The impact and control of waterweeds in the Southern Mozambique Basin rivers
- Authors: Langa, Sílvia da Fátima
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Water hyacinth -- Mozambique Water ferns -- Mozambique Water lettuce -- Mozambique Salvinia molesta -- Mozambique Aquatic weeds -- Mozambique Invasive plants -- Mozambique Aquatic weeds -- Control -- Mozambique Invasive plants -- Control -- Mozambique Aquatic weeds -- Biological control -- Mozambique Invasive plants -- Biological control -- Mozambique Aquatic resources -- Management -- Mozambique Beetles -- Mozambique Insects as biological pest control agents -- Mozambique
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: vital:5587 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1001905
- Description: In Mozambique, establishment of aquatic weeds has been enhanced through the increased enrichment of water bodies by nutrient runoffs from human and agricultural wastes that lead to an increase in nitrate and phosphate in the water. The aquatic weeds, water hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes), red water fern ( Azolla microphylla), water lettuce (Pistia stratiotes) and salvinia (Salvinia molesta) were found in most watercourses in Mozambique and are becoming aggressive in some watercourses, especially in the Umbeluzi and Incomati rivers. Farmers and people living along the rivers are aware of the negative impact of the water weeds because the large mats of weeds cause loss of shoreline and navigability along the rivers. Other commonly perceived effects of aquatic invasive plants in Mozambique rivers include: reduced navigable surface area; difficulties for fishermen, which reduces income; increased prevalence of insects and insect-borne disease, and decreased aesthetic value. The methods currently used for the control and management of the aquatic weeds are mechanical and manual control. Both methods are costly, time consuming, and only provide a short-term solution to the problem. The study found that the weevils Neochetina eichhorniae and N. bruchi were effective biological control agents in the study area but their impact is too gradual compared to the aggressive proliferation of water hyacinth. The one year lab-experiment clearly demonstrated that the water lettuce weed had a significant impact on the recruitment of macro-invertebrates to the artificial substrates, and water lettuce contributed to the reduction of oxygen in the water and consequent reduction of macro-invertebrate abundance and diversity. The biodiversity recovered at the same time in the pools containing water lettuce controlled by N. affinis and water lettuce controlled by herbicide, but richness and diversity of macro-invertebrates was higher in the water lettuce controlled by N affinis during the first sampling occasion compared to the water lettuce in pools controlled by herbicide, where macro-invertebrates increased only when DO levels recovered after water lettuce mat decay. The number of taxa recorded in this study is an indication of the significance of macro-invertebrates in an aquatic environment. This therefore emphasizes the need for more research efforts into macrophyte and macro-invertebrate associations in the aquatic system to better understand the implications of habitat modification arising from human activities. It will also enable us to be better equipped with a more appropriate ecological understanding for aquatic resources management.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
- Authors: Langa, Sílvia da Fátima
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Water hyacinth -- Mozambique Water ferns -- Mozambique Water lettuce -- Mozambique Salvinia molesta -- Mozambique Aquatic weeds -- Mozambique Invasive plants -- Mozambique Aquatic weeds -- Control -- Mozambique Invasive plants -- Control -- Mozambique Aquatic weeds -- Biological control -- Mozambique Invasive plants -- Biological control -- Mozambique Aquatic resources -- Management -- Mozambique Beetles -- Mozambique Insects as biological pest control agents -- Mozambique
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: vital:5587 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1001905
- Description: In Mozambique, establishment of aquatic weeds has been enhanced through the increased enrichment of water bodies by nutrient runoffs from human and agricultural wastes that lead to an increase in nitrate and phosphate in the water. The aquatic weeds, water hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes), red water fern ( Azolla microphylla), water lettuce (Pistia stratiotes) and salvinia (Salvinia molesta) were found in most watercourses in Mozambique and are becoming aggressive in some watercourses, especially in the Umbeluzi and Incomati rivers. Farmers and people living along the rivers are aware of the negative impact of the water weeds because the large mats of weeds cause loss of shoreline and navigability along the rivers. Other commonly perceived effects of aquatic invasive plants in Mozambique rivers include: reduced navigable surface area; difficulties for fishermen, which reduces income; increased prevalence of insects and insect-borne disease, and decreased aesthetic value. The methods currently used for the control and management of the aquatic weeds are mechanical and manual control. Both methods are costly, time consuming, and only provide a short-term solution to the problem. The study found that the weevils Neochetina eichhorniae and N. bruchi were effective biological control agents in the study area but their impact is too gradual compared to the aggressive proliferation of water hyacinth. The one year lab-experiment clearly demonstrated that the water lettuce weed had a significant impact on the recruitment of macro-invertebrates to the artificial substrates, and water lettuce contributed to the reduction of oxygen in the water and consequent reduction of macro-invertebrate abundance and diversity. The biodiversity recovered at the same time in the pools containing water lettuce controlled by N. affinis and water lettuce controlled by herbicide, but richness and diversity of macro-invertebrates was higher in the water lettuce controlled by N affinis during the first sampling occasion compared to the water lettuce in pools controlled by herbicide, where macro-invertebrates increased only when DO levels recovered after water lettuce mat decay. The number of taxa recorded in this study is an indication of the significance of macro-invertebrates in an aquatic environment. This therefore emphasizes the need for more research efforts into macrophyte and macro-invertebrate associations in the aquatic system to better understand the implications of habitat modification arising from human activities. It will also enable us to be better equipped with a more appropriate ecological understanding for aquatic resources management.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
The impact of estate planning on the effectiveness of estate duty as a wealth tax in South Africa
- Authors: Ostler, Luise Marie
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Wealth tax -- Law and legislation -- South Africa Estates (Law) -- South Africa Inheritance and transfer tax -- Law and legislation -- South Africa Estate planning -- South Africa Tax planning -- South Africa Capital gains tax -- Law and legislation -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: vital:894 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003741
- Description: The thesis examined the current system of the taxation of wealth in South Africa with an emphasis on the taxes that apply upon the death of the taxpayer. The focus of the research was on the problems associated with estate duty, namely the issue of double taxation; the alleged cumbersome administration of the tax and the limited revenue that it brings in; it’s questionable efficacy due to extensive estate planning on the part of taxpayers while they are still alive and its lack of uniformity with other wealth taxes. An interpretative research approach was followed which involved analysing documentary data. The conclusions that were reached were that estate duty as a wealth tax in South Africa has been rendered ineffective due to the inherent problems associated with its application, namely the fact that double taxation exists, not only in the context of capital gains tax, but also in that taxpayers resent being taxed upon death after having paid income tax during their lives. The perceived unfairness that is associated with estate duty has caused the creation of a secondary industry of estate planning, with the aim of minimising estate duty, which industry has resulted in the ineffectiveness of estate duty and its limited revenue. No evidence could be found regarding the Treasury’s assertion that estate duty is a cumbersome tax to administer. The final conclusion reached was that the current estate duty regime needs to be overhauled preferably by extending the current system of capital gains tax and abolishing estate duty, with due consideration being given to the consequences associated therewith.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
- Authors: Ostler, Luise Marie
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Wealth tax -- Law and legislation -- South Africa Estates (Law) -- South Africa Inheritance and transfer tax -- Law and legislation -- South Africa Estate planning -- South Africa Tax planning -- South Africa Capital gains tax -- Law and legislation -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: vital:894 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003741
- Description: The thesis examined the current system of the taxation of wealth in South Africa with an emphasis on the taxes that apply upon the death of the taxpayer. The focus of the research was on the problems associated with estate duty, namely the issue of double taxation; the alleged cumbersome administration of the tax and the limited revenue that it brings in; it’s questionable efficacy due to extensive estate planning on the part of taxpayers while they are still alive and its lack of uniformity with other wealth taxes. An interpretative research approach was followed which involved analysing documentary data. The conclusions that were reached were that estate duty as a wealth tax in South Africa has been rendered ineffective due to the inherent problems associated with its application, namely the fact that double taxation exists, not only in the context of capital gains tax, but also in that taxpayers resent being taxed upon death after having paid income tax during their lives. The perceived unfairness that is associated with estate duty has caused the creation of a secondary industry of estate planning, with the aim of minimising estate duty, which industry has resulted in the ineffectiveness of estate duty and its limited revenue. No evidence could be found regarding the Treasury’s assertion that estate duty is a cumbersome tax to administer. The final conclusion reached was that the current estate duty regime needs to be overhauled preferably by extending the current system of capital gains tax and abolishing estate duty, with due consideration being given to the consequences associated therewith.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
The impact of low to moderate alcohol consumption on different types of human performance
- Authors: Goble, David
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Alcohol -- Physiological effect Temperance Human information processing -- Effect of drugs on Visual perception -- Effect of drugs on Cognition -- Effect of drugs on Caffeine -- Physiological effect
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:5136 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1006042
- Description: Despite extensive research into the effects of alcohol consumption, there is no clear understanding into the mechanisms underlying human information processing impairment. The acute consumption of alcohol was investigated to determine the implications for human information processing capabilities, and to identify the extent to which these implications were stage-specific. Further aims included the investigation and quantification of caffeine-induced antagonism of alcohol impairment. Moreover, the aforementioned relationships were investigated in morning versus evening conditions. A test battery of six resource-specific tasks was utilised to measure visual perceptual, cognitive and sensory-motor performance, fashioned to return both simple and complex measures of each task. The tasks implemented were: visual perceptual performance (accommodation, visual detection, visual pattern recognition); cognition (memory recall- digit span); and motor output (modified Fitts‟ and a driving simulated line-tracking). Performance measures were recorded by the respective computer based tasks. Physiological variables measured included heart rate frequency, heart rate variability (RMSSD, High and Low Frequency Power) and body temperature. Saccade speed, saccade amplitude, pupil size and fixation duration were the oculomotor parameters measured. Three groups of participants (alcohol, caffeine+alcohol and control) n=36 were studied, split evenly between sexes in a mixed repeated/non-repeated measures design. The control group performed all test batteries under no influence. The alcohol group performed test batteries one and two sober, and three and four under the influence of a 0.4 g/kg dose of alcohol. Group caffeine+alcohol conducted test battery one sober, two under the effect of caffeine only (4 mg/kg), and three and four under the influence of both caffeine and alcohol (0.4 g/kg). The third test battery demonstrated the effects of alcohol during the inclining phase of the blood alcohol curve, and the fourth represented the declining phase. Morning experimentation occurred between 10:00 - 12: 45 and 10:30 -13:15 with evening experimentation between 19:00 - 21:30 and 19:30 - 22:00. Acute alcohol consumption at a dose of approximately 0.4 g/kg body weight effected an average peak breath alcohol concentration of 0.062 % and 0.059 % for the alcohol and caffeine+alcohol groups respectively. Task-related visual perceptual performance demonstrated significant decrements for simple reaction time, choice reaction time and error rate. Cognitive performance demonstrated no significant performance decrements, while motor performance indicated significant decrements in target accuracy only. Physiological parameters in response to alcohol consumption showed significantly decreased heart rate variability (RMSSD) in the modified Fitts‟ task only. A significant decrease in saccade amplitude in the memory task was the only change in oculomotor parameters. Prior caffeine consumption demonstrated limited antagonism to task-related alcohol impairment, significantly improving performance only in reduced error rate while reading. Caffeine consumption showed stimulating effects on physiological parameters, significantly increasing heart rate and heart rate variability when compared to alcohol alone. The design of the tasks allows for comparison between complex and simple task performance, indicating resource utilisation and depletion. Complex tasks demonstrated higher resource utilisation, however with no statistical performance differences to simple tasks. Physiological parameters showed greater change in response to alcohol consumption, than did the performance measures. Alcohol consumption imposed significant changes in physiological and oculomotor parameters for cognitive tasks only, significantly increasing heart rate frequency and decreasing heart rate variability, skin temperature and saccade amplitude. Caffeine consumption showed no antagonism of alcohol-induced performance measures. Physiological measures showed that caffeine consumption imposed stimulating effects in only the neural reflex and memory tasks, significantly increasing heart rate frequency and heart rate variability. Prior caffeine consumption significantly decreased fixation duration in the memory task only. The time of day at which alcohol was consumed demonstrated significant performance and physiological implications. Results indicated that morning consumption of alcohol imposes greater decrements in performance and larger fluctuations in physiological parameters than the decrements in evening experimental sessions. It can be concluded that alcohol consumption at a dose of 0.4 g/kg affects all stages in the information processing chain. Task performance indicates that alcohol has a greater severity on the early stages of information processing. Conversely, under the influence of alcohol an increased task complexity induces greater effects on central stage information processing. In addition, caffeine consumption at a dose of 4 mg/kg prior to alcohol does not antagonise the alcohol-induced performance decrements.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
- Authors: Goble, David
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Alcohol -- Physiological effect Temperance Human information processing -- Effect of drugs on Visual perception -- Effect of drugs on Cognition -- Effect of drugs on Caffeine -- Physiological effect
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:5136 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1006042
- Description: Despite extensive research into the effects of alcohol consumption, there is no clear understanding into the mechanisms underlying human information processing impairment. The acute consumption of alcohol was investigated to determine the implications for human information processing capabilities, and to identify the extent to which these implications were stage-specific. Further aims included the investigation and quantification of caffeine-induced antagonism of alcohol impairment. Moreover, the aforementioned relationships were investigated in morning versus evening conditions. A test battery of six resource-specific tasks was utilised to measure visual perceptual, cognitive and sensory-motor performance, fashioned to return both simple and complex measures of each task. The tasks implemented were: visual perceptual performance (accommodation, visual detection, visual pattern recognition); cognition (memory recall- digit span); and motor output (modified Fitts‟ and a driving simulated line-tracking). Performance measures were recorded by the respective computer based tasks. Physiological variables measured included heart rate frequency, heart rate variability (RMSSD, High and Low Frequency Power) and body temperature. Saccade speed, saccade amplitude, pupil size and fixation duration were the oculomotor parameters measured. Three groups of participants (alcohol, caffeine+alcohol and control) n=36 were studied, split evenly between sexes in a mixed repeated/non-repeated measures design. The control group performed all test batteries under no influence. The alcohol group performed test batteries one and two sober, and three and four under the influence of a 0.4 g/kg dose of alcohol. Group caffeine+alcohol conducted test battery one sober, two under the effect of caffeine only (4 mg/kg), and three and four under the influence of both caffeine and alcohol (0.4 g/kg). The third test battery demonstrated the effects of alcohol during the inclining phase of the blood alcohol curve, and the fourth represented the declining phase. Morning experimentation occurred between 10:00 - 12: 45 and 10:30 -13:15 with evening experimentation between 19:00 - 21:30 and 19:30 - 22:00. Acute alcohol consumption at a dose of approximately 0.4 g/kg body weight effected an average peak breath alcohol concentration of 0.062 % and 0.059 % for the alcohol and caffeine+alcohol groups respectively. Task-related visual perceptual performance demonstrated significant decrements for simple reaction time, choice reaction time and error rate. Cognitive performance demonstrated no significant performance decrements, while motor performance indicated significant decrements in target accuracy only. Physiological parameters in response to alcohol consumption showed significantly decreased heart rate variability (RMSSD) in the modified Fitts‟ task only. A significant decrease in saccade amplitude in the memory task was the only change in oculomotor parameters. Prior caffeine consumption demonstrated limited antagonism to task-related alcohol impairment, significantly improving performance only in reduced error rate while reading. Caffeine consumption showed stimulating effects on physiological parameters, significantly increasing heart rate and heart rate variability when compared to alcohol alone. The design of the tasks allows for comparison between complex and simple task performance, indicating resource utilisation and depletion. Complex tasks demonstrated higher resource utilisation, however with no statistical performance differences to simple tasks. Physiological parameters showed greater change in response to alcohol consumption, than did the performance measures. Alcohol consumption imposed significant changes in physiological and oculomotor parameters for cognitive tasks only, significantly increasing heart rate frequency and decreasing heart rate variability, skin temperature and saccade amplitude. Caffeine consumption showed no antagonism of alcohol-induced performance measures. Physiological measures showed that caffeine consumption imposed stimulating effects in only the neural reflex and memory tasks, significantly increasing heart rate frequency and heart rate variability. Prior caffeine consumption significantly decreased fixation duration in the memory task only. The time of day at which alcohol was consumed demonstrated significant performance and physiological implications. Results indicated that morning consumption of alcohol imposes greater decrements in performance and larger fluctuations in physiological parameters than the decrements in evening experimental sessions. It can be concluded that alcohol consumption at a dose of 0.4 g/kg affects all stages in the information processing chain. Task performance indicates that alcohol has a greater severity on the early stages of information processing. Conversely, under the influence of alcohol an increased task complexity induces greater effects on central stage information processing. In addition, caffeine consumption at a dose of 4 mg/kg prior to alcohol does not antagonise the alcohol-induced performance decrements.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
The influence of individual employee performance metrics on a sub-culture in a professional services firm in Durban, South Africa
- Authors: Zvarevashe, Marshall
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Performance -- Evaluation Corporate culture -- South Africa Organizational effectiveness Leadership Management -- South Africa Organizational behavior -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:714 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1001868
- Description: In today’s fast paced and global economy, competitive advantage is increasingly focused more on organisational behaviours rather than on the traditional tenets of land, labour and capital. Going beyond the traditional, organisations that are best able to get the most and the best out of their people are the ones most likely to perform better. This study aims to build an understanding of how culture is influenced by individual employee performance metrics that are used in an organisation. Previous research has been done in the broad fields of organisational culture and employee performance metrics separately, but no studies were identified in literature that focused on the interaction of the two concepts specifically. Therefore, this study seeks to answer the following research question: How do individual employee performance metrics influence sub-culture in the context of a professional services firm in Durban? This study predominantly focused not on performance at the organisational level, but rather the more granular level of individual employee performance metrics and sub-culture in one of the divisions of a professional services firm. This qualitative study explores the multiple perspectives of reality of ten of the 32 managers in the Advisory division of a professional services organisation, regarding how individual employee performance metrics influence their world view of work, or the way they perceive, think, feel and interact in the world of work. The focus of the study was limited to one department, in one branch of a multinational organisation and focused only on the horizontal layer of the “manager group” within the staff levels. Semi-structured, in-depth and face-to-face interviews were conducted with these managers as a means of gathering and saturating data. Interviewees were identified using a stratified sampling from the group of managers in the Advisory division. Open coding and constant comparison was used to analyse data. Page ii of viii The results of the study show that managers had very varied and complex perceptions of how the individual performance metrics used to assess their performance influence the sub-culture of their world of work. The key findings manifested that misuse and abuse of performance metrics by leaders, leadership bias in respect to recognition, reward and remunerations, the predominant focus of the division on the bottom line and emphasis on success at all cost, and low employee morale were all aspects of performance that impacted on how employees behaved in the division. The effect of these factors on the managers operating in this division was that there were low levels of employee commitment which were experienced through low morale and reduced productivity; managers felt that there was a restriction in the development of their careers, all of which resulted in a disregard to values of the organisation. This study reflects how the reward and recognition system using the balanced scorecard has shifted the focus of the department away from the organisation’s espoused values. This has resulted in various leadership and management questions for the leadership of the division in this study. This research also adds to existing literature that links performance and culture within the organisational context that it goes beyond the prevalent themes in literature which focus on performance at the organisation level. This study focuses on performance at the employee level and in particular in a professional services firm in South Africa. The study has three interrelated sections which are however considered as standalone. The first section is an evaluation report based on the Advisory division of a professional services firm in Durban, South Africa, and consists of a literature review, the methodology followed in conducting the study, results and the discussion thereof. The report also highlights limitations of the study, recommendations and the perceived value of the study. The report ends with a summary in the form of a conclusion. Section 2 comprises a more comprehensive literature review while Section 3 documents the research methodology followed in the study.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
- Authors: Zvarevashe, Marshall
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Performance -- Evaluation Corporate culture -- South Africa Organizational effectiveness Leadership Management -- South Africa Organizational behavior -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:714 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1001868
- Description: In today’s fast paced and global economy, competitive advantage is increasingly focused more on organisational behaviours rather than on the traditional tenets of land, labour and capital. Going beyond the traditional, organisations that are best able to get the most and the best out of their people are the ones most likely to perform better. This study aims to build an understanding of how culture is influenced by individual employee performance metrics that are used in an organisation. Previous research has been done in the broad fields of organisational culture and employee performance metrics separately, but no studies were identified in literature that focused on the interaction of the two concepts specifically. Therefore, this study seeks to answer the following research question: How do individual employee performance metrics influence sub-culture in the context of a professional services firm in Durban? This study predominantly focused not on performance at the organisational level, but rather the more granular level of individual employee performance metrics and sub-culture in one of the divisions of a professional services firm. This qualitative study explores the multiple perspectives of reality of ten of the 32 managers in the Advisory division of a professional services organisation, regarding how individual employee performance metrics influence their world view of work, or the way they perceive, think, feel and interact in the world of work. The focus of the study was limited to one department, in one branch of a multinational organisation and focused only on the horizontal layer of the “manager group” within the staff levels. Semi-structured, in-depth and face-to-face interviews were conducted with these managers as a means of gathering and saturating data. Interviewees were identified using a stratified sampling from the group of managers in the Advisory division. Open coding and constant comparison was used to analyse data. Page ii of viii The results of the study show that managers had very varied and complex perceptions of how the individual performance metrics used to assess their performance influence the sub-culture of their world of work. The key findings manifested that misuse and abuse of performance metrics by leaders, leadership bias in respect to recognition, reward and remunerations, the predominant focus of the division on the bottom line and emphasis on success at all cost, and low employee morale were all aspects of performance that impacted on how employees behaved in the division. The effect of these factors on the managers operating in this division was that there were low levels of employee commitment which were experienced through low morale and reduced productivity; managers felt that there was a restriction in the development of their careers, all of which resulted in a disregard to values of the organisation. This study reflects how the reward and recognition system using the balanced scorecard has shifted the focus of the department away from the organisation’s espoused values. This has resulted in various leadership and management questions for the leadership of the division in this study. This research also adds to existing literature that links performance and culture within the organisational context that it goes beyond the prevalent themes in literature which focus on performance at the organisation level. This study focuses on performance at the employee level and in particular in a professional services firm in South Africa. The study has three interrelated sections which are however considered as standalone. The first section is an evaluation report based on the Advisory division of a professional services firm in Durban, South Africa, and consists of a literature review, the methodology followed in conducting the study, results and the discussion thereof. The report also highlights limitations of the study, recommendations and the perceived value of the study. The report ends with a summary in the form of a conclusion. Section 2 comprises a more comprehensive literature review while Section 3 documents the research methodology followed in the study.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
The influence of overwash and breaching events on the spatial and temporal patterns in ichthyofauna community composition in a temporarily open/closed southern African estuary
- Authors: Tweddle, Gavin Paul
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Estuarine fishes -- Africa, Southern Marine fishes -- Africa, Southern Fishes -- Breeding -- Africa, Southern Fishes -- Effect of habitat modification on -- Africa, Southern Fishes -- Spawning -- Africa, Southern Gobiidae -- Africa, Southern Estuaries -- Africa, Southern Estuarine ecology -- Africa, Southern
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: vital:5610 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002957
- Description: This study assessed the importance of overwash and breaching events on the ichthyofaunal community structure in the medium-sized temporarily open/closed Mpekweni Estuary located on the southeast coastline of southern Africa. The fish in the littoral zone of the estuary were sampled using a 5m seine net while the channel region was sampled using two nets, a smaller meshed 30m seine net to target the estuarine spawning species and the juvenile estuarine-dependant marine spawners, and a larger meshed 50m seine net to target the larger marine and freshwater spawning species. Intensive monthly sampling over two years provided data on selected physico-chemical and biological parameters. During the two year sampling period from November 2005 to October 2007 the estuary breached in late July 2006 and remained open till the sandbar re-formed across the mouth in late December 2006. Thus, sampling encompassed three open/closed phases 1) initial closed period, 2) open period and 3) re-closed period after the berm was re-formed. The open period was divided into two phases 1) the out-flow phase and 2) the tidal phase. A total of 36 fish species representing 19 families were sampled using the various seine nets employed during the investigation. In the littoral zone, the estuarine spawners (Estuarine Utilisation Category, [EUC] I), mainly the Gobiidae, Glossogobius callidus, dominated the samples numerically and by biomass. The smaller estuarine spawning species sampled in the channel were numerically dominated by Gilchristella aestuaria in conjunction with two other EUC I species, Atherina breviceps and G. callidus. The estuarine-dependant marine spawners (EUC II), however, dominated the ichthyofaunal biomass of the channel. The abundance and biomass of the larger species targeted were dominated by estuarine-dependant marine spawning species (EUC II), principally Rhabdosargus holubi. During the closed periods of the estuary, total fish abundance and biomass displayed weak seasonal patterns. The breaching event and subsequent open period was associated with a decrease in the total abundances of fish in the littoral zone and channel of the estuary, reflecting the out-flow of estuarine biomass-rich water into the marine environment. The breaching event coincided with a shift in the community composition of the ichthyofauna, reflecting the recruitment of marine spawning species into the estuary. Numerical analysis identified two distinct spatial fish communities within the estuary, a community associated with the mouth region and one comprising the rest of the estuary. The absence of any further spatial patterns in the ichthyofaunal community structure within the Mpekweni Estuary appear to be ascribed to the virtual absence of horizontal patterns in physico-chemical and biological parameters recorded in the system. Cohort analyses were employed to determine possible recruitment events for selected estuarine and marine spawning species. The estuarine spawning species displayed continuous recruitment patterns throughout the study, which appeared to be unaffected by the breaching event. Conversely, the larger marine spawning species displayed multiple cohorts, indicating non-continuous recruitment. Subsequent retrospective analysis of cohorts for the different species identified summer recruitment peaks that coincided with the breaching event and open period. Minor recruitment of marine spawning species also occurred during overwash events. The recruitment of ichthyofauna into the estuary was quantified during three distinct hydrological events: overwash, out-flow phase immediately after breaching and tidal phase during the period when the mouth was open. Estimates of fish recruitment were highest during the outflow phase immediately after the estuary breached and declined as the estuary became tidally inundated with marine water. Although not as high as the outflow and tidal phases, recruitment was evident during overwash events. Results of the current study highlight the importance of both breaching and overwashing events in structuring the ichthyofaunal community composition in a medium-sized southern African temporarily open/closed estuary. These results are broadly in agreement with similar studies conducted both locally and in other regions of the world.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
- Authors: Tweddle, Gavin Paul
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Estuarine fishes -- Africa, Southern Marine fishes -- Africa, Southern Fishes -- Breeding -- Africa, Southern Fishes -- Effect of habitat modification on -- Africa, Southern Fishes -- Spawning -- Africa, Southern Gobiidae -- Africa, Southern Estuaries -- Africa, Southern Estuarine ecology -- Africa, Southern
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: vital:5610 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002957
- Description: This study assessed the importance of overwash and breaching events on the ichthyofaunal community structure in the medium-sized temporarily open/closed Mpekweni Estuary located on the southeast coastline of southern Africa. The fish in the littoral zone of the estuary were sampled using a 5m seine net while the channel region was sampled using two nets, a smaller meshed 30m seine net to target the estuarine spawning species and the juvenile estuarine-dependant marine spawners, and a larger meshed 50m seine net to target the larger marine and freshwater spawning species. Intensive monthly sampling over two years provided data on selected physico-chemical and biological parameters. During the two year sampling period from November 2005 to October 2007 the estuary breached in late July 2006 and remained open till the sandbar re-formed across the mouth in late December 2006. Thus, sampling encompassed three open/closed phases 1) initial closed period, 2) open period and 3) re-closed period after the berm was re-formed. The open period was divided into two phases 1) the out-flow phase and 2) the tidal phase. A total of 36 fish species representing 19 families were sampled using the various seine nets employed during the investigation. In the littoral zone, the estuarine spawners (Estuarine Utilisation Category, [EUC] I), mainly the Gobiidae, Glossogobius callidus, dominated the samples numerically and by biomass. The smaller estuarine spawning species sampled in the channel were numerically dominated by Gilchristella aestuaria in conjunction with two other EUC I species, Atherina breviceps and G. callidus. The estuarine-dependant marine spawners (EUC II), however, dominated the ichthyofaunal biomass of the channel. The abundance and biomass of the larger species targeted were dominated by estuarine-dependant marine spawning species (EUC II), principally Rhabdosargus holubi. During the closed periods of the estuary, total fish abundance and biomass displayed weak seasonal patterns. The breaching event and subsequent open period was associated with a decrease in the total abundances of fish in the littoral zone and channel of the estuary, reflecting the out-flow of estuarine biomass-rich water into the marine environment. The breaching event coincided with a shift in the community composition of the ichthyofauna, reflecting the recruitment of marine spawning species into the estuary. Numerical analysis identified two distinct spatial fish communities within the estuary, a community associated with the mouth region and one comprising the rest of the estuary. The absence of any further spatial patterns in the ichthyofaunal community structure within the Mpekweni Estuary appear to be ascribed to the virtual absence of horizontal patterns in physico-chemical and biological parameters recorded in the system. Cohort analyses were employed to determine possible recruitment events for selected estuarine and marine spawning species. The estuarine spawning species displayed continuous recruitment patterns throughout the study, which appeared to be unaffected by the breaching event. Conversely, the larger marine spawning species displayed multiple cohorts, indicating non-continuous recruitment. Subsequent retrospective analysis of cohorts for the different species identified summer recruitment peaks that coincided with the breaching event and open period. Minor recruitment of marine spawning species also occurred during overwash events. The recruitment of ichthyofauna into the estuary was quantified during three distinct hydrological events: overwash, out-flow phase immediately after breaching and tidal phase during the period when the mouth was open. Estimates of fish recruitment were highest during the outflow phase immediately after the estuary breached and declined as the estuary became tidally inundated with marine water. Although not as high as the outflow and tidal phases, recruitment was evident during overwash events. Results of the current study highlight the importance of both breaching and overwashing events in structuring the ichthyofaunal community composition in a medium-sized southern African temporarily open/closed estuary. These results are broadly in agreement with similar studies conducted both locally and in other regions of the world.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
The influence of soccer-specific fatigue on the risk of thigh injuries in amateur black African players
- Authors: Jones, Robert Ian
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Soccer injuries -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Thigh -- Wounds and injuries -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Hamstring muscle -- Wounds and injuries -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Black people -- Wounds and injuries -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Fatigue
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:5100 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1001841
- Description: Background: Epidemiological findings indicate a higher risk of muscular thigh strain injury during the latter stages of both halves of soccer match-play, with muscular fatigue highlighted as a key etiological factor in injury causation. Anthropometric, biomechanical and physiological differences present in the Black African population may elicit unique thigh injury risk profiles, different from those of European and American players. Objectives: The purpose of the current research was to investigate the impact of soccer-specific fatigue on the risk of hamstring and quadricep injury in amateur Black African soccer players, in both the dominant and non-dominant legs. Methods: Participants were required to perform a soccer matchplay simulation (SAFT⁹⁰), consisting of multidirectional and utility movements, as well as frequent acceleration and deceleration. Selected physical, physiological and psychophysical responses were collected at specific time intervals throughout fatigue protocol performance. Results: Heart rate responses were observed to increase significantly (p<0.05) in response to the start of both halves, and remain elevated (but showing no further significant increase) during the performance of the remainder of the fatigue protocol. Significant (p<0.05) changes in both concentric and eccentric isokinetic variables of the knee flexors and extensors highlight the effect of muscular fatigue on performance in soccer match-play. Eccentric hamstring peak torque was observed to decrease significantly over time (60°.s⁻ₑ=17.34%, 180°.s⁻ₑ=18.27%), with significant reductions observed during both halves. The functional H:Q ratio at 180°.s⁻ₑ indicated a significant decrease over time (10.04%), with a significant decrease indicated during the second half of the SAFT⁹⁰ protocol. The passive half time interval did not result in significant changes in isokinetic variables. Isokinetic strength, work and power indicated no significant effects of leg dominance.. ‘Central’ and ‘Local’ ratings of exertion were observed to increase significantly (p<0.05) as a function of exercise duration. Conclusion: The overall reduction in both the eccentric hamstring peak torque and the functional strength ratio was illustrated to be similar to that of other soccer-specific fatigue research. As a result, the risk of thigh strain injuries is suggested to be similar regardless of playing level and race. These time dependent changes may have implications for competitive performance and increased predisposition to hamstring strain injuries during the latter stages of both halves of match-play
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
- Authors: Jones, Robert Ian
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Soccer injuries -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Thigh -- Wounds and injuries -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Hamstring muscle -- Wounds and injuries -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Black people -- Wounds and injuries -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Fatigue
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:5100 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1001841
- Description: Background: Epidemiological findings indicate a higher risk of muscular thigh strain injury during the latter stages of both halves of soccer match-play, with muscular fatigue highlighted as a key etiological factor in injury causation. Anthropometric, biomechanical and physiological differences present in the Black African population may elicit unique thigh injury risk profiles, different from those of European and American players. Objectives: The purpose of the current research was to investigate the impact of soccer-specific fatigue on the risk of hamstring and quadricep injury in amateur Black African soccer players, in both the dominant and non-dominant legs. Methods: Participants were required to perform a soccer matchplay simulation (SAFT⁹⁰), consisting of multidirectional and utility movements, as well as frequent acceleration and deceleration. Selected physical, physiological and psychophysical responses were collected at specific time intervals throughout fatigue protocol performance. Results: Heart rate responses were observed to increase significantly (p<0.05) in response to the start of both halves, and remain elevated (but showing no further significant increase) during the performance of the remainder of the fatigue protocol. Significant (p<0.05) changes in both concentric and eccentric isokinetic variables of the knee flexors and extensors highlight the effect of muscular fatigue on performance in soccer match-play. Eccentric hamstring peak torque was observed to decrease significantly over time (60°.s⁻ₑ=17.34%, 180°.s⁻ₑ=18.27%), with significant reductions observed during both halves. The functional H:Q ratio at 180°.s⁻ₑ indicated a significant decrease over time (10.04%), with a significant decrease indicated during the second half of the SAFT⁹⁰ protocol. The passive half time interval did not result in significant changes in isokinetic variables. Isokinetic strength, work and power indicated no significant effects of leg dominance.. ‘Central’ and ‘Local’ ratings of exertion were observed to increase significantly (p<0.05) as a function of exercise duration. Conclusion: The overall reduction in both the eccentric hamstring peak torque and the functional strength ratio was illustrated to be similar to that of other soccer-specific fatigue research. As a result, the risk of thigh strain injuries is suggested to be similar regardless of playing level and race. These time dependent changes may have implications for competitive performance and increased predisposition to hamstring strain injuries during the latter stages of both halves of match-play
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
The integration of pre-primary education into three mainstream primary schools in the Khomas Region in Namibia: implications for management and leadership
- Poulton-Busler, Richardine Masoline
- Authors: Poulton-Busler, Richardine Masoline
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Education, Preschool -- Namibia -- Case studies
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: vital:1388 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1001581
- Description: One of the goals for Namibia’s Vision 2030, through ETSIP (2005‐2015), is to establish a preprimary year in primary schools for all children aged 5‐6 to be developed first in schools serving the poorest population and OVCs. ECD is widely recognised as having a significant impact on the subsequent learning of children. The high failure and dropout rate in grade 1 made this process an important one. In 2008 the integration of ECD became a reality in five schools in the Khomas region of Namibia. At present there are 29 pilot schools in the Khomas region 29 schools, and 504 in the whole of Namibia. According to the MoE all primary schools should have a preprimary class as ECD has been recognized as a key contributor to positive outcomes in schools. This study sought to investigate various stakeholders’ experiences and views of the integration of pre‐primary into mainstream pre‐primary schooling. The goal was to investigate the management and leadership implications of this integration. The study is an interpretive case study of three pilot primary schools. The research design made provision for data collection through semi‐structured interviews, focus groups and document analysis. The main finding was that, despite numerous challenges, principals are positive about the integration of pre‐primary. There is a sense of appreciation of the importance of pre‐primary. Principals adopt participative and collegial management approaches in leading their schools towards becoming learning organisations. The study also uncovered several significant challenges, such as the need for more training and the provision of infrastructure to make the process more effective.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
- Authors: Poulton-Busler, Richardine Masoline
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Education, Preschool -- Namibia -- Case studies
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: vital:1388 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1001581
- Description: One of the goals for Namibia’s Vision 2030, through ETSIP (2005‐2015), is to establish a preprimary year in primary schools for all children aged 5‐6 to be developed first in schools serving the poorest population and OVCs. ECD is widely recognised as having a significant impact on the subsequent learning of children. The high failure and dropout rate in grade 1 made this process an important one. In 2008 the integration of ECD became a reality in five schools in the Khomas region of Namibia. At present there are 29 pilot schools in the Khomas region 29 schools, and 504 in the whole of Namibia. According to the MoE all primary schools should have a preprimary class as ECD has been recognized as a key contributor to positive outcomes in schools. This study sought to investigate various stakeholders’ experiences and views of the integration of pre‐primary into mainstream pre‐primary schooling. The goal was to investigate the management and leadership implications of this integration. The study is an interpretive case study of three pilot primary schools. The research design made provision for data collection through semi‐structured interviews, focus groups and document analysis. The main finding was that, despite numerous challenges, principals are positive about the integration of pre‐primary. There is a sense of appreciation of the importance of pre‐primary. Principals adopt participative and collegial management approaches in leading their schools towards becoming learning organisations. The study also uncovered several significant challenges, such as the need for more training and the provision of infrastructure to make the process more effective.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
The interest rate elasticity of credit demand and the balance sheet channel of monetary policy transmission in South Africa
- Authors: Doig, Gregory Graham
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Monetary policy -- South Africa Banks and banking -- South Africa Bank loans -- South Africa Finance -- South Africa Vector autoregression (VAR) approach to econometric modeling Financial statements Interest rates -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: vital:1052 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1006482
- Description: It has long been accepted that changes in monetary policy have real economic effects; however, the mechanism by which these policy changes are transmitted to the real economy has been the subject of much debate. Traditionally the transmission mechanism of monetary policy has consisted of various channels which include the money channel, the asset price channel and the exchange rate channel. Recent developments in economic theory have led to a relatively new channel of policy transmission, termed the credit channel. The credit channel consists of the bank lending channel as well as the balance sheet channel, and focuses on the demand for credit as the variable of interest. The credit channel is based on the notion that demanders and suppliers of credit face asymmetric information problems which create a gap between the cost of external funds and the cost of internally generated funds, referred to as the wedge. The aim here is to determine the size and lag length effects of changes in credit demand, by both firms as well as households, as a result of changes in interest rates. A secondary, but subordinate, aim is to test for a balance sheet channel of monetary policy transmission. A vector autoregressive (VAR) model is used in conjunction with causality tests, impulse response functions and variance decompositions to achieve the stated objectives. Results indicate that the interest rate elasticity of credit demand, for both firms and households, is interest inelastic and therefore the monetary policy authorities have a limited ability to influence credit demand in the short as well as medium term. In light of the second aim, only weak evidence of a balance sheet channel of policy transmission is found.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
- Authors: Doig, Gregory Graham
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Monetary policy -- South Africa Banks and banking -- South Africa Bank loans -- South Africa Finance -- South Africa Vector autoregression (VAR) approach to econometric modeling Financial statements Interest rates -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: vital:1052 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1006482
- Description: It has long been accepted that changes in monetary policy have real economic effects; however, the mechanism by which these policy changes are transmitted to the real economy has been the subject of much debate. Traditionally the transmission mechanism of monetary policy has consisted of various channels which include the money channel, the asset price channel and the exchange rate channel. Recent developments in economic theory have led to a relatively new channel of policy transmission, termed the credit channel. The credit channel consists of the bank lending channel as well as the balance sheet channel, and focuses on the demand for credit as the variable of interest. The credit channel is based on the notion that demanders and suppliers of credit face asymmetric information problems which create a gap between the cost of external funds and the cost of internally generated funds, referred to as the wedge. The aim here is to determine the size and lag length effects of changes in credit demand, by both firms as well as households, as a result of changes in interest rates. A secondary, but subordinate, aim is to test for a balance sheet channel of monetary policy transmission. A vector autoregressive (VAR) model is used in conjunction with causality tests, impulse response functions and variance decompositions to achieve the stated objectives. Results indicate that the interest rate elasticity of credit demand, for both firms and households, is interest inelastic and therefore the monetary policy authorities have a limited ability to influence credit demand in the short as well as medium term. In light of the second aim, only weak evidence of a balance sheet channel of policy transmission is found.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
The isolation and characterisation of secondary metabolites from selected South African marine red algae (Rhodophyta)
- Authors: Fakee, Jameel
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Metabolites Marine algae -- South Africa Marine algae -- Therapeutic use Metabolites -- Therapeutic use Marine metabolites Plocamocera Red algae Laurencia Delisea flaccida
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:3733 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1001472
- Description: Secondary metabolites from natural sources are fast growing as popular drug leads. The structural novelty and favourable biological activity that these compounds display contribute to their popularity as drugs of the future. Examples of such compounds include the potent anticancer drug paclitaxel isolated from the bark of a yew tree as well as the more commonly known analgesic aspirin which stems from the bark of the willow tree. The biological activities exhibited by these secondary metabolites are vast and range from antimicrobial to anticancer activity to mention but a few. As a result, the isolation of novel compounds from natural sources is on the rise. The South African seaboard is home to a wealth of various marine algal species which produce fascinating secondary metabolites. For example, Portierria hornemanii was shown to produce halomon, a halogenated monoterpene which has displayed promising cytotoxic activity. This study thus focused primarily on pursuing novel compounds from three endemic South African marine algal species which have never been analysed previously from a chemical perspective. These are Plocamium rigidum (Bory de Saint-Vincent), Laurencia natalensis (Kylin) and Delisea flaccida (Suhr) Papenfuss. Four known compounds and one new halogenated monoterpene, (2E,5E,7Z)-8-chloro- 7-(dichloromethyl)-4-hydroxy-3-methylocta-2,5,7-trienal, were isolated from Plocamium rigidum. The breast cancer (MCF-7 cell line) inhibitory activity for these compounds was assessed and it was observed that an increase in the lipophilic nature of the compounds produced more favourable IC50 values. A pre-cursor to bromofucin type compounds, cis-laurencenyne, was isolated from Laurencia natalensis, as well as a new acetoxy chamigrane type compound, 4-bromo- 3,10-dichloro-7-hydroxy-3,7,11,11-tetramethylspiro [6.6] undec-1-yl acetate. Delisea flaccida was seen to contain two known bromofuranone type compounds isolated as an isomeric mixture, 1-[(5Z)-4-bromo-5-(bromomethylidene)-2-oxo-2,5- dihydrofuran-3-yl] butyl acetate and 1-[(5E)-4-bromo-5-(bromomethylidene)-2- oxo-2,5-dihydrofuran-3-yl]butyl acetate. These compounds are famous for their ability to inhibit bacterial biofilm production and they have been isolated before from an Australian Delisea spp , Adobe Acrobat 9.53 Paper Capture Plug-in
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
- Authors: Fakee, Jameel
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Metabolites Marine algae -- South Africa Marine algae -- Therapeutic use Metabolites -- Therapeutic use Marine metabolites Plocamocera Red algae Laurencia Delisea flaccida
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:3733 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1001472
- Description: Secondary metabolites from natural sources are fast growing as popular drug leads. The structural novelty and favourable biological activity that these compounds display contribute to their popularity as drugs of the future. Examples of such compounds include the potent anticancer drug paclitaxel isolated from the bark of a yew tree as well as the more commonly known analgesic aspirin which stems from the bark of the willow tree. The biological activities exhibited by these secondary metabolites are vast and range from antimicrobial to anticancer activity to mention but a few. As a result, the isolation of novel compounds from natural sources is on the rise. The South African seaboard is home to a wealth of various marine algal species which produce fascinating secondary metabolites. For example, Portierria hornemanii was shown to produce halomon, a halogenated monoterpene which has displayed promising cytotoxic activity. This study thus focused primarily on pursuing novel compounds from three endemic South African marine algal species which have never been analysed previously from a chemical perspective. These are Plocamium rigidum (Bory de Saint-Vincent), Laurencia natalensis (Kylin) and Delisea flaccida (Suhr) Papenfuss. Four known compounds and one new halogenated monoterpene, (2E,5E,7Z)-8-chloro- 7-(dichloromethyl)-4-hydroxy-3-methylocta-2,5,7-trienal, were isolated from Plocamium rigidum. The breast cancer (MCF-7 cell line) inhibitory activity for these compounds was assessed and it was observed that an increase in the lipophilic nature of the compounds produced more favourable IC50 values. A pre-cursor to bromofucin type compounds, cis-laurencenyne, was isolated from Laurencia natalensis, as well as a new acetoxy chamigrane type compound, 4-bromo- 3,10-dichloro-7-hydroxy-3,7,11,11-tetramethylspiro [6.6] undec-1-yl acetate. Delisea flaccida was seen to contain two known bromofuranone type compounds isolated as an isomeric mixture, 1-[(5Z)-4-bromo-5-(bromomethylidene)-2-oxo-2,5- dihydrofuran-3-yl] butyl acetate and 1-[(5E)-4-bromo-5-(bromomethylidene)-2- oxo-2,5-dihydrofuran-3-yl]butyl acetate. These compounds are famous for their ability to inhibit bacterial biofilm production and they have been isolated before from an Australian Delisea spp , Adobe Acrobat 9.53 Paper Capture Plug-in
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
The landscape holds answers to more questions than we have yet learned to ask : perspectives of an environmental scientist
- Authors: Ellery, William F N
- Date: 2013
- Language: English
- Type: Text
- Identifier: vital:584 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1018944
- Description: [From the text] Implicit in the title of my talk is the idea that the landscape has a voice – it "holds answers". Our understanding of landscapes depends on the questions we ask about their appearance and dynamics. What I love about the voice of landscapes is its gentle nature – it whispers. It's a seductive voice, inviting one to hear secrets. I have long been curious about the intimate language of landscapes and this has stemmed from a personal connection with nature from a very early age. My interests led me into the fields of ecology and geomorphology, both of which have allowed me to unravel some of these secrets. So, in tonight’s talk there are a number of narratives that form a part of my story. The first narrative is about science. It’s about how we uncover nature’s secrets and thus create new understanding.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
- Authors: Ellery, William F N
- Date: 2013
- Language: English
- Type: Text
- Identifier: vital:584 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1018944
- Description: [From the text] Implicit in the title of my talk is the idea that the landscape has a voice – it "holds answers". Our understanding of landscapes depends on the questions we ask about their appearance and dynamics. What I love about the voice of landscapes is its gentle nature – it whispers. It's a seductive voice, inviting one to hear secrets. I have long been curious about the intimate language of landscapes and this has stemmed from a personal connection with nature from a very early age. My interests led me into the fields of ecology and geomorphology, both of which have allowed me to unravel some of these secrets. So, in tonight’s talk there are a number of narratives that form a part of my story. The first narrative is about science. It’s about how we uncover nature’s secrets and thus create new understanding.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
The limitations and possiblilites of identity and form in selected recent memoirs and novels by white, female Zimbabwean writers : Alexandra Fuller, Lauren Liebenberg
- Authors: Eppel, Ruth
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Women, White -- Zimbabwe -- Biography Women, White -- Zimbabwe -- Fiction Zimbabwean fiction (English) -- 21st century Women, White -- Zimbabwe -- Autobiography Fuller, Alexandra, 1969- Liebenberg, Lauren St. John, Lauren,1966- Rheam, Bryony
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:2185 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1001985
- Description: This study examines selected works by four white female Zimbabwean writers: Alexandra Fuller, Lauren Liebenberg, Bryony Rheam and Lauren St John, in light of the controversy over the spate of white memoirs which followed the violent confiscation of white farms in Zimbabwe from 2000 onwards. The controversy hinges on the notion that white memoir writers exploit the perceived victimhood of white Zimbabweans in the international sphere, and nostalgically recall a time of belonging – as children in Rhodesia – which fails to address the fraught colonial history which is directly related to the current political climate of the country. I argue that such critiques are too generalised, and I regard the selected texts as primarily critical of the values and lifestyles of white Rhodesians/Zimbabweans. The texts I have selected include a range of autobiographical and fictional writing, or memoirs and pseudo-memoirs, and I focus on form as a medium enabling an exploration of identity. The ways in which these authors conform to and adapt particular narratives of becoming is examined in each chapter, with a particular focus on the transition from innocence to experience, the autobiography, and the Bildungsroman. Gender is a recurring point of interest: in each case the female selves/protagonists are situated in terms of the family, which, in reflecting social values, is a key site of conflict. In regard to trends in white African writing, I explore the white African (farm) childhood memoir and the confessional mode. Ultimately I maintain that while the texts may be classified as white writing, as they are fundamentally concerned with white identity, and therefore evince certain limitations of perspective and form, including clichéd tendencies, all the writers interrogate white identity and the fictional texts more self-reflexively deconstruct tropes of white writing.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
- Authors: Eppel, Ruth
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Women, White -- Zimbabwe -- Biography Women, White -- Zimbabwe -- Fiction Zimbabwean fiction (English) -- 21st century Women, White -- Zimbabwe -- Autobiography Fuller, Alexandra, 1969- Liebenberg, Lauren St. John, Lauren,1966- Rheam, Bryony
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:2185 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1001985
- Description: This study examines selected works by four white female Zimbabwean writers: Alexandra Fuller, Lauren Liebenberg, Bryony Rheam and Lauren St John, in light of the controversy over the spate of white memoirs which followed the violent confiscation of white farms in Zimbabwe from 2000 onwards. The controversy hinges on the notion that white memoir writers exploit the perceived victimhood of white Zimbabweans in the international sphere, and nostalgically recall a time of belonging – as children in Rhodesia – which fails to address the fraught colonial history which is directly related to the current political climate of the country. I argue that such critiques are too generalised, and I regard the selected texts as primarily critical of the values and lifestyles of white Rhodesians/Zimbabweans. The texts I have selected include a range of autobiographical and fictional writing, or memoirs and pseudo-memoirs, and I focus on form as a medium enabling an exploration of identity. The ways in which these authors conform to and adapt particular narratives of becoming is examined in each chapter, with a particular focus on the transition from innocence to experience, the autobiography, and the Bildungsroman. Gender is a recurring point of interest: in each case the female selves/protagonists are situated in terms of the family, which, in reflecting social values, is a key site of conflict. In regard to trends in white African writing, I explore the white African (farm) childhood memoir and the confessional mode. Ultimately I maintain that while the texts may be classified as white writing, as they are fundamentally concerned with white identity, and therefore evince certain limitations of perspective and form, including clichéd tendencies, all the writers interrogate white identity and the fictional texts more self-reflexively deconstruct tropes of white writing.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
The new Africans: a textual analysis of the construction of 'African-ness' in Chaz Maviyane-Davies' 1996 poster depictions of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights
- Authors: Garman, Brian Donald
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Human rights , Posters , African perspective , Stereotypes , Black men , Maviyane-Davies, Chaz -- Criticism and interpretation , Universal Declaration of Human Rights -- Posters -- Research , Ethnicity -- Research -- Africa , Human rights -- Africa , Pan-Africanism
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:3413 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1001844
- Description: In 1996, Zimbabwean graphic designer Chaz Maviyane-Davies created a set of human rights posters which represent several articles of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, from what he calls an “African perspective”. In this study I investigate how Maviyane-Davies has constructed ‘African-ness’ and probe what he refers to as the “alternative aesthetic” that he is trying to create. I use a visual social semiotic approach to examine the discourses he draws on to re-image and re-imagine Africa and Africans in a manner that contests the stereotypical representations found in political, news and economic discourses about Africa, paying particular attention to the ways he uses images of the body. My analysis of the posters shows how complex and difficult it can be to contest regimes of representation that work to fix racialised and derogatory meanings. In response to the pejorative stereotypes of the black body, Maviyane-Davies uses images of strong, healthy, and magnificent people (mostly men) to construct a more affirmative representation of Africa and Africans. Significantly, he draws on sports, touristic, traditional and hegemonic discourses of masculinity in an attempt to expand the complexity and range of possible representations of African-ness. In so doing he runs the risk of reproducing many of the stereotypes that sustain not only the racialised and gendered (masculinist) representations of Africa, but also a sentimentalisation and romanticisation of a place, a people and their traditions. Apart from women in prominent positions, other conspicuous absences from these images include white people and hegemonic references to Western modernity. I do not believe he is discarding whites and modernity as un-African, but is rejecting the naturalisation of whiteness as standing in for humanity, and particular icons of Western modernity as significations of ‘modernity’ itself
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
- Authors: Garman, Brian Donald
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Human rights , Posters , African perspective , Stereotypes , Black men , Maviyane-Davies, Chaz -- Criticism and interpretation , Universal Declaration of Human Rights -- Posters -- Research , Ethnicity -- Research -- Africa , Human rights -- Africa , Pan-Africanism
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:3413 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1001844
- Description: In 1996, Zimbabwean graphic designer Chaz Maviyane-Davies created a set of human rights posters which represent several articles of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, from what he calls an “African perspective”. In this study I investigate how Maviyane-Davies has constructed ‘African-ness’ and probe what he refers to as the “alternative aesthetic” that he is trying to create. I use a visual social semiotic approach to examine the discourses he draws on to re-image and re-imagine Africa and Africans in a manner that contests the stereotypical representations found in political, news and economic discourses about Africa, paying particular attention to the ways he uses images of the body. My analysis of the posters shows how complex and difficult it can be to contest regimes of representation that work to fix racialised and derogatory meanings. In response to the pejorative stereotypes of the black body, Maviyane-Davies uses images of strong, healthy, and magnificent people (mostly men) to construct a more affirmative representation of Africa and Africans. Significantly, he draws on sports, touristic, traditional and hegemonic discourses of masculinity in an attempt to expand the complexity and range of possible representations of African-ness. In so doing he runs the risk of reproducing many of the stereotypes that sustain not only the racialised and gendered (masculinist) representations of Africa, but also a sentimentalisation and romanticisation of a place, a people and their traditions. Apart from women in prominent positions, other conspicuous absences from these images include white people and hegemonic references to Western modernity. I do not believe he is discarding whites and modernity as un-African, but is rejecting the naturalisation of whiteness as standing in for humanity, and particular icons of Western modernity as significations of ‘modernity’ itself
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
The power of investor sentiment: an analysis of the impact of investor confidence on South African financial markets
- Authors: Argyros, Robert
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Johannesburg Stock Exchange Stockholders Stocks -- Prices -- South Africa Stock Exchanges Investments
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: vital:1032 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1004169
- Description: Whether investor sentiment has any authority over financial markets has long been a topic of discussion in the field of finance. This study investigates the relationship between investor sentiment and share returns in South Africa. Determining this relationship will add to the existing work which has documented important determinants of share returns on the stock exchange in South Africa, as well adding to the inconclusive link between sentiment and the South African financial markets. Does sentiment influence share returns or do share returns influence sentiment? Using quarterly data for the period 1996-2010, the study makes use of the FNB/BER Consumer Confidence Index as a proxy for investor sentiment, and the FTSE/JSE All Share Index to represent the South African financial markets. A regression analysis was conducted along with granger-causality tests, impulse response functions and variance decompositions in order to determine the nature of this relationship. The results showed that investor sentiment has a statistically significant relationship with share returns in South Africa. However, sentiment is only able to account for a very small portion of the variation in returns, with returns able to account for a larger portion of the variation in sentiment. Therefore investor sentiment is not a suitable predictor of share returns in South Africa. In addition, granger-causality tests indicate that returns are actually the leading indicator, suggesting that changes in South African investors’ confidence levels occur following changes in the state of the JSE. The limitations of the study include the infrequent nature of the sentiment measure used, thereby failing to capture important changes in sentiment and their immediate impact on financial markets. In addition, the sentiment of foreign investors must be taken into account due to the large foreign investment in the JSE.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
- Authors: Argyros, Robert
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Johannesburg Stock Exchange Stockholders Stocks -- Prices -- South Africa Stock Exchanges Investments
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: vital:1032 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1004169
- Description: Whether investor sentiment has any authority over financial markets has long been a topic of discussion in the field of finance. This study investigates the relationship between investor sentiment and share returns in South Africa. Determining this relationship will add to the existing work which has documented important determinants of share returns on the stock exchange in South Africa, as well adding to the inconclusive link between sentiment and the South African financial markets. Does sentiment influence share returns or do share returns influence sentiment? Using quarterly data for the period 1996-2010, the study makes use of the FNB/BER Consumer Confidence Index as a proxy for investor sentiment, and the FTSE/JSE All Share Index to represent the South African financial markets. A regression analysis was conducted along with granger-causality tests, impulse response functions and variance decompositions in order to determine the nature of this relationship. The results showed that investor sentiment has a statistically significant relationship with share returns in South Africa. However, sentiment is only able to account for a very small portion of the variation in returns, with returns able to account for a larger portion of the variation in sentiment. Therefore investor sentiment is not a suitable predictor of share returns in South Africa. In addition, granger-causality tests indicate that returns are actually the leading indicator, suggesting that changes in South African investors’ confidence levels occur following changes in the state of the JSE. The limitations of the study include the infrequent nature of the sentiment measure used, thereby failing to capture important changes in sentiment and their immediate impact on financial markets. In addition, the sentiment of foreign investors must be taken into account due to the large foreign investment in the JSE.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
The protection of indigenous knowledge within the current intellectual property rights regime: a critical assessment focusing upon the Masakhane Pelargonium case
- Authors: Msomi, Zuziwe Nokwanda
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Intellectual property -- South Africa -- Case studies Cultural property -- Protection -- Law and legislation -- South Africa Indigenous peoples -- Legal status, laws, etc. -- South Africa Masakhane (South Africa) -- Trials, litigation, etc. Pelargoniums -- Therapeutic use Traditional ecological knowledge -- Law and legislation -- South Africa Pharmaceutical industry -- Law and legislation -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:2871 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1007744
- Description: The use of indigenous knowledge (IK) and indigenous bio-resources by pharmaceutical and herbal industries has led to concerns about the need to protect IK in order to prevent biopiracy and the misappropriation of indigenous knowledge and resources. While some commentators believe that intellectual property rights (IPR) law can effectively protect IK, others are more sceptical. In order to contribute to the growing debate on this issue, this study uses the relatively new and as yet largely critically unanalysed Masakhane Pelargonium case to address the question of whether or not IPR law can be used to effectively protect IK. It is argued here that discussion about the protection of IK is a matter that must be located within broader discussions about North-South relations and the continued struggle for economic and political freedom by indigenous people and their states. The Masakhane case suggests that IPR law in its current form cannot provide sufficient protection of IK on its own. Incompatibilities between IPR law and IK necessitate that certain factors, most important of which are land, organised representation, and what are referred as 'confidence and network resources', be present in order for IPR law to be used with any degree of success. The study also reveals various factors that undermine the possibility of using IPR law to protect IK. In particular, the study highlights the way in which local political tensions can undermine the ability of communities to effectively use IPR law to protect their knowledge. The thesis concludes with several recommendations that will enable indigenous communities and their states to benefit more substantially from the commercialisation of their bio-resources and associated IK.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
- Authors: Msomi, Zuziwe Nokwanda
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Intellectual property -- South Africa -- Case studies Cultural property -- Protection -- Law and legislation -- South Africa Indigenous peoples -- Legal status, laws, etc. -- South Africa Masakhane (South Africa) -- Trials, litigation, etc. Pelargoniums -- Therapeutic use Traditional ecological knowledge -- Law and legislation -- South Africa Pharmaceutical industry -- Law and legislation -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:2871 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1007744
- Description: The use of indigenous knowledge (IK) and indigenous bio-resources by pharmaceutical and herbal industries has led to concerns about the need to protect IK in order to prevent biopiracy and the misappropriation of indigenous knowledge and resources. While some commentators believe that intellectual property rights (IPR) law can effectively protect IK, others are more sceptical. In order to contribute to the growing debate on this issue, this study uses the relatively new and as yet largely critically unanalysed Masakhane Pelargonium case to address the question of whether or not IPR law can be used to effectively protect IK. It is argued here that discussion about the protection of IK is a matter that must be located within broader discussions about North-South relations and the continued struggle for economic and political freedom by indigenous people and their states. The Masakhane case suggests that IPR law in its current form cannot provide sufficient protection of IK on its own. Incompatibilities between IPR law and IK necessitate that certain factors, most important of which are land, organised representation, and what are referred as 'confidence and network resources', be present in order for IPR law to be used with any degree of success. The study also reveals various factors that undermine the possibility of using IPR law to protect IK. In particular, the study highlights the way in which local political tensions can undermine the ability of communities to effectively use IPR law to protect their knowledge. The thesis concludes with several recommendations that will enable indigenous communities and their states to benefit more substantially from the commercialisation of their bio-resources and associated IK.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
The relationship between customer satisfaction and revenue: an empirical study within the corporate banking division of a South African bank
- Authors: Richter, Leonie
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Banks and banking -- Customer services -- South Africa Banks and banking -- South Africa -- Accounting Consumer satisfaction -- South Africa Financial services industry -- South Africa Revenue -- Research -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:802 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1006169
- Description: This is a quantitative study which explores whether there is a positive relationship between customer satisfaction as perceived by corporate customers and revenue generated from such customers of the corporate division of a single South African bank. This research report has three sections, namely the (1) academic paper which comprises a condensed literature review, research methods, results and discussion, (2) an expanded literature review, and (3) an expanded research methodology. Although these three sections are interrelated, they may be considered stand-alone documents. A review of literature contends that customer satisfaction has been a topic of interest for over four decades when, in 1965, the concept was first introduced to literature by Cardozo. Even in these early stages it was hypothesized that higher customer satisfaction would lead to repeat purchasing and cross selling. Thus, for some time, researchers have proposed that a link exists between customer satisfaction and a company’s bottom line, ultimately alluding to the notion of positive associations between customer satisfaction, revenue and profitability. The corporate banking division of a South African bank has dedicated significant time and economic resources to monitoring and improving the satisfaction of their corporate customers each year. With a focus on this single corporate banking division, this quantitative study used secondary customer satisfaction data to establish whether a positive relationship between customer satisfaction with a bank representative or more formally termed, the ‘transactional banker’ (TB) and revenue at an account level exists. The study used a one-dimensional customer satisfaction construct summated from several variables or a one-dimensional multi item scale. This quantitative study made use of secondary data obtained through customer satisfaction surveys conducted with the division’s clients in three waves during September 2010, March 2011 and September 2011. At the time of data collection, telephone interviews were conducted with individuals in corporations who were customers of the corporate division within the bank. These individuals in their respective corporations were identified and surveyed because they (a) managed the primary relationship of the corporation with the banking division and (b) were senior financial decision makers of their organization’s (i.e. had the ability to influence a decision to change banks). Sample sizes of 273 (September 2010), 259 (March 2011) and 310 (September 2011) individual corporate customers were achieved through a method of stratified sampling. In this study, customers were stratified according to the TB who is responsible for their account. Within each stratum a random sample of 10 – 15 participants were included for each of the 30 TB’s. Monthly revenue data, recorded as a) credit revenue, b) overdraft revenue and c) total revenue was sourced from internal company records for each month from September 2010 to January 2012. Pearson’s correlation coefficient was used to assess whether a positive correlation between the two variables of customer satisfaction and revenue exists. This was followed by Ordinary Least Square Regression to investigate the magnitude and nature of the relationship between customer satisfaction and revenue using customer satisfaction as the independent variable and revenue as the response variable. Cronbach’s alpha was also used for internal scale validity. The results of the research indicated no statistically significant relationship between a customer’s satisfaction with the performance of their TB and either the credit, overdraft or total revenue generated from such a customer through their account. By highlighting this, these findings, nevertheless, contribute to the growing body of knowledge examining the impact of customer satisfaction efforts on revenue. On the basis of the findings of this study, it cannot be practically recommended that customer satisfaction efforts be terminated or changed within the organization of study owing to several study limitations which were present. Firstly, the study was hampered by small sample sizes due to a lack of the availability of revenue data in some instances, particularly in the case of overdraft revenue. Secondly, the study only focused on a single bank account held with the bank and increases and decreases in revenue based on the balances held within that single account. Since one of the purported consequences of improved customer satisfaction is the purchase of additional products, the current design of the study does not take into account the take up of additional accounts or banking products with the bank. Thus, an increase in revenue for the bank as a whole due to the purchase of additional accounts may be masked. Similarly, the scope of the study does not extend to examining the effect of recommendations made by these corporate customers to others and hence growth of divisional or bank revenue due to the addition of new customers. Finally, this quantitative study does not examine revenue growth when compared to customer satisfaction improvements over time due to a limited sample of customers taking part in the study over a number of periods as well as incomplete revenue data. The recommendations for future research are to examine the relationship between changes in customer satisfaction and changes in revenue at divisional level in the long run within the South African banking industry as the impact of an increase in customer satisfaction may be obscured by salient factors in the short run. It is also suggested that future research look at the correlation between dissatisfaction and revenue, where adequate sample sizes are available. Theoretically, the results of this research do bring into serious question the universal application, especially in the context of the South African banking industry of the Service Profit Chain and Satisfaction Profit Chain which propagate the existence of a positive relationship between customer satisfaction and revenue.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
- Authors: Richter, Leonie
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Banks and banking -- Customer services -- South Africa Banks and banking -- South Africa -- Accounting Consumer satisfaction -- South Africa Financial services industry -- South Africa Revenue -- Research -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:802 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1006169
- Description: This is a quantitative study which explores whether there is a positive relationship between customer satisfaction as perceived by corporate customers and revenue generated from such customers of the corporate division of a single South African bank. This research report has three sections, namely the (1) academic paper which comprises a condensed literature review, research methods, results and discussion, (2) an expanded literature review, and (3) an expanded research methodology. Although these three sections are interrelated, they may be considered stand-alone documents. A review of literature contends that customer satisfaction has been a topic of interest for over four decades when, in 1965, the concept was first introduced to literature by Cardozo. Even in these early stages it was hypothesized that higher customer satisfaction would lead to repeat purchasing and cross selling. Thus, for some time, researchers have proposed that a link exists between customer satisfaction and a company’s bottom line, ultimately alluding to the notion of positive associations between customer satisfaction, revenue and profitability. The corporate banking division of a South African bank has dedicated significant time and economic resources to monitoring and improving the satisfaction of their corporate customers each year. With a focus on this single corporate banking division, this quantitative study used secondary customer satisfaction data to establish whether a positive relationship between customer satisfaction with a bank representative or more formally termed, the ‘transactional banker’ (TB) and revenue at an account level exists. The study used a one-dimensional customer satisfaction construct summated from several variables or a one-dimensional multi item scale. This quantitative study made use of secondary data obtained through customer satisfaction surveys conducted with the division’s clients in three waves during September 2010, March 2011 and September 2011. At the time of data collection, telephone interviews were conducted with individuals in corporations who were customers of the corporate division within the bank. These individuals in their respective corporations were identified and surveyed because they (a) managed the primary relationship of the corporation with the banking division and (b) were senior financial decision makers of their organization’s (i.e. had the ability to influence a decision to change banks). Sample sizes of 273 (September 2010), 259 (March 2011) and 310 (September 2011) individual corporate customers were achieved through a method of stratified sampling. In this study, customers were stratified according to the TB who is responsible for their account. Within each stratum a random sample of 10 – 15 participants were included for each of the 30 TB’s. Monthly revenue data, recorded as a) credit revenue, b) overdraft revenue and c) total revenue was sourced from internal company records for each month from September 2010 to January 2012. Pearson’s correlation coefficient was used to assess whether a positive correlation between the two variables of customer satisfaction and revenue exists. This was followed by Ordinary Least Square Regression to investigate the magnitude and nature of the relationship between customer satisfaction and revenue using customer satisfaction as the independent variable and revenue as the response variable. Cronbach’s alpha was also used for internal scale validity. The results of the research indicated no statistically significant relationship between a customer’s satisfaction with the performance of their TB and either the credit, overdraft or total revenue generated from such a customer through their account. By highlighting this, these findings, nevertheless, contribute to the growing body of knowledge examining the impact of customer satisfaction efforts on revenue. On the basis of the findings of this study, it cannot be practically recommended that customer satisfaction efforts be terminated or changed within the organization of study owing to several study limitations which were present. Firstly, the study was hampered by small sample sizes due to a lack of the availability of revenue data in some instances, particularly in the case of overdraft revenue. Secondly, the study only focused on a single bank account held with the bank and increases and decreases in revenue based on the balances held within that single account. Since one of the purported consequences of improved customer satisfaction is the purchase of additional products, the current design of the study does not take into account the take up of additional accounts or banking products with the bank. Thus, an increase in revenue for the bank as a whole due to the purchase of additional accounts may be masked. Similarly, the scope of the study does not extend to examining the effect of recommendations made by these corporate customers to others and hence growth of divisional or bank revenue due to the addition of new customers. Finally, this quantitative study does not examine revenue growth when compared to customer satisfaction improvements over time due to a limited sample of customers taking part in the study over a number of periods as well as incomplete revenue data. The recommendations for future research are to examine the relationship between changes in customer satisfaction and changes in revenue at divisional level in the long run within the South African banking industry as the impact of an increase in customer satisfaction may be obscured by salient factors in the short run. It is also suggested that future research look at the correlation between dissatisfaction and revenue, where adequate sample sizes are available. Theoretically, the results of this research do bring into serious question the universal application, especially in the context of the South African banking industry of the Service Profit Chain and Satisfaction Profit Chain which propagate the existence of a positive relationship between customer satisfaction and revenue.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
The relationship between leadership and employee work performance in a Nigerian courier company
- Authors: Yobe, Kingsley
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Leadership -- Nigeria Transformational leadership -- Nigeria Industrial management -- Nigeria Business planning -- Research -- Nigeria Employees -- Rating of -- Nigeria Organizational change
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:805 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1006858
- Description: A number of authors have portrayed leadership as a vital factor in the success or failure of an organization. Hence Bass (1994; 1997) believes that excellent organizations begin with excellent leadership and organisations reflect their leadership (Maritz, 1995). Therefore, successful organisations reflect their leadership (Maritz, 1995). In an attempt to investigate the aim of this research, various performance and leadership concepts and theories were investigated: the trait concept, behavioural approaches and situational/contingency approaches. Every one of these theories gave a different explanation to leadership. Furthermore, transactional, and transformational leadership were also discussed. The difference between these two models according to Bass and Avolio (1994) is that the work performance of the followers of transformational leadership is usually beyond expectations, while transactional leadership, at best, leads to expected performance. In terms of performance, it is argued that employee work performance can lead to a successful organisational performance. This is because several organisations attribute their business success to the work performance of their employees. According to Collis and Montgomery (1995) employee work performance has a major positive influence on organisational performance. Nevertheless, the accomplishment of an organisation is dependent on the leader’s ability to enhance human resources; hence “effective organisations require effective leadership” (Maritz, 1995). Transformational leadership was identified as the effective leadership style that can motivate workers to improve on their performance by instilling trust and confidence in them. Transformational leadership is superior to both transactional and non-transactional leadership because it makes workers loyal to the mission and vision of their organizations. Bass (1990) states “that the leadership research over the years has proved that loyalty is more powerful than tangible inducements.” Furthermore, non- transactional leaders avoid decision making, allowing their subordinates to take charge of the work process (Bass 1990). This research focuses on the relationship between leadership and employee work performance in a Nigerian Courier Company. In addressing this aim, a Nigerian Courier company was selected as the research context because of its success in the Nigerian turbulent business environment that is plagued by the country’s economic, social, and political troubles (McKern, Meza, Osayande and Denend, 2010). The research hypothesis of this research was generated to investigate leadership and employee performance. Leadership and performance were also identified as the research independent and dependent variables. Thus the research hypotheses were as follows: Hypothesis 1. Null Hypothesis: There is no significant positive linear relationship between employee performance and transformational leadership Alternative Hypothesis: There is significant positive linear relationship between employee performance and transformational leadership Hypothesis 2. Null Hypothesis: There is no significant positive linear relationship between employee performance and transactional leadership Alternative Hypothesis: There is significant positive linear relationship between employee performance and transactional leadership Hypothesis 3. Null Hypothesis: There is no significant positive linear relationship between employee performance and non-transactional leadership. Alternative Hypothesis: There is significant positive linear relationship between employee performance and non-transactional leadership. The general methodology included the use of a valid and reliable instrument known as the Multifactor Leadership Questionnaire (MLQ) and the company’s performance appraisal process. These instruments were used to collect information about employee work performance. The validity and reliability of the MLQ is not in doubt because it was formulated from the full range leadership development theory of Bass and Avolio (1997) and has been used extensively worldwide (Bass and Avolio, 1997). The research data was analysed using Statistica (StatSoft, 2011). Once the data was imported the necessary leadership factors were calculated as per the MLQ scoring key. From the eight factors a further three factors were generated namely transformational, transactional and nontransactional leadership. The data was checked and described using frequency tables and descriptive statistics, followed by correlation matrices coupled with their corresponding scatter plots. The research data was tested for consistency and reliability. Sekaran (2000) states that in order to determine the reliability of a measure one needs to test for both consistency and stability. For this research, linear correlation and regression analysis was used. The outcome of the first investigated hypothesis confirmed that there is a strong significant, positive linear relationship between employee performance and transformational leadership (ρ<0.0001). However, the findings on the null hypothesis, states that transformational leadership has no significant positive linear relationship with employee performance. The null hypothesis is REJECTED, because the model is significant at ρ<.0001. Thus, the alternative hypothesis is ACCEPTED because it concludes that there is sufficient evidence, at the 5% level of significance, that there is significant positive linear relationship between employee performance and transformational leadership. The second hypotheses found that with 5% level of significance there is no significant positive linear relationship between transactional leadership and employee performance (ρ =0.317). It must be noted that since the correlation is not significant the null hypothesis which states that there is no significant positive linear relationship between employee performance and transactional leadership was NOT REJECTED. The outcome of the third hypotheses support the null hypothesis, because the negative linear relationship between employee performance and non-transactional leadership is not significant (ρ = 0.6718). This informed the conclusion that at the 5% level of significance, there is no positive linear relationship between non-transactional leadership and employee performance. The findings of this research favour the conclusion drawn by Brand, Heyl and Maritz (2000) that suggested a more significant relationship between transformational leadership and employee performance, than any other leadership style. Evidence put together in the retail and manufacturing sector of South Africa, and the armed forces of the United States of America, Germany and Canada, point in the direction of the strong, positive effects of transformational leaders (Brand, et al., 2000). Again the effectiveness of transformational leadership can be reinforced by the research directed by Ristow, Amos and Staude (1999), which resolved that the effectiveness of transformational leadership was greater in a South African cricketing environment. Hayward, Davidson, Pascoe, Tasker, Amos and Pearse (2003) conducted research in a pharmaceutical organisation and found a positive linear relationship between transformational leadership and employee work performance. These research outcomes clarify the investigation by Pruijn and Boucher (1994) which established “that transformational leadership is an extension of transactional leadership” (Bass, 1997). The difference between these two models according to Bass and Avolio (1994) is that the work performance of supporters of transformational leadership is usually beyond expectation, while the behaviour of the supporters of transactional leadership, at best, leads to anticipated work performance. This research will be used to improve the relationship between the leaders and employees of the courier company under investigation. It will be useful for the placement of individuals to leadership positions in the company. It will also impact on how future leadership training will be conducted by the company, and of course add to the body of knowledge. This is supported by research conducted in the service sector which states that “transformational leadership affects performance over and above transactional leadership” (Geyery and Steyrer, 1998).
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
- Authors: Yobe, Kingsley
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Leadership -- Nigeria Transformational leadership -- Nigeria Industrial management -- Nigeria Business planning -- Research -- Nigeria Employees -- Rating of -- Nigeria Organizational change
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:805 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1006858
- Description: A number of authors have portrayed leadership as a vital factor in the success or failure of an organization. Hence Bass (1994; 1997) believes that excellent organizations begin with excellent leadership and organisations reflect their leadership (Maritz, 1995). Therefore, successful organisations reflect their leadership (Maritz, 1995). In an attempt to investigate the aim of this research, various performance and leadership concepts and theories were investigated: the trait concept, behavioural approaches and situational/contingency approaches. Every one of these theories gave a different explanation to leadership. Furthermore, transactional, and transformational leadership were also discussed. The difference between these two models according to Bass and Avolio (1994) is that the work performance of the followers of transformational leadership is usually beyond expectations, while transactional leadership, at best, leads to expected performance. In terms of performance, it is argued that employee work performance can lead to a successful organisational performance. This is because several organisations attribute their business success to the work performance of their employees. According to Collis and Montgomery (1995) employee work performance has a major positive influence on organisational performance. Nevertheless, the accomplishment of an organisation is dependent on the leader’s ability to enhance human resources; hence “effective organisations require effective leadership” (Maritz, 1995). Transformational leadership was identified as the effective leadership style that can motivate workers to improve on their performance by instilling trust and confidence in them. Transformational leadership is superior to both transactional and non-transactional leadership because it makes workers loyal to the mission and vision of their organizations. Bass (1990) states “that the leadership research over the years has proved that loyalty is more powerful than tangible inducements.” Furthermore, non- transactional leaders avoid decision making, allowing their subordinates to take charge of the work process (Bass 1990). This research focuses on the relationship between leadership and employee work performance in a Nigerian Courier Company. In addressing this aim, a Nigerian Courier company was selected as the research context because of its success in the Nigerian turbulent business environment that is plagued by the country’s economic, social, and political troubles (McKern, Meza, Osayande and Denend, 2010). The research hypothesis of this research was generated to investigate leadership and employee performance. Leadership and performance were also identified as the research independent and dependent variables. Thus the research hypotheses were as follows: Hypothesis 1. Null Hypothesis: There is no significant positive linear relationship between employee performance and transformational leadership Alternative Hypothesis: There is significant positive linear relationship between employee performance and transformational leadership Hypothesis 2. Null Hypothesis: There is no significant positive linear relationship between employee performance and transactional leadership Alternative Hypothesis: There is significant positive linear relationship between employee performance and transactional leadership Hypothesis 3. Null Hypothesis: There is no significant positive linear relationship between employee performance and non-transactional leadership. Alternative Hypothesis: There is significant positive linear relationship between employee performance and non-transactional leadership. The general methodology included the use of a valid and reliable instrument known as the Multifactor Leadership Questionnaire (MLQ) and the company’s performance appraisal process. These instruments were used to collect information about employee work performance. The validity and reliability of the MLQ is not in doubt because it was formulated from the full range leadership development theory of Bass and Avolio (1997) and has been used extensively worldwide (Bass and Avolio, 1997). The research data was analysed using Statistica (StatSoft, 2011). Once the data was imported the necessary leadership factors were calculated as per the MLQ scoring key. From the eight factors a further three factors were generated namely transformational, transactional and nontransactional leadership. The data was checked and described using frequency tables and descriptive statistics, followed by correlation matrices coupled with their corresponding scatter plots. The research data was tested for consistency and reliability. Sekaran (2000) states that in order to determine the reliability of a measure one needs to test for both consistency and stability. For this research, linear correlation and regression analysis was used. The outcome of the first investigated hypothesis confirmed that there is a strong significant, positive linear relationship between employee performance and transformational leadership (ρ<0.0001). However, the findings on the null hypothesis, states that transformational leadership has no significant positive linear relationship with employee performance. The null hypothesis is REJECTED, because the model is significant at ρ<.0001. Thus, the alternative hypothesis is ACCEPTED because it concludes that there is sufficient evidence, at the 5% level of significance, that there is significant positive linear relationship between employee performance and transformational leadership. The second hypotheses found that with 5% level of significance there is no significant positive linear relationship between transactional leadership and employee performance (ρ =0.317). It must be noted that since the correlation is not significant the null hypothesis which states that there is no significant positive linear relationship between employee performance and transactional leadership was NOT REJECTED. The outcome of the third hypotheses support the null hypothesis, because the negative linear relationship between employee performance and non-transactional leadership is not significant (ρ = 0.6718). This informed the conclusion that at the 5% level of significance, there is no positive linear relationship between non-transactional leadership and employee performance. The findings of this research favour the conclusion drawn by Brand, Heyl and Maritz (2000) that suggested a more significant relationship between transformational leadership and employee performance, than any other leadership style. Evidence put together in the retail and manufacturing sector of South Africa, and the armed forces of the United States of America, Germany and Canada, point in the direction of the strong, positive effects of transformational leaders (Brand, et al., 2000). Again the effectiveness of transformational leadership can be reinforced by the research directed by Ristow, Amos and Staude (1999), which resolved that the effectiveness of transformational leadership was greater in a South African cricketing environment. Hayward, Davidson, Pascoe, Tasker, Amos and Pearse (2003) conducted research in a pharmaceutical organisation and found a positive linear relationship between transformational leadership and employee work performance. These research outcomes clarify the investigation by Pruijn and Boucher (1994) which established “that transformational leadership is an extension of transactional leadership” (Bass, 1997). The difference between these two models according to Bass and Avolio (1994) is that the work performance of supporters of transformational leadership is usually beyond expectation, while the behaviour of the supporters of transactional leadership, at best, leads to anticipated work performance. This research will be used to improve the relationship between the leaders and employees of the courier company under investigation. It will be useful for the placement of individuals to leadership positions in the company. It will also impact on how future leadership training will be conducted by the company, and of course add to the body of knowledge. This is supported by research conducted in the service sector which states that “transformational leadership affects performance over and above transactional leadership” (Geyery and Steyrer, 1998).
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
The restoration of an alien-invaded riparian zone in grassy fynbos, South Africa
- Authors: Fourie, Saskia
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Fynbos ecology -- South Africa Riparian ecology -- South Africa Riparian restoration -- South Africa Alien plants -- South Africa Invasive plants -- South Africa Endemic plants -- South Africa Plants -- Effect of fires on -- South Africa Soil seed banks -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: vital:4733 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003840
- Description: The most recent surveys in South Africa estimate that invasions are still increasing, despite substantial clearing efforts. Riparian systems in South Africa are particularly vulnerable to invasion by woody IAPs. This thesis addresses the restoration of alien‐invaded riparian systems, by investigating the factors that facilitate or constrain spontaneous recovery and influence the trajectories of succession. These factors include invasion history and management history, especially the use of fire. A seedling emergence approach was used to test the presence of a viable pre‐fire seedbank, and the effect of fire on the seed bank. The efficacy of some active restoration interventions was also tested, with the aim to return invasion‐resistant, indigenous vegetation with a structure and function representative of uninvaded sites. The findings of this study indicated the presence of a viable and persistent riparian soil seed bank, even after 30 years of intermtittent invasion as well as two fire cycles under invasion. It shows that the management practice of fell‐and‐burn resulted in high soil temperatures, and that this reduced the indigenous soil seed bank density, especially in the upper soil layer. Clear germination sequences and patterns of emergence over time for different species were observed during this study, with many species exhibiting delayed emergence relative to the timing of the fire event. It is proposed that manipulation of the season of fire could be used to selectively optimise the order of arrival and therefore superior recruitment of some species over others in the Eastern Cape fynbos, and thus alter the trajectories of recovery of vegetation towards a more desired state. Active restoration in the form of indigenous seed and plant additions resulted in a significantly higher indigenous cover after seven months, compared to a control (passive restoration) or restoring with grass. Indigenous cover and composition was also strongly influenced by lateral zonation, and some key guilds and species were missing or present in much lower densities compared to reference sites. Grass restoration significantly suppressed the regeneration of A. longifolia, as well as the regeneration of indigenous species. Biotic resistance can thus be achieved through restoration, and it could be a powerful tool in the management of IAPs, although the deliberate introduction of grass after clearing in fynbos also reduces biodiversity and could have unforeseen consequences to riparian function.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
- Authors: Fourie, Saskia
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Fynbos ecology -- South Africa Riparian ecology -- South Africa Riparian restoration -- South Africa Alien plants -- South Africa Invasive plants -- South Africa Endemic plants -- South Africa Plants -- Effect of fires on -- South Africa Soil seed banks -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: vital:4733 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003840
- Description: The most recent surveys in South Africa estimate that invasions are still increasing, despite substantial clearing efforts. Riparian systems in South Africa are particularly vulnerable to invasion by woody IAPs. This thesis addresses the restoration of alien‐invaded riparian systems, by investigating the factors that facilitate or constrain spontaneous recovery and influence the trajectories of succession. These factors include invasion history and management history, especially the use of fire. A seedling emergence approach was used to test the presence of a viable pre‐fire seedbank, and the effect of fire on the seed bank. The efficacy of some active restoration interventions was also tested, with the aim to return invasion‐resistant, indigenous vegetation with a structure and function representative of uninvaded sites. The findings of this study indicated the presence of a viable and persistent riparian soil seed bank, even after 30 years of intermtittent invasion as well as two fire cycles under invasion. It shows that the management practice of fell‐and‐burn resulted in high soil temperatures, and that this reduced the indigenous soil seed bank density, especially in the upper soil layer. Clear germination sequences and patterns of emergence over time for different species were observed during this study, with many species exhibiting delayed emergence relative to the timing of the fire event. It is proposed that manipulation of the season of fire could be used to selectively optimise the order of arrival and therefore superior recruitment of some species over others in the Eastern Cape fynbos, and thus alter the trajectories of recovery of vegetation towards a more desired state. Active restoration in the form of indigenous seed and plant additions resulted in a significantly higher indigenous cover after seven months, compared to a control (passive restoration) or restoring with grass. Indigenous cover and composition was also strongly influenced by lateral zonation, and some key guilds and species were missing or present in much lower densities compared to reference sites. Grass restoration significantly suppressed the regeneration of A. longifolia, as well as the regeneration of indigenous species. Biotic resistance can thus be achieved through restoration, and it could be a powerful tool in the management of IAPs, although the deliberate introduction of grass after clearing in fynbos also reduces biodiversity and could have unforeseen consequences to riparian function.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
The role of the sandprawn, Callichirus kraussi, as an ecosystem engineer in a temporarily open/closed Eastern Cape estuary, South Africa
- Authors: Njozela, Cuma
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Estuarine biology -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Decapoda (Crustacea) -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Biotic communities -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Bioenergetics -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Shrimps -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Estuarine ecology -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:5583 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1001539 , Estuarine biology -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Decapoda (Crustacea) -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Biotic communities -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Bioenergetics -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Shrimps -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Estuarine ecology -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Description: The role of the sandprawn, Callichirus (=Callianassa) kraussi (Stebbing), as an ecosystem engineer was assessed in the lower reach of the temporarily open/closed Kasouga Estuary situated along the Eastern Cape coastline of southern Africa over the period April 2010 to June 2011. The study comprised two distinct components, a field study and a caging experiment. The field study assessed the correlation between sand prawn densities and selected physico-chemical (organic content of the sediment and bioturbation) and biological (microphytobenthic algal concentrations and macrobenthic abundance and biomass) variables in 50 quadrants in the lower reach of the estuary. Densities of the sand prawn within the quadrants ranged from 0 to 156 ind m⁻² (mean = 37 ind m⁻²). There were no significant correlations between the densities of the sandprawn and the estimates of the organic content of the sediment and the abundance and biomass of the macrofauna (P > 0.05 in all cases). Numerical analyses failed to identify any effect of the sandprawn density on the macrofaunal community structure. The rate of bioturbation was, however, strongly correlated to the sand prawn density. Similarly, the microphytobenthic alga concentrations were significantly negatively correlated to the sand prawn densities ((P < 0.05). The absence of any distinct impact of the sandprawn on the macrobenthic community structure appeared to be related to their low densities in the lower reach of the estuary during the study. To better understand the role of the sandprawn as an ecosystem engineer, a caging experiment was conducted using inclusion and exclusion treatments (n= 5 for each treatment). Densities of the sandprawn in the inclusion treatments (80 ind m⁻²) were in the range of the natural densities within the estuary. The experiment was conducted over a period of 18 weeks in the lower reach of the estuary during summer. The presence of the sandprawn, C kraussi, contributed to a significant decrease in the microphytobenthic algal concentrations and the abundance and biomass of the macrofauna (P < 0.05 in all cases). The decrease in the microphytobenthic algal concentrations in the presence of the sandprawn appeared to be related to the res-suspension of the sediments (bioturbation) generated by the burrowing and feeding activities of the sandprawn. The observed decrease in macrofaunal abundances and biomass in the inclusion treatments appeared to be mediated by both the decreased food availability (mainly the microphytobenthic algae) and the burial of organisms within the sediments. Numerical analysis indicated that the sandprawn did, however, not contribute to a change in the species composition of the macrofauna. Results of the current study indicate that C.kraussi plays an important role in structuring the invertebrate community and energy flow within temporarily/open closed Kasouga Estuary.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
- Authors: Njozela, Cuma
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Estuarine biology -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Decapoda (Crustacea) -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Biotic communities -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Bioenergetics -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Shrimps -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Estuarine ecology -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:5583 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1001539 , Estuarine biology -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Decapoda (Crustacea) -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Biotic communities -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Bioenergetics -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Shrimps -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Estuarine ecology -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Description: The role of the sandprawn, Callichirus (=Callianassa) kraussi (Stebbing), as an ecosystem engineer was assessed in the lower reach of the temporarily open/closed Kasouga Estuary situated along the Eastern Cape coastline of southern Africa over the period April 2010 to June 2011. The study comprised two distinct components, a field study and a caging experiment. The field study assessed the correlation between sand prawn densities and selected physico-chemical (organic content of the sediment and bioturbation) and biological (microphytobenthic algal concentrations and macrobenthic abundance and biomass) variables in 50 quadrants in the lower reach of the estuary. Densities of the sand prawn within the quadrants ranged from 0 to 156 ind m⁻² (mean = 37 ind m⁻²). There were no significant correlations between the densities of the sandprawn and the estimates of the organic content of the sediment and the abundance and biomass of the macrofauna (P > 0.05 in all cases). Numerical analyses failed to identify any effect of the sandprawn density on the macrofaunal community structure. The rate of bioturbation was, however, strongly correlated to the sand prawn density. Similarly, the microphytobenthic alga concentrations were significantly negatively correlated to the sand prawn densities ((P < 0.05). The absence of any distinct impact of the sandprawn on the macrobenthic community structure appeared to be related to their low densities in the lower reach of the estuary during the study. To better understand the role of the sandprawn as an ecosystem engineer, a caging experiment was conducted using inclusion and exclusion treatments (n= 5 for each treatment). Densities of the sandprawn in the inclusion treatments (80 ind m⁻²) were in the range of the natural densities within the estuary. The experiment was conducted over a period of 18 weeks in the lower reach of the estuary during summer. The presence of the sandprawn, C kraussi, contributed to a significant decrease in the microphytobenthic algal concentrations and the abundance and biomass of the macrofauna (P < 0.05 in all cases). The decrease in the microphytobenthic algal concentrations in the presence of the sandprawn appeared to be related to the res-suspension of the sediments (bioturbation) generated by the burrowing and feeding activities of the sandprawn. The observed decrease in macrofaunal abundances and biomass in the inclusion treatments appeared to be mediated by both the decreased food availability (mainly the microphytobenthic algae) and the burial of organisms within the sediments. Numerical analysis indicated that the sandprawn did, however, not contribute to a change in the species composition of the macrofauna. Results of the current study indicate that C.kraussi plays an important role in structuring the invertebrate community and energy flow within temporarily/open closed Kasouga Estuary.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
The Rotterdam Rules : a South African perspective
- Authors: Gordon, Goscelin Lucy
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Rotterdam Rules (2008) , Contracts, Maritime , Maritime law , Maritime law -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , LLM
- Identifier: vital:3662 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1001865 , Rotterdam Rules (2008) , Contracts, Maritime , Maritime law , Maritime law -- South Africa
- Description: The objective of this paper is to investigate the Rotterdam Rules, and to ascertain whether South Africa should accede to or ratify them. In order to accomplish this, South Africa's current maritime transport regime will be examined, and existing "problem areas" will be identified. This will be followed by a comparative analysis between the Rotterdam Rules and the Hague-Visby Rules, which South Africa applies as part of national law to regulate the carriage of goods by sea. As a new maritime Convention, the Rotterdam Rules have attracted widespread criticism and support, and whether such is justified will also be considered. Finally potential considerations South Africa should take into account in electing whether or not to accede or ratify the Rules have been assessed from a political, economic, social, technological, legal and environmental standpoint as at 31 December 2011
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
- Authors: Gordon, Goscelin Lucy
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Rotterdam Rules (2008) , Contracts, Maritime , Maritime law , Maritime law -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , LLM
- Identifier: vital:3662 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1001865 , Rotterdam Rules (2008) , Contracts, Maritime , Maritime law , Maritime law -- South Africa
- Description: The objective of this paper is to investigate the Rotterdam Rules, and to ascertain whether South Africa should accede to or ratify them. In order to accomplish this, South Africa's current maritime transport regime will be examined, and existing "problem areas" will be identified. This will be followed by a comparative analysis between the Rotterdam Rules and the Hague-Visby Rules, which South Africa applies as part of national law to regulate the carriage of goods by sea. As a new maritime Convention, the Rotterdam Rules have attracted widespread criticism and support, and whether such is justified will also be considered. Finally potential considerations South Africa should take into account in electing whether or not to accede or ratify the Rules have been assessed from a political, economic, social, technological, legal and environmental standpoint as at 31 December 2011
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
The screening and characterisation of compounds for modulators of heat shock protein (Hsp90) in a breast cancer cell model
- Authors: Moyo, Buhle
- Date: 2013 , 2013-07-18
- Subjects: Heat shock proteins Breast -- Cancer Breast -- Cancer -- Chemotherapy Breast -- Cancer -- Treatment Cancer cells Naphthoquinone PQQ (Biochemistry)
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: vital:4060 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1004129
- Description: Breast cancer is a leading cause of cancer death in Africa. Hsp90 has been identified as a target for anti-cancer treatments as its inhibition results in the disruption and ubiquitin–proteasome degradation of activated oncoproteins. Currently, there are no US Food and Drug Administration approved Hsp90 inhibitor drugs and existing Hsp90 inhibitors such as geldanamycin and novobiocin are hepatotoxic and display a low affinity for Hsp90, respectively. Therefore, there is a need for the development of Hsp90 inhibitors with improved inhibitory properties. In this study twelve natural compounds bearing a quinone nucleus were screened and characterised for the modulation of Hsp90. The compounds analysed formed three series; the sargaquinoic acid (SQA), naphthoquinone, and pyrroloiminoquinone alkaloid series. Certain compounds exhibited half maximal inhibitory concentrations of between 3.32 μM and 12.4 μM, while others showed no antiproliferative activity at concentrations of up to 500 μM in the MDA-MB-231 breast adenocarcinoma cell line. Immunofluorescence and Western analyses indicated that the modulation of Hsp90 and partner proteins by SQA was more similar to that of novobiocin. Isothermal titration calorimetry analyses suggested that SQA interacted with Hsp90β with a low affinity, and saturation-transfer difference nuclear magnetic resonance confirmed that this interaction with Hsp90β occurred through the methyl moiety bound to 1, 4 benzoquinone of SQA. Pulldown assays indicated SQA disrupted the association between Hsp90 and Hop dose-dependently, more similarly to novobiocin. Immunofluorescence and Western analyses performed on naphthoquinone and pyrroloiminoquinone alkaloid compounds indicated modulation of Hsp90 and Hsp90 partner proteins by the compounds. Naphthoquinone compounds were prioritised for analysis for binding to Hsp90β over the pyrroloiminoquinone alkaloid compounds. Lapachol interacted with Hsp90β with a low affinity however; this interaction was thought to be too weak to disrupt the association of Hsp90 and Hop. The remaining naphthoquinone compounds showed no interaction with Hsp90β, thus allowing the determination of a preliminary structure-activity relationship for these compounds. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to describe a systematic subcellular analysis of the effects of geldanamycin and novobiocin in comparison to sargaquinoic acid and compounds of the naphthoquinone and pyrroloquinoline scaffold on Hsp90 and its partner proteins. , Microsoft� Word 2010 , Adobe Acrobat 9.54 Paper Capture Plug-in
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
- Authors: Moyo, Buhle
- Date: 2013 , 2013-07-18
- Subjects: Heat shock proteins Breast -- Cancer Breast -- Cancer -- Chemotherapy Breast -- Cancer -- Treatment Cancer cells Naphthoquinone PQQ (Biochemistry)
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: vital:4060 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1004129
- Description: Breast cancer is a leading cause of cancer death in Africa. Hsp90 has been identified as a target for anti-cancer treatments as its inhibition results in the disruption and ubiquitin–proteasome degradation of activated oncoproteins. Currently, there are no US Food and Drug Administration approved Hsp90 inhibitor drugs and existing Hsp90 inhibitors such as geldanamycin and novobiocin are hepatotoxic and display a low affinity for Hsp90, respectively. Therefore, there is a need for the development of Hsp90 inhibitors with improved inhibitory properties. In this study twelve natural compounds bearing a quinone nucleus were screened and characterised for the modulation of Hsp90. The compounds analysed formed three series; the sargaquinoic acid (SQA), naphthoquinone, and pyrroloiminoquinone alkaloid series. Certain compounds exhibited half maximal inhibitory concentrations of between 3.32 μM and 12.4 μM, while others showed no antiproliferative activity at concentrations of up to 500 μM in the MDA-MB-231 breast adenocarcinoma cell line. Immunofluorescence and Western analyses indicated that the modulation of Hsp90 and partner proteins by SQA was more similar to that of novobiocin. Isothermal titration calorimetry analyses suggested that SQA interacted with Hsp90β with a low affinity, and saturation-transfer difference nuclear magnetic resonance confirmed that this interaction with Hsp90β occurred through the methyl moiety bound to 1, 4 benzoquinone of SQA. Pulldown assays indicated SQA disrupted the association between Hsp90 and Hop dose-dependently, more similarly to novobiocin. Immunofluorescence and Western analyses performed on naphthoquinone and pyrroloiminoquinone alkaloid compounds indicated modulation of Hsp90 and Hsp90 partner proteins by the compounds. Naphthoquinone compounds were prioritised for analysis for binding to Hsp90β over the pyrroloiminoquinone alkaloid compounds. Lapachol interacted with Hsp90β with a low affinity however; this interaction was thought to be too weak to disrupt the association of Hsp90 and Hop. The remaining naphthoquinone compounds showed no interaction with Hsp90β, thus allowing the determination of a preliminary structure-activity relationship for these compounds. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to describe a systematic subcellular analysis of the effects of geldanamycin and novobiocin in comparison to sargaquinoic acid and compounds of the naphthoquinone and pyrroloquinoline scaffold on Hsp90 and its partner proteins. , Microsoft� Word 2010 , Adobe Acrobat 9.54 Paper Capture Plug-in
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013