Art and authority : aspects of Russian art since 1917
- Authors: Thompson, Rowan Douglas
- Date: 1991
- Subjects: Authority in art Art, Russian Art, Russian -- 20th century
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MFA
- Identifier: vital:2450 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1007298
- Description: From Introduction: The Artist was denied any role in Plato's Republic because of his ability to impair reason by imitating reality through his works. Aristotle, however, welcomed the artist because of his ability to express ideas about society through artistic form. Ernst Fischer agrees with the latter view, "Art enables man to comprehend reality, and not only helps him to bear it but increases his determination to make it more human and more worthy of mankind. Art is itself a social reality, society needs the artist ... and it has a right to demand of him that he should be conscious of his social function" (Fischer: 1963:46). Fischer adds to Aristotle's view by stating that society has a right to demand a social function from the artist. This issue has been the subject of controversial debate throughout the history of art. In a society based on class, the classes try to recruit art to serve their particular purposes. Art is seen by some as a powerful weapon - a means by which people can be swayed towards certain ideals. At the time of the Counter Reformation Italian artists were given strict instructions by the Jesuits on how to persuade and educate the people with their paintings. Napoleon urged his men of letters, painters and architects to refer to the classical ideals of ancient Greece and Rome to shape the emergent French Republic. The French philosopher, Dennis Diderot, stressed the futility of art unless it expressed great prinCiples or lessons for the spectator. Ideals of justice, courage and patriotism were embodied in the Neo-Classical movement. The didactic paintings of Jacques Louis David portray the above ideals. History records several attempts by those in power to coerce artists into conforming to their idea of society, indicating that authoritative manipulation of the arts is not purely a twentieth century phenomenon. This thesis intends to examine aspects of Russian art since 1917. Because Soviet art was dominated by policies which enabled authorities to determine its content, its history raises ideological issues which are relevant to the study of art. The theories of Suprematism, Constructivism and Socialist Realism will be discussed and conclusions will be drawn as to whether these theories succeeded as art movements which were ostensibly designed for the improvement of mankind. Present attitudes toward the visual arts in Russia will also be examined. However, in order to examine the above it is necessary to place the development of art into historical perspective.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Thompson, Rowan Douglas
- Date: 1991
- Subjects: Authority in art Art, Russian Art, Russian -- 20th century
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MFA
- Identifier: vital:2450 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1007298
- Description: From Introduction: The Artist was denied any role in Plato's Republic because of his ability to impair reason by imitating reality through his works. Aristotle, however, welcomed the artist because of his ability to express ideas about society through artistic form. Ernst Fischer agrees with the latter view, "Art enables man to comprehend reality, and not only helps him to bear it but increases his determination to make it more human and more worthy of mankind. Art is itself a social reality, society needs the artist ... and it has a right to demand of him that he should be conscious of his social function" (Fischer: 1963:46). Fischer adds to Aristotle's view by stating that society has a right to demand a social function from the artist. This issue has been the subject of controversial debate throughout the history of art. In a society based on class, the classes try to recruit art to serve their particular purposes. Art is seen by some as a powerful weapon - a means by which people can be swayed towards certain ideals. At the time of the Counter Reformation Italian artists were given strict instructions by the Jesuits on how to persuade and educate the people with their paintings. Napoleon urged his men of letters, painters and architects to refer to the classical ideals of ancient Greece and Rome to shape the emergent French Republic. The French philosopher, Dennis Diderot, stressed the futility of art unless it expressed great prinCiples or lessons for the spectator. Ideals of justice, courage and patriotism were embodied in the Neo-Classical movement. The didactic paintings of Jacques Louis David portray the above ideals. History records several attempts by those in power to coerce artists into conforming to their idea of society, indicating that authoritative manipulation of the arts is not purely a twentieth century phenomenon. This thesis intends to examine aspects of Russian art since 1917. Because Soviet art was dominated by policies which enabled authorities to determine its content, its history raises ideological issues which are relevant to the study of art. The theories of Suprematism, Constructivism and Socialist Realism will be discussed and conclusions will be drawn as to whether these theories succeeded as art movements which were ostensibly designed for the improvement of mankind. Present attitudes toward the visual arts in Russia will also be examined. However, in order to examine the above it is necessary to place the development of art into historical perspective.
- Full Text:
Aspects of the biology, ecology and population dynamics of Galeichthys feliceps (Valenciennes) and G. ater (Castelnau) (Pisces: Ariidae) off the south-east coast of South Africa
- Authors: Tilney, Robin Lewis
- Date: 1991
- Subjects: Catfishes -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: vital:5221 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1005064
- Description: This thesis represents a detailed investigation into aspects of the biology, ecology and population dynamics of two endemic ariid species, Galeichthys feliceps and G. ater, off the southeast coast of South Africa. The two species are exploited as a by-catch in the commercial ski-boat fishery off Port Alfred, a fishery dominated by highly fecund sparid and sciaenid species. They collectively constitute approximately 10% of the total annual catch in terms of landed mass G. feliceps outnumber G. ater in the catches by a ratio of 3:1. The investigation was designed to provide the biological data required for stock assessment and to determine optimum management strategies for the two populations. The implications of their K-selected life-history styles for exploitation received particular attention. While the two species were sympatric and had similar depth distributions they were found to be allopatric with respect to their foraging habitats. G. feliceps foraged over sandy and muddy substrata in marine and estuarine environments. G. ater fed only on reef-associated species and did not utilise estuaries. Their feeding-associated morphologies were identical and both species preyed primarily on crustaceans (brachyuran crabs and isopods), echiurids, molluscs and polychaetes. The diet of G. ater was broader in terms of the number of species consumed. The two species are mouth-brooders with low fecundity. G. feliceps and G. ater produced a mean of 49 and 32 eggs each, per annum. The buccal incubation period was determined to be in the region of 140 days for G. feliceps. Embryos hatched after approximately 75-80 days and the young began exogenous feeding thereafter. The young fed intra-buccally on detritus provided by the parent. Adult buccal mucus may also have been used as a food source. Young were released at a total length of ± 55mm. Adult males ceased feeding whilst mouth-brooding. Body musculature, abdominal fat and liver reserves provided energy for basal metabolism and males lost approximately 28% of their body mass during buccal incubation. Females expended less reproductive energy than males. Catches were dominated by mature fish (76% in G. feliceps and 97% in G. ater). Females were significantly more abundant in catches during the spawning and mouth-brooding period. The female to male sex ratios were 1.65:1 and 2.23:1 for G. feliceps and G. ater respectively. Age and growth studies revealed that the two species mature at advanced ages (10 and 9 years for G. feliceps and 9 and 7 years for G. ater males and females respectively). They are long-lived, reaching ages in excess of 18 years in G. feliceps and in excess of 15 years in G. ater. Females live longer than males and grow larger. Yield-per-recruit and spawner biomass-per-recruit analyses demonstrated that G. ater were exploited below FO.1 at a level where spawner biomass-per-recruit was reduced to between 45% and 65% of the unexploited level. The G. ater stock was not adversely affected by current levels of fishing effort. For G. feliceps, both sexes were exploited beyond F₀.₁ where spawner biomass-per-recruit was reduced to between 30% and 22% of the unexploited level. G. feliceps were shown to be sensitive to relatively low levels of exploitation, a phenomenon attributed to their highly Kselected life-history style. Should the species become targeted for in the future, effort restrictions in the form of a closed season during the spawning and mouth-brooding period would prove effective in reducing effort and conserving the population sex ratio.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Tilney, Robin Lewis
- Date: 1991
- Subjects: Catfishes -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: vital:5221 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1005064
- Description: This thesis represents a detailed investigation into aspects of the biology, ecology and population dynamics of two endemic ariid species, Galeichthys feliceps and G. ater, off the southeast coast of South Africa. The two species are exploited as a by-catch in the commercial ski-boat fishery off Port Alfred, a fishery dominated by highly fecund sparid and sciaenid species. They collectively constitute approximately 10% of the total annual catch in terms of landed mass G. feliceps outnumber G. ater in the catches by a ratio of 3:1. The investigation was designed to provide the biological data required for stock assessment and to determine optimum management strategies for the two populations. The implications of their K-selected life-history styles for exploitation received particular attention. While the two species were sympatric and had similar depth distributions they were found to be allopatric with respect to their foraging habitats. G. feliceps foraged over sandy and muddy substrata in marine and estuarine environments. G. ater fed only on reef-associated species and did not utilise estuaries. Their feeding-associated morphologies were identical and both species preyed primarily on crustaceans (brachyuran crabs and isopods), echiurids, molluscs and polychaetes. The diet of G. ater was broader in terms of the number of species consumed. The two species are mouth-brooders with low fecundity. G. feliceps and G. ater produced a mean of 49 and 32 eggs each, per annum. The buccal incubation period was determined to be in the region of 140 days for G. feliceps. Embryos hatched after approximately 75-80 days and the young began exogenous feeding thereafter. The young fed intra-buccally on detritus provided by the parent. Adult buccal mucus may also have been used as a food source. Young were released at a total length of ± 55mm. Adult males ceased feeding whilst mouth-brooding. Body musculature, abdominal fat and liver reserves provided energy for basal metabolism and males lost approximately 28% of their body mass during buccal incubation. Females expended less reproductive energy than males. Catches were dominated by mature fish (76% in G. feliceps and 97% in G. ater). Females were significantly more abundant in catches during the spawning and mouth-brooding period. The female to male sex ratios were 1.65:1 and 2.23:1 for G. feliceps and G. ater respectively. Age and growth studies revealed that the two species mature at advanced ages (10 and 9 years for G. feliceps and 9 and 7 years for G. ater males and females respectively). They are long-lived, reaching ages in excess of 18 years in G. feliceps and in excess of 15 years in G. ater. Females live longer than males and grow larger. Yield-per-recruit and spawner biomass-per-recruit analyses demonstrated that G. ater were exploited below FO.1 at a level where spawner biomass-per-recruit was reduced to between 45% and 65% of the unexploited level. The G. ater stock was not adversely affected by current levels of fishing effort. For G. feliceps, both sexes were exploited beyond F₀.₁ where spawner biomass-per-recruit was reduced to between 30% and 22% of the unexploited level. G. feliceps were shown to be sensitive to relatively low levels of exploitation, a phenomenon attributed to their highly Kselected life-history style. Should the species become targeted for in the future, effort restrictions in the form of a closed season during the spawning and mouth-brooding period would prove effective in reducing effort and conserving the population sex ratio.
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Aspects of the structure and function of some gastropod columellar muscles (Mollusca)
- Authors: Frescura, Mandy
- Date: 1991
- Subjects: Gastropoda -- Research Mollusks -- Research
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: vital:5642 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1005324
- Description: The columellar muscle of both limpets and coiled shell gastropods is of the paramyosin smooth type. Collagen forms an integral part of the musculature constituting about 35% of the tissue. In limpets, muscle organisation is typical of a muscular hydrostat. Tightly packed blocks of muscle, dense arrays of cross-linked collagen, large muscle cells (9 µm diameter) and thick filaments (70 nm diameter, 30 µm long) produce a tough, relatively rigid but powerful muscle. In coiled shell gastropods, muscle organisation is intermediate between a muscular and a fluid hydrostat. Finer muscle cells (6 µm diameter), thick filaments (60 nm diameter) and a loose intercellular network of collagen interspersed with fluid vesicles are features of a more pliable and extensible muscle. In addition, ultrastructural differences, such as larger numbers of mitochondria and sarcolemmal invaginations distinguish the tarsal from the columellar muscle in both limpets and coiled shell gastropods. About 25% of muscle cells in most species examined, contain a novel arrangement of thin filaments with periodic electron-dense regions. These are similar in appearance to intrafusal cells and stress-fibres of non-muscle cells. Structural analysis of isolated filaments, optical diffraction and SDS gel electrophoresis confirm the, large dimensions and the paramyosin nature of the thick filaments. Microdensitometry of the gel proteins confirms the high proportion of collagen present. No significant differences in muscle ultrastructure were found between limpets from different tidal heights. Muscle attachment areas are shown to be species-specific and positively correlated to tenacity and wave exposure. The muscle attachment mechanism is similar to that described for other molluscs. It consists of a special epithelial layer and a mucous-like material at the muscle-shell interface that possibly has an adhesive function. Although the ultrastructure of Patella is very similar to that of the anterior byssus retractor of Mytilus, its mechanical behaviour is not. The muscle has a narrow working range where maximum tensions and "catch-like" contractions develop. This narrow length range is co-incident with the in situ length at which clamping occurs. It is suggested that the large component of collagen has an important influence over the mechanical behaviour of the muscle during clamping, by cross-linking in a manner similar to that described for some echinoderm connective tissues.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Frescura, Mandy
- Date: 1991
- Subjects: Gastropoda -- Research Mollusks -- Research
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: vital:5642 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1005324
- Description: The columellar muscle of both limpets and coiled shell gastropods is of the paramyosin smooth type. Collagen forms an integral part of the musculature constituting about 35% of the tissue. In limpets, muscle organisation is typical of a muscular hydrostat. Tightly packed blocks of muscle, dense arrays of cross-linked collagen, large muscle cells (9 µm diameter) and thick filaments (70 nm diameter, 30 µm long) produce a tough, relatively rigid but powerful muscle. In coiled shell gastropods, muscle organisation is intermediate between a muscular and a fluid hydrostat. Finer muscle cells (6 µm diameter), thick filaments (60 nm diameter) and a loose intercellular network of collagen interspersed with fluid vesicles are features of a more pliable and extensible muscle. In addition, ultrastructural differences, such as larger numbers of mitochondria and sarcolemmal invaginations distinguish the tarsal from the columellar muscle in both limpets and coiled shell gastropods. About 25% of muscle cells in most species examined, contain a novel arrangement of thin filaments with periodic electron-dense regions. These are similar in appearance to intrafusal cells and stress-fibres of non-muscle cells. Structural analysis of isolated filaments, optical diffraction and SDS gel electrophoresis confirm the, large dimensions and the paramyosin nature of the thick filaments. Microdensitometry of the gel proteins confirms the high proportion of collagen present. No significant differences in muscle ultrastructure were found between limpets from different tidal heights. Muscle attachment areas are shown to be species-specific and positively correlated to tenacity and wave exposure. The muscle attachment mechanism is similar to that described for other molluscs. It consists of a special epithelial layer and a mucous-like material at the muscle-shell interface that possibly has an adhesive function. Although the ultrastructure of Patella is very similar to that of the anterior byssus retractor of Mytilus, its mechanical behaviour is not. The muscle has a narrow working range where maximum tensions and "catch-like" contractions develop. This narrow length range is co-incident with the in situ length at which clamping occurs. It is suggested that the large component of collagen has an important influence over the mechanical behaviour of the muscle during clamping, by cross-linking in a manner similar to that described for some echinoderm connective tissues.
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Bantu education: the black teacher's lived experience of conflict
- Ramabulana, Ronald Thifulufhelwi
- Authors: Ramabulana, Ronald Thifulufhelwi
- Date: 1991
- Subjects: Conflict (Psychology) , Teachers, Black -- Psychology Case studies , Teachers, Black -- South Africa , Education -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:3039 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002548 , Conflict (Psychology) , Teachers, Black -- Psychology Case studies , Teachers, Black -- South Africa , Education -- South Africa
- Description: This work is a descriptive phenomenological study of the experience of conflict that is lived by black teachers in the Bantu Education context. Subjects are teachers from the East Rand and Eastern Cape who have high school teaching experience that ranges from 1 to 15 years. The conflict researched was defined as those situations in which the teacher faced demands or expectations from different interest groups which were incompatible or negated each other. The Subjects of this research were six teachers who were interviewed for case material. The phenomenological case study design was used. Data collection consisted of in-depth interviews while analysis followed the phenomenological method developed at Duquesne University. This was an exploratory study which identified two major forms of conflict. The first exists between the teacher's expectation of teaching and the education authorities' expectation of how and what the teacher should teach in lessons. The second form of conflict identified is that in which the teacher's allegiance to one social group or ideology is violated by the teacher's participation in a system of education that negates his/her view about the South African sociopolitical situation. In the latter case the teacher is forced to comply with commitments or demands placed on him/her which negate each other. Van den Berg's theory of plural existence was used to inform data analysis and so was the theory of cognitive change and inconsistency.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Ramabulana, Ronald Thifulufhelwi
- Date: 1991
- Subjects: Conflict (Psychology) , Teachers, Black -- Psychology Case studies , Teachers, Black -- South Africa , Education -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:3039 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002548 , Conflict (Psychology) , Teachers, Black -- Psychology Case studies , Teachers, Black -- South Africa , Education -- South Africa
- Description: This work is a descriptive phenomenological study of the experience of conflict that is lived by black teachers in the Bantu Education context. Subjects are teachers from the East Rand and Eastern Cape who have high school teaching experience that ranges from 1 to 15 years. The conflict researched was defined as those situations in which the teacher faced demands or expectations from different interest groups which were incompatible or negated each other. The Subjects of this research were six teachers who were interviewed for case material. The phenomenological case study design was used. Data collection consisted of in-depth interviews while analysis followed the phenomenological method developed at Duquesne University. This was an exploratory study which identified two major forms of conflict. The first exists between the teacher's expectation of teaching and the education authorities' expectation of how and what the teacher should teach in lessons. The second form of conflict identified is that in which the teacher's allegiance to one social group or ideology is violated by the teacher's participation in a system of education that negates his/her view about the South African sociopolitical situation. In the latter case the teacher is forced to comply with commitments or demands placed on him/her which negate each other. Van den Berg's theory of plural existence was used to inform data analysis and so was the theory of cognitive change and inconsistency.
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Baptism in the scheme of salvation as understood by St. Luke with special reference to Acts 2:37-3:21
- Authors: Goodyer, Edward Arthur
- Date: 1991
- Subjects: Bible -- Commentaries , Baptism , Baptism -- Biblical teaching , Church history -- Primitive and early church, ca. 30-600
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTh
- Identifier: vital:1310 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1018219
- Description: The aim of this thesis is to investigate what can be discovered from Luke-Acts about early Christian baptism, recognising that the environment in which Luke's tradition developed was both Jewish and Gentile. The thesis begins with a brief survey of the Jewish practice of ritual washings. The ideas and practices which encouraged the formal rite of John the Baptist and the early church are identified and evaluated. The second chapter focuses attention on Acts 2:37-3:21. Baptism is defined in this passage (Ac. 2:38) in the context of the proclamation by Peter (Ac. 2:14-36) and the life of the community, which includes koinonia (Ac. 2:42-47), the performance of a miracle (Ac. 3:1-1 0), and a further proclamation (Ac. 3:12-26). Using the methods of redaktiongeschichte and narratological analyses, the literary unity of Luke-Acts will be shown in the light of the elements of baptism. In the third chapter the different accounts of baptism recorded in Luke-Acts will be analysed and compared in order to determine how the church tradition which Luke represents understood baptism, and what was the significance of the rite and the practice of baptism in the early church. Finally, in order to emphasise the importance in the Greek world of the ideas and example of the moral philosophers, the meaning of terms related to baptism, such as akouo, metanoeo and pisteuo, is examined in the light of both Jewish and Greek concepts. The community life of the baptised expressed also practices and ideas which appear to owe more to the Greek world than the Jewish. These concepts include parrhesia, koinonia, and the way in which Christianity is described by its members and outsiders- Christianoi, hairesis, hodos. Finally the setting of the Christian meetings in the Gentile context is discussed. The conclusion indicated by the evidence is that Christianity was organised in a form which was scarcely distinguishable from a school under a kathegetes. Baptism initiated the believer into a relationship with a teacher. It was the nature of the teacher as well as the content of the teaching which gave to Christianity its uniqueness.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Goodyer, Edward Arthur
- Date: 1991
- Subjects: Bible -- Commentaries , Baptism , Baptism -- Biblical teaching , Church history -- Primitive and early church, ca. 30-600
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTh
- Identifier: vital:1310 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1018219
- Description: The aim of this thesis is to investigate what can be discovered from Luke-Acts about early Christian baptism, recognising that the environment in which Luke's tradition developed was both Jewish and Gentile. The thesis begins with a brief survey of the Jewish practice of ritual washings. The ideas and practices which encouraged the formal rite of John the Baptist and the early church are identified and evaluated. The second chapter focuses attention on Acts 2:37-3:21. Baptism is defined in this passage (Ac. 2:38) in the context of the proclamation by Peter (Ac. 2:14-36) and the life of the community, which includes koinonia (Ac. 2:42-47), the performance of a miracle (Ac. 3:1-1 0), and a further proclamation (Ac. 3:12-26). Using the methods of redaktiongeschichte and narratological analyses, the literary unity of Luke-Acts will be shown in the light of the elements of baptism. In the third chapter the different accounts of baptism recorded in Luke-Acts will be analysed and compared in order to determine how the church tradition which Luke represents understood baptism, and what was the significance of the rite and the practice of baptism in the early church. Finally, in order to emphasise the importance in the Greek world of the ideas and example of the moral philosophers, the meaning of terms related to baptism, such as akouo, metanoeo and pisteuo, is examined in the light of both Jewish and Greek concepts. The community life of the baptised expressed also practices and ideas which appear to owe more to the Greek world than the Jewish. These concepts include parrhesia, koinonia, and the way in which Christianity is described by its members and outsiders- Christianoi, hairesis, hodos. Finally the setting of the Christian meetings in the Gentile context is discussed. The conclusion indicated by the evidence is that Christianity was organised in a form which was scarcely distinguishable from a school under a kathegetes. Baptism initiated the believer into a relationship with a teacher. It was the nature of the teacher as well as the content of the teaching which gave to Christianity its uniqueness.
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Beyond all words : a psychoanalytic approach to the phenomenon of mysticism in literature
- Authors: Bunyan, David Christopher
- Date: 1991
- Subjects: Mysticism in literature Mysticism -- Psychological aspects
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: vital:2242 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002285
- Description: The principal claim of this thesis is that the mystical experience is a wide-ranging influence upon literature. It is a recurrent thematic concern of poets, novelists and playwrights; but even when mysticism is not an overt element in a text, analysis of its symbols can reveal references to emotions and experiences of a mystical character - as is frequently the case with fantasy. In a more essential way, certain widely-used techniques of poetry effectively reproduce the character of mystical events for the reader. Some theory does indeed imply that the mystical bearing is quite fundamental, at a certain level, to all creative literature. This thesis explores the link between mysticism and literature through widely differing examples, to show how it continues to be found in otherwise divergent texts and contexts. Indeed, no attempt is made to provide an exhaustive overview; rather, certain special areas of interest are represented by selected cases. Mystical elements in Modernism, for example (especially in T.S. Eliot and Virginia Woolf), are contrasted with Romantic attitudes to mysticism, which Wordsworth and Coleridge are taken to represent. A further goal is to analyse the character of literary mysticism, and to account for the connection between mysticism and literary practice. The view is adopted that the circumstances in which the infant first acquires language is of crucial importance in this regard, and that literary language often draws upon submerged recollections of these early circumstances. Literature, it is argued, can employ signs and patterns of symbolisation in ways that actually attempt to 'undo' many of the everyday functions of words. The ultimate ideal of such literary techniques is to 'reverse' the process by which language was acquired and to 'return' the reader to a state resembling pre-linguistic experience, a goal which has much in common with the ambitions of mystics. Jacques Lacan's theoretical writings touch at many points upon the early development of the child and the significance of its acquisition of language. This thesis consequently has recourse to Lacan's work and, where relevant, to related psychoanalytic writings by Sigmund Freud and Julia Kristeva. After an investigation of the main characteristics of mystical experience as such, the Introduction broadly outlines Lacan's theoretical position. Chapter 1 is concerned more specifically with Lacan's discussions of mysticism. Part Two (Chapters 2-4) deals principally with the links between mystical yearnings and the Romantic ideal of the 'sublime'. In Part Three (Chapters 5-7) the relation between mysticism and Modernist developments affecting both theme and artistic technique is examined in works by three writers: T.S. Eliot, Virginia Woolf, and Fernando Pessoa. Part Four discusses particular literary presentations of 'evil' and of 'good' as embodiments of mystical perceptions. Late nineteenth- and early twentieth-century 'supernatural' fiction is selected to represent the first case, and certain New Testament and early Christian texts the second.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Bunyan, David Christopher
- Date: 1991
- Subjects: Mysticism in literature Mysticism -- Psychological aspects
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: vital:2242 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002285
- Description: The principal claim of this thesis is that the mystical experience is a wide-ranging influence upon literature. It is a recurrent thematic concern of poets, novelists and playwrights; but even when mysticism is not an overt element in a text, analysis of its symbols can reveal references to emotions and experiences of a mystical character - as is frequently the case with fantasy. In a more essential way, certain widely-used techniques of poetry effectively reproduce the character of mystical events for the reader. Some theory does indeed imply that the mystical bearing is quite fundamental, at a certain level, to all creative literature. This thesis explores the link between mysticism and literature through widely differing examples, to show how it continues to be found in otherwise divergent texts and contexts. Indeed, no attempt is made to provide an exhaustive overview; rather, certain special areas of interest are represented by selected cases. Mystical elements in Modernism, for example (especially in T.S. Eliot and Virginia Woolf), are contrasted with Romantic attitudes to mysticism, which Wordsworth and Coleridge are taken to represent. A further goal is to analyse the character of literary mysticism, and to account for the connection between mysticism and literary practice. The view is adopted that the circumstances in which the infant first acquires language is of crucial importance in this regard, and that literary language often draws upon submerged recollections of these early circumstances. Literature, it is argued, can employ signs and patterns of symbolisation in ways that actually attempt to 'undo' many of the everyday functions of words. The ultimate ideal of such literary techniques is to 'reverse' the process by which language was acquired and to 'return' the reader to a state resembling pre-linguistic experience, a goal which has much in common with the ambitions of mystics. Jacques Lacan's theoretical writings touch at many points upon the early development of the child and the significance of its acquisition of language. This thesis consequently has recourse to Lacan's work and, where relevant, to related psychoanalytic writings by Sigmund Freud and Julia Kristeva. After an investigation of the main characteristics of mystical experience as such, the Introduction broadly outlines Lacan's theoretical position. Chapter 1 is concerned more specifically with Lacan's discussions of mysticism. Part Two (Chapters 2-4) deals principally with the links between mystical yearnings and the Romantic ideal of the 'sublime'. In Part Three (Chapters 5-7) the relation between mysticism and Modernist developments affecting both theme and artistic technique is examined in works by three writers: T.S. Eliot, Virginia Woolf, and Fernando Pessoa. Part Four discusses particular literary presentations of 'evil' and of 'good' as embodiments of mystical perceptions. Late nineteenth- and early twentieth-century 'supernatural' fiction is selected to represent the first case, and certain New Testament and early Christian texts the second.
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Binary and ternary pyrotechnic systems containing manganese, molybdenum, barium peroxide and strontium peroxide
- Authors: Drennan, Robin Lennox
- Date: 1991
- Subjects: Thermochemistry -- Research Thermal analysis -- Research Chemistry, Analytic -- Research Manganese Molybdenum
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: vital:4411 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1006765
- Description: Barium peroxide was selected as oxidant in a fundamental physico-chemical study of binary pyrotechnic systems on account of its apparently simple decomposition stoichiometry. With this selection, the choice of fuel was governed by the requirements of a self-sustaining reaction at combustion temperatures below the melting point of the platinum/rhodium thermocouples (∼1760°C) used for recording temperature-time profiles during burning, and at burning rates not exceeding the response of the sensors used to monitor combustion. Both manganese and molybdenum metal powders satisfied the above requirements. Strontium peroxide was also available as an oxidant and so the combustion of binary metal/oxidant systems using both fuels and both BaO₂ and SrO₂ oxidants was investigated. The Mn/BaO₂, MoBaO₂ and Mn/SrO₂ systems burnt over a wide range of compositions, but the range of ignitable compositions for the Mo/SrO₂ system was very limited. The linear burning rates, for all these systems, ranged from 2 to 12 mm s⁻¹ and burning rates were increased by the use of smaller particle-sizes of fuel and greater loading pressures. Inert additives generally decreased the burning rate. Temperature-time profiles were recorded for all the compositions which sustained combustion. Kinetic parameters were estimated from the shapes of these profiles using procedures developed by Hill et al and Boddington and Laye. Activation energies derived from the profiles were low (3 to 40 kJ mol⁻¹) and support suggestions that reactions at high temperatures are controlled by diffusion processes. Thermal analysis was used to identify the processes occurring in the four systems. The main exothermic events were observed to correspond approximately with the onset of oxidant decomposition. A pre-ignition reaction was tentatively identified in the Mn/BaO₂ system. Oxidation of the metal fuels was generally incomplete, probably because of the formation of protective layers of product. Activation energies, derived from thermal analysis results, were in the range of from 70 to 720 kJ mol⁻¹. Ternary systems containing either mixed fuels or mixed oxidants were also examined. No interactions hetween the fuels or between the oxidants were observed. Other techniques used included bomb calorimetry, measurement of thermal conductivity, X-ray powder diffraction, infrared spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Drennan, Robin Lennox
- Date: 1991
- Subjects: Thermochemistry -- Research Thermal analysis -- Research Chemistry, Analytic -- Research Manganese Molybdenum
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: vital:4411 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1006765
- Description: Barium peroxide was selected as oxidant in a fundamental physico-chemical study of binary pyrotechnic systems on account of its apparently simple decomposition stoichiometry. With this selection, the choice of fuel was governed by the requirements of a self-sustaining reaction at combustion temperatures below the melting point of the platinum/rhodium thermocouples (∼1760°C) used for recording temperature-time profiles during burning, and at burning rates not exceeding the response of the sensors used to monitor combustion. Both manganese and molybdenum metal powders satisfied the above requirements. Strontium peroxide was also available as an oxidant and so the combustion of binary metal/oxidant systems using both fuels and both BaO₂ and SrO₂ oxidants was investigated. The Mn/BaO₂, MoBaO₂ and Mn/SrO₂ systems burnt over a wide range of compositions, but the range of ignitable compositions for the Mo/SrO₂ system was very limited. The linear burning rates, for all these systems, ranged from 2 to 12 mm s⁻¹ and burning rates were increased by the use of smaller particle-sizes of fuel and greater loading pressures. Inert additives generally decreased the burning rate. Temperature-time profiles were recorded for all the compositions which sustained combustion. Kinetic parameters were estimated from the shapes of these profiles using procedures developed by Hill et al and Boddington and Laye. Activation energies derived from the profiles were low (3 to 40 kJ mol⁻¹) and support suggestions that reactions at high temperatures are controlled by diffusion processes. Thermal analysis was used to identify the processes occurring in the four systems. The main exothermic events were observed to correspond approximately with the onset of oxidant decomposition. A pre-ignition reaction was tentatively identified in the Mn/BaO₂ system. Oxidation of the metal fuels was generally incomplete, probably because of the formation of protective layers of product. Activation energies, derived from thermal analysis results, were in the range of from 70 to 720 kJ mol⁻¹. Ternary systems containing either mixed fuels or mixed oxidants were also examined. No interactions hetween the fuels or between the oxidants were observed. Other techniques used included bomb calorimetry, measurement of thermal conductivity, X-ray powder diffraction, infrared spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy.
