Seducing the people: populism and the challenge to democracy in South Africa
- Authors: Vincent, Louise
- Date: 2011
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/141668 , vital:37995 , DOI: 10.1080/02589001.2011.533056
- Description: Recent ructions in South Africa's ruling African National Congress have been described from time to time in the media as signalling a dangerous shift towards ‘populism’. The article examines this contention. It argues that South Africa is witnessing a significant challenge to the founding precepts of constitutional democracy. This challenge emanates from the (populist) equation of democracy with ‘the will of the people’. The article unpacks some of the implications of reducing democracy to majoritarianism. It provides also an analysis of why populist appeals of various kinds have been so appealing to South African voters 15 years into democracy. The article argues that the challenges that are currently being experienced in relation to democratisation in South Africa have to do with the inherent tension between the animating ideology of democracy, which suggests that power resides with the people, and the practical functioning of democracy, which relies on the devolution of power to the representatives chosen by a section of the people who rely on order and predictability in the polity in order to govern in a workable way. Populist appeals, it is argued, exploit this tension. But what makes it possible for this strategy to succeed is the failure on the part of political elites to engage in the process of building democracy by way of inculcating respect for democratic values.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
- Authors: Vincent, Louise
- Date: 2011
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/141668 , vital:37995 , DOI: 10.1080/02589001.2011.533056
- Description: Recent ructions in South Africa's ruling African National Congress have been described from time to time in the media as signalling a dangerous shift towards ‘populism’. The article examines this contention. It argues that South Africa is witnessing a significant challenge to the founding precepts of constitutional democracy. This challenge emanates from the (populist) equation of democracy with ‘the will of the people’. The article unpacks some of the implications of reducing democracy to majoritarianism. It provides also an analysis of why populist appeals of various kinds have been so appealing to South African voters 15 years into democracy. The article argues that the challenges that are currently being experienced in relation to democratisation in South Africa have to do with the inherent tension between the animating ideology of democracy, which suggests that power resides with the people, and the practical functioning of democracy, which relies on the devolution of power to the representatives chosen by a section of the people who rely on order and predictability in the polity in order to govern in a workable way. Populist appeals, it is argued, exploit this tension. But what makes it possible for this strategy to succeed is the failure on the part of political elites to engage in the process of building democracy by way of inculcating respect for democratic values.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
Seductive Manoeuvres: an analysis of the use of feminist performance strategies as a means of staging alternative sexualities in two dance theatre works
- Authors: Barnard, Joni
- Date: 2011
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/76823 , vital:30627
- Description: Located within the discipline of Performance Studies, this thesis seeks to validate performance and theatre, specifically dance theatre, as legitimate fields of research and enquiry that can enrich the polemics surrounding discourse, representation, the body and identity. Within this thesis I explore and analyse the creative processes and performance strategies used in two dance theatres works: Acty Tang’s Chaste (2007) and my own work entitled Displayed and Framed (2008) and how these strategies support the staging of alternative sexualities. I argue that the staging of alternative sexualities calls for an alternative approach to the performance strategies utilised in the production of space, the representations of the body and the use of text in both works. Each work offers a particular exploration of gender and sexuality in the attempt to represent alternative identities, alternative bodies and alternative sexualities. In this thesis I identify the endeavour to stage ‘otherness’ as a feminist endeavour and thus identify the performance strategies utilised in each work as feminist performance strategies. Through my analysis I wish to highlight the ways in which a feminist approach can contribute to and enrich both the staging of and understanding of alternative sexualities. In both Chaste (2007) and Displayed and Framed (2008), the choreographers of each work are also performers in their own work in an endeavour to explore and represent their own identity. The analysis of my own work requires that I play the multiple roles of choreographer, performer and researcher. In this analysis I provide accounts of my own experiences, processes and struggles of creating Displayed and Framed (2008) which are analysed in conjunction with my readings of Chaste (2007) and Tang’s personal experiences in creating the work. Thus this thesis explores the value of reflection and self reflectivity in the processes of creating performance.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
- Authors: Barnard, Joni
- Date: 2011
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/76823 , vital:30627
- Description: Located within the discipline of Performance Studies, this thesis seeks to validate performance and theatre, specifically dance theatre, as legitimate fields of research and enquiry that can enrich the polemics surrounding discourse, representation, the body and identity. Within this thesis I explore and analyse the creative processes and performance strategies used in two dance theatres works: Acty Tang’s Chaste (2007) and my own work entitled Displayed and Framed (2008) and how these strategies support the staging of alternative sexualities. I argue that the staging of alternative sexualities calls for an alternative approach to the performance strategies utilised in the production of space, the representations of the body and the use of text in both works. Each work offers a particular exploration of gender and sexuality in the attempt to represent alternative identities, alternative bodies and alternative sexualities. In this thesis I identify the endeavour to stage ‘otherness’ as a feminist endeavour and thus identify the performance strategies utilised in each work as feminist performance strategies. Through my analysis I wish to highlight the ways in which a feminist approach can contribute to and enrich both the staging of and understanding of alternative sexualities. In both Chaste (2007) and Displayed and Framed (2008), the choreographers of each work are also performers in their own work in an endeavour to explore and represent their own identity. The analysis of my own work requires that I play the multiple roles of choreographer, performer and researcher. In this analysis I provide accounts of my own experiences, processes and struggles of creating Displayed and Framed (2008) which are analysed in conjunction with my readings of Chaste (2007) and Tang’s personal experiences in creating the work. Thus this thesis explores the value of reflection and self reflectivity in the processes of creating performance.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
Selected marketing and human resources variables influencing sponsorship initiatives within corporate businesses :a South African perspective
- Authors: Kruger, Elda
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Branding (Marketing) , Advertising , Human capital
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: vital:9367 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1010010 , Branding (Marketing) , Advertising , Human capital
- Description: In an ever changing world, consumers are less and less responsive to traditional advertising, which creates a challenge for marketers, as they need to constantly develop new marketing communication tools to make a lasting impression on current and potential consumers. Consumers of the twenty first century are described as emotionally acting individuals, and has led to a increase in creative and emotional marketing communication tools, for example sponsorship, which is an increasingly important element of an integrated marketing communication strategy. Because of the value sponsorship can have for a business, and the high costs involved in this marketing initiative, it is imperative to examine variables that might be influential, in order to apply this promotional activity to the business’ advantage (Belch & Belch 2007:12; Hartland, Skinner & Griffiths 2005:164-173; Nicholis, Roslow & Dublish 1999:365-387; Pham & Vanheule 1997:407-417). Because of the important effect of sponsorship, marketing managers seek clarity in respect of which events to support and to link their business’ brand with or not. There is however little guidance in literature available on which events to sponsor and how to exploit resources efficiently and effectively (Crimmins & Horn 1996; Speed & Thompson 2000). Therefore, the objective of this study is to identify factors that might influence sponsorship initiatives within corporate businesses in South Africa. The variables that was identified for the study at hand was marketing related variables namely branding, marketing ethics and green marketing, and human resources related variables namely, corporate culture, values and employee empowerment. In order to determine the influence of the predetermined variables on sponsorship, an empirical investigation was conducted. The positivistic (phenomenological) approach was used in this study as the aim was to determine whether a relationship exists between selected independent variables and the dependent variable, via the intervening variables, using statistical analysis. In order to gather primary data, selfadministered questionnaires were issued to 182 respondents by means of convenience and snowball sampling of which the results were analysed to arrive at conclusions regarding the research in question. The empirical analysis of the data followed the following statistical steps: exploratory factor analysis to test the validity of the measuring instrument, Cronbach Alpha correlation coefficients to confirm the reliability of the questionnaire, SEM goodness-of-fit, multiple regression analysis to test the hypothesised relationships between the independent, intervening and dependent variables, ANOVA and descriptive statistics. The main findings of this study suggest that branding and green marketing have a significantly positive relationship with sponsorship, indicating the importance of a business’ brand and environmental awareness in terms of its emotional marketing initiatives. These relationships iIn an ever changing world, consumers are less and less responsive to traditional advertising, which creates a challenge for marketers, as they need to constantly develop new marketing communication tools to make a lasting impression on current and potential consumers. Consumers of the twenty first century are described as emotionally acting individuals, and has led to a increase in creative and emotional marketing communication tools, for example sponsorship, which is an increasingly important element of an integrated marketing communication strategy. Because of the value sponsorship can have for a business, and the high costs involved in this marketing initiative, it is imperative to examine variables that might be influential, in order to apply this promotional activity to the business’ advantage (Belch & Belch 2007:12; Hartland, Skinner & Griffiths 2005:164-173; Nicholis, Roslow & Dublish 1999:365-387; Pham & Vanheule 1997:407-417). Because of the important effect of sponsorship, marketing managers seek clarity in respect of which events to support and to link their business’ brand with or not. There is however little guidance in literature available on which events to sponsor and how to exploit resources efficiently and effectively (Crimmins & Horn 1996; Speed & Thompson 2000). Therefore, the objective of this study is to identify factors that might influence sponsorship initiatives within corporate businesses in South Africa. The variables that was identified for the study at hand was marketing related variables namely branding, marketing ethics and green marketing, and human resources related variables namely, corporate culture, values and employee empowerment. In order to determine the influence of the predetermined variables on sponsorship, an empirical investigation was conducted. The positivistic (phenomenological) approach was used in this study as the aim was to determine whether a relationship exists between selected independent variables and the dependent variable, via the intervening variables, using statistical analysis. In order to gather primary data, selfadministered questionnaires were issued to 182 respondents by means of convenience and snowball sampling of which the results were analysed to arrive at conclusions regarding the research in question. The empirical analysis of the data followed the following statistical steps: exploratory factor analysis to test the validity of the measuring instrument, Cronbach Alpha correlation coefficients to confirm the reliability of the questionnaire, SEM goodness-of-fit, multiple regression analysis to test the hypothesised relationships between the independent, intervening and dependent variables, ANOVA and descriptive statistics. The main findings of this study suggest that branding and green marketing have a significantly positive relationship with sponsorship, indicating the importance of a business’ brand and environmental awareness in terms of its emotional marketing initiatives. These relationships imply that, according to respondents, if these two aspects improve within the business, so could its sponsorship initiatives. Interestingly, it was established that ethics was insignificant in terms of a business’sponsorship initiatives. Corporate culture and values had a positive relationship with sponsorship, and employee empowerment proved to be negatively related to Sport and Broadcast sponsorship, with no significant relationship with Education and Community sponsorship. Additionally, the empirical investigation revealed that the ethnicity of respondents exerted an influence on the perception employees have regarding ethics, employee empowerment and Sport and Broadcast sponsorship within the businesses they are employed at. As this study assisted in the development of sponsorship strategies for businesses to implement, it will have a direct benefit to marketers and businesses in general so that sponsorship initiatives can be directed in such a way to maximise the return on investment for a business. The implications of this study will be of great value to marketing managers as sponsorship is such an important marketing strategy and communications tool which impacts on the overall business objectives.mply that, according to respondents, if these two aspects improve within the business, so could its sponsorship initiatives. Interestingly, it was established that ethics was insignificant in terms of a business’ sponsorship initiatives. Corporate culture and values had a positive relationship with sponsorship, and employee empowerment proved to be negatively related to Sport and Broadcast sponsorship, with no significant relationship with Education and Community sponsorship. Additionally, the empirical investigation revealed that the ethnicity of respondents exerted an influence on the perception employees have regarding ethics, employee empowerment and Sport and Broadcast sponsorship within the businesses they are employed at. As this study assisted in the development of sponsorship strategies for businesses to implement, it will have a direct benefit to marketers and businesses in general so that sponsorship initiatives can be directed in such a way to maximise the return on investment for a business. The implications of this study will be of great value to marketing managers as sponsorship is such an important marketing strategy and communications tool which impacts on the overall business objectives.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
- Authors: Kruger, Elda
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Branding (Marketing) , Advertising , Human capital
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: vital:9367 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1010010 , Branding (Marketing) , Advertising , Human capital
- Description: In an ever changing world, consumers are less and less responsive to traditional advertising, which creates a challenge for marketers, as they need to constantly develop new marketing communication tools to make a lasting impression on current and potential consumers. Consumers of the twenty first century are described as emotionally acting individuals, and has led to a increase in creative and emotional marketing communication tools, for example sponsorship, which is an increasingly important element of an integrated marketing communication strategy. Because of the value sponsorship can have for a business, and the high costs involved in this marketing initiative, it is imperative to examine variables that might be influential, in order to apply this promotional activity to the business’ advantage (Belch & Belch 2007:12; Hartland, Skinner & Griffiths 2005:164-173; Nicholis, Roslow & Dublish 1999:365-387; Pham & Vanheule 1997:407-417). Because of the important effect of sponsorship, marketing managers seek clarity in respect of which events to support and to link their business’ brand with or not. There is however little guidance in literature available on which events to sponsor and how to exploit resources efficiently and effectively (Crimmins & Horn 1996; Speed & Thompson 2000). Therefore, the objective of this study is to identify factors that might influence sponsorship initiatives within corporate businesses in South Africa. The variables that was identified for the study at hand was marketing related variables namely branding, marketing ethics and green marketing, and human resources related variables namely, corporate culture, values and employee empowerment. In order to determine the influence of the predetermined variables on sponsorship, an empirical investigation was conducted. The positivistic (phenomenological) approach was used in this study as the aim was to determine whether a relationship exists between selected independent variables and the dependent variable, via the intervening variables, using statistical analysis. In order to gather primary data, selfadministered questionnaires were issued to 182 respondents by means of convenience and snowball sampling of which the results were analysed to arrive at conclusions regarding the research in question. The empirical analysis of the data followed the following statistical steps: exploratory factor analysis to test the validity of the measuring instrument, Cronbach Alpha correlation coefficients to confirm the reliability of the questionnaire, SEM goodness-of-fit, multiple regression analysis to test the hypothesised relationships between the independent, intervening and dependent variables, ANOVA and descriptive statistics. The main findings of this study suggest that branding and green marketing have a significantly positive relationship with sponsorship, indicating the importance of a business’ brand and environmental awareness in terms of its emotional marketing initiatives. These relationships iIn an ever changing world, consumers are less and less responsive to traditional advertising, which creates a challenge for marketers, as they need to constantly develop new marketing communication tools to make a lasting impression on current and potential consumers. Consumers of the twenty first century are described as emotionally acting individuals, and has led to a increase in creative and emotional marketing communication tools, for example sponsorship, which is an increasingly important element of an integrated marketing communication strategy. Because of the value sponsorship can have for a business, and the high costs involved in this marketing initiative, it is imperative to examine variables that might be influential, in order to apply this promotional activity to the business’ advantage (Belch & Belch 2007:12; Hartland, Skinner & Griffiths 2005:164-173; Nicholis, Roslow & Dublish 1999:365-387; Pham & Vanheule 1997:407-417). Because of the important effect of sponsorship, marketing managers seek clarity in respect of which events to support and to link their business’ brand with or not. There is however little guidance in literature available on which events to sponsor and how to exploit resources efficiently and effectively (Crimmins & Horn 1996; Speed & Thompson 2000). Therefore, the objective of this study is to identify factors that might influence sponsorship initiatives within corporate businesses in South Africa. The variables that was identified for the study at hand was marketing related variables namely branding, marketing ethics and green marketing, and human resources related variables namely, corporate culture, values and employee empowerment. In order to determine the influence of the predetermined variables on sponsorship, an empirical investigation was conducted. The positivistic (phenomenological) approach was used in this study as the aim was to determine whether a relationship exists between selected independent variables and the dependent variable, via the intervening variables, using statistical analysis. In order to gather primary data, selfadministered questionnaires were issued to 182 respondents by means of convenience and snowball sampling of which the results were analysed to arrive at conclusions regarding the research in question. The empirical analysis of the data followed the following statistical steps: exploratory factor analysis to test the validity of the measuring instrument, Cronbach Alpha correlation coefficients to confirm the reliability of the questionnaire, SEM goodness-of-fit, multiple regression analysis to test the hypothesised relationships between the independent, intervening and dependent variables, ANOVA and descriptive statistics. The main findings of this study suggest that branding and green marketing have a significantly positive relationship with sponsorship, indicating the importance of a business’ brand and environmental awareness in terms of its emotional marketing initiatives. These relationships imply that, according to respondents, if these two aspects improve within the business, so could its sponsorship initiatives. Interestingly, it was established that ethics was insignificant in terms of a business’sponsorship initiatives. Corporate culture and values had a positive relationship with sponsorship, and employee empowerment proved to be negatively related to Sport and Broadcast sponsorship, with no significant relationship with Education and Community sponsorship. Additionally, the empirical investigation revealed that the ethnicity of respondents exerted an influence on the perception employees have regarding ethics, employee empowerment and Sport and Broadcast sponsorship within the businesses they are employed at. As this study assisted in the development of sponsorship strategies for businesses to implement, it will have a direct benefit to marketers and businesses in general so that sponsorship initiatives can be directed in such a way to maximise the return on investment for a business. The implications of this study will be of great value to marketing managers as sponsorship is such an important marketing strategy and communications tool which impacts on the overall business objectives.mply that, according to respondents, if these two aspects improve within the business, so could its sponsorship initiatives. Interestingly, it was established that ethics was insignificant in terms of a business’ sponsorship initiatives. Corporate culture and values had a positive relationship with sponsorship, and employee empowerment proved to be negatively related to Sport and Broadcast sponsorship, with no significant relationship with Education and Community sponsorship. Additionally, the empirical investigation revealed that the ethnicity of respondents exerted an influence on the perception employees have regarding ethics, employee empowerment and Sport and Broadcast sponsorship within the businesses they are employed at. As this study assisted in the development of sponsorship strategies for businesses to implement, it will have a direct benefit to marketers and businesses in general so that sponsorship initiatives can be directed in such a way to maximise the return on investment for a business. The implications of this study will be of great value to marketing managers as sponsorship is such an important marketing strategy and communications tool which impacts on the overall business objectives.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
Selection and characterization of suitable lipid excipients for use in the manufacture of didanosine-loaded solid lipid nanoparticles and nanostructured lipid carriers
- Kasongo, Kasongo W, Pardeike, Jana, Muller, Rainer H, Walker, Roderick B
- Authors: Kasongo, Kasongo W , Pardeike, Jana , Muller, Rainer H , Walker, Roderick B
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/184016 , vital:44156 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1002/jps.22711"
- Description: This research aimed to evaluate the suitability of lipids for the manufacture of solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs) and nanostructured lipid carriers (NLCs) loaded with the hydrophilic drug, didanosine (DDI). The crystalline state and polymorphism of lipids with the best‐solubulizing potential for DDI was investigated using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and wide‐angle X‐ray scattering (WAXS). DSC and WAXS were also used to determine potential interactions between the bulk lipids and DDI. Precirol® ATO 5 and Transcutol® HP showed the best‐solubilizing potential for DDI. Precirol® ATO 5 exists in the β‐modification before heating; however, a mixture of both α‐ and β‐modifications were detected following heating. Addition of Transcutol® HP to Precirol® ATO 5 changes the polymorphism of the latter from the β‐modification to a form that exhibits coexistence of the α‐ and β‐modifications. DDI exists in a crystalline state when dispersed at 5% (w/w) in Precirol® ATO 5 or in a Precirol® ATO 5/Transcutol® HP mixture. DSC and WAXS profiles of DDI/bulk lipids mixture obtained before and after exposure to heat revealed no interactions between DDI and the lipids. Precirol® ATO 5 and a mixture of Precirol® ATO 5 and Transcutol® HP may be used to manufacture DDI‐loaded SLN and NLC, respectively.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
- Authors: Kasongo, Kasongo W , Pardeike, Jana , Muller, Rainer H , Walker, Roderick B
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/184016 , vital:44156 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1002/jps.22711"
- Description: This research aimed to evaluate the suitability of lipids for the manufacture of solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs) and nanostructured lipid carriers (NLCs) loaded with the hydrophilic drug, didanosine (DDI). The crystalline state and polymorphism of lipids with the best‐solubulizing potential for DDI was investigated using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and wide‐angle X‐ray scattering (WAXS). DSC and WAXS were also used to determine potential interactions between the bulk lipids and DDI. Precirol® ATO 5 and Transcutol® HP showed the best‐solubilizing potential for DDI. Precirol® ATO 5 exists in the β‐modification before heating; however, a mixture of both α‐ and β‐modifications were detected following heating. Addition of Transcutol® HP to Precirol® ATO 5 changes the polymorphism of the latter from the β‐modification to a form that exhibits coexistence of the α‐ and β‐modifications. DDI exists in a crystalline state when dispersed at 5% (w/w) in Precirol® ATO 5 or in a Precirol® ATO 5/Transcutol® HP mixture. DSC and WAXS profiles of DDI/bulk lipids mixture obtained before and after exposure to heat revealed no interactions between DDI and the lipids. Precirol® ATO 5 and a mixture of Precirol® ATO 5 and Transcutol® HP may be used to manufacture DDI‐loaded SLN and NLC, respectively.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
Selective adsorption of PVP on the surface of silver nanoparticles
- Mdluli, Phumlani S, Sosibo, Ndabenhle M, Mashazi, Philani N, Nyokong, Tebello, Tshikhudo, Robert T, Skepu, Amanda, van der Lingen, Elma
- Authors: Mdluli, Phumlani S , Sosibo, Ndabenhle M , Mashazi, Philani N , Nyokong, Tebello , Tshikhudo, Robert T , Skepu, Amanda , van der Lingen, Elma
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/247143 , vital:51550 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.molstruc.2011.07.049"
- Description: The use of surfactants to affect the shape evolution of silver nanoparticles is explored. This allows one to fine-tune the morphological evolution and the optical properties of the metal nanoparticles. Polyvinyl pyrrolidone (PVP) has been used as a surfactant to control the growth of silver nanoparticles at room temperature. In this paper, molecular dynamics simulations were performed to understand regio-selective adsorption of PVP that leads to the preferential growth of silver nanoparticles in dimethylformamide (DMF). The interaction energies between PVP and Ag(1 1 0), Ag(1 0 0) and Ag(1 1 1) crystal planes were calculated and in addition the length density profile of the surfactant on silver surfaces was also examined. Importantly, it has been demonstrated that the length distribution profiles analysis obtained from the molecular dynamics study fully explained the adsorption of PVP on the surface of silver nanoparticles through the carbonyl group of the PVP ring. The application of molecular dynamics simulation technique is important in understanding the evolution of silver nanoparticles and is vital in choosing the right surfactants.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
- Authors: Mdluli, Phumlani S , Sosibo, Ndabenhle M , Mashazi, Philani N , Nyokong, Tebello , Tshikhudo, Robert T , Skepu, Amanda , van der Lingen, Elma
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/247143 , vital:51550 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.molstruc.2011.07.049"
- Description: The use of surfactants to affect the shape evolution of silver nanoparticles is explored. This allows one to fine-tune the morphological evolution and the optical properties of the metal nanoparticles. Polyvinyl pyrrolidone (PVP) has been used as a surfactant to control the growth of silver nanoparticles at room temperature. In this paper, molecular dynamics simulations were performed to understand regio-selective adsorption of PVP that leads to the preferential growth of silver nanoparticles in dimethylformamide (DMF). The interaction energies between PVP and Ag(1 1 0), Ag(1 0 0) and Ag(1 1 1) crystal planes were calculated and in addition the length density profile of the surfactant on silver surfaces was also examined. Importantly, it has been demonstrated that the length distribution profiles analysis obtained from the molecular dynamics study fully explained the adsorption of PVP on the surface of silver nanoparticles through the carbonyl group of the PVP ring. The application of molecular dynamics simulation technique is important in understanding the evolution of silver nanoparticles and is vital in choosing the right surfactants.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
Selective removal of chromium (VI) from sulphates and other metal anions using an ion-imprinted polymer
- Pakade, V, Cukrowska, E, Darkwa, J, Torto, N, Chimuka, L
- Authors: Pakade, V , Cukrowska, E , Darkwa, J , Torto, N , Chimuka, L
- Date: 2011
- Language: English
- Type: Article
- Identifier: vital:6588 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1004171
- Description: A linear copolymer was prepared from 4-vinylpyridine and styrene. An ion-imprinted polymer (IIP) specific for Cr (VI) adsorption was prepared by copolymerisation of the quaternised linear copolymer (quaternised with 1,4-chlorobutane), 2-vinylpyridine functional monomer and ethylene glycol dimethacrylate (EGDMA), as the cross-linking monomer, in the presence of 1,1’-azobis(cyclohexanecarbonitrile) as initiator. Ammonium dichromate and aqueous methanol were used as a template and porogenic solvent, respectively. Leaching of the chromate template from the polymer particles was achieved with successive stirring of the ion-imprinted polymer (IIP) particles in 4 M HNO3 solutions to obtain leached materials, which were then used for selective rebinding of Cr (VI) ions from aqueous solutions. Similarly, the non-imprinted polymer/ control polymer (NIP/CP) material was also prepared under exactly the same conditions as the IIP but without the chromate anion template. Various parameters, such as solution pH, initial concentration, aqueous phase volume, sorbent dosage, contact time and leaching solution volumes, were investigated. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, BET surface area and pore size analysis were used for the characterisation of IIP (both unleached and leached) and CP materials. Optimal parameters were as follows: solution pH, 3; contact time, 120 min; eluent, 20 mℓ of 0.1 M NaOH; and sorbent amount, 125 mg. Maximum retention capacity of IIP and CP was 37.58 and 25.44 mg∙g-1, respectively. The extraction efficiencies of the IIP and CP were compared using a batch and SPE mode of extraction. In the absence of high concentrations of ions, especially sulphate ions, both CP and IIP demonstrated no differences in binding of Cr (VI), which was almost 100%. However, in the presence of high concentrations of sulphate ions, the selectivity on the CP completely collapsed. The study clearly demonstrates the suitably of the developed IIP for selective extraction of Cr (VI) in complex samples such as those from acid mine drainage. The selectivity was also compared by direct injection of the real-world sample, both spiked and non-spiked, into that obtained after IIP selective extraction. Despite the method’s very low detection limits for direct injection (below 1 μg∙ℓ-1), no Cr (VI) was obtained. However, after IIP selective extraction, spiked Cr (VI) was detected in the spiked sample.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
- Authors: Pakade, V , Cukrowska, E , Darkwa, J , Torto, N , Chimuka, L
- Date: 2011
- Language: English
- Type: Article
- Identifier: vital:6588 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1004171
- Description: A linear copolymer was prepared from 4-vinylpyridine and styrene. An ion-imprinted polymer (IIP) specific for Cr (VI) adsorption was prepared by copolymerisation of the quaternised linear copolymer (quaternised with 1,4-chlorobutane), 2-vinylpyridine functional monomer and ethylene glycol dimethacrylate (EGDMA), as the cross-linking monomer, in the presence of 1,1’-azobis(cyclohexanecarbonitrile) as initiator. Ammonium dichromate and aqueous methanol were used as a template and porogenic solvent, respectively. Leaching of the chromate template from the polymer particles was achieved with successive stirring of the ion-imprinted polymer (IIP) particles in 4 M HNO3 solutions to obtain leached materials, which were then used for selective rebinding of Cr (VI) ions from aqueous solutions. Similarly, the non-imprinted polymer/ control polymer (NIP/CP) material was also prepared under exactly the same conditions as the IIP but without the chromate anion template. Various parameters, such as solution pH, initial concentration, aqueous phase volume, sorbent dosage, contact time and leaching solution volumes, were investigated. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, BET surface area and pore size analysis were used for the characterisation of IIP (both unleached and leached) and CP materials. Optimal parameters were as follows: solution pH, 3; contact time, 120 min; eluent, 20 mℓ of 0.1 M NaOH; and sorbent amount, 125 mg. Maximum retention capacity of IIP and CP was 37.58 and 25.44 mg∙g-1, respectively. The extraction efficiencies of the IIP and CP were compared using a batch and SPE mode of extraction. In the absence of high concentrations of ions, especially sulphate ions, both CP and IIP demonstrated no differences in binding of Cr (VI), which was almost 100%. However, in the presence of high concentrations of sulphate ions, the selectivity on the CP completely collapsed. The study clearly demonstrates the suitably of the developed IIP for selective extraction of Cr (VI) in complex samples such as those from acid mine drainage. The selectivity was also compared by direct injection of the real-world sample, both spiked and non-spiked, into that obtained after IIP selective extraction. Despite the method’s very low detection limits for direct injection (below 1 μg∙ℓ-1), no Cr (VI) was obtained. However, after IIP selective extraction, spiked Cr (VI) was detected in the spiked sample.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
Shaking a hornets' nest: pitfalls of abortion counselling in a secular constitutional order–a view from South Africa
- Authors: Vincent, Louise
- Date: 2011
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/141521 , vital:37982 , DOI: 10.1080/13691058.2011.627469
- Description: There exists an enormous gulf between the aspirations of South Africa's abortion legislation – among the most liberal in the world – and its implementation. One weakness in the provision of abortion services in South Africa is the absence of comprehensive abortion counselling services. On the face of it, the idea that counselling ought, as a matter of course, to be a significant component of a country's termination of pregnancy service provision, seems both straightforwardly sensible and politically innocent. This paper describes how abortion counselling has historically, in many different contexts, been saturated with questionable assumptions about women and their bodies. Counselling has more often than not been deployed, either as the formal policy of states or through informal mechanisms, as a means of curbing the right to abortion rather than deepening the meaning of that right. Differing approaches to counselling emerge as a reflection of contestations over reproductive and gender politics. Specifying an appropriate model for the provision of state-sponsored abortion counselling in the public health sector of a secular constitutional state provokes more of a hornet's nest of dilemmas than is sometimes supposed.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
- Authors: Vincent, Louise
- Date: 2011
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/141521 , vital:37982 , DOI: 10.1080/13691058.2011.627469
- Description: There exists an enormous gulf between the aspirations of South Africa's abortion legislation – among the most liberal in the world – and its implementation. One weakness in the provision of abortion services in South Africa is the absence of comprehensive abortion counselling services. On the face of it, the idea that counselling ought, as a matter of course, to be a significant component of a country's termination of pregnancy service provision, seems both straightforwardly sensible and politically innocent. This paper describes how abortion counselling has historically, in many different contexts, been saturated with questionable assumptions about women and their bodies. Counselling has more often than not been deployed, either as the formal policy of states or through informal mechanisms, as a means of curbing the right to abortion rather than deepening the meaning of that right. Differing approaches to counselling emerge as a reflection of contestations over reproductive and gender politics. Specifying an appropriate model for the provision of state-sponsored abortion counselling in the public health sector of a secular constitutional state provokes more of a hornet's nest of dilemmas than is sometimes supposed.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
Shaping public opinion : an investigation of media framing of Trevor Manuel in 1996 and in 2007, in the Financial Mail
- Authors: Mbunyuza, Lindani
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Mass media -- Public opinion , Mass media -- Influence , Manuel, Trevor A , Financial Mail (Newspaper)
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:8386 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1356 , Mass media -- Public opinion , Mass media -- Influence , Manuel, Trevor A , Financial Mail (Newspaper)
- Description: The discussion that follows seeks to critically examine the manner in which a South African financial publication, the Financial Mail (FM) magazine, reported on the country’s Finance Minister over two time periods. The specific time periods are April – June 1996, and February – April 2007. This will be done to assess whether the style of reporting changed over time. In order to accurately analyse the coverage, a content analysis of a number of articles published by the FM over two periods will be conducted. The first period to be examined correlates with Manuel’s first three months in office (April to June 1996) as finance minister, a role he took over after the resignation of then Finance Minister Chris Liebenberg, and the subsequent cabinet re-shuffle. This time period also coincides with the adoption of the internationally acclaimed South African constitution which pre-supposes, amongst others, freedom of the press. Manuel’s first three months in office furthermore coincided with the African National Congress’ (ANC) first period in government under the stewardship of President Nelson Mandela, having taken over power in 1994. The second time period selected is during Manuel’s 11th year in office (February to April 2007). The second time period coincides with a different economic and social situation, with the country’s economy having strengthened to the extent of recording a budget surplus. Relevant media theories and principles will be studied to evaluate which theories, if any, reflect the Financial Mail’s style of writing, language use and choice of stories to cover regarding Minister Manuel. An analysis of the first time period will include a look at the socio-economic conditions that prevailed at the respective times, against the background of the political situation during both periods. Dominant economic policies implemented and decisions taken during both periods relevant to the particular office Manuel held will be critically examined, since FM is a financial publication mostly covering financial and economic news. Research conducted will be qualitative in nature, and include an in-depth content analysis of articles.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
- Authors: Mbunyuza, Lindani
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Mass media -- Public opinion , Mass media -- Influence , Manuel, Trevor A , Financial Mail (Newspaper)
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:8386 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1356 , Mass media -- Public opinion , Mass media -- Influence , Manuel, Trevor A , Financial Mail (Newspaper)
- Description: The discussion that follows seeks to critically examine the manner in which a South African financial publication, the Financial Mail (FM) magazine, reported on the country’s Finance Minister over two time periods. The specific time periods are April – June 1996, and February – April 2007. This will be done to assess whether the style of reporting changed over time. In order to accurately analyse the coverage, a content analysis of a number of articles published by the FM over two periods will be conducted. The first period to be examined correlates with Manuel’s first three months in office (April to June 1996) as finance minister, a role he took over after the resignation of then Finance Minister Chris Liebenberg, and the subsequent cabinet re-shuffle. This time period also coincides with the adoption of the internationally acclaimed South African constitution which pre-supposes, amongst others, freedom of the press. Manuel’s first three months in office furthermore coincided with the African National Congress’ (ANC) first period in government under the stewardship of President Nelson Mandela, having taken over power in 1994. The second time period selected is during Manuel’s 11th year in office (February to April 2007). The second time period coincides with a different economic and social situation, with the country’s economy having strengthened to the extent of recording a budget surplus. Relevant media theories and principles will be studied to evaluate which theories, if any, reflect the Financial Mail’s style of writing, language use and choice of stories to cover regarding Minister Manuel. An analysis of the first time period will include a look at the socio-economic conditions that prevailed at the respective times, against the background of the political situation during both periods. Dominant economic policies implemented and decisions taken during both periods relevant to the particular office Manuel held will be critically examined, since FM is a financial publication mostly covering financial and economic news. Research conducted will be qualitative in nature, and include an in-depth content analysis of articles.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
Sign language in South Africa language planning and policy challenges
- Authors: Ganiso, Mirriam Nosiphiwo
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Sign language -- Study and teaching -- South Africa Deaf -- Education -- South Africa Deaf -- Means of communication
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:3588 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002163
- Description: This thesis sets out to undertake research into the very important topic of sign language and its usage, particularly in the Western Cape Province of South Africa. Three schools are used in this study. Interviews and questionnaires were used to conduct research with teachers, students and deaf teacher assistants within this context. The analysis of this data is presented in Chapter five of this thesis.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
- Authors: Ganiso, Mirriam Nosiphiwo
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Sign language -- Study and teaching -- South Africa Deaf -- Education -- South Africa Deaf -- Means of communication
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:3588 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002163
- Description: This thesis sets out to undertake research into the very important topic of sign language and its usage, particularly in the Western Cape Province of South Africa. Three schools are used in this study. Interviews and questionnaires were used to conduct research with teachers, students and deaf teacher assistants within this context. The analysis of this data is presented in Chapter five of this thesis.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
Simulating Collective agency: Joint purpose, presence and power as Constraints to learning in a social Context
- Authors: Kulundu, Injairu
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/386530 , vital:68149 , xlink:href="https://www.ajol.info/index.php/sajee/article/view/122249"
- Description: This paper reflects on the practice of social learning by using my experiences as a social development practitioner in two projects. The first, the Arkwork Collective, is an art-junk process that engages marginalised youth in Grahamstown, South Africa in a process that uses creative sculpture and drama to explore personal and social issues that exist in their immediate context. The second, Jonga Phambili Sinethemba looks into the impact of climate change and HIV/AIDS (amongst other issues) in the rural and peri-urban communities of Willowvale and Lesseyton in the Eastern Cape, South Africa. It seeks to provide a platform where members of each community can define the vulnerabilities, capabilities, social networks in their areas with the aim of bolstering the adaptive capacity of these communities. Snippets of my experiences in these projects are shared with the intention of demonstrating constraints to learning in a social context. Key ideas that the paper explores include honouring the lived experiences of participants as part of the process, prioritising the participation of each individual present as part of the ongoing conversation, the challenge of surfacing the vital independent links of a collective, drawing on the reflective capacity of a diverse group, assessing the quality of participation, building capabilities for ‘response-ability’ and rethinking facilitation. Each section sets out challenges and questions for practitioners in this field to reflect on. The paper suggests that in order to achieve the laudable aims of social learning, we need to peel back the common rhetoric of its participatory aims and acknowledge the complexity, flexibility and dedication that it requires.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
- Authors: Kulundu, Injairu
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/386530 , vital:68149 , xlink:href="https://www.ajol.info/index.php/sajee/article/view/122249"
- Description: This paper reflects on the practice of social learning by using my experiences as a social development practitioner in two projects. The first, the Arkwork Collective, is an art-junk process that engages marginalised youth in Grahamstown, South Africa in a process that uses creative sculpture and drama to explore personal and social issues that exist in their immediate context. The second, Jonga Phambili Sinethemba looks into the impact of climate change and HIV/AIDS (amongst other issues) in the rural and peri-urban communities of Willowvale and Lesseyton in the Eastern Cape, South Africa. It seeks to provide a platform where members of each community can define the vulnerabilities, capabilities, social networks in their areas with the aim of bolstering the adaptive capacity of these communities. Snippets of my experiences in these projects are shared with the intention of demonstrating constraints to learning in a social context. Key ideas that the paper explores include honouring the lived experiences of participants as part of the process, prioritising the participation of each individual present as part of the ongoing conversation, the challenge of surfacing the vital independent links of a collective, drawing on the reflective capacity of a diverse group, assessing the quality of participation, building capabilities for ‘response-ability’ and rethinking facilitation. Each section sets out challenges and questions for practitioners in this field to reflect on. The paper suggests that in order to achieve the laudable aims of social learning, we need to peel back the common rhetoric of its participatory aims and acknowledge the complexity, flexibility and dedication that it requires.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
Slow delivery of low-income housing at munipal level with special reference to the Nelson Mandela Bay Munipality
- Authors: Scheepers, Mario Jacques
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: SLow-income housing -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Municipal services -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9671 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1015968
- Description: The provision of adequate housing is an important part of government's commitment towards providing a better quality of life to the people of South Africa. Housing delivery is, however, not taking place to the extent and speed that will eliminate the backlog in housing delivery. The researcher aims to (i) evaluate and investigate the reasons why housing delivery at municipal level is slow, (ii) discuss the effect of inefficient implementation on delivery, (iii) examine the influence of the lack of infrastructure and the lack of skilled municipal officials and employees of construction organisations and the processes followed to make a success of housing delivery. Chapter 2, Section 26(1), Act 108 0f 1996 of the Constitution of South Africa states that everyone has the right to have access to adequate housing. This places an obligation on government to provide adequate housing to all citizens, within the restriction of available resources. The lack of land hampers the speed at which municipalities can deliver low-income housing. Housing and basic infrastructure (water, sewer and roads) form an integral part of the governments commitment to reduce poverty and improve the quality of life of South Africans. The fact that municipalities do not have capacity to address housing delivery and the fact that most artisans are near retirement age also influence the rate that houses can be delivered. Adequate housing processes are needed for housing delivery to take place, without it government will not succeed in delivering adequate housing. The results of the survey and the literature review confirm that housing delivery at municipality level is slow, that municipal officials need training and more employees to insure that housing delivery improves. The results also show the importance of infrastructure and land, the importance of implementing housing policies and processes adequately.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
- Authors: Scheepers, Mario Jacques
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: SLow-income housing -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Municipal services -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9671 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1015968
- Description: The provision of adequate housing is an important part of government's commitment towards providing a better quality of life to the people of South Africa. Housing delivery is, however, not taking place to the extent and speed that will eliminate the backlog in housing delivery. The researcher aims to (i) evaluate and investigate the reasons why housing delivery at municipal level is slow, (ii) discuss the effect of inefficient implementation on delivery, (iii) examine the influence of the lack of infrastructure and the lack of skilled municipal officials and employees of construction organisations and the processes followed to make a success of housing delivery. Chapter 2, Section 26(1), Act 108 0f 1996 of the Constitution of South Africa states that everyone has the right to have access to adequate housing. This places an obligation on government to provide adequate housing to all citizens, within the restriction of available resources. The lack of land hampers the speed at which municipalities can deliver low-income housing. Housing and basic infrastructure (water, sewer and roads) form an integral part of the governments commitment to reduce poverty and improve the quality of life of South Africans. The fact that municipalities do not have capacity to address housing delivery and the fact that most artisans are near retirement age also influence the rate that houses can be delivered. Adequate housing processes are needed for housing delivery to take place, without it government will not succeed in delivering adequate housing. The results of the survey and the literature review confirm that housing delivery at municipality level is slow, that municipal officials need training and more employees to insure that housing delivery improves. The results also show the importance of infrastructure and land, the importance of implementing housing policies and processes adequately.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
Small steps to equal dignity: the work of the South African equality courts
- Authors: Krüger, Rósaan
- Date: 2011
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/68920 , vital:29339 , http://www.equalrightstrust.org/ertdocumentbank/ERR7_kruger.pdf
- Description: Publisher version , Introduction: “The South African Constitution is primarily and emphatically an egalitarian constitution. The supreme laws of comparable constitutional states may underscore other principles and rights. But in the light of our own particular history, and our vision for the future, a constitution was written with equality at its centre. Equality is our Constitution’s focus and organising principle.” Given the foundational role of equality in the South African constitutional framework, the drafters of the South African Constitution (the Constitution) directed the South African Parliament (Parliament) to enact legislation to “prevent or prohibit unfair discrimination” between individuals within three years of the enactment of the Constitution.3 Under great pressure, Parliament finalised and passed the Promotion of Equality and Prevention of Unfair Discrimination Act (the Equality Act) within two days of the constitutional deadline.4 The Equality Act, as the title indicates, addresses the promotion of equality on the one hand, and provides for reactive measures where the equality right is breached, on the other. The reactive provisions include the prohibition of unfair discrimination and related infringements of the equality right. The Equality Act expressly provides for the enforcement of its provisions in specifically created equality courts. The majority of the reactive provisions of the Equality Act have been operational since 16 June 2003. More than a decade after the enactment of the legislation, the promotional aspects of the Equality Act are yet to come into operation. This article focuses on the reactive provisions of the Equality Act by providing a snapshot of the work of selected South African equality courts for the period from June 2003 to December 2007 insofar as complaints of racism are concerned. In order to contextualise the application of the Equality Act, the article provides a brief overview of the reactive provisions of the Equality Act and the mechanisms for its enforcement.
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2011
- Authors: Krüger, Rósaan
- Date: 2011
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/68920 , vital:29339 , http://www.equalrightstrust.org/ertdocumentbank/ERR7_kruger.pdf
- Description: Publisher version , Introduction: “The South African Constitution is primarily and emphatically an egalitarian constitution. The supreme laws of comparable constitutional states may underscore other principles and rights. But in the light of our own particular history, and our vision for the future, a constitution was written with equality at its centre. Equality is our Constitution’s focus and organising principle.” Given the foundational role of equality in the South African constitutional framework, the drafters of the South African Constitution (the Constitution) directed the South African Parliament (Parliament) to enact legislation to “prevent or prohibit unfair discrimination” between individuals within three years of the enactment of the Constitution.3 Under great pressure, Parliament finalised and passed the Promotion of Equality and Prevention of Unfair Discrimination Act (the Equality Act) within two days of the constitutional deadline.4 The Equality Act, as the title indicates, addresses the promotion of equality on the one hand, and provides for reactive measures where the equality right is breached, on the other. The reactive provisions include the prohibition of unfair discrimination and related infringements of the equality right. The Equality Act expressly provides for the enforcement of its provisions in specifically created equality courts. The majority of the reactive provisions of the Equality Act have been operational since 16 June 2003. More than a decade after the enactment of the legislation, the promotional aspects of the Equality Act are yet to come into operation. This article focuses on the reactive provisions of the Equality Act by providing a snapshot of the work of selected South African equality courts for the period from June 2003 to December 2007 insofar as complaints of racism are concerned. In order to contextualise the application of the Equality Act, the article provides a brief overview of the reactive provisions of the Equality Act and the mechanisms for its enforcement.
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2011
SOA driven architectures for service creation through enablers in an IMS testbed
- Tsietsi, Mosiuoa, Terzoli, Alfredo, Wells,George C
- Authors: Tsietsi, Mosiuoa , Terzoli, Alfredo , Wells,George C
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/430726 , vital:72711 , https://ieeexplore.ieee.org/abstract/document/6144230
- Description: Standards development organisations have long been in agreement that the most appropriate and cost effective way of developing services for the IP Multimedia Subsystem (IMS) is through the use - and re-use - of service capabilities, which are the building blocks for developing complex services. IMS specifications provide a theoretical framework for how service capabilities can be aggregated into large service appli-cations. However, there is little evidence that mainstream IMS service development is capability-based, and many services are still designed in a monolithic way, with no re-use of existing functionality. Telecom-munication networks are well positioned to stimulate the Internet ser-vices market by exposing these service enablers to third parties. In this paper, we marry the two issues by defining an extended IMS service layer (EISL) that provides a service broker that is the central agent in both service interaction management and the execution of external re-quests from third parties. A prototypical implementation of the service broker is described that was developed using a converged SIP servlet container, and a discussion is also provided that details how third party developers could use HTTP APIs to interact with a service broker in or-der to gain access to network capabilities.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
- Authors: Tsietsi, Mosiuoa , Terzoli, Alfredo , Wells,George C
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/430726 , vital:72711 , https://ieeexplore.ieee.org/abstract/document/6144230
- Description: Standards development organisations have long been in agreement that the most appropriate and cost effective way of developing services for the IP Multimedia Subsystem (IMS) is through the use - and re-use - of service capabilities, which are the building blocks for developing complex services. IMS specifications provide a theoretical framework for how service capabilities can be aggregated into large service appli-cations. However, there is little evidence that mainstream IMS service development is capability-based, and many services are still designed in a monolithic way, with no re-use of existing functionality. Telecom-munication networks are well positioned to stimulate the Internet ser-vices market by exposing these service enablers to third parties. In this paper, we marry the two issues by defining an extended IMS service layer (EISL) that provides a service broker that is the central agent in both service interaction management and the execution of external re-quests from third parties. A prototypical implementation of the service broker is described that was developed using a converged SIP servlet container, and a discussion is also provided that details how third party developers could use HTTP APIs to interact with a service broker in or-der to gain access to network capabilities.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
Social diversity in an engineering workplace: a conflict resolution perspective
- Authors: Kotze, Sharon Jean
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Conflict management -- South Africa , Interpersonal conflict -- South Africa , Social conflict -- South Africa , Work environment -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:8172 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1638 , Conflict management -- South Africa , Interpersonal conflict -- South Africa , Social conflict -- South Africa , Work environment -- South Africa
- Description: The global working environment has altered dramatically over the last decade, with the workforce now consisting of a diverse assortment of individuals. South Africa, in particular, has had to face major challenges as it adapts to the newly conceived "Rainbow Nation". It has also had to make amends for inequalities bred by the past discrimination and the segregation of Apartheid. Prior to this, businesses in general, were inward-looking in that they did not have to comply with or conform to the changing trends found in the international arena. Suddenly, issues such as Black Economic Empowerment, Affirmative Action, gender, age, faith and preferred sexual orientation have had to be accommodated as the new Employment Equity Act of 1998 was promulgated. Each individual coming into the workplace has his or her own cosmological, ontological and epistemological view, and although this facilitates a positive contribution by individuals with regard to varying ideas, skills, talents and expertise, more often than not, the reality is that the differences that exist within a staff complement often result in conflict. Furthermore, South Africa exhibits deep-rooted, social conflict as a result of the oppression of the apartheid years. Unemployment, poverty, poor education and service deliveries are far from being satisfactorily addressed. Therefore, it is assumed that unmet/frustrated basic human needs, as defined in Abraham Maslow‘s "Hierarchy of Needs", play a role in causing conflict both in the workplace and in society. It was felt that basic human needs, as articulated, had not been researched as a cause of workplace conflict and this research will explore the part that frustrated human needs may play in organisational conflict, alongside diversity conflicts.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
- Authors: Kotze, Sharon Jean
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Conflict management -- South Africa , Interpersonal conflict -- South Africa , Social conflict -- South Africa , Work environment -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:8172 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1638 , Conflict management -- South Africa , Interpersonal conflict -- South Africa , Social conflict -- South Africa , Work environment -- South Africa
- Description: The global working environment has altered dramatically over the last decade, with the workforce now consisting of a diverse assortment of individuals. South Africa, in particular, has had to face major challenges as it adapts to the newly conceived "Rainbow Nation". It has also had to make amends for inequalities bred by the past discrimination and the segregation of Apartheid. Prior to this, businesses in general, were inward-looking in that they did not have to comply with or conform to the changing trends found in the international arena. Suddenly, issues such as Black Economic Empowerment, Affirmative Action, gender, age, faith and preferred sexual orientation have had to be accommodated as the new Employment Equity Act of 1998 was promulgated. Each individual coming into the workplace has his or her own cosmological, ontological and epistemological view, and although this facilitates a positive contribution by individuals with regard to varying ideas, skills, talents and expertise, more often than not, the reality is that the differences that exist within a staff complement often result in conflict. Furthermore, South Africa exhibits deep-rooted, social conflict as a result of the oppression of the apartheid years. Unemployment, poverty, poor education and service deliveries are far from being satisfactorily addressed. Therefore, it is assumed that unmet/frustrated basic human needs, as defined in Abraham Maslow‘s "Hierarchy of Needs", play a role in causing conflict both in the workplace and in society. It was felt that basic human needs, as articulated, had not been researched as a cause of workplace conflict and this research will explore the part that frustrated human needs may play in organisational conflict, alongside diversity conflicts.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
Social media use among NMMU students
- Authors: Mohamed, Hassan
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University , Social media -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Online social networks -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Social networks -- Computer network resources , College students -- Social networks -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Universities and colleges -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: vital:9274 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1636 , Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University , Social media -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Online social networks -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Social networks -- Computer network resources , College students -- Social networks -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Universities and colleges -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth
- Description: This research provides insight into the use of social networks and social media by students at the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University. The primary purpose of this research is to investigate student social media practices at NMMU to establish the reasons for students engaging in social media. A growing number of educators acknowledge the potential of social networking to (re)engage learners with their studies, while others fear that such practices compromise and disrupt student engagement with traditional education provision (Selwyn, 2009). This study, therefore, aims to identify how and for what reasons students use social networks and social media. This study attempts to provide answers to the following research questions: For which social networking sites do students register and actively engage in? What is the most popular social networking site for students? How often do students engage in social media practices? What is the main purpose for students engaging in social media practices? How do students gain access to social media? For what educational purposes can social media be used? For which business purposes can social media be used? Do students use social media to collaborate with peers and lecturers? Do students use social media to make buying decisions? The literature overview was conducted on social media and social networks from journals and books published between the periods 2003 to 2011 as the popularity of social media came to the forefront during this period. Topics researched included social networks and libraries, educational and business uses of social networking and social media. A quantitative study was considered to be most appropriate to conduct the research for this study; and non-probability sampling was the most appropriate given the size of the population and the nature of this research. xiv Students were invited to participate in the research by completing and submitting a survey questionnaire at the conclusion of their lectures in the second semester during the month of September. The data collected was then analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics to provide insight into student use of social media. The results would determine if relationships exist between the independent variables from the questionnaire, namely, age, gender, campus and course enrolment and the dependent factors, namely, usage, information exchange and security. This relationship would be determined for both the perceptions of social networking in general and the perceptions of NMMU social networking. These results are then used to identify further areas of research in the future. The majority of the population sample was between the ages of 17 and 21 and primarily females. The sample typically became aware of social media by means of word-of-mouth and accesses their social networking site/s more than five times a day. The main reason for registering and joining social networking sites was for social purposes. Furthermore, the sample used social networking sites for entertainment, social involvement, meeting new friends and maintaining relationships. The sample agreed that social networking makes information searching easier. The majority of the sample indicated that they were not registered on any NMMU Social Networking sites of the university or any faculty, department or unit social networking sites at the NMMU. However, it was clear that the majority of students was registered on social networking sites of some sort and would continue to use social networking and social media. The results from the study indicated that the mean value for the perceptions of social media in general were greater than that of the perceptions of NMMU social media in terms of usage. Likewise, the mean value for the perceptions of social networking in general was also greater than that of the perceptions of NMMU Social Networking for information exchange but the difference were very small. However, the mean value for the perceptions of NMMU Social Networking showed a greater mean value than that of the perceptions of social networking in general in terms of security. This means that respondents used social networking in general more than NMMU Social Networking. xv However, the respondents perceived NMMU Social Networking sites to be more secure than social networking sites in general. The results of this study could provide Higher Education Institutions in South Africa with the impetus to use social networks and social media to enhance students‟ learning experiences.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
- Authors: Mohamed, Hassan
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University , Social media -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Online social networks -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Social networks -- Computer network resources , College students -- Social networks -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Universities and colleges -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: vital:9274 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1636 , Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University , Social media -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Online social networks -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Social networks -- Computer network resources , College students -- Social networks -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Universities and colleges -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth
- Description: This research provides insight into the use of social networks and social media by students at the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University. The primary purpose of this research is to investigate student social media practices at NMMU to establish the reasons for students engaging in social media. A growing number of educators acknowledge the potential of social networking to (re)engage learners with their studies, while others fear that such practices compromise and disrupt student engagement with traditional education provision (Selwyn, 2009). This study, therefore, aims to identify how and for what reasons students use social networks and social media. This study attempts to provide answers to the following research questions: For which social networking sites do students register and actively engage in? What is the most popular social networking site for students? How often do students engage in social media practices? What is the main purpose for students engaging in social media practices? How do students gain access to social media? For what educational purposes can social media be used? For which business purposes can social media be used? Do students use social media to collaborate with peers and lecturers? Do students use social media to make buying decisions? The literature overview was conducted on social media and social networks from journals and books published between the periods 2003 to 2011 as the popularity of social media came to the forefront during this period. Topics researched included social networks and libraries, educational and business uses of social networking and social media. A quantitative study was considered to be most appropriate to conduct the research for this study; and non-probability sampling was the most appropriate given the size of the population and the nature of this research. xiv Students were invited to participate in the research by completing and submitting a survey questionnaire at the conclusion of their lectures in the second semester during the month of September. The data collected was then analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics to provide insight into student use of social media. The results would determine if relationships exist between the independent variables from the questionnaire, namely, age, gender, campus and course enrolment and the dependent factors, namely, usage, information exchange and security. This relationship would be determined for both the perceptions of social networking in general and the perceptions of NMMU social networking. These results are then used to identify further areas of research in the future. The majority of the population sample was between the ages of 17 and 21 and primarily females. The sample typically became aware of social media by means of word-of-mouth and accesses their social networking site/s more than five times a day. The main reason for registering and joining social networking sites was for social purposes. Furthermore, the sample used social networking sites for entertainment, social involvement, meeting new friends and maintaining relationships. The sample agreed that social networking makes information searching easier. The majority of the sample indicated that they were not registered on any NMMU Social Networking sites of the university or any faculty, department or unit social networking sites at the NMMU. However, it was clear that the majority of students was registered on social networking sites of some sort and would continue to use social networking and social media. The results from the study indicated that the mean value for the perceptions of social media in general were greater than that of the perceptions of NMMU social media in terms of usage. Likewise, the mean value for the perceptions of social networking in general was also greater than that of the perceptions of NMMU Social Networking for information exchange but the difference were very small. However, the mean value for the perceptions of NMMU Social Networking showed a greater mean value than that of the perceptions of social networking in general in terms of security. This means that respondents used social networking in general more than NMMU Social Networking. xv However, the respondents perceived NMMU Social Networking sites to be more secure than social networking sites in general. The results of this study could provide Higher Education Institutions in South Africa with the impetus to use social networks and social media to enhance students‟ learning experiences.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
Social policy and the state in South Africa: pathways for human capability development
- Authors: Monyai, Priscilla B
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Human capital -- South Africa , Apartheid -- South Africa , Equality -- South Africa , Poverty -- South Africa , Political participation -- South Africa , South Africa -- Economic conditions , South Africa -- Social conditions
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD (Social Science Dev)
- Identifier: vital:11439 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1007230 , Human capital -- South Africa , Apartheid -- South Africa , Equality -- South Africa , Poverty -- South Africa , Political participation -- South Africa , South Africa -- Economic conditions , South Africa -- Social conditions
- Description: The main focus of this thesis is the challenges that are facing social policy development and implementation in South Africa in relation to the enhancement of human capability. The study adopted a historical approach to assess the model of social policy in South Africa and identified that social relations of domination inherited from the apartheid era continuing to produce inequalities in opportunities. Social policy under the democratic government has not managed to address social inequalities and the main drivers of poverty in the form of income poverty, asset poverty and capability poverty which are the underlying factors reproducing deprivation and destitution of the majority of the population Although South Africa prides itself of a stable democracy, social inequalities continue to undermine the benefits of social citizenship because political participation in the midst of unequal access to economic and social resources undermine the value of citizenship. Also, inequalities in the distribution of income and wealth, and in the control of economic production undermine political equality which is an ethic upon which social rights are predicated. As a result, state interventions are lacking inherent potential to build human capability for people to live the life that they have reason to value. The paradox of social policy in South Africa is that the majority of those who are marginalised are those who were excluded by the apartheid regime even though state intervention is claimed to be targeting them. This points to the failure of incremental equalisation of opportunities within a context of stark social inequities. It is also an indication that the economic growth path delivered by the political transition is working to reinforce the inherited legacy of deprivation and it is avoiding questions related to the structural nature of poverty and inequalities. Therefore, a transformative social policy is an imperative for South Africa. Such a framework of social policy should be premised upon a notion of human security in order to built human capability. Human security focuses on the security of individuals and communities to strengthen human development. It emphasises on civil, political and socioeconomic rights for individual citizens to participate fully in the process of governance. Although this thesis is a case study of social policy in South Africa, it can be used to appreciate the role of social policy in other developing countries, particularly the impact of political decision making on social distribution. Poverty and social inequalities are growing problems in developing countries and so is the importance of putting these problems under the spotlight for political attention.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
- Authors: Monyai, Priscilla B
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Human capital -- South Africa , Apartheid -- South Africa , Equality -- South Africa , Poverty -- South Africa , Political participation -- South Africa , South Africa -- Economic conditions , South Africa -- Social conditions
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD (Social Science Dev)
- Identifier: vital:11439 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1007230 , Human capital -- South Africa , Apartheid -- South Africa , Equality -- South Africa , Poverty -- South Africa , Political participation -- South Africa , South Africa -- Economic conditions , South Africa -- Social conditions
- Description: The main focus of this thesis is the challenges that are facing social policy development and implementation in South Africa in relation to the enhancement of human capability. The study adopted a historical approach to assess the model of social policy in South Africa and identified that social relations of domination inherited from the apartheid era continuing to produce inequalities in opportunities. Social policy under the democratic government has not managed to address social inequalities and the main drivers of poverty in the form of income poverty, asset poverty and capability poverty which are the underlying factors reproducing deprivation and destitution of the majority of the population Although South Africa prides itself of a stable democracy, social inequalities continue to undermine the benefits of social citizenship because political participation in the midst of unequal access to economic and social resources undermine the value of citizenship. Also, inequalities in the distribution of income and wealth, and in the control of economic production undermine political equality which is an ethic upon which social rights are predicated. As a result, state interventions are lacking inherent potential to build human capability for people to live the life that they have reason to value. The paradox of social policy in South Africa is that the majority of those who are marginalised are those who were excluded by the apartheid regime even though state intervention is claimed to be targeting them. This points to the failure of incremental equalisation of opportunities within a context of stark social inequities. It is also an indication that the economic growth path delivered by the political transition is working to reinforce the inherited legacy of deprivation and it is avoiding questions related to the structural nature of poverty and inequalities. Therefore, a transformative social policy is an imperative for South Africa. Such a framework of social policy should be premised upon a notion of human security in order to built human capability. Human security focuses on the security of individuals and communities to strengthen human development. It emphasises on civil, political and socioeconomic rights for individual citizens to participate fully in the process of governance. Although this thesis is a case study of social policy in South Africa, it can be used to appreciate the role of social policy in other developing countries, particularly the impact of political decision making on social distribution. Poverty and social inequalities are growing problems in developing countries and so is the importance of putting these problems under the spotlight for political attention.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
Socio- educational experiences of black accounting III students who dropped out of the University of Fort Hare in 2009
- Authors: Morrison, Renee Fiona
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: College dropouts -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Education, Higher -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Universities and colleges -- South Africa --Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , M Ed
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/1906 , vital:27582
- Description: In South Africa there is an increasing concern regarding retention among Black students (who constitute the majority of the population) in general and in particular regarding the costs of student failure to both the students and for the institution. This thesis endeavours to obtain an understanding of the socio-educational experiences which led to Black Bachelor of Commerce in Accounting Students in 2009 dropping out of Accounting III at the University of Fort Hare. In a field in which much of the literature is quantitatively orientated, a phenomenological investigation offered a unique way of understanding the experiences of the students as it allowed their voices to be heard. Insights contained in the data were synthesised and integrated into a consistent description of the essential nature of the experience, the primary endeavour of the phenomenologist being to transform naïve experience into more explicitly detailed conceptual knowledge. The use of in-depth interviews with three students, all of whom had dropped out of Accounting III at UFH, allowed the researcher interaction on a personal level with people not viewed as experimental objects but as human subjects. The findings revealed that the students‘ social and educational background, together with the language of teaching and learning not being their mother tongue, caused students great difficulty. Interaction between lecturers and students and the subject content proved very challenging due to the language barrier. The introduction of General Accounting III in the same class as Accounting III in 2009 compounded the students‘ confusion and this ultimately led to students feeling demotivated. These findings contributed significantly to an understanding of why these three students dropped out of Accounting III in 2009, and at the same time provided an answer to the research question relating to how Black students who dropped out of the Accounting III programme in 2009, experienced the course.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
- Authors: Morrison, Renee Fiona
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: College dropouts -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Education, Higher -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Universities and colleges -- South Africa --Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , M Ed
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/1906 , vital:27582
- Description: In South Africa there is an increasing concern regarding retention among Black students (who constitute the majority of the population) in general and in particular regarding the costs of student failure to both the students and for the institution. This thesis endeavours to obtain an understanding of the socio-educational experiences which led to Black Bachelor of Commerce in Accounting Students in 2009 dropping out of Accounting III at the University of Fort Hare. In a field in which much of the literature is quantitatively orientated, a phenomenological investigation offered a unique way of understanding the experiences of the students as it allowed their voices to be heard. Insights contained in the data were synthesised and integrated into a consistent description of the essential nature of the experience, the primary endeavour of the phenomenologist being to transform naïve experience into more explicitly detailed conceptual knowledge. The use of in-depth interviews with three students, all of whom had dropped out of Accounting III at UFH, allowed the researcher interaction on a personal level with people not viewed as experimental objects but as human subjects. The findings revealed that the students‘ social and educational background, together with the language of teaching and learning not being their mother tongue, caused students great difficulty. Interaction between lecturers and students and the subject content proved very challenging due to the language barrier. The introduction of General Accounting III in the same class as Accounting III in 2009 compounded the students‘ confusion and this ultimately led to students feeling demotivated. These findings contributed significantly to an understanding of why these three students dropped out of Accounting III in 2009, and at the same time provided an answer to the research question relating to how Black students who dropped out of the Accounting III programme in 2009, experienced the course.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
Socio-economic outcomes for Korsten claimants evicted in terms of racially based policies
- Authors: Ratya, Nomawethu Victoria
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Land tenure -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Restitution -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Colored people (South Africa) -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth -- Claims , Blacks -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth -- Claims
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9158 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1019896
- Description: The initiative of land restitution in South Africa was an advantage to some people who were forcibly removed from Korsten area, which was a mixed residential area and the only area in Port Elizabeth where Black people had freehold tenure rights. The intention of the South African land reform programme which is to restore land and transform socio-economic relations has been achieved by means of land restitution. Successful Korsten land claimants have been granted land in Fairview through the land restitution programme. The successful resolution of land claims has shown the democracy and development in the country of South Africa.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
- Authors: Ratya, Nomawethu Victoria
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Land tenure -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Restitution -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Colored people (South Africa) -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth -- Claims , Blacks -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth -- Claims
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9158 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1019896
- Description: The initiative of land restitution in South Africa was an advantage to some people who were forcibly removed from Korsten area, which was a mixed residential area and the only area in Port Elizabeth where Black people had freehold tenure rights. The intention of the South African land reform programme which is to restore land and transform socio-economic relations has been achieved by means of land restitution. Successful Korsten land claimants have been granted land in Fairview through the land restitution programme. The successful resolution of land claims has shown the democracy and development in the country of South Africa.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
Socio-educational experiences of black accounting III students who dropped out of the University of Fort Hare in 2009
- Authors: Morrison, Renee Fiona
- Date: 2011
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , M Ed
- Identifier: vital:16200 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1013384
- Description: In South Africa there is an increasing concern regarding retention among Black students (who constitute the majority of the population) in general and in particular regarding the costs of student failure to both the students and for the institution. This thesis endeavours to obtain an understanding of the socio-educational experiences which led to Black Bachelor of Commerce in Accounting Students in 2009 dropping out of Accounting III at the University of Fort Hare. In a field in which much of the literature is quantitatively orientated, a phenomenological investigation offered a unique way of understanding the experiences of the students as it allowed their voices to be heard. Insights contained in the data were synthesised and integrated into a consistent description of the essential nature of the experience, the primary endeavour of the phenomenologist being to transform naïve experience into more explicitly detailed conceptual knowledge. The use of in-depth interviews with three students, all of whom had dropped out of Accounting III at UFH, allowed the researcher interaction on a personal level with people not viewed as experimental objects but as human subjects. The findings revealed that the students‘ social and educational background, together with the language of teaching and learning not being their mother tongue, caused students great difficulty. Interaction between lecturers and students and the subject content proved very challenging due to the language barrier. The introduction of General Accounting III in the same class as Accounting III in 2009 compounded the students‘ confusion and this ultimately led to students feeling demotivated. These findings contributed significantly to an understanding of why these three students dropped out of Accounting III in 2009, and at the same time provided an answer to the research question relating to how Black students who dropped out of the Accounting III programme in 2009, experienced the course.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
- Authors: Morrison, Renee Fiona
- Date: 2011
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , M Ed
- Identifier: vital:16200 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1013384
- Description: In South Africa there is an increasing concern regarding retention among Black students (who constitute the majority of the population) in general and in particular regarding the costs of student failure to both the students and for the institution. This thesis endeavours to obtain an understanding of the socio-educational experiences which led to Black Bachelor of Commerce in Accounting Students in 2009 dropping out of Accounting III at the University of Fort Hare. In a field in which much of the literature is quantitatively orientated, a phenomenological investigation offered a unique way of understanding the experiences of the students as it allowed their voices to be heard. Insights contained in the data were synthesised and integrated into a consistent description of the essential nature of the experience, the primary endeavour of the phenomenologist being to transform naïve experience into more explicitly detailed conceptual knowledge. The use of in-depth interviews with three students, all of whom had dropped out of Accounting III at UFH, allowed the researcher interaction on a personal level with people not viewed as experimental objects but as human subjects. The findings revealed that the students‘ social and educational background, together with the language of teaching and learning not being their mother tongue, caused students great difficulty. Interaction between lecturers and students and the subject content proved very challenging due to the language barrier. The introduction of General Accounting III in the same class as Accounting III in 2009 compounded the students‘ confusion and this ultimately led to students feeling demotivated. These findings contributed significantly to an understanding of why these three students dropped out of Accounting III in 2009, and at the same time provided an answer to the research question relating to how Black students who dropped out of the Accounting III programme in 2009, experienced the course.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
Solid-phase extraction based sample preparation for the determination of drug and organic pollutant residue
- Authors: Pule, Bellah Oreeditse
- Date: 2011 , 2011-02-08
- Subjects: Food contamination , Drugs -- Analysis , Pharmaceutical chemistry , Extraction (Chemistry) , Sorbents
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:4406 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1006711 , Food contamination , Drugs -- Analysis , Pharmaceutical chemistry , Extraction (Chemistry) , Sorbents
- Description: This thesis presents solid phase extraction (SPE) methodologies based on mixed-mode polymeric sorbents; a mixed mode strong anion exchanger (Agilent SampliQ SAX) and a mixed mode strong cation exchanger (Agilent SampliQ SCX). Furthermore, dispersive-SPE based on a quick, easy, cheap, effective, rugged and safe (QuEChERS) method was assessed for applicability in the determination of drug residues. The mixed-mode polymeric sorbents were evaluated for the simultaneous fractionation of drugs that exhibit diverse polarities with acidic, basic and neutral functionalities in biological matrices (plasma and urine). The polymeric skeleton of these sorbents entails an exchanger group and therefore provides two retention mechanisms, strong cation or anion exchange retention mechanisms with hydrophobic interactions. It was demonstrated that with a sequential elution protocol for sample clean-up analytes were fractionated into acidic, basic and neutral classes. The SAX was employed for analysis of ketoprofen, naproxen (acidic drugs), nortriptyline (basic) and secobarbital (neutral) from urine sample. The SCX was used for fractionating phenobarbital, p-toluamide (acidic), amphetamine, m-toluidine (basic) and acetaminophen (neutral drug) from plasma sample. QuEChERS method was employed for quantitative determination of 16 polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) from fish fillets and soil; 9 sulfonamides (SAs) from chicken muscles and acrylamide (AA) in cooking oil. The analyte recoveries ranged from 79.6 - 109% with RSDs ranging from 0.06 - 1.9% at three different fortification levels. Good linearity (r2 > 0.9990) was attained for most analytes. The limits of detection and quantification ranged from 0.03 - 0.84 μg/ml and 0.81 - 1.89 μg/ml respectively for analytes in biological samples. LODs and LOQs for analytes in food and environmental samples ranged from 0.02 to 0.39 and 0.25 to 1.30 ng/g respectively.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
- Authors: Pule, Bellah Oreeditse
- Date: 2011 , 2011-02-08
- Subjects: Food contamination , Drugs -- Analysis , Pharmaceutical chemistry , Extraction (Chemistry) , Sorbents
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:4406 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1006711 , Food contamination , Drugs -- Analysis , Pharmaceutical chemistry , Extraction (Chemistry) , Sorbents
- Description: This thesis presents solid phase extraction (SPE) methodologies based on mixed-mode polymeric sorbents; a mixed mode strong anion exchanger (Agilent SampliQ SAX) and a mixed mode strong cation exchanger (Agilent SampliQ SCX). Furthermore, dispersive-SPE based on a quick, easy, cheap, effective, rugged and safe (QuEChERS) method was assessed for applicability in the determination of drug residues. The mixed-mode polymeric sorbents were evaluated for the simultaneous fractionation of drugs that exhibit diverse polarities with acidic, basic and neutral functionalities in biological matrices (plasma and urine). The polymeric skeleton of these sorbents entails an exchanger group and therefore provides two retention mechanisms, strong cation or anion exchange retention mechanisms with hydrophobic interactions. It was demonstrated that with a sequential elution protocol for sample clean-up analytes were fractionated into acidic, basic and neutral classes. The SAX was employed for analysis of ketoprofen, naproxen (acidic drugs), nortriptyline (basic) and secobarbital (neutral) from urine sample. The SCX was used for fractionating phenobarbital, p-toluamide (acidic), amphetamine, m-toluidine (basic) and acetaminophen (neutral drug) from plasma sample. QuEChERS method was employed for quantitative determination of 16 polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) from fish fillets and soil; 9 sulfonamides (SAs) from chicken muscles and acrylamide (AA) in cooking oil. The analyte recoveries ranged from 79.6 - 109% with RSDs ranging from 0.06 - 1.9% at three different fortification levels. Good linearity (r2 > 0.9990) was attained for most analytes. The limits of detection and quantification ranged from 0.03 - 0.84 μg/ml and 0.81 - 1.89 μg/ml respectively for analytes in biological samples. LODs and LOQs for analytes in food and environmental samples ranged from 0.02 to 0.39 and 0.25 to 1.30 ng/g respectively.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011