligotype families of Mycobacterium tuberculosis strains isolated from tuberculosis patients in Port Elizabeth, Eastern Cape, South Africa
- Authors: Nqini, Babalwa J
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Mycobacterium tuberculosis -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Tuberculosis -- Patients -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Drug resistance , Multidrug-resistant tuberculosis -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , HIV infections -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , AIDS (Disease) -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc (Microbiology)
- Identifier: vital:11271 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1006877 , Mycobacterium tuberculosis -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Tuberculosis -- Patients -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Drug resistance , Multidrug-resistant tuberculosis -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , HIV infections -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , AIDS (Disease) -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Description: South Africa is burdened with tuberculosis (TB) which is aggravated by the concurrent epidemic of HIV as well as the emergence of drug resistance. In most developed countries molecular techniques have been used to look at the dynamics of the TB epidemic however, despite the prevalence that is high in sub-Saharan Africa, there is little data on strain types that are available in Port Elizabeth. This study aims to find the major clades of M. tuberculosis that are circulating in Port Elizabeth. Two hundred MDR-TB DNA samples were obtained from the National Health Laboratory Services TB laboratory in Port Elizabeth. Spoligotyping and MIRU-VNTR were used to genotype the strains. Two hundred strains were sent to the University of Stellenbosch for spoligotyping and 179 of those were typed. Spoligotype defined families were further typed by MIRU-VNTR typing, so as to further differentiate and assess clonal diversity within the spoligotype families. The Beijing family was the dominant family and the MANU family being the least dominant, with percentages of 71 percent and 0.5 percent respectively. A comparison of spoligotyping results with the international spoligotyping database (SITVIT2) showed a total of 15 shared international types. Forty four percent (44 percent) of the isolates that were typed by MIRU-VNTR showed similarities, suggesting epidemiological relatedness. Thirty eight percent of isolates from spoligotyping were from the same family, the Beijing family, with the same shared international type STI1, but when typed by 12 MIRU-VNTR they showed no epidemiological relatedness and 18 percent of the isolates showed no relatedness when typed by 12 MIRU-VNTR but spoligotyping showed that they were from the LAM family. Results from our study illustrate the effectiveness of MIRU-VNTR typing together with spoligotyping in epidemiological studies in the region of Port Elizabeth.
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- Date Issued: 2012
The sustainability of rural co-operatives within the Eastern Cape with reference to Mbhashe Local Municipality
- Authors: Ndawule, Luvuyo
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Cooperative societies -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9126 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1018555
- Description: Mbhashe Local Municipality is part of eight local municipalities that make up Amathole District Municipality. The study is conducted in Mbhashe local Municipality where two co-operatives have been sampled. The purpose of the study was to investigate the challenges faced by co-operatives in achieving its intended purpose (i.e. alleviating poverty, creating employment and generating income). It is the intention of the researcher to investigate the socio-economic role played by co-operatives in this afore mentioned local municipality. For the research to be able to examine and analyse the performance and challenges faced by co-operatives around Mbhashe certain key aspects were extensively taken into consideration. These aspects are co-operative leadership, management structures, external support from different stakeholders, like different government departments, communities where co-operatives are located, and the role of NGO’s. It was the intention of the researcher to analyse the type of support given by each of the above mentioned stakeholders. It was through the study that the research was able to deduce whether the support given by these various stakeholders was enough or not in ensuring viability and sustainability of co-operatives. In conducting the research a qualitative approach was used whereby various instruments were used to collect data. It was through the variety of instruments used that the researcher managed to capture the challenges faced by co-operatives. Apart from the challenges which were the main focus of the researcher, the findings also reveal that co-operatives play a vital role in socio-economic development. This is more evident in rural areas such as those at Mbhashe Local Municipality. There is undisputed evidence shown by co-operatives that community members do benefit from the produce created by co-operatives. If co-operatives can receive the type of support they deserve, poverty in rural areas can be put to absolute minimum.
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- Date Issued: 2012
A comparative analysis of the divisia index and the simple sum monetary aggregates for South Africa
- Authors: Moyo, Solomon Simbarashe
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Monetary policy -- South Africa , Money supply -- South Africa , Inflation finance -- South Africa , Index numbers (Economics)
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: vital:945 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002679 , Monetary policy -- South Africa , Money supply -- South Africa , Inflation finance -- South Africa , Index numbers (Economics)
- Description: The effectiveness of monetary policy in achieving its macroeconomic objectives such as price stability and economic growth depend on the monetary policy tools that are implemented by the Central Bank. Monetary aggregates are one of the tools that have been used as indicators of economic activity and as intermediate targets to achieve these economic objectives. Until recently, monetary aggregates have been questioned and criticised on their usefulness in monetary policy. This has been attributed to the economic, financial and technological developments that have distorted the relationship between monetary aggregates and major macroeconomic variables. This study investigates the relevance of monetary aggregation by comparing the traditional simple sum and Divisia index monetary aggregates which was constructed for the first time for South Africa using the Tornquist-Theil method. The Polynomial Distributed Lag model is employed to compare the performance of these monetary aggregates using their relationship with inflation and manufacturing index. Furthermore, the aggregates are compared in terms of their controllability and information content. Overall, the study found a very strong relationship between inflation and all the monetary aggregates. However, more specifically the results suggested that the Divisia indices are superior to the simple sum in terms of predicting inflation. The evidence further suggests that the Divisia aggregates provide higher information about inflation than the simple sum aggregates. Regarding the controllability of the monetary aggregates, the findings suggest that the monetary authorities can hardly control the monetary aggregates using monetary base. Finally, the relationship between manufacturing index and all the monetary aggregates was very weak.
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- Date Issued: 2009
Bond market development in emerging economies: a case study of the Bond Exchange of South Africa (BESA)
- Authors: Hove, Tagara
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Bond Exchange of South Africa , Bond market -- South Africa , Foreign exchange rates -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: vital:961 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002695 , Bond Exchange of South Africa , Bond market -- South Africa , Foreign exchange rates -- South Africa
- Description: This study looks at the development of bond markets in emerging economies and focuses on the development of the Bond Exchange of South Africa (BESA). It explores the history, structure, performance and key issues related to the development of this market within the broader context of domestic, regional and global bond market development. BESA's experience provides valuable lessons for other emerging market economies also seeking to build bond markets. The sophistication of the local bond market is not enough to make it appealing to foreign borrowers. Market development demands an enabling market infrastructure and a background of macroeconomic stability, diversified market participants, deregulation of capital flows and an appropriate regulatory and supervisory environment.
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- Date Issued: 2009
Developing an ionospheric map for South Africa
- Authors: Okoh, Daniel Izuikeninachi
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Ionosphere -- South Africa , Shortwave radio , Ionospheric electron density -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:5459 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1005244 , Ionosphere -- South Africa , Shortwave radio , Ionospheric electron density -- South Africa
- Description: This thesis describes the development of an ionospheric map for the South African region using the current available resources. The International Reference Ionosphere (IRI) model, the South African Bottomside Ionospheric Model (SABIM), and measurements from ionosondes in the South African Ionosonde Network, were incorporated into the map. An accurate ionospheric map depicting the foF2 and hmF2 parameters as well as electron density profiles at any location within South Africa is a useful tool for, amongst others, High Frequency (HF) communicators and space weather centers. A major product of the work is software, written in MATLAB, which produces spatial and temporal representations of the South African ionosphere. The map was validated and demonstrated for practical application, since a significant aim of the project was to make the map as applicable as possible. It is hoped that the map will find immense application in HF radio communication industries, research industries, aviation industries, and other industries that make use of Earth-Space systems. A potential user of the map is GrinTek Ewation (GEW) who is currently evaluating it for their purposes
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- Date Issued: 2009
Normative indicators for a black, Xhosa speaking population without tertiary education on four tests used to access malingering
- Authors: Wong, Andrea Jane
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Malingering Neuropsychological tests Language and languages -- Ability testing Educational tests and measurements Education evaluation Xhosa (African people) -- Education
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:3088 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002597
- Description: Malingering has become an increasing concern in neuropsychological assessment in recent years, and a wide range of tests have been designed and examined for the purpose of detecting malingering. Cut-off scores have been recommended for these tests in order to provide indications of malingering performances. However, the derived scores have been in respect of westernised populations of people with relatively high levels of education who speak English as their first language. Accordingly, the current study aimed to attain normative data and cut-off scores for four commonly employed neuropsychological tools, administered in English, on a population of black, South African, Xhosa-speaking people (N = 33), who attended a former DET-type school in the Eastern Cape, with a Grade 11-12 level of education, in the age range of 18 - 40 years. The targeted measures included the TOMM, the Rey-15 Item Memory Test, the Digit Span subtest of the WAIS-III, and the Trail Making Test. The obtained scores were poorer than the previously published cut-offs for at least one component of each of the tests investigated, except the TOMM. The fmdings of this study highlight the important role that the factors of culture, quality of education, and language play in neuropsychological test performance.
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- Date Issued: 2009
Transnational civil society's ability to successfully influence state actors on human rights issues through international non-governmental organizations (INGOs) : a case study of the coalition to stop the use of child soldiers
- Authors: VerHage, Alicia
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: International Campaign to Ban Landmines , Convention on the Rights of the Child (1989 November 20) , Non-governmental organizations , Child soldiers , Children's rights , Human rights , Children (International law)
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:2884 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1015249
- Description: The international dilemma of child soldiers is a humanitarian concern throughout the world. The Coalition to Stop the Use of Child Soldiers (CSUCS) began in 1998 and is currently the leading collaborative movement to address the issue. However, because of its emphasis on a universal 'Straight 18' approach and support of the Optional Protocol of the Convention on the Rights of a Child (CRC), the CSUCS ignores contextual realities that affect the implementation ofthe international legislation and the development of norms concerning child soldiers. This research project will examine the current international nongovernmental organization (INGO) response to child soldiers- focusing on the CSCUS - and formulate suggestions for potential avenues to further INGO involvement with policies and projects. The argument is based on a neoliberal institutionalist platform that argues in favour ofiNGOs' ability to successfully influence actions taken by state actors to address human right issues. Highlighting the successful INGO influence on states during the International Campaign to Ban Landmines, I will present this example as a potential model for the Coalition to Stop the Use of Child Soldiers, and explore the feasibility of this model whilst making suggestions for more effective involvement of INGOs with regard to the issue of child soldiers.
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- Date Issued: 2009
A new empirical model for the peak ionospheric electron density using neural networks
- Authors: McKinnell, L A
- Date: 1997
- Subjects: Ionospheric electron density Neural networks (Computer science)
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:5478 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1005264
- Description: This thesis describes the search for a temporal model for predicting the peak ionospheric electron density-(foF2). Existing models, such as the International Reference Ionosphere (IRI) and 8KYCOM, were used to predict the 12 noon foF2 value over Grahamstown (26°E, 33°8). An attempt was then made to find a model that would improve upon these results. The traditional method of linear regression was used as a first step towards a new model. It was found that this would involve a multi variable regression that is reliant on guessing the optimum variables to be used in the final equation. An extremely complicated modelling equation involving many terms would result. Neural networks (NNs) are introduced as a new technique for predicting foF2. They are also applied, for the first time, to the problem of determining the best predictors of foF2. This quantity depends upon day number, level of solar activity and level of magnetic activity. The optimum averaging lengths of the solar activity index and the magnetic activity index were determined by appling NNs, using the criterion that the best indices are those that give the lowest rms error between the measured and predicted foF2. The optimum index for solar activity was found to be a 2-month running mean value of the daily sunspot number and for magnetic activity a 2-day averaged A index was found to be optimum. In addition, it was found that the response of foF2 to magnetic activity changes is highly non-linear and seasonally dependent. Using these indices as inputs, the NN trained successfully to predict foF2 with an rms error of 0.946 MHz on the daily testing values. Comparison with the IRI showed an improvement of 40% on the rms error. It is also shown that the NN will predict the noon value of foF2 to the same level of accuracy for unseen data of the same type.
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- Date Issued: 1997
Certain aspects of eroticism in twentieth century western painting
- Authors: Marais, Estelle
- Date: 1973
- Subjects: Erotic art , Painting, Modern -- 20th century
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MFA
- Identifier: vital:2486 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1012833
- Description: In this essay eroticism will be examined as it appears in some twentieth century representational styles. The decision to concentrate on the representational styles is based on the fact that eroticism is by nature incompatible with the non-representational or non-objective movements in art. This incompatibility is rooted in the knowledge that eroticism is intrinsically and fundamentally a human experience and could therefore find expression only in an art which is concerned with human experience, i.e. experiences which refer to man, his nature and his relation to Nature. It would be oversimplified and grossly inaccurate to equate the nonrepresentational with the abstract, abstraction being an element present in all art to a greater or lesser degree. However, when abstraction has reached the stage where it can define its aims, as, in the words of Kandinsky, "widening the separation between the domain of art and the domain of Nature", (Lake & Maillard: A Dictionary of Modern Painting, p. 1) then it may also approach the realm of the non-representational. When Michel Seupher states, "I call abstract art all art that does not recall or evoke reality", (Lake & Maillard: A Dictionary of Modern Painting, p. 136) abstract and nonrepresentational art becomes fused into an inseparable unity. Erotic expression will then be incompatible with this degree of abstraction. Intro., p. 1.
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- Date Issued: 1973