- Full Text:
Bioenergetics of Simuliidae (Diptera) larvae in the Buffalo River (Eastern Cape Province)
- Authors: Scott, Penelope Jane
- Date: 1991
- Subjects: Simuliidae -- South Africa Diptera - -South Africa Bioenergetics , Simuliidae -- South Africa , Diptera -- South Africa , Bioenergetics
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:5591 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002041
- Description: Ingestion, assimilation and egestion rates of different sized filter-feeding blackfly larvae Simulium medusaeforme/hargreavesi (Diptera: Simuliidae) were determined. The effects of food type, food concentration and larval size on ingestion rates were tested. These bioenergetic parameters were used to obtain an indication of the importance of blackfly larvae in processing of particulate organic matter in the Buffalo River. Mean ingestion rates for S. medusaeforme/hargreavesi larvae feeding in the field ranged from 900 - 1600 μg/mg/h compared with those for larvae feeding in the laboratory on the same food type (260 - 680 μg/mg/h) and on algae, Chlorella sp. (590 - 1110 μg/mg/h) and Selenastrum sp. (340 - 1140 μg/mg/h). Ingestion rates obtained in this study were much higher than those reported by previous workers. These high ingestion rates are thought to be related to the low organic fraction of the suspended solids in transport in the Buffalo River. Larger larvae were found to ingest between three and six times as much food as smaller larvae. Ingestion rates were affected by the presence of nematodes and by imminent pupation. Assimilation rates on algae ranged from 2.3 - 49.0 μg/mg/h and were comparable with results of previous workers. The low assimilation efficiencies obtained for larvae feeding on algae (0.4 - 15.1 %) are due to the high ingestion rates. From a survey of the Buffalo River larvae were found to ingest between 0.00011 - 0.15 % of the suspended solids per metre of stream bed, about 1 - 7 times more than what has been reported by other workers. In the upper reaches of the Buffalo River larvae were potentially able to ingest all the suspended solids in the size class 0 - 250μ.m within a distance of 3.2km. Blackfly larvae play an important qualitative role in the functioning of a river system as they remove seston from transport and facilitate the action of gut microflora. Blackfly larvae in association with micro-organisms and other invertebrates are responsible for the majority of the retention and mineralisation of organic matter in the river
- Full Text:
- Authors: Scott, Penelope Jane
- Date: 1991
- Subjects: Simuliidae -- South Africa Diptera - -South Africa Bioenergetics , Simuliidae -- South Africa , Diptera -- South Africa , Bioenergetics
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:5591 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002041
- Description: Ingestion, assimilation and egestion rates of different sized filter-feeding blackfly larvae Simulium medusaeforme/hargreavesi (Diptera: Simuliidae) were determined. The effects of food type, food concentration and larval size on ingestion rates were tested. These bioenergetic parameters were used to obtain an indication of the importance of blackfly larvae in processing of particulate organic matter in the Buffalo River. Mean ingestion rates for S. medusaeforme/hargreavesi larvae feeding in the field ranged from 900 - 1600 μg/mg/h compared with those for larvae feeding in the laboratory on the same food type (260 - 680 μg/mg/h) and on algae, Chlorella sp. (590 - 1110 μg/mg/h) and Selenastrum sp. (340 - 1140 μg/mg/h). Ingestion rates obtained in this study were much higher than those reported by previous workers. These high ingestion rates are thought to be related to the low organic fraction of the suspended solids in transport in the Buffalo River. Larger larvae were found to ingest between three and six times as much food as smaller larvae. Ingestion rates were affected by the presence of nematodes and by imminent pupation. Assimilation rates on algae ranged from 2.3 - 49.0 μg/mg/h and were comparable with results of previous workers. The low assimilation efficiencies obtained for larvae feeding on algae (0.4 - 15.1 %) are due to the high ingestion rates. From a survey of the Buffalo River larvae were found to ingest between 0.00011 - 0.15 % of the suspended solids per metre of stream bed, about 1 - 7 times more than what has been reported by other workers. In the upper reaches of the Buffalo River larvae were potentially able to ingest all the suspended solids in the size class 0 - 250μ.m within a distance of 3.2km. Blackfly larvae play an important qualitative role in the functioning of a river system as they remove seston from transport and facilitate the action of gut microflora. Blackfly larvae in association with micro-organisms and other invertebrates are responsible for the majority of the retention and mineralisation of organic matter in the river
- Full Text:
Cecil Rhodes, the Glen Grey Act, and the labour question in the politics of the Cape Colony
- Authors: Thompson, Richard James
- Date: 1991
- Subjects: Rhodes, Cecil, 1853-1902 Labor policy -- South Africa -- History Labor supply -- South Africa -- History Black people -- Employment -- South Africa -- History Cape of Good Hope (South Africa) -- History -- 1872-1910 Cape of Good Hope (South Africa) -- Politics and government -- 1872-1910
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:2562 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002415
- Description: Chapter One: The provisions of the Glen Grey Act of 1894 are summarised. The memoirs of contemporaries are discussed and the historical literature on the Act from 1913 to the present is surveyed. The likelihood of the land tenure provisions of the Act forcing the people of Glen Grey (or the people of other districts that came under the operation of the Act) to seek employment is noted. It is evident that there is an increasing emphasis in the literature on labour concerns rather than on the disenfranchising effects and local government provisions of the Act. It is often assumed that the labour force generated by the Act was meant for the Transvaal gold mines. Chapter Two: The relevance of the labour needs of the Indwe collieries is investigated. These mines lay adjacent to Glen Grey and might have been expected to draw their labour thence if the Act had been effective. Rhodes, the author of the Act and prime minister of the Cape, had bought shares in the collieries for De Beers shortly before the Act was passed, which made a possible connection more intriguing. No causal link between De Beers' interests and the Act could be demonstrated; nor do the collieries seem to have employed many people from Glen Grey. Chapter Three: Examines the Cape colonists' complaints about shortage of labour from 1807 to the eve of the Glen Grey Act, and investigates various official measures to promote the labour supply. The Glen Grey Act was not the first labour measure passed at the Cape, and it seems likely, therefore, that the labour needs of the Cape, rather than the Transvaal, were uppermost in the minds of those responsible for the Act. Chapter Four examines Rhodes's political position in the 1890s and shows him to be increasingly dependent on the parliamentary support of the Afrikaner Bond to stay in office. Since the Bond was an agricultural interest group it seems likely that labour for Cape farms, rather than Transvaal gold mines, was what the Act was supposed to provide. With that Rhodes could readily agree, since he wanted to promote the agricultural development of the Cape. However, the Bond wanted to be able to buy land in Glen Grey (and other district in which the Act was proclaimed). Rhodes wanted to keep such districts as 'reservoirs of labour' so he could not give the Bond all of what they wanted, i.e. Glen Grey titles to be alienable. His manoeuvring to keep the Bond supporting the Bill while not making the land readily salable is described. (In the end the land was alienable with the consent of the government -- consent that a Rhodes ministry would not give, but that another might.) Rhodes's desire to obtain the administration of Bechuanaland for his Chartered Company, and his need therefore to reassure the Colonial Office and humanitarian opinion that he could be trusted to rule over blacks, are pointed out as other possible motivations for the Act, which Rhodes tried hard to present as an enlightened piece of legislation. The course of the Act through the Cape parliament, and the opposition of Cape liberals to the Act, is described. Chapter Five: The mentalité of the Cape colonists as regards race, liquor, land tenure and other political issues is described. Chapter Six: The reaction to the Act of Cape blacks and sympathetic whites, British humanitarians and the Colonial Office is described. The contemporary concern with reserving land for blacks is noted, as well as concern over the morality of economically coerced labour. This is in contrast to the modern concentration on labour almost to the exclusion of other issues in regard to the Glen Grey Act. The unsuccessful efforts of Cape blacks and British humanitarians to have the imperial government veto the Act are described. Rhodes's influence over the Colonial Office is described.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Thompson, Richard James
- Date: 1991
- Subjects: Rhodes, Cecil, 1853-1902 Labor policy -- South Africa -- History Labor supply -- South Africa -- History Black people -- Employment -- South Africa -- History Cape of Good Hope (South Africa) -- History -- 1872-1910 Cape of Good Hope (South Africa) -- Politics and government -- 1872-1910
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:2562 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002415
- Description: Chapter One: The provisions of the Glen Grey Act of 1894 are summarised. The memoirs of contemporaries are discussed and the historical literature on the Act from 1913 to the present is surveyed. The likelihood of the land tenure provisions of the Act forcing the people of Glen Grey (or the people of other districts that came under the operation of the Act) to seek employment is noted. It is evident that there is an increasing emphasis in the literature on labour concerns rather than on the disenfranchising effects and local government provisions of the Act. It is often assumed that the labour force generated by the Act was meant for the Transvaal gold mines. Chapter Two: The relevance of the labour needs of the Indwe collieries is investigated. These mines lay adjacent to Glen Grey and might have been expected to draw their labour thence if the Act had been effective. Rhodes, the author of the Act and prime minister of the Cape, had bought shares in the collieries for De Beers shortly before the Act was passed, which made a possible connection more intriguing. No causal link between De Beers' interests and the Act could be demonstrated; nor do the collieries seem to have employed many people from Glen Grey. Chapter Three: Examines the Cape colonists' complaints about shortage of labour from 1807 to the eve of the Glen Grey Act, and investigates various official measures to promote the labour supply. The Glen Grey Act was not the first labour measure passed at the Cape, and it seems likely, therefore, that the labour needs of the Cape, rather than the Transvaal, were uppermost in the minds of those responsible for the Act. Chapter Four examines Rhodes's political position in the 1890s and shows him to be increasingly dependent on the parliamentary support of the Afrikaner Bond to stay in office. Since the Bond was an agricultural interest group it seems likely that labour for Cape farms, rather than Transvaal gold mines, was what the Act was supposed to provide. With that Rhodes could readily agree, since he wanted to promote the agricultural development of the Cape. However, the Bond wanted to be able to buy land in Glen Grey (and other district in which the Act was proclaimed). Rhodes wanted to keep such districts as 'reservoirs of labour' so he could not give the Bond all of what they wanted, i.e. Glen Grey titles to be alienable. His manoeuvring to keep the Bond supporting the Bill while not making the land readily salable is described. (In the end the land was alienable with the consent of the government -- consent that a Rhodes ministry would not give, but that another might.) Rhodes's desire to obtain the administration of Bechuanaland for his Chartered Company, and his need therefore to reassure the Colonial Office and humanitarian opinion that he could be trusted to rule over blacks, are pointed out as other possible motivations for the Act, which Rhodes tried hard to present as an enlightened piece of legislation. The course of the Act through the Cape parliament, and the opposition of Cape liberals to the Act, is described. Chapter Five: The mentalité of the Cape colonists as regards race, liquor, land tenure and other political issues is described. Chapter Six: The reaction to the Act of Cape blacks and sympathetic whites, British humanitarians and the Colonial Office is described. The contemporary concern with reserving land for blacks is noted, as well as concern over the morality of economically coerced labour. This is in contrast to the modern concentration on labour almost to the exclusion of other issues in regard to the Glen Grey Act. The unsuccessful efforts of Cape blacks and British humanitarians to have the imperial government veto the Act are described. Rhodes's influence over the Colonial Office is described.
- Full Text:
Chemical studies of 1,5-benzodioxepanones
- Authors: Gelebe, Aifheli Carlson
- Date: 1991
- Subjects: Biochemistry , Pigments (Biology) , Benzopyrans
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:4423 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1006895 , Biochemistry , Pigments (Biology) , Benzopyrans
- Description: Chromone and flavanone derivatives were prepared by condensation of the corresponding 2-hydroxyacetophenones (with diethyl oxalate or the appropriate aromatic aldehyde respectively) and cyclisation of the condensation products. Saeyer-Villiger rearrangement of these flavanones, with MCPBA, resulted in expansion of the C-ring. Spectroscopic techniques have been used to establish the regioselectivity of the rearrangement and hence, the identity of the rearranged products as 1,5-benzodioxepan-4-ones. The 1,5-benzodioxepan-4-ones were subjected to detailed ¹H and ¹³C n.m.r. analysis and a combination of low and high resolution mass spectrometry has been used to study the mass fragmentation pathways of these ring-expanded products.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Gelebe, Aifheli Carlson
- Date: 1991
- Subjects: Biochemistry , Pigments (Biology) , Benzopyrans
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:4423 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1006895 , Biochemistry , Pigments (Biology) , Benzopyrans
- Description: Chromone and flavanone derivatives were prepared by condensation of the corresponding 2-hydroxyacetophenones (with diethyl oxalate or the appropriate aromatic aldehyde respectively) and cyclisation of the condensation products. Saeyer-Villiger rearrangement of these flavanones, with MCPBA, resulted in expansion of the C-ring. Spectroscopic techniques have been used to establish the regioselectivity of the rearrangement and hence, the identity of the rearranged products as 1,5-benzodioxepan-4-ones. The 1,5-benzodioxepan-4-ones were subjected to detailed ¹H and ¹³C n.m.r. analysis and a combination of low and high resolution mass spectrometry has been used to study the mass fragmentation pathways of these ring-expanded products.
- Full Text:
Cognitive-behavioural treatment of essential hypertension in an urban Xhosa woman: a case study
- Authors: Losinsky, Rory
- Date: 1991
- Subjects: Xhosa (African people) -- Psychology , Women, Xhosa -- Psychology , Hypertension -- Psychosomatic aspects
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:3010 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002519 , Xhosa (African people) -- Psychology , Women, Xhosa -- Psychology , Hypertension -- Psychosomatic aspects
- Description: Essential hypertension has a complex and multiple biological, psychological and social aetiology and remains one of the most serious physical disorders affecting the Black population of South Africa today. Pharmacological treatment has been the predominant approach to blood pressure reduction, but considering that the greater part of essential hypertension has its origin in biobehavioural and cognitive functioning a non-pharmacological treatment approach to essential hypertension is receiving extensive interest both in research and therapeutic practice. This study attempted to implement a specific cognitive-behavioural treatment "package' which was tailored to the emergent aetiology in an urban Xhosa woman suffering from Mild hypertension who was on antihypertensive medication and to evaluate the treatment using a single case-study methodology. A combination of relaxation training and cognitive-behavioural modification was provided over a fifteen week period and evaluated both quantitatively and qualitatively. It was found that a combination of over-weight, occupational stress and anger could have contributed and/or caused the patient's hypertension. The results also show a significant reduction in blood pressure during the treatment phase as well as a reduction in weight, experienced anxiety and angry emotion, and by the end of the study the patient's blood pressure had been reduced to normal levels. Finally the feasibility of using such a treatment approach is discussed in relation to the South African context and the case study method is evaluated as a research tool in light of the findings.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Losinsky, Rory
- Date: 1991
- Subjects: Xhosa (African people) -- Psychology , Women, Xhosa -- Psychology , Hypertension -- Psychosomatic aspects
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:3010 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002519 , Xhosa (African people) -- Psychology , Women, Xhosa -- Psychology , Hypertension -- Psychosomatic aspects
- Description: Essential hypertension has a complex and multiple biological, psychological and social aetiology and remains one of the most serious physical disorders affecting the Black population of South Africa today. Pharmacological treatment has been the predominant approach to blood pressure reduction, but considering that the greater part of essential hypertension has its origin in biobehavioural and cognitive functioning a non-pharmacological treatment approach to essential hypertension is receiving extensive interest both in research and therapeutic practice. This study attempted to implement a specific cognitive-behavioural treatment "package' which was tailored to the emergent aetiology in an urban Xhosa woman suffering from Mild hypertension who was on antihypertensive medication and to evaluate the treatment using a single case-study methodology. A combination of relaxation training and cognitive-behavioural modification was provided over a fifteen week period and evaluated both quantitatively and qualitatively. It was found that a combination of over-weight, occupational stress and anger could have contributed and/or caused the patient's hypertension. The results also show a significant reduction in blood pressure during the treatment phase as well as a reduction in weight, experienced anxiety and angry emotion, and by the end of the study the patient's blood pressure had been reduced to normal levels. Finally the feasibility of using such a treatment approach is discussed in relation to the South African context and the case study method is evaluated as a research tool in light of the findings.
- Full Text:
Computer control of an HF chirp radar
- Authors: Griggs, Desmond Bryan
- Date: 1991
- Subjects: Radar , Radar meteorology , Computerized instruments , Ionosondes
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:5455 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1005240 , Radar , Radar meteorology , Computerized instruments , Ionosondes
- Description: This thesis describes the interfacing of an IBM compatible microcomputer to a BR Communications chirp sounder. The need for this is twofold: Firstly for control of the sounder including automatic scheduling of operations, and secondly for data capture. A signal processing card inside the computer performs a Fast Fourier Transform on the sampled data from two phase matched receivers. The transformed data is then transferred to the host computer for further processing, display and storage on hard disk or magnetic tape, all in real time. Critical timing functions are provided by another card in the microcomputer, the timing controller. Built by the author, the design and operation of this sub-system is discussed in detail. Additional circuitry is required to perform antenna and filter switching, and a possible design thereof is also presented by the author. The completed system, comprising the chirp sounder, the PC environment, and the signal switching circuitry, has a dual purpose. It can operate as either a meteor radar, using a fixed frequency (currently 27,99 MHz), or as an advanced chirp ionosonde allowing frequency sweeps from 1,6 to 30 MHz. In the latter case fixed frequency doppler soundings are also possible. Examples of data recorded in the various modes are given.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Griggs, Desmond Bryan
- Date: 1991
- Subjects: Radar , Radar meteorology , Computerized instruments , Ionosondes
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:5455 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1005240 , Radar , Radar meteorology , Computerized instruments , Ionosondes
- Description: This thesis describes the interfacing of an IBM compatible microcomputer to a BR Communications chirp sounder. The need for this is twofold: Firstly for control of the sounder including automatic scheduling of operations, and secondly for data capture. A signal processing card inside the computer performs a Fast Fourier Transform on the sampled data from two phase matched receivers. The transformed data is then transferred to the host computer for further processing, display and storage on hard disk or magnetic tape, all in real time. Critical timing functions are provided by another card in the microcomputer, the timing controller. Built by the author, the design and operation of this sub-system is discussed in detail. Additional circuitry is required to perform antenna and filter switching, and a possible design thereof is also presented by the author. The completed system, comprising the chirp sounder, the PC environment, and the signal switching circuitry, has a dual purpose. It can operate as either a meteor radar, using a fixed frequency (currently 27,99 MHz), or as an advanced chirp ionosonde allowing frequency sweeps from 1,6 to 30 MHz. In the latter case fixed frequency doppler soundings are also possible. Examples of data recorded in the various modes are given.
- Full Text:
Computer-based remediation in Cape Senior Certificate standard grade mathematics
- Authors: Elgie, Brian James
- Date: 1991
- Subjects: Mathematics -- Computer-assisted instruction Mathematics -- Study and teaching -- Audio-visual aids Mathematics -- Study and teaching -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: vital:1458 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003339
- Description: This dissertation begins by reviewing the difficulties experienced in teaching mathematics to pupiis, weak in mathematics, in the Senior Secondary phase of Cape Education Department schools. The possible use of computer-aided instruction (CAl) in improving the examination performance of such pupils is considered. A suitable CAl software program, viz. the SERGO system, is identified and its operation is described in detail. The researcher investigates, both from a quantitative and a qualitative aspect, the change in mathematics examination performance of a number of weak in mathematics pupils, as a result of receiving an extended period of extra tuition on the SERGO system. It needs to be noted that these pupils are passing candidates in other subjects, and have above average intelligence. They are not slow learners. The researcher identifies three categories of pupils who are weak in mathematics. Different programmes of remediation are recommended for each category. The possible use of the SERGO system as a stand-alone instrument of remediation , for pupils working in pairs, and the possible use by H.G. pupils in combined H.G./S.G. classes are also investigated.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Elgie, Brian James
- Date: 1991
- Subjects: Mathematics -- Computer-assisted instruction Mathematics -- Study and teaching -- Audio-visual aids Mathematics -- Study and teaching -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: vital:1458 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003339
- Description: This dissertation begins by reviewing the difficulties experienced in teaching mathematics to pupiis, weak in mathematics, in the Senior Secondary phase of Cape Education Department schools. The possible use of computer-aided instruction (CAl) in improving the examination performance of such pupils is considered. A suitable CAl software program, viz. the SERGO system, is identified and its operation is described in detail. The researcher investigates, both from a quantitative and a qualitative aspect, the change in mathematics examination performance of a number of weak in mathematics pupils, as a result of receiving an extended period of extra tuition on the SERGO system. It needs to be noted that these pupils are passing candidates in other subjects, and have above average intelligence. They are not slow learners. The researcher identifies three categories of pupils who are weak in mathematics. Different programmes of remediation are recommended for each category. The possible use of the SERGO system as a stand-alone instrument of remediation , for pupils working in pairs, and the possible use by H.G. pupils in combined H.G./S.G. classes are also investigated.
- Full Text:
Design, development and evaluation of encapsulated oral controlled release theophylline mini-tablets
- Authors: Munday, Dale Leslie
- Date: 1991
- Subjects: Drugs -- Administration , Drugs -- Bioavailability , Drugs -- Controlled release , Drugs -- Dosage forms , Tablets (Medicine) , Biopharmaceutics , Drugs -- Testing
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: vital:3777 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003255 , Drugs -- Administration , Drugs -- Bioavailability , Drugs -- Controlled release , Drugs -- Dosage forms , Tablets (Medicine) , Biopharmaceutics , Drugs -- Testing
- Description: Conventional solid dosage forms often lead to fluctuations which exceed the maximum safe therapeutic level and/or decline below the minimum effective level. It is recognised that many drugs for chronic administration should be administered on a schedule that maintains plasma drug concentration within the therapeutic window. Research in controlled release dosage forms aims at designing a system with a zero-order input (eg, ideally to deliver 8.33% of the dose per hour over a 12 hour duration), producing steady state plasma drug levels. Oral dministration of drugs prepared as a controlled release formulation is extremely popular, and has attracted the attention of pharmaceutical scientists during the last decade. This has been due to the simultaneous convergence of various factors (eg, discovery of novel polymers and devices, better understanding of formulation and physiological constraints, expiration of existing patents, prohibitive cost of developing new drug entities), involved in the development of these delivery systems. Controlled release oral products can be formulated as single or multiple unit dosage forms and the relative merits of multiple unit forms with their own rate controlling systems are well established. This work describes the development of a relatively inexpensive multiple-unit capsule dosage form of theophylline containing coated mini-tablets for drug delivery throughout the gastrointestinal tract. Preformulation studies on theophylline anhydrous included solubility and dissolution rate determinations. Techniques including X-ray powder diffraction, differential scanning colorimetry and infrared spectroscopy provided no evidence of true polymorphism after recrystallisation from various solvents. However, scanning electron micrographs showed the effects of solvent polarity and cooling rate on the size and shape of recrystallised particles. Theophylline granules were manufactured by using various binders and were film coated by fluidised bed technology with various proportions of ethylcellulose, containing varying amounts of PEG 1540. In vitro release rates were dependent upon coating thickness and the proportion of PEG, which, being water soluble, created pores in the coating during dissolution studies as observed by a scanning electron microscope. However, substantial proportions of the drug remained unreleased from the granules. In order to overcome the problems of drug retention, plain granules were used and theophylline mini-tablets (3 mm diameter, weighing 15 - 20 mg) were manufactured and film coated with various Eudragits ® and other polymeric mixtures (soluble and insoluble). In vitro dissolution profiles from samples enclosed in hard gelatin capsules were determined using the USPXXI paddle apparatus in test media at pH 1.2 (HCI), pH 5.4 and 7.4 (phosphate buffers) at 37'C. Monitoring of in vitro theophylline release over 12 h, under identical hydrodynamic conditions, showed that the dissolution rate at pH 1.2 is substantially greater (95% of total drug content released in < 10 h) than that in phosphate buffers. The maximum release after 12 h was approximately 20 and 30% of total drug content of the tablet at pH 5.4 and 7.4, respectively. However, in vivo bioavailability after oral administration of tablets to rabbits corresponded to over 95% of total drug, compared with the same dose administered intravenously. The retarded drug release during in vitro dissolution in phosphate buffer was attributed to a possible interaction of phosphate ions with theophylline molecules at the tablet core-coat interface. These findings indicate that both rate and extent of theophylline release from the slow release coated mini-tablets are highly sensitive to phosphate buffers. The data also emphasise the usefulness of an animal model for assessment of in vivo drug release and subsequent absorption during the development of modified release dosage forms. Mini-tablets were subjected to isothermal and cyclic stresses to reach conditions for up to 6 months at different temperatures and relative humidity. The film integrity was maintained but ageing of the coating occurred which impeded dissolution. Reduced drug release was temperature related while the effect of relative humidi% was insignific~t. Encapsulated mini-tablets (uncoated and coated with Eudragit RL and RS 2% w/w) equivalent to a 300 mg dose, were evaluated both in vitro and in vivo using beagle dogs. The pharmacokinetic parameters from single and multiple dose studies showed several advantages over Theo-Dur® 300 mg tablets. Precise dosage titration is possible by careful adjustment of the number of encapsulated mini-tablets. This multiple unit mini-tablet delivery system will allow for greater flexibility in dosage adjustment compared to the currently available preparations, allowing individualised fine dose titration in those patients requiring therapeutic drug monitoring. The developmentof the multiple unit mini-tablet formulation appears to provide an optimal dosage form with maximum flexibility in respect of dose, duration range and ease of production.
- Full Text:
Design, development and evaluation of encapsulated oral controlled release theophylline mini-tablets
- Authors: Munday, Dale Leslie
- Date: 1991
- Subjects: Drugs -- Administration , Drugs -- Bioavailability , Drugs -- Controlled release , Drugs -- Dosage forms , Tablets (Medicine) , Biopharmaceutics , Drugs -- Testing
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: vital:3777 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003255 , Drugs -- Administration , Drugs -- Bioavailability , Drugs -- Controlled release , Drugs -- Dosage forms , Tablets (Medicine) , Biopharmaceutics , Drugs -- Testing
- Description: Conventional solid dosage forms often lead to fluctuations which exceed the maximum safe therapeutic level and/or decline below the minimum effective level. It is recognised that many drugs for chronic administration should be administered on a schedule that maintains plasma drug concentration within the therapeutic window. Research in controlled release dosage forms aims at designing a system with a zero-order input (eg, ideally to deliver 8.33% of the dose per hour over a 12 hour duration), producing steady state plasma drug levels. Oral dministration of drugs prepared as a controlled release formulation is extremely popular, and has attracted the attention of pharmaceutical scientists during the last decade. This has been due to the simultaneous convergence of various factors (eg, discovery of novel polymers and devices, better understanding of formulation and physiological constraints, expiration of existing patents, prohibitive cost of developing new drug entities), involved in the development of these delivery systems. Controlled release oral products can be formulated as single or multiple unit dosage forms and the relative merits of multiple unit forms with their own rate controlling systems are well established. This work describes the development of a relatively inexpensive multiple-unit capsule dosage form of theophylline containing coated mini-tablets for drug delivery throughout the gastrointestinal tract. Preformulation studies on theophylline anhydrous included solubility and dissolution rate determinations. Techniques including X-ray powder diffraction, differential scanning colorimetry and infrared spectroscopy provided no evidence of true polymorphism after recrystallisation from various solvents. However, scanning electron micrographs showed the effects of solvent polarity and cooling rate on the size and shape of recrystallised particles. Theophylline granules were manufactured by using various binders and were film coated by fluidised bed technology with various proportions of ethylcellulose, containing varying amounts of PEG 1540. In vitro release rates were dependent upon coating thickness and the proportion of PEG, which, being water soluble, created pores in the coating during dissolution studies as observed by a scanning electron microscope. However, substantial proportions of the drug remained unreleased from the granules. In order to overcome the problems of drug retention, plain granules were used and theophylline mini-tablets (3 mm diameter, weighing 15 - 20 mg) were manufactured and film coated with various Eudragits ® and other polymeric mixtures (soluble and insoluble). In vitro dissolution profiles from samples enclosed in hard gelatin capsules were determined using the USPXXI paddle apparatus in test media at pH 1.2 (HCI), pH 5.4 and 7.4 (phosphate buffers) at 37'C. Monitoring of in vitro theophylline release over 12 h, under identical hydrodynamic conditions, showed that the dissolution rate at pH 1.2 is substantially greater (95% of total drug content released in < 10 h) than that in phosphate buffers. The maximum release after 12 h was approximately 20 and 30% of total drug content of the tablet at pH 5.4 and 7.4, respectively. However, in vivo bioavailability after oral administration of tablets to rabbits corresponded to over 95% of total drug, compared with the same dose administered intravenously. The retarded drug release during in vitro dissolution in phosphate buffer was attributed to a possible interaction of phosphate ions with theophylline molecules at the tablet core-coat interface. These findings indicate that both rate and extent of theophylline release from the slow release coated mini-tablets are highly sensitive to phosphate buffers. The data also emphasise the usefulness of an animal model for assessment of in vivo drug release and subsequent absorption during the development of modified release dosage forms. Mini-tablets were subjected to isothermal and cyclic stresses to reach conditions for up to 6 months at different temperatures and relative humidity. The film integrity was maintained but ageing of the coating occurred which impeded dissolution. Reduced drug release was temperature related while the effect of relative humidi% was insignific~t. Encapsulated mini-tablets (uncoated and coated with Eudragit RL and RS 2% w/w) equivalent to a 300 mg dose, were evaluated both in vitro and in vivo using beagle dogs. The pharmacokinetic parameters from single and multiple dose studies showed several advantages over Theo-Dur® 300 mg tablets. Precise dosage titration is possible by careful adjustment of the number of encapsulated mini-tablets. This multiple unit mini-tablet delivery system will allow for greater flexibility in dosage adjustment compared to the currently available preparations, allowing individualised fine dose titration in those patients requiring therapeutic drug monitoring. The developmentof the multiple unit mini-tablet formulation appears to provide an optimal dosage form with maximum flexibility in respect of dose, duration range and ease of production.
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Difficulties in psychotherapy with a residual schizophrenic
- Authors: Schock, Sandra Lynn
- Date: 1991
- Subjects: Schizophrenics , Schizophrenia -- Treatment , Psychotherapy
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:3149 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1007457 , Schizophrenics , Schizophrenia -- Treatment , Psychotherapy
- Description: This work addresses some of the difficulties encountered while working in psychotherapy with a residual schizophrenic. While there is an abundance of literature on psychotherapy for schizophrenia, both supporting and also refuting its merit, what the literature fails to reveal is that there appears to be a class of schizophrenic who, while apsychotic and able to communicate in the everyday sense of the word, is in a psychic space which speaks of a break with the basic relational elements of the human order. The quality of the patient's psychic life is such that almost nothing of what the literature describes as useful and appropriate in working with schizophrenics seems to help in the psychotherapeutic work with this type of patient. This study describes these issues with relevance to a particular residual schizophrenic. The Illustrative-didactic case-study method was used to discuss the four-and- a-half month psychotherapy with this patient. The patient's early developmental history, premorbid personality functioning, family and interpersonal relationships, mental state, diagnosis and a rationale for psychotherapy were presented and considered in detail. The structure of the psychotherapeutic process was reviewed in depth. The hermeneutic guidelines to understanding the case were drawn from Object-Relations Psychoanalytic theory, particularly Balint, Khan, Karon & VandenBos, Bollas, Romanyshyn, Perry, Symington, Fordham and others. Various psychic and personality features, as unveiled through the psychotherapeutic process, were elaborated and the implications of these for the therapeutic endeavour were considered as follows: Firstly, the psychic space of the patient, which precluded mirroring, symbolization find object-relationship - and which made psychotherapy untenable, was discussed. Secondly, therapeutic ambivalence and other counter-transference issues were reviewed. Thirdly, the shadow sides of both therapeutic optimism and of psychotherapeutic change were considered. Fourthly, the issues of therapeutic failure and of other treatment possibilities for a residual schizophrenic patient were examined. It was concluded that there needs to be an important countertransference shift with regard to the psychotherapeutic goals for those patients whose condition may be chronic, and for whom it appears that psychotherapy is not going to be of any therapeutic benefit - find where an 'empathic accompaniment' might be as much as it is possible to hope for or achieve.
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- Authors: Schock, Sandra Lynn
- Date: 1991
- Subjects: Schizophrenics , Schizophrenia -- Treatment , Psychotherapy
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:3149 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1007457 , Schizophrenics , Schizophrenia -- Treatment , Psychotherapy
- Description: This work addresses some of the difficulties encountered while working in psychotherapy with a residual schizophrenic. While there is an abundance of literature on psychotherapy for schizophrenia, both supporting and also refuting its merit, what the literature fails to reveal is that there appears to be a class of schizophrenic who, while apsychotic and able to communicate in the everyday sense of the word, is in a psychic space which speaks of a break with the basic relational elements of the human order. The quality of the patient's psychic life is such that almost nothing of what the literature describes as useful and appropriate in working with schizophrenics seems to help in the psychotherapeutic work with this type of patient. This study describes these issues with relevance to a particular residual schizophrenic. The Illustrative-didactic case-study method was used to discuss the four-and- a-half month psychotherapy with this patient. The patient's early developmental history, premorbid personality functioning, family and interpersonal relationships, mental state, diagnosis and a rationale for psychotherapy were presented and considered in detail. The structure of the psychotherapeutic process was reviewed in depth. The hermeneutic guidelines to understanding the case were drawn from Object-Relations Psychoanalytic theory, particularly Balint, Khan, Karon & VandenBos, Bollas, Romanyshyn, Perry, Symington, Fordham and others. Various psychic and personality features, as unveiled through the psychotherapeutic process, were elaborated and the implications of these for the therapeutic endeavour were considered as follows: Firstly, the psychic space of the patient, which precluded mirroring, symbolization find object-relationship - and which made psychotherapy untenable, was discussed. Secondly, therapeutic ambivalence and other counter-transference issues were reviewed. Thirdly, the shadow sides of both therapeutic optimism and of psychotherapeutic change were considered. Fourthly, the issues of therapeutic failure and of other treatment possibilities for a residual schizophrenic patient were examined. It was concluded that there needs to be an important countertransference shift with regard to the psychotherapeutic goals for those patients whose condition may be chronic, and for whom it appears that psychotherapy is not going to be of any therapeutic benefit - find where an 'empathic accompaniment' might be as much as it is possible to hope for or achieve.
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Discovering the meaning of stress: a qualitative approach
- Authors: Crowley, Michelle Laureen
- Date: 1991
- Subjects: Stress (Psychology)
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSocSc
- Identifier: vital:2957 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002466 , Stress (Psychology)
- Description: The aim of the study was to understand the meaning of stress, and towards this end eleven individuals who claimed to have experienced the phenomenon during the six months prior to data collection were asked to describe their experience. These transcribed protocols were explicated in terms of a phenomenological praxis, and the emotional content of descriptions subjected to taxonomic analysis. In addition, a literature review for the purposes of tracing the development of contemporary stress models and related constructs was conducted. The latter critiqued current conceptualisations of stress, and attempted to highlight some important contributions. Explication in terms of phenomenological praxis identified seven central features associated with lived stress, namely, lived stress as : the perception of personal cost; a sense of entrapment; persistent coping efforts; learned helplessness; embodiment; and, poor social relations. In addition, the unfolding nature of the experience suggested stress as a continuous process of adjustment to worldly demands, and furthermore, highliJhted several variations of structure. The latter themes were used to develop a more inclusive model of lived stress as a dynamic and unfolding process. Dialogue with existing literature was able to confirm the self-world split proposed by the transactional approach to stress as legitimate, and furthermore, confirmed the primacy of cognition for the stress phenomenon. In addition, the link between stress and personality factors, psychopathological conditions and related fields of enquiry (such as anxiety and burnout) as well as more positive modes of being (such as creativity) were discussed. Furthermore, lived stress was shown to involve a threat to the individual's continued existence, both with respect to his/her the desired self and its unfolding and his/her physicality, while the presence of mutual hostility between self and world was also noted. The study concludes with reflection concerning the methodologies employed, and suggests that while qualitative and interpretive methods are both cumbersome and time consuming if rigorously applied, they do enrich the understanding of complex experiential phenomena. Finally, several suggestions are made for further research and refinement in the stress field, the most pertinent of which appears to be that of establishing the relationship between lived stress and the development of more debilitating psychopathological conditions.
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- Authors: Crowley, Michelle Laureen
- Date: 1991
- Subjects: Stress (Psychology)
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSocSc
- Identifier: vital:2957 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002466 , Stress (Psychology)
- Description: The aim of the study was to understand the meaning of stress, and towards this end eleven individuals who claimed to have experienced the phenomenon during the six months prior to data collection were asked to describe their experience. These transcribed protocols were explicated in terms of a phenomenological praxis, and the emotional content of descriptions subjected to taxonomic analysis. In addition, a literature review for the purposes of tracing the development of contemporary stress models and related constructs was conducted. The latter critiqued current conceptualisations of stress, and attempted to highlight some important contributions. Explication in terms of phenomenological praxis identified seven central features associated with lived stress, namely, lived stress as : the perception of personal cost; a sense of entrapment; persistent coping efforts; learned helplessness; embodiment; and, poor social relations. In addition, the unfolding nature of the experience suggested stress as a continuous process of adjustment to worldly demands, and furthermore, highliJhted several variations of structure. The latter themes were used to develop a more inclusive model of lived stress as a dynamic and unfolding process. Dialogue with existing literature was able to confirm the self-world split proposed by the transactional approach to stress as legitimate, and furthermore, confirmed the primacy of cognition for the stress phenomenon. In addition, the link between stress and personality factors, psychopathological conditions and related fields of enquiry (such as anxiety and burnout) as well as more positive modes of being (such as creativity) were discussed. Furthermore, lived stress was shown to involve a threat to the individual's continued existence, both with respect to his/her the desired self and its unfolding and his/her physicality, while the presence of mutual hostility between self and world was also noted. The study concludes with reflection concerning the methodologies employed, and suggests that while qualitative and interpretive methods are both cumbersome and time consuming if rigorously applied, they do enrich the understanding of complex experiential phenomena. Finally, several suggestions are made for further research and refinement in the stress field, the most pertinent of which appears to be that of establishing the relationship between lived stress and the development of more debilitating psychopathological conditions.
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Environmental and socio-economic effects associated with the planting of Atriplex nummularia Lindl. (Oldman saltbush) in the Karoo
- Authors: Hobson, Colin Desmond
- Date: 1991
- Subjects: Botany, Economic Plant introduction -- South Africa -- Karoo Plants, Cultivated
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:4794 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1001894
- Description: This study examines the environmental and socio-economic effects associated with the planting of Atriplex nummularia Lindl. (Oldman saltbush) in the karoo. This is the first study of its kind on oldman saltbush and serves as an important scoping exercise in assessing the impact of saltbush on its surrounds and in identifying additional aspects which require investigation. The environmental parameters investigated include microclimatic effects, soil induced changes, salinity effects on the germination of selected karoo species and compositional changes in the indigenous plant community within a saltbush plantation. When compared to indigenous karoo plant species oldman saltbush is found to ameliorate soil temperatures and increase surface soil salinity (specifically sodium chloride), on an individual plant basis. Salinity is shown to have a differential effect on the germination of selected karoo shrubs. The indigenous plant community within a forty year old saltbush plantation is impoverished with both density of individuals and species richness being markedly reduced. Saltbush is identified as an unsuitable nurse plant for the majority of karoo shrubs. Farm size in relation to both actual and intended area established to saltbush is considered. The area of saltbush already established in the karoo is considered too insignificant to have any wide socio-economic impact. Farmers who intend planting large areas of their farms to saltbush are in the minority. It is those farmers who already have some saltbush planted, who intend planting more. Ecologically based management guidelines are presented, suggesting practices which minimize the detrimental effects of saltbush on soil salinity and the indigenous plant community. These guidelines are practical and in keeping with the overall objectives of optimum resource utilisation and the national grazing strategy for South Africa.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Hobson, Colin Desmond
- Date: 1991
- Subjects: Botany, Economic Plant introduction -- South Africa -- Karoo Plants, Cultivated
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:4794 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1001894
- Description: This study examines the environmental and socio-economic effects associated with the planting of Atriplex nummularia Lindl. (Oldman saltbush) in the karoo. This is the first study of its kind on oldman saltbush and serves as an important scoping exercise in assessing the impact of saltbush on its surrounds and in identifying additional aspects which require investigation. The environmental parameters investigated include microclimatic effects, soil induced changes, salinity effects on the germination of selected karoo species and compositional changes in the indigenous plant community within a saltbush plantation. When compared to indigenous karoo plant species oldman saltbush is found to ameliorate soil temperatures and increase surface soil salinity (specifically sodium chloride), on an individual plant basis. Salinity is shown to have a differential effect on the germination of selected karoo shrubs. The indigenous plant community within a forty year old saltbush plantation is impoverished with both density of individuals and species richness being markedly reduced. Saltbush is identified as an unsuitable nurse plant for the majority of karoo shrubs. Farm size in relation to both actual and intended area established to saltbush is considered. The area of saltbush already established in the karoo is considered too insignificant to have any wide socio-economic impact. Farmers who intend planting large areas of their farms to saltbush are in the minority. It is those farmers who already have some saltbush planted, who intend planting more. Ecologically based management guidelines are presented, suggesting practices which minimize the detrimental effects of saltbush on soil salinity and the indigenous plant community. These guidelines are practical and in keeping with the overall objectives of optimum resource utilisation and the national grazing strategy for South Africa.
- Full Text:
Environmental and socio-economic effects associated with the planting of Atriplex nummularia Lindl. (Oldman saltbush) in the Karoo
- Authors: Hobson, Colin Desmond
- Date: 1991
- Subjects: Botany, Economic Plant introduction -- South Africa -- Karoo Plants, Cultivated
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:4175 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002023
- Description: This study examines the environmental and socio-economic effects associated with the planting of Atriplex nummularia Lindl. (Oldman saltbush) in the karoo. This is the first study of its kind on oldman saltbush and serves as an important scoping exercise in assessing the impact of saltbush on its surrounds and in identifying additional aspects which require investigation. The environmental parameters investigated include microclimatic effects, soil induced changes, salinity effects on the germination of selected karoo species and compositional changes in the indigenous plant community within a saltbush plantation. When compared to indigenous karoo plant species oldman saltbush is found to ameliorate soil temperatures and increase surface soil salinity (specifically sodium chloride), on an individual plant basis. Salinity is shown to have a differential effect on the germination of selected karoo shrubs. The indigenous plant community within a forty year old saltbush plantation is impoverished with both density of individuals and species richness being markedly reduced. Saltbush is identified as an unsuitable nurse plant for the majority of karoo shrubs. Farm size in relation to both actual and intended area established to saltbush is considered. The area of saltbush already established in the karoo is considered too insignificant to have any wide socio-economic impact. Farmers who intend planting large areas of their farms to saltbush are in the minority. It is those farmers who already have some saltbush planted, who intend planting more. Ecologically based management guidelines are presented, suggesting practices which minimize the detrimental effects of saltbush on soil salinity and the indigenous plant community. These guidelines are practical and in keeping with the overall objectives of optimum resource utilisation and the national grazing strategy for South Africa.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Hobson, Colin Desmond
- Date: 1991
- Subjects: Botany, Economic Plant introduction -- South Africa -- Karoo Plants, Cultivated
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:4175 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002023
- Description: This study examines the environmental and socio-economic effects associated with the planting of Atriplex nummularia Lindl. (Oldman saltbush) in the karoo. This is the first study of its kind on oldman saltbush and serves as an important scoping exercise in assessing the impact of saltbush on its surrounds and in identifying additional aspects which require investigation. The environmental parameters investigated include microclimatic effects, soil induced changes, salinity effects on the germination of selected karoo species and compositional changes in the indigenous plant community within a saltbush plantation. When compared to indigenous karoo plant species oldman saltbush is found to ameliorate soil temperatures and increase surface soil salinity (specifically sodium chloride), on an individual plant basis. Salinity is shown to have a differential effect on the germination of selected karoo shrubs. The indigenous plant community within a forty year old saltbush plantation is impoverished with both density of individuals and species richness being markedly reduced. Saltbush is identified as an unsuitable nurse plant for the majority of karoo shrubs. Farm size in relation to both actual and intended area established to saltbush is considered. The area of saltbush already established in the karoo is considered too insignificant to have any wide socio-economic impact. Farmers who intend planting large areas of their farms to saltbush are in the minority. It is those farmers who already have some saltbush planted, who intend planting more. Ecologically based management guidelines are presented, suggesting practices which minimize the detrimental effects of saltbush on soil salinity and the indigenous plant community. These guidelines are practical and in keeping with the overall objectives of optimum resource utilisation and the national grazing strategy for South Africa.
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Evaluating an English department: the use of illuminative evaluation procedures in descriptive and diagnostic analysis of English teaching programmes in high schools
- Authors: Thorpe, Robert Nicholas
- Date: 1991
- Subjects: English language -- Study and teaching (Secondary) -- South Africa English language -- Study and teaching (Secondary) -- Evaluation
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: vital:1522 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003404
- Description: To evaluate what is actually happening within a High School subject curriculum, the annual parade of marks, percentages and symbol distributions is not by itself adequate, especially in assessing progress towards such English syllabus goals as: That pupils expand their experience of life, gain empathetic understanding of people and develop moral awareness. (3.1. 4 HG) How too, from examination results alone, can a subject head of English assess the success of his objective "to woo his pupils into the reading habit"? (School 1: Goals 1988) Decisions on English department policy and procedures are frequently based on personal hunches and examination results. Few subject departments engage in proper evaluations of their curricula to support decisions made, or to impart meaning upon the countless daily transactions between child and adult, individual and institution in the learning process. This study demonstrates the efficacy of "illuminative evaluation" techniques in opening out an educational innovation (1986 First Language English syllabi of the Cape Education Department) at two High Schools for comment and appraisal. The array of information gathered should be useful in planning and implementing further curricula initiatives. The inherent flexibility of illuminative evaluation procedures and their freedom from large-scale data base requirements needed for 'scientific' models of evaluation are advantageous in investigating the untidy complexities of English teaching. Both 'closed' and 'open' response questionnaires, interviews, and perusal of relevant documents informed the researcher of the views of pupils, parents, English teachers, other subject heads, the two school principals and the education authorities on what waS and ought to be happening in English classes. From the considerable array of information generated, the distress of conscientious English teachers facing unreasonable work-loads emerged clearly. Such teachers are likely to occupy key roles in the non-racial state schools of the future and cannot be regarded as expendable. 'Open schools' present new challenges to existing curricula and the position of English may prove to be critical. Thus it is submitted that English subject heads should be concerned with evaluating their departments so that informed decisions can be taken on future directions. Illuminative evaluation is demonstrably useful in such analyses.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Thorpe, Robert Nicholas
- Date: 1991
- Subjects: English language -- Study and teaching (Secondary) -- South Africa English language -- Study and teaching (Secondary) -- Evaluation
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: vital:1522 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003404
- Description: To evaluate what is actually happening within a High School subject curriculum, the annual parade of marks, percentages and symbol distributions is not by itself adequate, especially in assessing progress towards such English syllabus goals as: That pupils expand their experience of life, gain empathetic understanding of people and develop moral awareness. (3.1. 4 HG) How too, from examination results alone, can a subject head of English assess the success of his objective "to woo his pupils into the reading habit"? (School 1: Goals 1988) Decisions on English department policy and procedures are frequently based on personal hunches and examination results. Few subject departments engage in proper evaluations of their curricula to support decisions made, or to impart meaning upon the countless daily transactions between child and adult, individual and institution in the learning process. This study demonstrates the efficacy of "illuminative evaluation" techniques in opening out an educational innovation (1986 First Language English syllabi of the Cape Education Department) at two High Schools for comment and appraisal. The array of information gathered should be useful in planning and implementing further curricula initiatives. The inherent flexibility of illuminative evaluation procedures and their freedom from large-scale data base requirements needed for 'scientific' models of evaluation are advantageous in investigating the untidy complexities of English teaching. Both 'closed' and 'open' response questionnaires, interviews, and perusal of relevant documents informed the researcher of the views of pupils, parents, English teachers, other subject heads, the two school principals and the education authorities on what waS and ought to be happening in English classes. From the considerable array of information generated, the distress of conscientious English teachers facing unreasonable work-loads emerged clearly. Such teachers are likely to occupy key roles in the non-racial state schools of the future and cannot be regarded as expendable. 'Open schools' present new challenges to existing curricula and the position of English may prove to be critical. Thus it is submitted that English subject heads should be concerned with evaluating their departments so that informed decisions can be taken on future directions. Illuminative evaluation is demonstrably useful in such analyses.
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Georg Gruber : his contribution to music education in South Africa and an evaluation of selected vocal compositions and arrangements
- Authors: Matier, Rosemary
- Date: 1991
- Subjects: Gruber, Georg, 1904-1979 Musicians -- South Africa Music teachers -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MMus
- Identifier: vital:2647 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002312
- Description: In this thesis I have given a factual account of Georg Gruber's contribution to music education in South Africa by giving a short biography and studying a) his philosophy of music education, b) the content of the music courses offered at Rhodes University during his occupancy of the Chair (1955-1972), c) the content of the music courses offered at the University of Fort Hare from 1974-1977, d) his contribution to choral education, e) his publications in the field of music education. I have given an evaluation of selected vocal compositions: a) Two masses, b) Terra Nova , c) Two African cantatas, i) Ukucula Ematola and ii) Izango ZakwaNtu , and seven arrangements of real folksongs from several different countries: a) Coventry Carol and Sweet Nightingale, b) Die Alibama, c) Merck tog hoe sterck, d) Entre Ie Boeuf et l'Ane gris, e) Aba Heidschi-bum-beidschi and f) Cheder Katan. Through the above study I have drawn conclusions regarding his compositional techniques prior to coming to South Africa as shown in the two mass compositions a nd the changes which occurred after being exposed to African music. The attention to detail in his arrangements and their sheer simplicity show his skill and craftsmanship also in this genre. Appendices of the works discussed have been submitted in a separate file and Appendix 8 lists all his available folksong arrangements.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Matier, Rosemary
- Date: 1991
- Subjects: Gruber, Georg, 1904-1979 Musicians -- South Africa Music teachers -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MMus
- Identifier: vital:2647 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002312
- Description: In this thesis I have given a factual account of Georg Gruber's contribution to music education in South Africa by giving a short biography and studying a) his philosophy of music education, b) the content of the music courses offered at Rhodes University during his occupancy of the Chair (1955-1972), c) the content of the music courses offered at the University of Fort Hare from 1974-1977, d) his contribution to choral education, e) his publications in the field of music education. I have given an evaluation of selected vocal compositions: a) Two masses, b) Terra Nova , c) Two African cantatas, i) Ukucula Ematola and ii) Izango ZakwaNtu , and seven arrangements of real folksongs from several different countries: a) Coventry Carol and Sweet Nightingale, b) Die Alibama, c) Merck tog hoe sterck, d) Entre Ie Boeuf et l'Ane gris, e) Aba Heidschi-bum-beidschi and f) Cheder Katan. Through the above study I have drawn conclusions regarding his compositional techniques prior to coming to South Africa as shown in the two mass compositions a nd the changes which occurred after being exposed to African music. The attention to detail in his arrangements and their sheer simplicity show his skill and craftsmanship also in this genre. Appendices of the works discussed have been submitted in a separate file and Appendix 8 lists all his available folksong arrangements.
- Full Text: