Editorial:
- Authors: Garman, Anthea
- Date: 2013
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/158851 , vital:40234 , https://hdl.handle.net/10520/EJC141608
- Description: If you've been a Rhodes Journalism Review reader for a while, you'll be surprised by the smaller magazine you are holding in your hands right now. RJR started off life as an A4 but has been big since no 9, December 1994, and the size I inherited when I started as editor in 1997. It's a format I've always loved; it stands (er, stood) out among the wash of pamphlets at international conferences, it gave designers and photographers a fantastic sweep of canvas, and it was distinctive in the world of magazines, a true original.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Garman, Anthea
- Date: 2013
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/158851 , vital:40234 , https://hdl.handle.net/10520/EJC141608
- Description: If you've been a Rhodes Journalism Review reader for a while, you'll be surprised by the smaller magazine you are holding in your hands right now. RJR started off life as an A4 but has been big since no 9, December 1994, and the size I inherited when I started as editor in 1997. It's a format I've always loved; it stands (er, stood) out among the wash of pamphlets at international conferences, it gave designers and photographers a fantastic sweep of canvas, and it was distinctive in the world of magazines, a true original.
- Full Text:
Effect of the relative humidity on the fibre morphology of polyamide 4.6 and polyamide 6.9 nanofibres
- De Schoenmaker, Bert, Van de Schueren, Lien, Zugle, Ruphino, Goethals, Annelies, Westbroek, Philippe, Kiekens, Paul, Nyokong, Tebello, De Clerck, Karen
- Authors: De Schoenmaker, Bert , Van de Schueren, Lien , Zugle, Ruphino , Goethals, Annelies , Westbroek, Philippe , Kiekens, Paul , Nyokong, Tebello , De Clerck, Karen
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/242131 , vital:51004 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1007/s10853-012-6934-9"
- Description: To obtain uniform and reproducible nanofibres, it is important to understand the effect of the different electrospinning parameters on the nanofibre morphology. Even though a lot of literature is available on the electrospinning of nanofibres, only minor research has been performed on the effect of the relative humidity (RH). This paper investigates the influence of this parameter on the electrospinning process and fibre morphology of the hydrophilic polyamide 4.6 and the less hydrophilic polyamide 6.9. First, the electrospinning process and deposition area of the nanofibres is examined at 10, 50 and 70 % RH. Subsequently, the effect of the polyamide concentration and solvent ratio on the fibre morphology is investigated using scanning electron microscopy and differential scanning calorimetry. It was found that the nanofibre diameter decreased with increasing RH. This resulted in less stable crystals for polyamide 4.6 while electrospinning of polyamide 6.9 at higher RH led to slightly more stable crystals. In conclusion, the water affinity of a polymer is an important factor in predicting the nanofibre morphology at different humidities.
- Full Text:
- Authors: De Schoenmaker, Bert , Van de Schueren, Lien , Zugle, Ruphino , Goethals, Annelies , Westbroek, Philippe , Kiekens, Paul , Nyokong, Tebello , De Clerck, Karen
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/242131 , vital:51004 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1007/s10853-012-6934-9"
- Description: To obtain uniform and reproducible nanofibres, it is important to understand the effect of the different electrospinning parameters on the nanofibre morphology. Even though a lot of literature is available on the electrospinning of nanofibres, only minor research has been performed on the effect of the relative humidity (RH). This paper investigates the influence of this parameter on the electrospinning process and fibre morphology of the hydrophilic polyamide 4.6 and the less hydrophilic polyamide 6.9. First, the electrospinning process and deposition area of the nanofibres is examined at 10, 50 and 70 % RH. Subsequently, the effect of the polyamide concentration and solvent ratio on the fibre morphology is investigated using scanning electron microscopy and differential scanning calorimetry. It was found that the nanofibre diameter decreased with increasing RH. This resulted in less stable crystals for polyamide 4.6 while electrospinning of polyamide 6.9 at higher RH led to slightly more stable crystals. In conclusion, the water affinity of a polymer is an important factor in predicting the nanofibre morphology at different humidities.
- Full Text:
Effects of gold nanoparticle shape on the aggregation and fluorescence behaviour of water soluble zinc phthalocyanines
- D'Souza, Sarah, Moeno, Sharon, Antunes, Edith M, Nyokong, Tebello
- Authors: D'Souza, Sarah , Moeno, Sharon , Antunes, Edith M , Nyokong, Tebello
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/232500 , vital:49997 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1039/C3NJ00146F"
- Description: The absorption and fluorescence response as well as the fluorescence quantum yields and lifetimes of sulfonated phthalocyanines and alkyl carboxylic acid substituted zinc phthalocyanines in the presence of differently shaped water soluble gold nanoparticles were studied. The respective phthalocyanines are known to be highly aggregated in water, which is reported to markedly reduce the excited state lifetimes. This paper shows that in the presence of star shaped gold nanoparticles, the degree of phthalocyanine aggregation in water is greatly reduced, but the aggregation status of the phthalocyanines does not change for spherical Au nanoparticles. Since gold nanoparticles have already proven to be useful in numerous nanomedicinal and nanomedical applications, the disaggregation of phthalocyanines is an added advantage.
- Full Text:
- Authors: D'Souza, Sarah , Moeno, Sharon , Antunes, Edith M , Nyokong, Tebello
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/232500 , vital:49997 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1039/C3NJ00146F"
- Description: The absorption and fluorescence response as well as the fluorescence quantum yields and lifetimes of sulfonated phthalocyanines and alkyl carboxylic acid substituted zinc phthalocyanines in the presence of differently shaped water soluble gold nanoparticles were studied. The respective phthalocyanines are known to be highly aggregated in water, which is reported to markedly reduce the excited state lifetimes. This paper shows that in the presence of star shaped gold nanoparticles, the degree of phthalocyanine aggregation in water is greatly reduced, but the aggregation status of the phthalocyanines does not change for spherical Au nanoparticles. Since gold nanoparticles have already proven to be useful in numerous nanomedicinal and nanomedical applications, the disaggregation of phthalocyanines is an added advantage.
- Full Text:
Electrocatalytic detection of pesticides with electrodes modified with nanoparticles of phthalocyanines and multiwalled carbon nanotubes
- Authors: Siswana, Msimelelo Patrick
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Phthalocyanines Pesticides Electrocatalysis Electrochemistry Nanotubes Nanoparticles Transmission electron microscopy Scanning electron microscopy
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: vital:4282 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002613
- Description: Three types of electrodes: carbon paste electrodes modified with nanoparticles of metallophthalocyanines (MPcNP-CPEs, M = Mn, Fe, Ni, Co), basal plane pyrolytic graphite electrodes modified with iron or nickel phthalocyanine nanoparticles and multiwalled carbon nanotube composites (FePcNP/MWCNT-BPPGE or NiPcNP/MWCNT-BPPGE),and basal plane pyrolytic graphite electrodes modified with multiwalled carbon nanotubes and electropolymerized metal tetra-aminophthalocyanines (poly-MTAPc-MWCNT-BPPGE), where M is Mn, Fe, Ni or Co, were prepared. Electrochemical characterizations showed that faster electron transfer kinetics occurred at the NiPcNP/MWCNT-BPPGE than at the FePcNP/MWCNT-BPPGE surface. SEM and electrochemical characterizations of poly-MTAPc-MWCNT-BPPGE showed that MTAPc had been deposited on the MWCNTBPPGE surface, and that the poly-CoTAPc-MWCNT-BPPGE exhibited the fastest electron transfer kinetics of all the poly-MTAPc-MWCNT-BPPGEs. Using amitrole and asulam as test analytes, electrochemical experiments showed that, amongst the CPEs, the FePcNP-CPE and NiPcNP-CPE displayed the most electrocatalytic behavior towards amitrole and asulam oxidation, respectively, and further experiments were done to obtain the electrochemical parameters associated with these electrodes and the corresponding analytes. Although, the FePcNP/MWCNT- BPPGE displayed electrocatalytic behavior towards amitrole oxidation in comparison with the bare BPPGE, it was less electrocatalytic than the FePcNP-CPE in terms of detection potential. The NiPcNP/MWCNT-BPPGE displayed the same detection potential as the NiPcNP-CPE. The poly-FeTAPc-MWCNT-BPPGE exhibited the most electrocatalytic behavior towards amitrole, of all the electrodes investigated, and the poly-CoTAPc-MWCNT-BPPGE displayed the best electrocatalytic behavior towards asulam, amongst the poly-MTAPc-MWCNT-BPPGEs.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Siswana, Msimelelo Patrick
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Phthalocyanines Pesticides Electrocatalysis Electrochemistry Nanotubes Nanoparticles Transmission electron microscopy Scanning electron microscopy
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: vital:4282 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002613
- Description: Three types of electrodes: carbon paste electrodes modified with nanoparticles of metallophthalocyanines (MPcNP-CPEs, M = Mn, Fe, Ni, Co), basal plane pyrolytic graphite electrodes modified with iron or nickel phthalocyanine nanoparticles and multiwalled carbon nanotube composites (FePcNP/MWCNT-BPPGE or NiPcNP/MWCNT-BPPGE),and basal plane pyrolytic graphite electrodes modified with multiwalled carbon nanotubes and electropolymerized metal tetra-aminophthalocyanines (poly-MTAPc-MWCNT-BPPGE), where M is Mn, Fe, Ni or Co, were prepared. Electrochemical characterizations showed that faster electron transfer kinetics occurred at the NiPcNP/MWCNT-BPPGE than at the FePcNP/MWCNT-BPPGE surface. SEM and electrochemical characterizations of poly-MTAPc-MWCNT-BPPGE showed that MTAPc had been deposited on the MWCNTBPPGE surface, and that the poly-CoTAPc-MWCNT-BPPGE exhibited the fastest electron transfer kinetics of all the poly-MTAPc-MWCNT-BPPGEs. Using amitrole and asulam as test analytes, electrochemical experiments showed that, amongst the CPEs, the FePcNP-CPE and NiPcNP-CPE displayed the most electrocatalytic behavior towards amitrole and asulam oxidation, respectively, and further experiments were done to obtain the electrochemical parameters associated with these electrodes and the corresponding analytes. Although, the FePcNP/MWCNT- BPPGE displayed electrocatalytic behavior towards amitrole oxidation in comparison with the bare BPPGE, it was less electrocatalytic than the FePcNP-CPE in terms of detection potential. The NiPcNP/MWCNT-BPPGE displayed the same detection potential as the NiPcNP-CPE. The poly-FeTAPc-MWCNT-BPPGE exhibited the most electrocatalytic behavior towards amitrole, of all the electrodes investigated, and the poly-CoTAPc-MWCNT-BPPGE displayed the best electrocatalytic behavior towards asulam, amongst the poly-MTAPc-MWCNT-BPPGEs.
- Full Text:
Electrochemical impedimetric immunosensor for the detection of measles-specific IgG antibodies after measles infections
- Mashazi, Philani N, Tetyana, Phumlani, Vilakazi, Sibulelo, Nyokong, Tebello
- Authors: Mashazi, Philani N , Tetyana, Phumlani , Vilakazi, Sibulelo , Nyokong, Tebello
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/241677 , vital:50960 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bios.2013.04.028"
- Description: The detection of measles-specific primary antibodies (IgG) using electrochemical impedimetric immunosensors is reported. The optimum conditions for electrode saturation were reached after 40 min for 1 μg ml−1 antibody concentrations. Surface roughness using AFM increased with each immobilization or antigen-antibody reaction step clearly confirming the surface modification and recognition between antigen and antibody. The human serum (HS) and new-born calf serum (NCS) spiked with antigen-specific antibody were studied to mimic the real sample analysis. The HS and NCS sera containing antibodies due to measles exhibited correlation between the increasing antibody serum concentrations and the charge-transfer resistance (electrochemically measured). This work clearly showed the potential use of impedance as the preferred electrochemical method for detecting measles-antibodies in label-free manner.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Mashazi, Philani N , Tetyana, Phumlani , Vilakazi, Sibulelo , Nyokong, Tebello
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/241677 , vital:50960 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bios.2013.04.028"
- Description: The detection of measles-specific primary antibodies (IgG) using electrochemical impedimetric immunosensors is reported. The optimum conditions for electrode saturation were reached after 40 min for 1 μg ml−1 antibody concentrations. Surface roughness using AFM increased with each immobilization or antigen-antibody reaction step clearly confirming the surface modification and recognition between antigen and antibody. The human serum (HS) and new-born calf serum (NCS) spiked with antigen-specific antibody were studied to mimic the real sample analysis. The HS and NCS sera containing antibodies due to measles exhibited correlation between the increasing antibody serum concentrations and the charge-transfer resistance (electrochemically measured). This work clearly showed the potential use of impedance as the preferred electrochemical method for detecting measles-antibodies in label-free manner.
- Full Text:
Electrospun fibers functionalized with phthalocyanine-gold nanoparticle conjugates for photocatalytic applications
- Tombe, Sekai, Antunes, Edith M, Nyokong, Tebello
- Authors: Tombe, Sekai , Antunes, Edith M , Nyokong, Tebello
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/193769 , vital:45394 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.molcata.2013.01.033"
- Description: The heterogeneous photocatalytic activity of Zn(II) phthalocyanine-gold nanoparticle conjugates immobilized on electrospun polystyrene fibers was investigated using 4-chlorophenol and Orange G as model pollutants. The phthalocyanine-gold nanoparticle conjugates were synthesized via a ligand exchange reaction and characterized using spectroscopic and microscopic techniques. The interaction between the gold nanoparticles and phthalocyanines did not restrict the formation of excited singlet states, triplet states and hence the formation of singlet oxygen required for photocatalysis. The conjugates showed significantly higher singlet oxygen quantum yields and enhanced photocatalytic activity compared to the phthalocyanines. It was concluded that hybrid electrospun fibers provide great potential as active photocatalysts for oxidizing organic pollutants using singlet oxygen as an oxidant.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Tombe, Sekai , Antunes, Edith M , Nyokong, Tebello
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/193769 , vital:45394 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.molcata.2013.01.033"
- Description: The heterogeneous photocatalytic activity of Zn(II) phthalocyanine-gold nanoparticle conjugates immobilized on electrospun polystyrene fibers was investigated using 4-chlorophenol and Orange G as model pollutants. The phthalocyanine-gold nanoparticle conjugates were synthesized via a ligand exchange reaction and characterized using spectroscopic and microscopic techniques. The interaction between the gold nanoparticles and phthalocyanines did not restrict the formation of excited singlet states, triplet states and hence the formation of singlet oxygen required for photocatalysis. The conjugates showed significantly higher singlet oxygen quantum yields and enhanced photocatalytic activity compared to the phthalocyanines. It was concluded that hybrid electrospun fibers provide great potential as active photocatalysts for oxidizing organic pollutants using singlet oxygen as an oxidant.
- Full Text:
Engineering Education Research for educational change: the possibilities of critical realism for conceptualising causal mechanicsms in education
- Case, Jennifer, Blackie, Margaret A L
- Authors: Case, Jennifer , Blackie, Margaret A L
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/426637 , vital:72374 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biocontrol.2013.07.023"
- Description: Engineering Education Research (EER) grew in prominence from the late 1990s as purposes for this field were espoused in relation to the necessity of change for engineering education in the newly globalising world. Arguments centred on overall challenges with recruitment to engineering, specifically in relation to historically underrepresented populations, as well as with the forms of education (both in terms of quality of teaching and relevance of curricula) offered to students, and the needs of employers as reflected in newly-emerged global accreditation systems. In a field that is at least partly directed towards educational change, there is a need to understand how change typically happens in education systems. This article first draws on findings from the sociology of education to show that causality in relation to educational change is complex. It then turns to the philosophy of critical realism for a way of thinking about change that can inform EER, and concludes by outlining how this might change the research questions that drive the field, and how these might be approached.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Case, Jennifer , Blackie, Margaret A L
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/426637 , vital:72374 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biocontrol.2013.07.023"
- Description: Engineering Education Research (EER) grew in prominence from the late 1990s as purposes for this field were espoused in relation to the necessity of change for engineering education in the newly globalising world. Arguments centred on overall challenges with recruitment to engineering, specifically in relation to historically underrepresented populations, as well as with the forms of education (both in terms of quality of teaching and relevance of curricula) offered to students, and the needs of employers as reflected in newly-emerged global accreditation systems. In a field that is at least partly directed towards educational change, there is a need to understand how change typically happens in education systems. This article first draws on findings from the sociology of education to show that causality in relation to educational change is complex. It then turns to the philosophy of critical realism for a way of thinking about change that can inform EER, and concludes by outlining how this might change the research questions that drive the field, and how these might be approached.
- Full Text:
Entomopathogenic fungi for control of soil-borne life stages of false codling moth, Thaumatotibia leucotreta (Meyrick) (1912) (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae)
- Authors: Coombes, Candice Anne
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Tortricidae , Lepidoptera , Cryptophlebia leucotreta , Insect pests -- Biological control -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Tortricidae -- Biological control -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Citrus -- Diseases and pests -- Biological control -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Entomopathogenic fungi , Fungi as biological pest control agents , Biological pest control agents
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:5607 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002057 , Tortricidae , Lepidoptera , Cryptophlebia leucotreta , Insect pests -- Biological control -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Tortricidae -- Biological control -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Citrus -- Diseases and pests -- Biological control -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Entomopathogenic fungi , Fungi as biological pest control agents , Biological pest control agents
- Description: False codling moth (FCM), Thaumatotibia leucotreta is an extremely important pest of citrus in South Africa and with the shift away from the use of chemicals, alternate control options are needed. One avenue of control which has only recently been investigated against the soil-borne life stages of FCM is the use of entomopathogenic fungi (EPF). In 2009, 12 entomopathogenic fungal isolates collected from South African citrus orchards showed good control potential during laboratory conducted bioassays. The aim of this study was to further analyse the potential of these isolates through concentration-dose and exposure-time response bioassays. After initial re-screening, concentration-dose response and exposure-time response sandconidial bioassays, three isolates were identified as exhibiting the greatest control potential against FCM in soil, Metarhizium anisopliae var. anisopliae (G 11 3 L6 and FCM Ar 23 B3) and Beauveria bassiana (G Ar 17 B3). Percentage mycosis was found to be directly related to fungal concentration as well as the amount of time FCM 5th instar larvae were exposed to the fungal conidia. LC50 values for the three isolates were not greater than 1.92 x 10⁶ conidia.ml⁻ₑ and at the LC₅₀, FCM 5th instar larvae would need to be exposed to the fungus for a maximum of 13 days to ensure a high mortality level. These isolates along with two commercially available EPF products were subjected to field persistence trials whereby net bags filled with a mixture of autoclaved sand and formulated fungal product were buried in an Eastern Cape citrus orchard. The viability of each isolate was measured on a monthly basis for a period of six months. All isolates were capable of persisting in the soil for six months with the collected isolates persisting far better than the commercially used isolates. Two of the isolates, G 11 3 L6 and G Ar 17 B3, were subjected to small scale laboratory application trials. Two formulations were investigated at two concentrations. For each isolate, each formulation and each concentration, FCM 5th instar larvae were applied and allowed to burrow into the soil to pupate before fungal application or after fungal application. Contact between fungi and FCM host is essential as, in contrast to pre-larval treatments, percentage mortality in post-larval treatments was low for both formulations and both isolates. For isolate G Ar 17 B3, a conidial suspension applied as a spray at a concentration of 1 x 10⁷ conidia.ml⁻ₑ obtained the highest percentage mortality (80 %). For isolate G 11 3 L6 however, both formulations performed equally well at a high, 1 x10⁷ conidia.ml⁻ₑ concentration (conidial suspension: 60 %; granular: 65 %) The results obtained thus far are promising for the control of FCM in citrus, but if these EPFs are to successfully integrate into current FCM control practices more research, some of which is discussed, is essential
- Full Text:
- Authors: Coombes, Candice Anne
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Tortricidae , Lepidoptera , Cryptophlebia leucotreta , Insect pests -- Biological control -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Tortricidae -- Biological control -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Citrus -- Diseases and pests -- Biological control -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Entomopathogenic fungi , Fungi as biological pest control agents , Biological pest control agents
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:5607 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002057 , Tortricidae , Lepidoptera , Cryptophlebia leucotreta , Insect pests -- Biological control -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Tortricidae -- Biological control -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Citrus -- Diseases and pests -- Biological control -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Entomopathogenic fungi , Fungi as biological pest control agents , Biological pest control agents
- Description: False codling moth (FCM), Thaumatotibia leucotreta is an extremely important pest of citrus in South Africa and with the shift away from the use of chemicals, alternate control options are needed. One avenue of control which has only recently been investigated against the soil-borne life stages of FCM is the use of entomopathogenic fungi (EPF). In 2009, 12 entomopathogenic fungal isolates collected from South African citrus orchards showed good control potential during laboratory conducted bioassays. The aim of this study was to further analyse the potential of these isolates through concentration-dose and exposure-time response bioassays. After initial re-screening, concentration-dose response and exposure-time response sandconidial bioassays, three isolates were identified as exhibiting the greatest control potential against FCM in soil, Metarhizium anisopliae var. anisopliae (G 11 3 L6 and FCM Ar 23 B3) and Beauveria bassiana (G Ar 17 B3). Percentage mycosis was found to be directly related to fungal concentration as well as the amount of time FCM 5th instar larvae were exposed to the fungal conidia. LC50 values for the three isolates were not greater than 1.92 x 10⁶ conidia.ml⁻ₑ and at the LC₅₀, FCM 5th instar larvae would need to be exposed to the fungus for a maximum of 13 days to ensure a high mortality level. These isolates along with two commercially available EPF products were subjected to field persistence trials whereby net bags filled with a mixture of autoclaved sand and formulated fungal product were buried in an Eastern Cape citrus orchard. The viability of each isolate was measured on a monthly basis for a period of six months. All isolates were capable of persisting in the soil for six months with the collected isolates persisting far better than the commercially used isolates. Two of the isolates, G 11 3 L6 and G Ar 17 B3, were subjected to small scale laboratory application trials. Two formulations were investigated at two concentrations. For each isolate, each formulation and each concentration, FCM 5th instar larvae were applied and allowed to burrow into the soil to pupate before fungal application or after fungal application. Contact between fungi and FCM host is essential as, in contrast to pre-larval treatments, percentage mortality in post-larval treatments was low for both formulations and both isolates. For isolate G Ar 17 B3, a conidial suspension applied as a spray at a concentration of 1 x 10⁷ conidia.ml⁻ₑ obtained the highest percentage mortality (80 %). For isolate G 11 3 L6 however, both formulations performed equally well at a high, 1 x10⁷ conidia.ml⁻ₑ concentration (conidial suspension: 60 %; granular: 65 %) The results obtained thus far are promising for the control of FCM in citrus, but if these EPFs are to successfully integrate into current FCM control practices more research, some of which is discussed, is essential
- Full Text:
Environmental domains and range-limiting mechanisms: testing the Abundant Centre Hypothesis using southern African sandhoppers
- Baldanzi, Simone, McQuaid, Christopher D, Cannicci, Stefano, Porri, Francesca
- Authors: Baldanzi, Simone , McQuaid, Christopher D , Cannicci, Stefano , Porri, Francesca
- Date: 2013
- Language: English
- Type: Article
- Identifier: vital:6848 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1011108
- Description: Predicting shifts of species geographical ranges is a fundamental challenge for conservation ecologists given the great complexity of factors involved in setting range limits. Distributional patterns are frequently modelled to “simplify” species responses to the environment, yet the central mechanisms that drive a particular pattern are rarely understood. We evaluated the distributions of two sandhopper species (Crustacea, Amphipoda, Talitridae), Talorchestia capensis and Africorchestia quadrispinosa along the Namibian and South African coasts, encompassing three biogeographic regions influenced by two different oceanographic systems, the Benguela and Agulhas currents. We aimed to test whether the Abundant Centre Hypothesis (ACH) can explain the distributions of these species’ abundances, sizes and sex ratios and examined which environmental parameters influence/drive these distributions. Animals were collected during a once-off survey at 29 sites over c.3500 km of coastline. The ACH was tested using a non-parametric constraint space analysis of the goodness of fit of five hypothetical models. Distance Based Linear Modelling (DistLM) was performed to evaluate which environmental traits influenced the distribution data. Abundance, size and sex ratio showed different patterns of distribution. A ramped model fitted the abundance (Ramped North) and size (Ramped South) distribution for A. quadrispinosa. The Inverse Quadratic model fitted the size distribution of T. capensis. Beach slope, salinity, sand temperature and percentage of detritus found on the shore at the time of collection played important roles in driving the abundance of A. quadrispinosa. T. capensis was mainly affected by salinity and the morphodynamic state of the beach. Our results provided only some support for the ACH predictions. The DistLM confirmed that the physical state of the beach is an important factor for sandy beach organisms. The effect of salinity and temperature suggest metabolic responses to local conditions and a role in small to mesoscale shifts in the range of these populations.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Baldanzi, Simone , McQuaid, Christopher D , Cannicci, Stefano , Porri, Francesca
- Date: 2013
- Language: English
- Type: Article
- Identifier: vital:6848 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1011108
- Description: Predicting shifts of species geographical ranges is a fundamental challenge for conservation ecologists given the great complexity of factors involved in setting range limits. Distributional patterns are frequently modelled to “simplify” species responses to the environment, yet the central mechanisms that drive a particular pattern are rarely understood. We evaluated the distributions of two sandhopper species (Crustacea, Amphipoda, Talitridae), Talorchestia capensis and Africorchestia quadrispinosa along the Namibian and South African coasts, encompassing three biogeographic regions influenced by two different oceanographic systems, the Benguela and Agulhas currents. We aimed to test whether the Abundant Centre Hypothesis (ACH) can explain the distributions of these species’ abundances, sizes and sex ratios and examined which environmental parameters influence/drive these distributions. Animals were collected during a once-off survey at 29 sites over c.3500 km of coastline. The ACH was tested using a non-parametric constraint space analysis of the goodness of fit of five hypothetical models. Distance Based Linear Modelling (DistLM) was performed to evaluate which environmental traits influenced the distribution data. Abundance, size and sex ratio showed different patterns of distribution. A ramped model fitted the abundance (Ramped North) and size (Ramped South) distribution for A. quadrispinosa. The Inverse Quadratic model fitted the size distribution of T. capensis. Beach slope, salinity, sand temperature and percentage of detritus found on the shore at the time of collection played important roles in driving the abundance of A. quadrispinosa. T. capensis was mainly affected by salinity and the morphodynamic state of the beach. Our results provided only some support for the ACH predictions. The DistLM confirmed that the physical state of the beach is an important factor for sandy beach organisms. The effect of salinity and temperature suggest metabolic responses to local conditions and a role in small to mesoscale shifts in the range of these populations.
- Full Text:
Environmental ethics as processes of open-ended, pluralistic, deliberative enquiry
- Authors: Olvitt, Lausanne L
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , book chapter
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/437309 , vital:73368 , ISBN 9780203813331 , https://www.taylorfrancis.com/chapters/edit/10.4324/9780203813331-15/environmental-ethics-processes-open-ended-pluralistic-deliberative-enquiry-lausanne-olvitt
- Description: By the very nature of their work, environmental education re-searchers must engage with environmental philosophy and questions of values and ethics. But this terrain, despite being resourced with an apparently endless supply of typologies, an-thologies, and handbooks, can remain a vast and daunting philosophical sea—at least in my experience as a newcomer to the field, and possibly for many other scholars and re-searchers. This essay makes no claim to altering that and in-stead optimistically pursues Ball’s (2001, p. 89) suggestion that “there is much to be learned about, and from, the philosophical life-forms inhabiting these thickets and swamps.” My intention here is to review a relatively small but growing cluster of work in environmental ethics that proposes that:“Ethical positions are always open for discussion, re-examination, and revi-sion”(Jickling, 2004, p. 16) and are thus, by their very nature, open-ended, relational processes. My starting point in writing this essay is as an educator-researcher-environmentalist trying to explore what the field of environmental ethics has to offer in response to the question:“As educators, how can we learn and do more with others in the face of an unprecedented socioeco-logical crisis?”
- Full Text:
- Authors: Olvitt, Lausanne L
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , book chapter
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/437309 , vital:73368 , ISBN 9780203813331 , https://www.taylorfrancis.com/chapters/edit/10.4324/9780203813331-15/environmental-ethics-processes-open-ended-pluralistic-deliberative-enquiry-lausanne-olvitt
- Description: By the very nature of their work, environmental education re-searchers must engage with environmental philosophy and questions of values and ethics. But this terrain, despite being resourced with an apparently endless supply of typologies, an-thologies, and handbooks, can remain a vast and daunting philosophical sea—at least in my experience as a newcomer to the field, and possibly for many other scholars and re-searchers. This essay makes no claim to altering that and in-stead optimistically pursues Ball’s (2001, p. 89) suggestion that “there is much to be learned about, and from, the philosophical life-forms inhabiting these thickets and swamps.” My intention here is to review a relatively small but growing cluster of work in environmental ethics that proposes that:“Ethical positions are always open for discussion, re-examination, and revi-sion”(Jickling, 2004, p. 16) and are thus, by their very nature, open-ended, relational processes. My starting point in writing this essay is as an educator-researcher-environmentalist trying to explore what the field of environmental ethics has to offer in response to the question:“As educators, how can we learn and do more with others in the face of an unprecedented socioeco-logical crisis?”
- Full Text:
Environmental water quality management of glyphosate-based herbicides in South Africa
- Authors: Mensah, Paul Kojo
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Water quality management -- South Africa Water quality management -- Environmental Aspects -- South Africa Herbicides -- Environmental aspects -- South Africa Herbicides -- Toxicology -- South Africa Water -- Glyphosate content -- South Africa Water -- Pollution -- South Africa Water quality -- Measurement -- South Africa Water -- Analysis -- South Africa Freshwater ecology -- South Africa Integrated water development -- South Africa Caridina -- Effect of pollution on -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: vital:6023 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1001987
- Description: Although the use of pesticides is necessary to meet the socio-economic needs of many developing countries, especially in Africa, side effects of these bio-active chemicals have contributed to contaminating aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems. Environmental water quality degradation by pesticides interferes with ecosystem health and poses numerous risks to aquatic life. In South Africa, glyphosate-based herbicides are frequently used to control weeds and invading alien plants, but ultimately end up in freshwater ecosystems. However, there are no South African-based environmental water quality management strategies to regulate these bio-active chemicals. Therefore, this study sought to provide a sound scientific background for the environmental water quality management of glyphosate-based herbicides in South Africa, by conducting both laboratory and field investigations. In the laboratory investigations, aquatic ecotoxicological methods were used to evaluate responses of the freshwater aquatic shrimp Caridina nilotica exposed to Roundup® at different biological system scales, and the responses of multiple South African aquatic species exposed to Roundup® through species sensitivity distribution (SSD). In the field investigations, the effect of Kilo Max WSG on the physicochemical and biological conditions of three selected sites in the Swartkops River before and after a spray episode by Working for Water were evaluated through biomonitoring, using the South African Scoring System version 5 (SASS5) as a sampling protocol. Both Roundup® and Kilo Max WSG are glyphosate-based herbicides. All the data were subjected to relevant statistical analyses. Findings of this study revealed that Roundup® elicited responses at different biological system scales in C. nilotica, while SSD estimates were used to derive proposed water quality guidelines for glyphosate-based herbicides in South Africa. The biomonitoring revealed that using glyphosate-based herbicides to control water hyacinth within the Swartkops River had a negligible impact on the physicochemical and biological conditions. Based on these findings, a conceptual framework that can be used for the integrated environmental water quality management of glyphosate-based herbicides in South Africa was developed as part of integrated water resource management (IWRM). The combined data sets contribute to a sound scientific basis for the environmental water quality management of glyphosate-based herbicides in South Africa.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Mensah, Paul Kojo
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Water quality management -- South Africa Water quality management -- Environmental Aspects -- South Africa Herbicides -- Environmental aspects -- South Africa Herbicides -- Toxicology -- South Africa Water -- Glyphosate content -- South Africa Water -- Pollution -- South Africa Water quality -- Measurement -- South Africa Water -- Analysis -- South Africa Freshwater ecology -- South Africa Integrated water development -- South Africa Caridina -- Effect of pollution on -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: vital:6023 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1001987
- Description: Although the use of pesticides is necessary to meet the socio-economic needs of many developing countries, especially in Africa, side effects of these bio-active chemicals have contributed to contaminating aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems. Environmental water quality degradation by pesticides interferes with ecosystem health and poses numerous risks to aquatic life. In South Africa, glyphosate-based herbicides are frequently used to control weeds and invading alien plants, but ultimately end up in freshwater ecosystems. However, there are no South African-based environmental water quality management strategies to regulate these bio-active chemicals. Therefore, this study sought to provide a sound scientific background for the environmental water quality management of glyphosate-based herbicides in South Africa, by conducting both laboratory and field investigations. In the laboratory investigations, aquatic ecotoxicological methods were used to evaluate responses of the freshwater aquatic shrimp Caridina nilotica exposed to Roundup® at different biological system scales, and the responses of multiple South African aquatic species exposed to Roundup® through species sensitivity distribution (SSD). In the field investigations, the effect of Kilo Max WSG on the physicochemical and biological conditions of three selected sites in the Swartkops River before and after a spray episode by Working for Water were evaluated through biomonitoring, using the South African Scoring System version 5 (SASS5) as a sampling protocol. Both Roundup® and Kilo Max WSG are glyphosate-based herbicides. All the data were subjected to relevant statistical analyses. Findings of this study revealed that Roundup® elicited responses at different biological system scales in C. nilotica, while SSD estimates were used to derive proposed water quality guidelines for glyphosate-based herbicides in South Africa. The biomonitoring revealed that using glyphosate-based herbicides to control water hyacinth within the Swartkops River had a negligible impact on the physicochemical and biological conditions. Based on these findings, a conceptual framework that can be used for the integrated environmental water quality management of glyphosate-based herbicides in South Africa was developed as part of integrated water resource management (IWRM). The combined data sets contribute to a sound scientific basis for the environmental water quality management of glyphosate-based herbicides in South Africa.
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Epidemic transmission of intestinal schistosomiasis in the seasonal part of the Okavango Delta, Botswana:
- Appleton, C C, Ellery, William F N, Byskov, Jens, Mogkweetsinyana, S S
- Authors: Appleton, C C , Ellery, William F N , Byskov, Jens , Mogkweetsinyana, S S
- Date: 2013
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/144364 , vital:38339 , DOI: 10.1179/136485908X311867
- Description: A well documented epidemic of human intestinal schistosomiasis caused by Schistosoma mansoni occurred at Maun in the seasonal part of the Okavango Delta, Botswana, building from very few cases in the 1950s and early 1960s to a peak prevalence of greater than80% in the 1980s. A retrospective analysis was performed on all available records of the prevalence of S. mansoni in the Maun area and the corresponding flow records of the Thamalakane River. These revealed a statistically significant correlation between prevalence and flow, but only when a lag period was introduced. The correlation was greatest with a lag period of 5–6 years between the rise and fall of discharge and the rise and fall of transmission. Since the hydrological events in the delta follow a cyclical pattern, another epidemic around 2020 appears likely.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Appleton, C C , Ellery, William F N , Byskov, Jens , Mogkweetsinyana, S S
- Date: 2013
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/144364 , vital:38339 , DOI: 10.1179/136485908X311867
- Description: A well documented epidemic of human intestinal schistosomiasis caused by Schistosoma mansoni occurred at Maun in the seasonal part of the Okavango Delta, Botswana, building from very few cases in the 1950s and early 1960s to a peak prevalence of greater than80% in the 1980s. A retrospective analysis was performed on all available records of the prevalence of S. mansoni in the Maun area and the corresponding flow records of the Thamalakane River. These revealed a statistically significant correlation between prevalence and flow, but only when a lag period was introduced. The correlation was greatest with a lag period of 5–6 years between the rise and fall of discharge and the rise and fall of transmission. Since the hydrological events in the delta follow a cyclical pattern, another epidemic around 2020 appears likely.
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Estuarine-dependency and multiple habitat use by dusky kob Argyrosomus Japonicus (Pisces: Sciaenidae)
- Authors: Childs, Amber-Robyn
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Argyrosomus -- Habitat -- South Africa -- Algoa Bay , Argyrosomus -- Behavior -- South Africa -- Algoa Bay , Argyrosomus -- Migration -- South Africa -- Algoa Bay , Estuarine fishes -- South Africa -- Algoa Bay , Habitat selection -- South Africa -- Algoa Bay , Argyrosomus -- South Africa -- Sundays Estuary (Eastern Cape) , Underwater acoustic telemetry
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: vital:5386 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1020241
- Description: Dusky kob Argyrosomus japonicus is a wide-ranging estuarine-dependent Sciaenid and an important fishery species throughout most of its distribution. It is one of South Africa’s most valuable coastal fishery species. High levels of juvenile exploitation in estuaries and ineffective management regulations have led to stock collapse, highlighting the need to better understand the spatial and temporal aspects of estuarine-dependency and multiple habitat use. Habitat connectivity is a critical property of estuarine-associated fishes and it therefore follows that knowledge of this link is fundamental in understanding population dynamics and the nursery role of estuarine and/or marine habitats. While dusky kob occur in both estuaries and nearshore coastal zones, limited information on connectivity among these habitats exists. The aim of this study is to assess the role of estuarine nursery habitats in the life cycle of the dusky kob by examining multiple habitat connectivity and determining the drivers associated with estuarine use. A total of 96 dusky kob (237–1280 mm total length) were tagged with acoustic transmitters in both the estuarine and marine environments of Algoa Bay, Eastern Cape, South Africa between May 2008 and September 2010. Their movements were monitored using a network of automated data-logging acoustic receivers deployed in the Sundays Estuary, seven neighbouring estuarine habitats, two commercial harbours and various sites within Algoa Bay. And more...
- Full Text:
- Authors: Childs, Amber-Robyn
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Argyrosomus -- Habitat -- South Africa -- Algoa Bay , Argyrosomus -- Behavior -- South Africa -- Algoa Bay , Argyrosomus -- Migration -- South Africa -- Algoa Bay , Estuarine fishes -- South Africa -- Algoa Bay , Habitat selection -- South Africa -- Algoa Bay , Argyrosomus -- South Africa -- Sundays Estuary (Eastern Cape) , Underwater acoustic telemetry
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: vital:5386 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1020241
- Description: Dusky kob Argyrosomus japonicus is a wide-ranging estuarine-dependent Sciaenid and an important fishery species throughout most of its distribution. It is one of South Africa’s most valuable coastal fishery species. High levels of juvenile exploitation in estuaries and ineffective management regulations have led to stock collapse, highlighting the need to better understand the spatial and temporal aspects of estuarine-dependency and multiple habitat use. Habitat connectivity is a critical property of estuarine-associated fishes and it therefore follows that knowledge of this link is fundamental in understanding population dynamics and the nursery role of estuarine and/or marine habitats. While dusky kob occur in both estuaries and nearshore coastal zones, limited information on connectivity among these habitats exists. The aim of this study is to assess the role of estuarine nursery habitats in the life cycle of the dusky kob by examining multiple habitat connectivity and determining the drivers associated with estuarine use. A total of 96 dusky kob (237–1280 mm total length) were tagged with acoustic transmitters in both the estuarine and marine environments of Algoa Bay, Eastern Cape, South Africa between May 2008 and September 2010. Their movements were monitored using a network of automated data-logging acoustic receivers deployed in the Sundays Estuary, seven neighbouring estuarine habitats, two commercial harbours and various sites within Algoa Bay. And more...
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Eudicella trimeni Janson, 1884 (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae: Cetoniinae: Goliathini): Description of larva with notes on conservation status, biology and taxonomy
- Perissinotto, Renzo, Orozco, Jesús (Entomologist)
- Authors: Perissinotto, Renzo , Orozco, Jesús (Entomologist)
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Afrotropical , Goliathini , Eudicella trimeni , Scarab beetles , Fruit chafers , Flower chafers , Larva , Grubs , Rosenkäfer
- Language: English
- Type: Article
- Identifier: vital:6559 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1006605 , http://africaninvertebrates.org/ojs/index.php/AI/article/view/307
- Description: Eudicella trimeni is reportedly one of the most endangered species of the genus, having been declared virtually extinct until recently. Present research has shown that the species occurs in an area wider than previously known. However, its habitat is disappearing at a fast rate and the Eastern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal populations appear to be sufficiently different from each other to warrant at least subspecies status and further investigation. Third instar larvae of the northern population were collected recently in the Karkloof Nature Reserve, KwaZulu-Natal. They were reared to adulthood under environmentally controlled conditions and are here described.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Perissinotto, Renzo , Orozco, Jesús (Entomologist)
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Afrotropical , Goliathini , Eudicella trimeni , Scarab beetles , Fruit chafers , Flower chafers , Larva , Grubs , Rosenkäfer
- Language: English
- Type: Article
- Identifier: vital:6559 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1006605 , http://africaninvertebrates.org/ojs/index.php/AI/article/view/307
- Description: Eudicella trimeni is reportedly one of the most endangered species of the genus, having been declared virtually extinct until recently. Present research has shown that the species occurs in an area wider than previously known. However, its habitat is disappearing at a fast rate and the Eastern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal populations appear to be sufficiently different from each other to warrant at least subspecies status and further investigation. Third instar larvae of the northern population were collected recently in the Karkloof Nature Reserve, KwaZulu-Natal. They were reared to adulthood under environmentally controlled conditions and are here described.
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Evaluating social media participation for successful marketing and communication by selected private game reserves, Eastern Cape, South Africa
- Authors: Booth, Tara
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Social media -- Economic aspects , Online social networks -- Economic aspects , Game reserves -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Marketing , Internet marketing -- Economic aspects , Social media -- Marketing , Tourism -- Marketing , Communication in management
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:843 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1015692
- Description: Social media has become one of the defining features of the technological advances known as Web 2.0. As social media has increased in popularity, so businesses are expected to participate. Social media platforms enable businesses to widely broadcast a message as well as interact directly with individual customers. Customers are also able to interact directly with one another and share information and reviews about products and services offered. This suits the tourism industry particularly well. Internationally, research has shown that individuals use social media and other online tools to research potential holiday destinations. In addition social media is used during travel to share snapshots and commentary as well as after travel, through reviews and recommendations on platforms such as TripAdvisor. However, few studies have investigated how tourism destinations use social media to attract new clients and retain existing clients. Very little research has been done on tourism and social media in South Africa despite the importance of this industry to Gross Domestic Product (GDP). This study focused on four-star establishments within the photographic wildlife tourism industry in the Eastern Cape of South Africa. An initial survey of social media participation was carried out within the framework set out by Chan and Guillet (2011); this was then followed up with interviews with selected managers. Results showed that, in general, Private Game Reserves (PGRs) had embraced social media as a communication and marketing platform; despite concerns raised about the lack of control over content as well as poor understanding of the influence social media might have on the bottom line. TripAdvisor, Facebook and Twitter were the most commonly used platforms due to management familiarity with the platform and their ease of use. Few lodges utilised blogs or content sites such as YouTube and management cited time commitments associated with this type of platform as a reason for non-participation. However, although most PGRs or lodges had a profile on social media, this did not always mean active participation. Frequently, lodges began updating but gradually stopped after a few months. It was noted however that only one of the lodges interviewed retained an individual whose sole responsibility was social media; generally lodges did not feel that a dedicated person was necessary. This may result in a lack of time available on the part of the individual responsible or simply be a case of not understanding the platform or how to use it effectively. However, none of the PGRs with poor social media participation responded to interview requests and therefore it was not possible to determine the reasons for their poor participation. Among those lodges that actively participated, most succeed in retaining fans and followers through consistent posting of relevant and interesting content as well as customised responses that encouraged fans or followers’ interaction. However, there did not appear to be any evidence of using social media to learn about fans and followers in order to better customise the lodge offerings. This may not be necessary in this type of industry as PGRs sell a specific product and have a limited ability to customise offerings. In addition, there may be other sources of market information which lodges prefer to use. Special offers, competitions and promotions had limited success on social media. Generally, lodges used social media to promote links to a dedicated competition or promotions page. In conclusion, the managers interviewed felt strongly that social media had made a measureable impact on the tourism industry and was a channel that was here to stay. Further research around the best practice and most effective use will enable PGRs to develop and maintain effective strategies for social media participation.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Booth, Tara
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Social media -- Economic aspects , Online social networks -- Economic aspects , Game reserves -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Marketing , Internet marketing -- Economic aspects , Social media -- Marketing , Tourism -- Marketing , Communication in management
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:843 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1015692
- Description: Social media has become one of the defining features of the technological advances known as Web 2.0. As social media has increased in popularity, so businesses are expected to participate. Social media platforms enable businesses to widely broadcast a message as well as interact directly with individual customers. Customers are also able to interact directly with one another and share information and reviews about products and services offered. This suits the tourism industry particularly well. Internationally, research has shown that individuals use social media and other online tools to research potential holiday destinations. In addition social media is used during travel to share snapshots and commentary as well as after travel, through reviews and recommendations on platforms such as TripAdvisor. However, few studies have investigated how tourism destinations use social media to attract new clients and retain existing clients. Very little research has been done on tourism and social media in South Africa despite the importance of this industry to Gross Domestic Product (GDP). This study focused on four-star establishments within the photographic wildlife tourism industry in the Eastern Cape of South Africa. An initial survey of social media participation was carried out within the framework set out by Chan and Guillet (2011); this was then followed up with interviews with selected managers. Results showed that, in general, Private Game Reserves (PGRs) had embraced social media as a communication and marketing platform; despite concerns raised about the lack of control over content as well as poor understanding of the influence social media might have on the bottom line. TripAdvisor, Facebook and Twitter were the most commonly used platforms due to management familiarity with the platform and their ease of use. Few lodges utilised blogs or content sites such as YouTube and management cited time commitments associated with this type of platform as a reason for non-participation. However, although most PGRs or lodges had a profile on social media, this did not always mean active participation. Frequently, lodges began updating but gradually stopped after a few months. It was noted however that only one of the lodges interviewed retained an individual whose sole responsibility was social media; generally lodges did not feel that a dedicated person was necessary. This may result in a lack of time available on the part of the individual responsible or simply be a case of not understanding the platform or how to use it effectively. However, none of the PGRs with poor social media participation responded to interview requests and therefore it was not possible to determine the reasons for their poor participation. Among those lodges that actively participated, most succeed in retaining fans and followers through consistent posting of relevant and interesting content as well as customised responses that encouraged fans or followers’ interaction. However, there did not appear to be any evidence of using social media to learn about fans and followers in order to better customise the lodge offerings. This may not be necessary in this type of industry as PGRs sell a specific product and have a limited ability to customise offerings. In addition, there may be other sources of market information which lodges prefer to use. Special offers, competitions and promotions had limited success on social media. Generally, lodges used social media to promote links to a dedicated competition or promotions page. In conclusion, the managers interviewed felt strongly that social media had made a measureable impact on the tourism industry and was a channel that was here to stay. Further research around the best practice and most effective use will enable PGRs to develop and maintain effective strategies for social media participation.
- Full Text:
Evaluation and identification of critical success factors in the running of successful food security projects within the Eastern Cape Department of Rural Development and Agrarian Reform, in the Amahlhathi local municipality
- Authors: Tali, Patrick
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Rural development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Agriculture -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Project management -- South Africa -- Stutterheim , Food security -- South Africa -- Stutterheim , Food supply -- South Africa -- Stutterheim
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:836 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1013346
- Description: The challenges of food insecurity and the manner in which it can be addressed is a global concern. Governments throughout the world have strived for means to address global food security either through development of Millennium Development Goals or United Nations protocols. It is a major concern that the South African Government has made it its centre focus to address the challenge of food security. In the Eastern Cape, the Department of Rural Development and Agrarian Reform has embarked on numerous food production programmes in an attempt to address this challenge. It is however noticeable that these attempts somehow did not manage to address their intended purpose. A study of literature with the aim of identifying critical success factors was done. The critical success factors identified and explored were, project management, establishing a clear mission and project objectives, addressing challenges and opportunities of social, environmental and economical sustainability, addressing physiological needs of the beneficiaries, involving the youth and community, role of extension services, training and capacity development, create local partnership and on-going monitoring and evaluation. The factors were then explored through a study of projects from the food production programme in Amahlathi Local Municipality in the Eastern Cape Province. A multiple case study wherein a purposive selection of four food security projects selected from two food security programmes was conducted. A structured questionnaire was used to source the information from all members of the selected projects to evaluate the existence of the critical factors. The main aim was to test whether these factors, if they existed in these projects, contributed to their existence. The findings reveal that none of the identified factors existed in the selected projects and though not proven, the non-existence of these factors has resulted in these projects being in survival mode instead of a sustainable state. A recommendation is made of a further study focusing on a bigger sample wherein these factors could be tested. The study could assist in developing a formal model for the running of these projects successfully.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Tali, Patrick
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Rural development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Agriculture -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Project management -- South Africa -- Stutterheim , Food security -- South Africa -- Stutterheim , Food supply -- South Africa -- Stutterheim
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:836 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1013346
- Description: The challenges of food insecurity and the manner in which it can be addressed is a global concern. Governments throughout the world have strived for means to address global food security either through development of Millennium Development Goals or United Nations protocols. It is a major concern that the South African Government has made it its centre focus to address the challenge of food security. In the Eastern Cape, the Department of Rural Development and Agrarian Reform has embarked on numerous food production programmes in an attempt to address this challenge. It is however noticeable that these attempts somehow did not manage to address their intended purpose. A study of literature with the aim of identifying critical success factors was done. The critical success factors identified and explored were, project management, establishing a clear mission and project objectives, addressing challenges and opportunities of social, environmental and economical sustainability, addressing physiological needs of the beneficiaries, involving the youth and community, role of extension services, training and capacity development, create local partnership and on-going monitoring and evaluation. The factors were then explored through a study of projects from the food production programme in Amahlathi Local Municipality in the Eastern Cape Province. A multiple case study wherein a purposive selection of four food security projects selected from two food security programmes was conducted. A structured questionnaire was used to source the information from all members of the selected projects to evaluate the existence of the critical factors. The main aim was to test whether these factors, if they existed in these projects, contributed to their existence. The findings reveal that none of the identified factors existed in the selected projects and though not proven, the non-existence of these factors has resulted in these projects being in survival mode instead of a sustainable state. A recommendation is made of a further study focusing on a bigger sample wherein these factors could be tested. The study could assist in developing a formal model for the running of these projects successfully.
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Evaluation of the applicability of Lewin's force field analysis in the implementation of the Financial Sector Charter at Standard Bank
- Authors: Skepe, Siphelo
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Standard Bank of South Africa Limited (1962- ) Banks and banking -- South Africa Financial services industry -- Law and legislation -- South Africa Black people -- South Africa -- Economic conditions Business enterprises, Black -- South Africa Organizational change -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:804 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1006775
- Description: According to the Financial Sector (FS) Charter, in August 2002, at the NEDLAC Financial Sector Summit, "the financial sector committed itself to the development of a Black Economic Empowerment (BEE) charter. It made this commitment, noting that: "Despite significant progress since the establishment of a democratic government in 1994, South African society remains characterised by racially based income and social services inequalities. This is not only unjust, but inhibits the country's ability to achieve its full economic potential. BEE is a mechanism aimed at addressing inequalities and mobilising the energies of all South Africans. It will contribute towards sustained economic growth, development and social transformation in South Africa. Inequalities also manifest themselves in the country's financial sector. A positive and proactive response from the sector through the implementation of BEE will further unlock the sector's potential, promote its global competitiveness, and enhance its world class status". Parties of the Financial Sector Charter agreed on the seven pillars below: 1) Human resource management - provide resources to develop skills of black people with the aim of increasing black participation in all levels of management in the sector. 2) Procurement policies - implement a targeted procurement strategy to enhance BEE. 3) Enterprise development - improve the level of support provided to BEE companies in all sectors of the economy. This would be achieved through skills transfer, administration and technical support. 4) Access to financial services - provide affordable financial services to the previously disadvantaged groups and making sure financial services are accessible to these groups. 5) Empowerment financing - work closely with government and government financial institutions to increase resources for empowerment financing. 6) Ownership in the financial sector - 25% of shares in each party of the FS Charter should be owned by black people by 2010. 7) Corporate social investrnent (CSI) - Each financial institution will have to spend 0.5% of their after-tax profit on corporate social investment projects. The projects should be targeted at black groups with a strong focus on transformation. The research evaluates the applicability of Lewin's Force Field Analysis (a change management model) in the implementation of the Financial Sector Charter at Standard Bank of South Africa. It attempts to achieve this by looking at how the Financial Sector Charter is being implemented at Standard Bank. The research looks at three main areas: 1) The "context" of the research problem, by seeking to understand Standard Bank's understanding of the FS Charter, the importance of implementing the FS Charter by the bank, the progress made thus far in the FS Charter implementation and comparison to the BEE scorecards of the other three main bank. 2) The "process", i.e. how the FS Charter is implemented in the bank, the driving and restraining forces of successful implementation of the FS Charter and the lessons learnt. 3) The "outcome" , i.e. benefits of implementing the FS Charter and what could be done to ensure that change management processes are successfully implemented. Personal interviews were used to discover other valuable information which was not available on the bank's published documents, and other related sources such as the Financial Sector Charter document. The sample size for the study was ten Standard Bank employees from different areas of the bank who are either senior managers or directors, in the bank. Internal publications available on the Standard Bank intranet such as the bank's employment equity plans, and the bank's sustainability reports from 2004 to 2011 (Standard Bank, 2004-2011) were analysed for the purpose of the study. The researcher also analysed public documents such as the bank's annual financial reports, bank's equity reports and internal publications on related topics of the research question. Lewin's Forces Field Analysis (FFA) points out that in any environment where change is required; there are both driving and restraining forces that influence the implementation of a change programme. The FFA is a valuable change management tool at trying to transform the behaviour of an individual, and this will lead to transformation of groups and, ultimately the organisation. It also helps to establish the balance between the driving and restraining forces of the change programme. Lewin's (1951) theory put forward the idea that change occurs in three stages: the first stage of change is unfreezing; the second stage is moving and lastly, the third stage is refreezing. In the unfreezing stage, the bank's change management initiatives would need to be directed at giving the individuals a desire and motivation to be ready and open about a planned change initiative. This could be achieved by clearly communicating why change is important, benefits of change and the compelling reasons for change. In moving, the bank would need to give support and confidence to the people affected by change in order to start accepting and buying-in to new perspectives, which enable them to realise that change will improve the current situation. In the refreezing stage, the bank would need to ensure that new patterns of behaviour are reinforced. This will ensure that the changes are applied in everyday business, and this helps create a sense of stability, where those affected by change feel comfortable and confident with the new approach of doing things. The research concludes that managers should recognise the sensitivity around transformation, and should always try to ensure that change management initiatives directed at transformation are unifying, fair and transparent. This should be done to avoid a situation where an employee (or prospective employees) and other stakeholders feel under-appreciated or overlooked because of their gender or race. This demands a carefully crafted and implemented change management programme, whose results will not only unify the bank's employees, but also create a competitive edge for the bank. Lewin's Force Field Analysis (FFA) model is a change management tool that could be used to produce such results.
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- Authors: Skepe, Siphelo
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Standard Bank of South Africa Limited (1962- ) Banks and banking -- South Africa Financial services industry -- Law and legislation -- South Africa Black people -- South Africa -- Economic conditions Business enterprises, Black -- South Africa Organizational change -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:804 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1006775
- Description: According to the Financial Sector (FS) Charter, in August 2002, at the NEDLAC Financial Sector Summit, "the financial sector committed itself to the development of a Black Economic Empowerment (BEE) charter. It made this commitment, noting that: "Despite significant progress since the establishment of a democratic government in 1994, South African society remains characterised by racially based income and social services inequalities. This is not only unjust, but inhibits the country's ability to achieve its full economic potential. BEE is a mechanism aimed at addressing inequalities and mobilising the energies of all South Africans. It will contribute towards sustained economic growth, development and social transformation in South Africa. Inequalities also manifest themselves in the country's financial sector. A positive and proactive response from the sector through the implementation of BEE will further unlock the sector's potential, promote its global competitiveness, and enhance its world class status". Parties of the Financial Sector Charter agreed on the seven pillars below: 1) Human resource management - provide resources to develop skills of black people with the aim of increasing black participation in all levels of management in the sector. 2) Procurement policies - implement a targeted procurement strategy to enhance BEE. 3) Enterprise development - improve the level of support provided to BEE companies in all sectors of the economy. This would be achieved through skills transfer, administration and technical support. 4) Access to financial services - provide affordable financial services to the previously disadvantaged groups and making sure financial services are accessible to these groups. 5) Empowerment financing - work closely with government and government financial institutions to increase resources for empowerment financing. 6) Ownership in the financial sector - 25% of shares in each party of the FS Charter should be owned by black people by 2010. 7) Corporate social investrnent (CSI) - Each financial institution will have to spend 0.5% of their after-tax profit on corporate social investment projects. The projects should be targeted at black groups with a strong focus on transformation. The research evaluates the applicability of Lewin's Force Field Analysis (a change management model) in the implementation of the Financial Sector Charter at Standard Bank of South Africa. It attempts to achieve this by looking at how the Financial Sector Charter is being implemented at Standard Bank. The research looks at three main areas: 1) The "context" of the research problem, by seeking to understand Standard Bank's understanding of the FS Charter, the importance of implementing the FS Charter by the bank, the progress made thus far in the FS Charter implementation and comparison to the BEE scorecards of the other three main bank. 2) The "process", i.e. how the FS Charter is implemented in the bank, the driving and restraining forces of successful implementation of the FS Charter and the lessons learnt. 3) The "outcome" , i.e. benefits of implementing the FS Charter and what could be done to ensure that change management processes are successfully implemented. Personal interviews were used to discover other valuable information which was not available on the bank's published documents, and other related sources such as the Financial Sector Charter document. The sample size for the study was ten Standard Bank employees from different areas of the bank who are either senior managers or directors, in the bank. Internal publications available on the Standard Bank intranet such as the bank's employment equity plans, and the bank's sustainability reports from 2004 to 2011 (Standard Bank, 2004-2011) were analysed for the purpose of the study. The researcher also analysed public documents such as the bank's annual financial reports, bank's equity reports and internal publications on related topics of the research question. Lewin's Forces Field Analysis (FFA) points out that in any environment where change is required; there are both driving and restraining forces that influence the implementation of a change programme. The FFA is a valuable change management tool at trying to transform the behaviour of an individual, and this will lead to transformation of groups and, ultimately the organisation. It also helps to establish the balance between the driving and restraining forces of the change programme. Lewin's (1951) theory put forward the idea that change occurs in three stages: the first stage of change is unfreezing; the second stage is moving and lastly, the third stage is refreezing. In the unfreezing stage, the bank's change management initiatives would need to be directed at giving the individuals a desire and motivation to be ready and open about a planned change initiative. This could be achieved by clearly communicating why change is important, benefits of change and the compelling reasons for change. In moving, the bank would need to give support and confidence to the people affected by change in order to start accepting and buying-in to new perspectives, which enable them to realise that change will improve the current situation. In the refreezing stage, the bank would need to ensure that new patterns of behaviour are reinforced. This will ensure that the changes are applied in everyday business, and this helps create a sense of stability, where those affected by change feel comfortable and confident with the new approach of doing things. The research concludes that managers should recognise the sensitivity around transformation, and should always try to ensure that change management initiatives directed at transformation are unifying, fair and transparent. This should be done to avoid a situation where an employee (or prospective employees) and other stakeholders feel under-appreciated or overlooked because of their gender or race. This demands a carefully crafted and implemented change management programme, whose results will not only unify the bank's employees, but also create a competitive edge for the bank. Lewin's Force Field Analysis (FFA) model is a change management tool that could be used to produce such results.
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Evaluation of the performance of community-based natural resources management (CBNRM) projects along an aridity gradient in Botswana
- Authors: Mpofu, Khulekani
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Community-Based Natural Resource Management in Southern Africa (Project) , Natural resources, Communal -- Botswana , Natural resources -- Management -- Botswana , Natural resources -- Management -- Economic aspects -- Botswana , Conservation of natural resources -- Botswana , Conservation of natural resources -- Economic aspects -- Botswana , Arid regions -- Botswana , Natural resources -- Management -- Citizen participation -- Botswana
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:4740 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1006063 , Community-Based Natural Resource Management in Southern Africa (Project) , Natural resources, Communal -- Botswana , Natural resources -- Management -- Botswana , Natural resources -- Management -- Economic aspects -- Botswana , Conservation of natural resources -- Botswana , Conservation of natural resources -- Economic aspects -- Botswana , Arid regions -- Botswana , Natural resources -- Management -- Citizen participation -- Botswana
- Description: The Botswana Community Based Natural Resources Management (CBNRM) programme started in 1989. Its aims were to promote sustainable development through sustainable natural resources management and utilisation to improve rural livelihoods. The country CBNRM programme has recorded mixed outcomes and this has raised questions on the programme performance throughout the country. Since the programme has been recognised as one of the eight main livelihood strategies for rural communities in Botswana, there was a need to evaluate the programme performance and determine the factors that influence it. This thesis therefore evaluated the performance of CBNRM projects along an aridity gradient in Botswana and by so doing answered the two research questions of: (1) What factors influence the performance of CBNRM? And (2) how does aridity influence the performance of CBNRM programmes? Performance was determined in terms of financial benefits generated by CBNRM projects and the projects adherence to the CBNRM principles. Data were collected from seven selected CBNRM projects covering three aridity zones (wet, medium rainfall and dry areas) in the country. Data were also collected from key informants and community based organisations (CBO) project managers. Research findings have indicated differences in the performance of CBNRM projects across the identified three aridity zones. Factors that influenced the performance of CBNRM projects varied among the three aridity zones. These factors included: existence of complimentary rules and regulations for managing CBNRM projects; literacy levels of communities involved in CBNRM; ethnic composition of the project communities; historic and current socio-economic trends within communities; collaboration between CBNRM institutions and other local level institutes; amount of benefits generated through the projects; ability of institutions to resolve outstanding issues in time and type of CBNRM project. Research results also indicated that there was variation in the performance of CBNRM projects across the three aridity zones. Aridity was found to directly influence the performance of CBNRM projects through its influence on the amount of revenues that projects generated.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Mpofu, Khulekani
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Community-Based Natural Resource Management in Southern Africa (Project) , Natural resources, Communal -- Botswana , Natural resources -- Management -- Botswana , Natural resources -- Management -- Economic aspects -- Botswana , Conservation of natural resources -- Botswana , Conservation of natural resources -- Economic aspects -- Botswana , Arid regions -- Botswana , Natural resources -- Management -- Citizen participation -- Botswana
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:4740 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1006063 , Community-Based Natural Resource Management in Southern Africa (Project) , Natural resources, Communal -- Botswana , Natural resources -- Management -- Botswana , Natural resources -- Management -- Economic aspects -- Botswana , Conservation of natural resources -- Botswana , Conservation of natural resources -- Economic aspects -- Botswana , Arid regions -- Botswana , Natural resources -- Management -- Citizen participation -- Botswana
- Description: The Botswana Community Based Natural Resources Management (CBNRM) programme started in 1989. Its aims were to promote sustainable development through sustainable natural resources management and utilisation to improve rural livelihoods. The country CBNRM programme has recorded mixed outcomes and this has raised questions on the programme performance throughout the country. Since the programme has been recognised as one of the eight main livelihood strategies for rural communities in Botswana, there was a need to evaluate the programme performance and determine the factors that influence it. This thesis therefore evaluated the performance of CBNRM projects along an aridity gradient in Botswana and by so doing answered the two research questions of: (1) What factors influence the performance of CBNRM? And (2) how does aridity influence the performance of CBNRM programmes? Performance was determined in terms of financial benefits generated by CBNRM projects and the projects adherence to the CBNRM principles. Data were collected from seven selected CBNRM projects covering three aridity zones (wet, medium rainfall and dry areas) in the country. Data were also collected from key informants and community based organisations (CBO) project managers. Research findings have indicated differences in the performance of CBNRM projects across the identified three aridity zones. Factors that influenced the performance of CBNRM projects varied among the three aridity zones. These factors included: existence of complimentary rules and regulations for managing CBNRM projects; literacy levels of communities involved in CBNRM; ethnic composition of the project communities; historic and current socio-economic trends within communities; collaboration between CBNRM institutions and other local level institutes; amount of benefits generated through the projects; ability of institutions to resolve outstanding issues in time and type of CBNRM project. Research results also indicated that there was variation in the performance of CBNRM projects across the three aridity zones. Aridity was found to directly influence the performance of CBNRM projects through its influence on the amount of revenues that projects generated.
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Evolution of the UG2 unit, Bushveld Complex, South Africa : mineral composition and petrological evidence
- Authors: Everitt, Simon James
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Textures -- South Africa -- Bushveld Complex Petrology -- South Africa -- Bushveld Complex Chromite -- South Africa -- Bushveld Complex Mineralogy -- South Africa -- Bushveld Complex
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:4913 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1001573
- Description: Several disequilibrium textures are found to occur within the hanging wall and footwall of the UG2 chromitite layer of the Bushveld Complex, South Africa. These textures include plagioclase chadacrysts found included within orthopyroxene and clinopyroxene as well as the orthopyroxenes exhibiting round crystal boundaries that appear to be resorbed. Textures found within the UG2 stratigraphy such as linear boundaries and 120° triple junctions at interfaces of adjacent plagioclase or pyroxene grains also suggest that recrystallization has taken place. The presence of both disequilibrium textures and recrystallization textures would suggest that a complex emplacement history has occurred. Ideally, this would be expected to be manifested by minerals of the same type but which are texturally distinct showing different composition. However this has been found not to be the case; minerals that suggest disequilibrium textures show similar compositions to the minerals which appear to have formed in equilibrium. This is also the same for recrystallized crystals which show the same compositions as crystals that have not been recrystallized. For example tabular clinopyroxene, which has a compositional range of En 44.6 to En 50.5, is indistinguishable from clinopyroxene occuring as discontinuous rims, En 44.3-48.2, and as intergranular necking connecting primocrysts of orthopyroxene ( En 44.3-50.4). Similarly, plagioclase occurring as inclusions with An 66.3-76.0 is indistinguishable from plagioclase occurring as zoned or recrystallized interstitial grains ( An 69.0- An 77.4). Compositional variation has however, been found to be controlled to an extent by stratigraphy in that minerals show different compositions within one layer to the same minerals within another layer, consistent with an evolving magma composition. It is concluded therefore that while composition is not texturally controlled it is to an extent stratigraphy controlled and that the evidence collected within the study supports two models for the formation of chromite within the Bushveld complex. The evidence is consistent with a combination of the magma mixing model and magma injection model to account for the textures and compositional variations found within the study. The evidence may also show support for models involving late modification of minerals by magmatic fluids but not as prominently as for the models mentioned above , Microsoft� Word 2010 , Adobe Acrobat 9.53 Paper Capture Plug-in
- Full Text:
- Authors: Everitt, Simon James
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Textures -- South Africa -- Bushveld Complex Petrology -- South Africa -- Bushveld Complex Chromite -- South Africa -- Bushveld Complex Mineralogy -- South Africa -- Bushveld Complex
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:4913 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1001573
- Description: Several disequilibrium textures are found to occur within the hanging wall and footwall of the UG2 chromitite layer of the Bushveld Complex, South Africa. These textures include plagioclase chadacrysts found included within orthopyroxene and clinopyroxene as well as the orthopyroxenes exhibiting round crystal boundaries that appear to be resorbed. Textures found within the UG2 stratigraphy such as linear boundaries and 120° triple junctions at interfaces of adjacent plagioclase or pyroxene grains also suggest that recrystallization has taken place. The presence of both disequilibrium textures and recrystallization textures would suggest that a complex emplacement history has occurred. Ideally, this would be expected to be manifested by minerals of the same type but which are texturally distinct showing different composition. However this has been found not to be the case; minerals that suggest disequilibrium textures show similar compositions to the minerals which appear to have formed in equilibrium. This is also the same for recrystallized crystals which show the same compositions as crystals that have not been recrystallized. For example tabular clinopyroxene, which has a compositional range of En 44.6 to En 50.5, is indistinguishable from clinopyroxene occuring as discontinuous rims, En 44.3-48.2, and as intergranular necking connecting primocrysts of orthopyroxene ( En 44.3-50.4). Similarly, plagioclase occurring as inclusions with An 66.3-76.0 is indistinguishable from plagioclase occurring as zoned or recrystallized interstitial grains ( An 69.0- An 77.4). Compositional variation has however, been found to be controlled to an extent by stratigraphy in that minerals show different compositions within one layer to the same minerals within another layer, consistent with an evolving magma composition. It is concluded therefore that while composition is not texturally controlled it is to an extent stratigraphy controlled and that the evidence collected within the study supports two models for the formation of chromite within the Bushveld complex. The evidence is consistent with a combination of the magma mixing model and magma injection model to account for the textures and compositional variations found within the study. The evidence may also show support for models involving late modification of minerals by magmatic fluids but not as prominently as for the models mentioned above , Microsoft� Word 2010 , Adobe Acrobat 9.53 Paper Capture Plug-in
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Examining emergent active learning processes as transformative praxis : the case of the schools and sustainability professional development programme
- Authors: Schudel, Ingrid Joan
- Date: 2013 , 2013-09-20
- Subjects: Active learning -- Study and teaching (Elementary) -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Student-centered learning -- Research -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Environmental education -- Study and teaching (Elementary) -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Environmental education -- Curricula -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Competency-based education -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Teachers -- Training of -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: vital:1891 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1006079
- Description: This is a study on the nature of learning, particularly the emergence of active learning processes in the case of an environmental education teacher professional development programme – the Eastern Cape Border-Kei cohort of the 2008 Schools and Sustainability Course. This was a part-time, one-year course supporting teachers to qualify, strengthen and deepen opportunities for environmental learning in the South African curriculum. An active learning framework (O’Donoghue, 2001) promoting teaching and learning with information, enquiry, action and reporting/reflection dimensions was integrated into the Schools and Sustainability course design to support these environmental learning opportunities. In this study, the notion of active learning is elaborated as a situated, action-oriented, deliberative and co-engaged approach to teaching and learning, and related to Bhaskar’s (1993) notion of transformative praxis. The study used a nested case study design, considering the case of six Foundation Phase teachers in six primary schools within the Border-Kei Schools and Sustainability cohort. Interviews, observations (of workshops and lesson plan implementation in classrooms) and document review of teacher portfolios (detailing course activities, lesson plans, learners’ work and learning and teaching support materials) were used to generate the bulk of the data. A critical realist theory underpinning the methodology enables a view of agency as emergent from social structures and mechanisms as elaborated in Archer’s (1998b) model of morphogenesis and Bhaskar’s (1993) model of four-planar being. The critical realist methodology also enables a view of emergent active learning processes as open-ended, responsive to particular potential, but dependent on contingencies (such as learning and teaching support materials, tools and methodologies). The analysis of emergent active learning processes focuses particularly on Bhaskar’s (1993) ontological-axiological chain (MELD schema) as a tool for analysing change. The MELD schema highlights1M ontological questions of what is (with emphasis on structures and generative mechanisms) and what could be (real, but non-actualised possibilities). It enables reflection on what mediating and interactive agential processes either reproduce what is or have the potential to transform what is to what could be (2E). Thirdly, the MELD schema enables reflection on what should be – this is the 3L “axiological moment” (Bhaskar, 1993: 9) where questions of values and ethics in relation to the holistic whole are raised. Finally, the schema raises questions (4D) of what can be, with ontologically grounded, context-sensitive and expressively veracious considerations. The study describes the agency of course tutors, teachers and learners involved in the Schools and Sustainability course, as emergent from a social-ecological context of poverty and inequality, and from an education system with a dual transformative and progressive intent (Taylor, 1999). It uses a spiral approach to cluster-based teacher professional development (Janse van Rensburg & Mhoney, 2000) focusing on the development of autonomous (Bernstein, 1990) and reflexive teachers. With teachers well-disposed and qualified to fill a variety of roles in the classroom, these generative structures and mechanisms had the power to drive active learning processes with potential for manifestation as transformative praxis. Through the analysis of the active learning processes emergent from this context, the study shows that the manifestation of transformative praxis was contingent on relational situated learning, value-based reflexive deliberations, and an action-orientation with an emphasis on an iterative relationship between learning and doing. These findings enable a reframing of an interest in action in response to environmental issue and risk, to an interest in the processes that led up to that action. This provides a nuanced vision of active learning that does not judge an educational process by its outcome. Instead, it can be judged by the depth of the insights into absences (2E), the ability to guide moral deliberations on totality (3L), and by the degree of reality congruence (1M) in the lead up to the development of transformative agency (4D). The study also has a methodological interest. It contributes to educational and social science research in that it applies dialectical critical realist philosophy to a concrete context of active learning enquiry in environmental education. It reports on the value of the onto-axiolgical chain in describing a diachronic, emergent and open-ended process; in providing ontological grounding for analysis (1M); in understanding relationality in situated learing processes (2E); in focusing on value-based reflexive learning (3L) and in understanding transformative learning as “tensed socio-spatialising process” (Bhaskar, 1993: 160) where society is emergent from a stratified ontology, and agency and change are open-ended and flexible processes not wholly determined by the social structures from which they emerge (4D). Considering the knowledge interests defined in the 2011 South African Minimum Requirements for Teacher Education (South Africa. Department of Higher Education and Training, 2011) and the Curriculum Assessment Policy Statements (CAPS) which were implemented in South Africa from 2012 (in a phased approach), the study concludes with recommendations for exploring environmental learning in the CAPS. The study proposes working with a knowledge-focused curriculum focusing on the exploration and deepening of foundational environmental concepts, developing relational situated learning processes for meaningful local application of knowledge, supporting transformative praxis through the “unity of theory and practice in practice” (Bhaskar, 1993: 9), and implementing a spiral approach to cluster-based teacher professional development.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Schudel, Ingrid Joan
- Date: 2013 , 2013-09-20
- Subjects: Active learning -- Study and teaching (Elementary) -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Student-centered learning -- Research -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Environmental education -- Study and teaching (Elementary) -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Environmental education -- Curricula -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Competency-based education -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Teachers -- Training of -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: vital:1891 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1006079
- Description: This is a study on the nature of learning, particularly the emergence of active learning processes in the case of an environmental education teacher professional development programme – the Eastern Cape Border-Kei cohort of the 2008 Schools and Sustainability Course. This was a part-time, one-year course supporting teachers to qualify, strengthen and deepen opportunities for environmental learning in the South African curriculum. An active learning framework (O’Donoghue, 2001) promoting teaching and learning with information, enquiry, action and reporting/reflection dimensions was integrated into the Schools and Sustainability course design to support these environmental learning opportunities. In this study, the notion of active learning is elaborated as a situated, action-oriented, deliberative and co-engaged approach to teaching and learning, and related to Bhaskar’s (1993) notion of transformative praxis. The study used a nested case study design, considering the case of six Foundation Phase teachers in six primary schools within the Border-Kei Schools and Sustainability cohort. Interviews, observations (of workshops and lesson plan implementation in classrooms) and document review of teacher portfolios (detailing course activities, lesson plans, learners’ work and learning and teaching support materials) were used to generate the bulk of the data. A critical realist theory underpinning the methodology enables a view of agency as emergent from social structures and mechanisms as elaborated in Archer’s (1998b) model of morphogenesis and Bhaskar’s (1993) model of four-planar being. The critical realist methodology also enables a view of emergent active learning processes as open-ended, responsive to particular potential, but dependent on contingencies (such as learning and teaching support materials, tools and methodologies). The analysis of emergent active learning processes focuses particularly on Bhaskar’s (1993) ontological-axiological chain (MELD schema) as a tool for analysing change. The MELD schema highlights1M ontological questions of what is (with emphasis on structures and generative mechanisms) and what could be (real, but non-actualised possibilities). It enables reflection on what mediating and interactive agential processes either reproduce what is or have the potential to transform what is to what could be (2E). Thirdly, the MELD schema enables reflection on what should be – this is the 3L “axiological moment” (Bhaskar, 1993: 9) where questions of values and ethics in relation to the holistic whole are raised. Finally, the schema raises questions (4D) of what can be, with ontologically grounded, context-sensitive and expressively veracious considerations. The study describes the agency of course tutors, teachers and learners involved in the Schools and Sustainability course, as emergent from a social-ecological context of poverty and inequality, and from an education system with a dual transformative and progressive intent (Taylor, 1999). It uses a spiral approach to cluster-based teacher professional development (Janse van Rensburg & Mhoney, 2000) focusing on the development of autonomous (Bernstein, 1990) and reflexive teachers. With teachers well-disposed and qualified to fill a variety of roles in the classroom, these generative structures and mechanisms had the power to drive active learning processes with potential for manifestation as transformative praxis. Through the analysis of the active learning processes emergent from this context, the study shows that the manifestation of transformative praxis was contingent on relational situated learning, value-based reflexive deliberations, and an action-orientation with an emphasis on an iterative relationship between learning and doing. These findings enable a reframing of an interest in action in response to environmental issue and risk, to an interest in the processes that led up to that action. This provides a nuanced vision of active learning that does not judge an educational process by its outcome. Instead, it can be judged by the depth of the insights into absences (2E), the ability to guide moral deliberations on totality (3L), and by the degree of reality congruence (1M) in the lead up to the development of transformative agency (4D). The study also has a methodological interest. It contributes to educational and social science research in that it applies dialectical critical realist philosophy to a concrete context of active learning enquiry in environmental education. It reports on the value of the onto-axiolgical chain in describing a diachronic, emergent and open-ended process; in providing ontological grounding for analysis (1M); in understanding relationality in situated learing processes (2E); in focusing on value-based reflexive learning (3L) and in understanding transformative learning as “tensed socio-spatialising process” (Bhaskar, 1993: 160) where society is emergent from a stratified ontology, and agency and change are open-ended and flexible processes not wholly determined by the social structures from which they emerge (4D). Considering the knowledge interests defined in the 2011 South African Minimum Requirements for Teacher Education (South Africa. Department of Higher Education and Training, 2011) and the Curriculum Assessment Policy Statements (CAPS) which were implemented in South Africa from 2012 (in a phased approach), the study concludes with recommendations for exploring environmental learning in the CAPS. The study proposes working with a knowledge-focused curriculum focusing on the exploration and deepening of foundational environmental concepts, developing relational situated learning processes for meaningful local application of knowledge, supporting transformative praxis through the “unity of theory and practice in practice” (Bhaskar, 1993: 9), and implementing a spiral approach to cluster-based teacher professional development.
- Full Text: