The isolation, genetic characterisation and biological activity of a South African Phthorimaea operculella granulovirus (PhopGV-SA) for the control of the Potato Tuber Moth, Phthorimaea operculella (Zeller)
- Authors: Jukes, Michael David
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Potato tuberworm , Potatoes -- Diseases and pests -- South Africa , Baculoviruses , Natural pesticides , Biological pest control agents , Potato tuberworm -- Biological control , Restriction enzymes, DNA
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:4147 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1017908
- Description: The potato tuber moth, Phthorimaea operculella (Zeller), is a major pest of potato crops worldwide causing significant damage to both field and stored tubers. The current control method in South Africa involves chemical insecticides, however, there is growing concern on the health and environmental risks of their use. The development of novel biopesticide based control methods may offer a potential solution for the future of insecticides. In this study a baculovirus was successfully isolated from a laboratory population of P. operculella. Transmission electron micrographs revealed granulovirus-like particles. DNA was extracted from recovered occlusion bodies and used for the PCR amplification of the lef-8, lef-9, granulin and egt genes. Sequence data was obtained and submitted to BLAST identifying the virus as a South African isolate of Phthorimaea operculella granulovirus (PhopGV-SA). Phylogenetic analysis of the lef-8, lef-9 and granulin amino acid sequences grouped the South African isolate with PhopGV-1346. Comparison of egt sequence data identified PhopGV-SA as a type II egt gene. A phylogenetic analysis of egt amino acid sequences grouped all type II genes, including PhopGV-SA, into a separate clade from types I, III, IV and V. These findings suggest that type II may represent the prototype structure for this gene with the evolution of types I, III and IV a result of large internal deletion events and subsequent divergence. PhopGV-SA was also shown to be genetically more similar to South American isolates (i.e. PhopGV-CHI or PhopGV-INDO) than it is to other African isolates, suggesting that the South African isolate originated from South America. Restriction endonuclease profiles of PhopGV-SA were similar to those of PhopGV-1346 and PhopGV-JLZ9f for the enzymes BamHI, HindIII, NruI and NdeI. A preliminary full genome sequence for PhopGV-SA was determined and compared to PhopGV-136 with some gene variation observed (i.e. odv-e66 and vp91/p95). The biological activity of PhopGV-SA against P. operculella neonate larvae was evaluated with an estimated LC₅₀ of 1.87×10⁸ OBs.ml⁻¹ being determined. This study therefore reports the characterisation of a novel South African PhopGV isolate which could potentially be developed into a biopesticide for the control of P. operculella.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
- Authors: Jukes, Michael David
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Potato tuberworm , Potatoes -- Diseases and pests -- South Africa , Baculoviruses , Natural pesticides , Biological pest control agents , Potato tuberworm -- Biological control , Restriction enzymes, DNA
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:4147 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1017908
- Description: The potato tuber moth, Phthorimaea operculella (Zeller), is a major pest of potato crops worldwide causing significant damage to both field and stored tubers. The current control method in South Africa involves chemical insecticides, however, there is growing concern on the health and environmental risks of their use. The development of novel biopesticide based control methods may offer a potential solution for the future of insecticides. In this study a baculovirus was successfully isolated from a laboratory population of P. operculella. Transmission electron micrographs revealed granulovirus-like particles. DNA was extracted from recovered occlusion bodies and used for the PCR amplification of the lef-8, lef-9, granulin and egt genes. Sequence data was obtained and submitted to BLAST identifying the virus as a South African isolate of Phthorimaea operculella granulovirus (PhopGV-SA). Phylogenetic analysis of the lef-8, lef-9 and granulin amino acid sequences grouped the South African isolate with PhopGV-1346. Comparison of egt sequence data identified PhopGV-SA as a type II egt gene. A phylogenetic analysis of egt amino acid sequences grouped all type II genes, including PhopGV-SA, into a separate clade from types I, III, IV and V. These findings suggest that type II may represent the prototype structure for this gene with the evolution of types I, III and IV a result of large internal deletion events and subsequent divergence. PhopGV-SA was also shown to be genetically more similar to South American isolates (i.e. PhopGV-CHI or PhopGV-INDO) than it is to other African isolates, suggesting that the South African isolate originated from South America. Restriction endonuclease profiles of PhopGV-SA were similar to those of PhopGV-1346 and PhopGV-JLZ9f for the enzymes BamHI, HindIII, NruI and NdeI. A preliminary full genome sequence for PhopGV-SA was determined and compared to PhopGV-136 with some gene variation observed (i.e. odv-e66 and vp91/p95). The biological activity of PhopGV-SA against P. operculella neonate larvae was evaluated with an estimated LC₅₀ of 1.87×10⁸ OBs.ml⁻¹ being determined. This study therefore reports the characterisation of a novel South African PhopGV isolate which could potentially be developed into a biopesticide for the control of P. operculella.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
The meaning of expenditure actually incurred in the context of share-based payments for trading stock or services rendered
- Authors: Nguta, Mbulelo
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: South African Revenue Service , Labat Africa , Stocks -- Taxation -- Law and legislation -- South Africa , Income tax deductions for expenses , Income tax -- Accounting -- Law and legislation -- South Africa , Actions and defenses
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: vital:920 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1018661
- Description: Section 11(a) of the Income Tax Act 58 of 1962 entitles taxpayers to a deduction in respect of expenditure actually incurred, provided that all the other requirements of section 11 and section 23 of the Act have been met. A company may issue its own shares, credited as fully paid up, as a payment for trading stock or services rendered, as was the case in C:SARS v Labat Africa (2011) 74 SATC 1. The question that was raised by this decision is whether the issue of shares constitutes “expenditure” as contemplated in section 11(a) of the Act. It is trite that a share in a company is a bundle of rights which entitle the holder to dividends when declared and to a vote in shareholders’ meetings and that a share does not come into the hands of a shareholder by way of transfer from the company, but is rather created as a bundle of rights for him in the company. In C: SARS v Labat Africa, the Supreme Court of Appeal decided that to issue shares as a payment for goods is not expenditure as contemplated in section 11(a) of the Act. The Act does not define “expenditure”. It has been interpreted in certain cases as a payment of money or disbursement, while it has been interpreted as the undertaking of a legal obligation in other cases. The Labat Africa case has been criticised for its interpretation of expenditure on the grounds that it is contrary to the principle that “actually incurred” does not mean “actually paid”. This research has argued that, in the context of the Labat Africa case, which related to an issue of shares in payment for goods, Harms AP’s judgment was concerned with showing why a share issue is not expenditure. He could not have intended to deny a deduction to transactions such as credit purchases.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
- Authors: Nguta, Mbulelo
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: South African Revenue Service , Labat Africa , Stocks -- Taxation -- Law and legislation -- South Africa , Income tax deductions for expenses , Income tax -- Accounting -- Law and legislation -- South Africa , Actions and defenses
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: vital:920 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1018661
- Description: Section 11(a) of the Income Tax Act 58 of 1962 entitles taxpayers to a deduction in respect of expenditure actually incurred, provided that all the other requirements of section 11 and section 23 of the Act have been met. A company may issue its own shares, credited as fully paid up, as a payment for trading stock or services rendered, as was the case in C:SARS v Labat Africa (2011) 74 SATC 1. The question that was raised by this decision is whether the issue of shares constitutes “expenditure” as contemplated in section 11(a) of the Act. It is trite that a share in a company is a bundle of rights which entitle the holder to dividends when declared and to a vote in shareholders’ meetings and that a share does not come into the hands of a shareholder by way of transfer from the company, but is rather created as a bundle of rights for him in the company. In C: SARS v Labat Africa, the Supreme Court of Appeal decided that to issue shares as a payment for goods is not expenditure as contemplated in section 11(a) of the Act. The Act does not define “expenditure”. It has been interpreted in certain cases as a payment of money or disbursement, while it has been interpreted as the undertaking of a legal obligation in other cases. The Labat Africa case has been criticised for its interpretation of expenditure on the grounds that it is contrary to the principle that “actually incurred” does not mean “actually paid”. This research has argued that, in the context of the Labat Africa case, which related to an issue of shares in payment for goods, Harms AP’s judgment was concerned with showing why a share issue is not expenditure. He could not have intended to deny a deduction to transactions such as credit purchases.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
The quantification of fucoxanthin from selected South African marine brown algae (Phaeophyta) using HPLC-UV/Vis
- Authors: Mubaiwa, Byron Tawanda
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Marine algae , Brown algae , High performance liquid chromatography , Functional foods , Xanthophylls , Carotenoids , Extraction (Chemistry)
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPharm
- Identifier: vital:3868 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1017879
- Description: Marine brown algae (seaweeds) are a rich source of fucoxanthin, a xanthophyll carotenoid that is naturally, an accessory pigment in the process of photosynthesis of sea vegetation such as Sargassum incisifolium. Fucoxanthin has been exploited by nutraceutical companies for its anti-obesity effects that has resulted in an increase of seaweed slimming preparations such as FucoThin™. The field is getting widespread consumer attention as interest in fucoxanthin has also transcended to its widespread biological potential which include cytotoxicity, anti-diabetic, anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-plasmodium effects. We therefore wanted to identify a reliable source(s) of fucoxanthin from diverse samples of South African marine brown algae in order to explore our medicinal chemistry interests around the cytotoxicity and anti-malarial potential of fucoxanthin. A known source, Sargassum incisifolium, was used to isolate (maceration in CH₂Cl₂/MeOH at 35 °C followed by a hexane/EtOAc step gradient silica column of the crude extract and reversed phase semi-prep HPLC) and characterize (1D and 2D NMR) fucoxanthin (reference standard) in order to develop an analytical method for its determination in selected diverse brown algae commonly found in South Africa. The HPLC [Column: Phenomenex® Synergi™ (250 x 3.0 mm i.d); Mobile phase: ACN/H2O (95:5)] method developed for this analysis was validated according the guidelines set by the International Conference on Harmonization (ICH). Fifteen species were then assessed for fucoxanthin content (μg/g of dried weight) using the developed method. Stability studies on fucoxanthin were also carried out to assess photo- and pH degradation of fucoxanthin. Zonaria subarticulata (KOS130226-18) from Kenton-On-Sea beach and Sargassum incisifolium (PA130427-1) from Port Alfred beach were found to be the highest producers of fucoxanthin with 0.50 mg/g and 0.45 mg/g dried weight respectively. Fucoxanthin was found to be both photo-labile and sensitive to both acidic and basic pH environments. However, the pigment was more photostable in pure as opposed to extract form and also showed to be more stable at pH 10.0. Our findings show that Z. subarticulata and S. incisifolium could be reliable sources of fucoxanthin and can be considered as the algae to use in optimized extraction procedures in further studies. Also, when working with fucoxanthin, it is important to protect it from light. Any consideration of taking fucoxanthin preparation orally (as a nutraceutical) should consider protecting the active from the harsh conditions of the gastrointestinal tract. Any upscale production of fucoxanthin from seaweed should consider variations such as geographical, seasonal, lifecycle stage, etc. of identified algae as these may be important factors in obtaining effective concentrations of fucoxanthin.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
- Authors: Mubaiwa, Byron Tawanda
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Marine algae , Brown algae , High performance liquid chromatography , Functional foods , Xanthophylls , Carotenoids , Extraction (Chemistry)
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPharm
- Identifier: vital:3868 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1017879
- Description: Marine brown algae (seaweeds) are a rich source of fucoxanthin, a xanthophyll carotenoid that is naturally, an accessory pigment in the process of photosynthesis of sea vegetation such as Sargassum incisifolium. Fucoxanthin has been exploited by nutraceutical companies for its anti-obesity effects that has resulted in an increase of seaweed slimming preparations such as FucoThin™. The field is getting widespread consumer attention as interest in fucoxanthin has also transcended to its widespread biological potential which include cytotoxicity, anti-diabetic, anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-plasmodium effects. We therefore wanted to identify a reliable source(s) of fucoxanthin from diverse samples of South African marine brown algae in order to explore our medicinal chemistry interests around the cytotoxicity and anti-malarial potential of fucoxanthin. A known source, Sargassum incisifolium, was used to isolate (maceration in CH₂Cl₂/MeOH at 35 °C followed by a hexane/EtOAc step gradient silica column of the crude extract and reversed phase semi-prep HPLC) and characterize (1D and 2D NMR) fucoxanthin (reference standard) in order to develop an analytical method for its determination in selected diverse brown algae commonly found in South Africa. The HPLC [Column: Phenomenex® Synergi™ (250 x 3.0 mm i.d); Mobile phase: ACN/H2O (95:5)] method developed for this analysis was validated according the guidelines set by the International Conference on Harmonization (ICH). Fifteen species were then assessed for fucoxanthin content (μg/g of dried weight) using the developed method. Stability studies on fucoxanthin were also carried out to assess photo- and pH degradation of fucoxanthin. Zonaria subarticulata (KOS130226-18) from Kenton-On-Sea beach and Sargassum incisifolium (PA130427-1) from Port Alfred beach were found to be the highest producers of fucoxanthin with 0.50 mg/g and 0.45 mg/g dried weight respectively. Fucoxanthin was found to be both photo-labile and sensitive to both acidic and basic pH environments. However, the pigment was more photostable in pure as opposed to extract form and also showed to be more stable at pH 10.0. Our findings show that Z. subarticulata and S. incisifolium could be reliable sources of fucoxanthin and can be considered as the algae to use in optimized extraction procedures in further studies. Also, when working with fucoxanthin, it is important to protect it from light. Any consideration of taking fucoxanthin preparation orally (as a nutraceutical) should consider protecting the active from the harsh conditions of the gastrointestinal tract. Any upscale production of fucoxanthin from seaweed should consider variations such as geographical, seasonal, lifecycle stage, etc. of identified algae as these may be important factors in obtaining effective concentrations of fucoxanthin.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
The relative contribution of non-timber forest products, agriculture and off-farm sources of income to rural households in Koloni and Guquka, Eastern Cape
- Authors: Mtati, Nosiseko
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Informal sector (Economics) -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Rural development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Rural poor -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Households -- Economic aspects -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Forest products -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Non-timber forest products -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Agriculture -- Economic aspects -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Natural resources -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Income -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:4785 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1018193
- Description: [Partial abstract]: This study was carried out to determine the contribution of non-timber forest products (NTFPs) to household total income, other livelihood sectors were also examined simultaneously. The contribution of agriculture involved livestock and crop production. Wages and government grants were other livelihood sectors that were looked into. This study was important in determining the change in livelihood strategies in the last decade and to quantify the NTFPs used at the two sites. It was carried out in Guquka and Koloni, both part of the central Eastern Cape. Information on direct use value of the NTFPs used, the quantities and local price; crop production outputs and inputs and the costs. Data were collected via a questionnaire.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
- Authors: Mtati, Nosiseko
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Informal sector (Economics) -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Rural development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Rural poor -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Households -- Economic aspects -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Forest products -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Non-timber forest products -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Agriculture -- Economic aspects -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Natural resources -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Income -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:4785 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1018193
- Description: [Partial abstract]: This study was carried out to determine the contribution of non-timber forest products (NTFPs) to household total income, other livelihood sectors were also examined simultaneously. The contribution of agriculture involved livestock and crop production. Wages and government grants were other livelihood sectors that were looked into. This study was important in determining the change in livelihood strategies in the last decade and to quantify the NTFPs used at the two sites. It was carried out in Guquka and Koloni, both part of the central Eastern Cape. Information on direct use value of the NTFPs used, the quantities and local price; crop production outputs and inputs and the costs. Data were collected via a questionnaire.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
The role of civil society in advancing education rights : the case of Gadra Education, Grahamstown, South Africa
- Authors: Msindo, Esteri Makotore
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Gadra Education (Grahamstown, South Africa) , Right to education -- South Africa , State departments of education -- South Africa , Educational change -- South Africa , Social justice -- South Africa , Civil society -- South Africa , Social contract
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSocSc
- Identifier: vital:3392 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1016500
- Description: This thesis has identified and analysed the role of an NGO called Gadra Education in advancing education rights to the less advantaged people of Grahamstown in South Africa. Gadra Education’s role has been identified as twofold. Firstly as an educational NGO, Gadra Education’s initiatives directly impact on the lives of the less economically and socially privileged learners who, due to their previous learning environment in state schools, do not achieve academic results that ensure entry into tertiary level. Secondly its role is identified in its nature as an organisation that emerged due to the deficiencies in the state schooling system. It therefore stands de facto as a critical institution for critique of the state’s education system. The thesis concludes that without confronting the Department of Education or collaborating with it, Gadra Education offers a significant alternative approach which can potentially influence the state to improve the state schooling system. Its strategy of non-confrontation to the state, informal and non-corporatist is advantageous as an NGO that focuses on the actual provision of education. It focuses on instilling Ubuntu values of sharing and giving that are of critical significance in teaching and learning. The context of the thesis is located broadly within socio-economic rights and specifically on education rights. In South Africa where the state has not adequately met the educational obligations for the economically and socially less privileged citizens, the emergence of educational NGOs that focus on providing education to the poor is of vital importance. Although other NGOs that confront the state are important in pushing the state to deliver especially on school infrastructure, teacher deployment and other educational challenges, Gadra Education model ensures academic success for the learner. Lessons can be drawn from Gadra Education which can be potentially useful to state schools and other NGOs that seek to advance education rights to disadvantaged communities.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
- Authors: Msindo, Esteri Makotore
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Gadra Education (Grahamstown, South Africa) , Right to education -- South Africa , State departments of education -- South Africa , Educational change -- South Africa , Social justice -- South Africa , Civil society -- South Africa , Social contract
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSocSc
- Identifier: vital:3392 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1016500
- Description: This thesis has identified and analysed the role of an NGO called Gadra Education in advancing education rights to the less advantaged people of Grahamstown in South Africa. Gadra Education’s role has been identified as twofold. Firstly as an educational NGO, Gadra Education’s initiatives directly impact on the lives of the less economically and socially privileged learners who, due to their previous learning environment in state schools, do not achieve academic results that ensure entry into tertiary level. Secondly its role is identified in its nature as an organisation that emerged due to the deficiencies in the state schooling system. It therefore stands de facto as a critical institution for critique of the state’s education system. The thesis concludes that without confronting the Department of Education or collaborating with it, Gadra Education offers a significant alternative approach which can potentially influence the state to improve the state schooling system. Its strategy of non-confrontation to the state, informal and non-corporatist is advantageous as an NGO that focuses on the actual provision of education. It focuses on instilling Ubuntu values of sharing and giving that are of critical significance in teaching and learning. The context of the thesis is located broadly within socio-economic rights and specifically on education rights. In South Africa where the state has not adequately met the educational obligations for the economically and socially less privileged citizens, the emergence of educational NGOs that focus on providing education to the poor is of vital importance. Although other NGOs that confront the state are important in pushing the state to deliver especially on school infrastructure, teacher deployment and other educational challenges, Gadra Education model ensures academic success for the learner. Lessons can be drawn from Gadra Education which can be potentially useful to state schools and other NGOs that seek to advance education rights to disadvantaged communities.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
The role of leadership style and organisational structure in organisational effectiveness: a case study
- Authors: Messaris, Annette
- Date: 2015
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/54452 , vital:26566
- Description: This research explores the role leadership style and organisational structure play in organisational effectiveness. Organisational effectiveness is one of the more complex terms to define although essential to understand in order for an organisation to grow and develop. A small to medium wine sales and distribution organisation, its leadership style and organisational structure were chosen as a focus of this case study. Organisational effectiveness in this study is understood by the terms growth and development using the Greiner Theory of Evolution and Revolution (1983). The literature explores the role of leadership style in organisational effectiveness by exploring various theories and focusing on The Full Range Leadership Model by Bass and Avolio (1994). In order to analyse the role of organisational structure in organisational effectiveness, the different forms of organisational structure and the role they have on the organisation’s ability to grow and develop are explored. The primary purpose of this study is to investigate the role leadership style and organisational structure play in organisational effectiveness. A qualitative content analysis paradigm was used with a Case Study method. The data was gathered using structured interviews conducted on all 39 permanent staff members, day to day observation and the Multifactor Leadership Questionnaire (MLQ). The MLQ is used as a supporting tool to verify the leadership findings in the interviews. The data was analysed using NVivo10 and STATISTICA to gain insight into the leadership style and organisational structure of the organisation. The findings reflected that certain themes were repeatedly mentioned in the interviews and the definition of organisational effectiveness: structured leadership, more active leadership, lack of communication, staff motivation, staff training and development and organisational culture. As regards organisational structure, the following themes arose: The need for regular meetings, increased team work and more structured job descriptions. Through the analysis of all the components, leadership style and organisational structure were identified as having a significant role in organisational effectiveness which will be further analysed in this study.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
- Authors: Messaris, Annette
- Date: 2015
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/54452 , vital:26566
- Description: This research explores the role leadership style and organisational structure play in organisational effectiveness. Organisational effectiveness is one of the more complex terms to define although essential to understand in order for an organisation to grow and develop. A small to medium wine sales and distribution organisation, its leadership style and organisational structure were chosen as a focus of this case study. Organisational effectiveness in this study is understood by the terms growth and development using the Greiner Theory of Evolution and Revolution (1983). The literature explores the role of leadership style in organisational effectiveness by exploring various theories and focusing on The Full Range Leadership Model by Bass and Avolio (1994). In order to analyse the role of organisational structure in organisational effectiveness, the different forms of organisational structure and the role they have on the organisation’s ability to grow and develop are explored. The primary purpose of this study is to investigate the role leadership style and organisational structure play in organisational effectiveness. A qualitative content analysis paradigm was used with a Case Study method. The data was gathered using structured interviews conducted on all 39 permanent staff members, day to day observation and the Multifactor Leadership Questionnaire (MLQ). The MLQ is used as a supporting tool to verify the leadership findings in the interviews. The data was analysed using NVivo10 and STATISTICA to gain insight into the leadership style and organisational structure of the organisation. The findings reflected that certain themes were repeatedly mentioned in the interviews and the definition of organisational effectiveness: structured leadership, more active leadership, lack of communication, staff motivation, staff training and development and organisational culture. As regards organisational structure, the following themes arose: The need for regular meetings, increased team work and more structured job descriptions. Through the analysis of all the components, leadership style and organisational structure were identified as having a significant role in organisational effectiveness which will be further analysed in this study.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
The role of non-governmental organisations in land reform and post-settlement support in the Albany district of the Eastern Cape : a case study of Masifunde
- Nkosi, Nolwazi Nontombi Maria
- Authors: Nkosi, Nolwazi Nontombi Maria
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Masifunde Educational Project , South Africa -- Department of Agriculture , South Africa -- Department of Rural Development and Land Reform , Non-governmental organizations -- South Africa -- Albany , Land reform -- South Africa -- South Africa -- Albany , Land reform beneficiaries -- South Africa -- South Africa -- Albany , Land reform -- Law and legislation -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:3406 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1020321
- Description: The purpose of this study is to explore the role of NGOs in land reform and post-settlement support in the Albany district of the Eastern Cape using a qualitative case study of Masifunde. To discover this role, civil society, land beneficiaries, Department of Agriculture and Department of Rural Development and Land Reform were proved to have interwoven relationships. The interactions and relationships between these entities underpinned their perceptions of each other. This study is set against the backdrop of a weakening land reform program due to frequent policy changes. Evidence presented showed how out of sync land reform is with its original mandate whilst civil society organisations have remained firmly rooted by theirs. The inability to have twin perspectives on this matter diverges the direction civil society and institutions involved in land reform take on. This separation in direction demonstrates the need for engagement between government and civil society in an attempt to assist in areas government is unable to reach or address. This thesis contends that there is definitely a role that NGOs do play and need to take on when it is evident that relevant actors are unable to deliver. Themes emerging from interviews necessitate civil society and government departments to combine their resources so as to maximise the impact for desired outcomes. These are views of both civil society and government, demonstrating that NGOs indeed do play a role in land reform and post-settlement support and need to continuously do so in an attempt to cushion the blows of uneven implementation of land reform policies.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
- Authors: Nkosi, Nolwazi Nontombi Maria
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Masifunde Educational Project , South Africa -- Department of Agriculture , South Africa -- Department of Rural Development and Land Reform , Non-governmental organizations -- South Africa -- Albany , Land reform -- South Africa -- South Africa -- Albany , Land reform beneficiaries -- South Africa -- South Africa -- Albany , Land reform -- Law and legislation -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:3406 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1020321
- Description: The purpose of this study is to explore the role of NGOs in land reform and post-settlement support in the Albany district of the Eastern Cape using a qualitative case study of Masifunde. To discover this role, civil society, land beneficiaries, Department of Agriculture and Department of Rural Development and Land Reform were proved to have interwoven relationships. The interactions and relationships between these entities underpinned their perceptions of each other. This study is set against the backdrop of a weakening land reform program due to frequent policy changes. Evidence presented showed how out of sync land reform is with its original mandate whilst civil society organisations have remained firmly rooted by theirs. The inability to have twin perspectives on this matter diverges the direction civil society and institutions involved in land reform take on. This separation in direction demonstrates the need for engagement between government and civil society in an attempt to assist in areas government is unable to reach or address. This thesis contends that there is definitely a role that NGOs do play and need to take on when it is evident that relevant actors are unable to deliver. Themes emerging from interviews necessitate civil society and government departments to combine their resources so as to maximise the impact for desired outcomes. These are views of both civil society and government, demonstrating that NGOs indeed do play a role in land reform and post-settlement support and need to continuously do so in an attempt to cushion the blows of uneven implementation of land reform policies.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
The role of seasonality, environmental correlates and edge effects on the diversity and abundance of small mammals in Afromontane forest patches, Eastern Cape, South Africa
- Authors: Junkuhn, Kyle Peter
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Upland ecology -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Mammal populations -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Forest animals -- Adaptation -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Forest animals -- Climatic factors -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Forest animals -- Effect of habitat modification on -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:4270 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1018188
- Description: The Eastern Cape contains the majority of the remaining forested areas in South Africa (95.8 percent Coastal forests and 47.6 percent Afromontane forests), however these occur in fragments. Due to the rapid rise in the human population and its needs, conversion of forests to agricultural land and the extraction of timber increases, natural vegetation are lost and this therefore leads to forests becoming fragmented into small forest patches. One of the main consequences of forest fragmentation is loss of contiguous habitat, which is the dominant threat to species globally as it negatively affects both species richness and genetic diversity. This research investigates the effects that forest fragmentation has on small mammal diversity and abundance. The study sampled small mammals in Southern Mistbelt Afromontane forest patches in the Eastern Cape. The first aim of this study was to identify which environmental variable, or combinations of variables, affect the diversity and abundance of small mammals in fragmented forest patches in the Eastern Cape during the austral summer. The second aim was to compare seasonal changes in small mammal diversity and abundance at a forest edge compared to the forest core at Beggars Bush, an Afromontane forest in the Eastern Cape, South Africa. To identify the environmental impacts that different forests have on small mammals, nine different forests were chosen in the Eastern Cape and sampled during the summer in 2013. These nine forests were: Fort Fordyce Forest, Thaba Ndoda Forest, Hogsback Forest, Dassie Kraans Forest, Langeni Forest, Burchell’s Reserve Forest, Maiden Dam Forest and Kagaberg Forest. At each site, three transects of 30 Sherman Traps each were used. Trapping periods within each forest patch lasted between three to five consecutive nights and traps were inspected once a day in the morning. Nine environmental variables were initially identified and after being tested for normality and colinearity, five variables were chosen. These variables were Altitude, Mean Annual Temperature, Gradient, Patch Size and Mean annual potential evaporation. The number of individuals captures and species richness were then incorporated as dependent variables for best subset multiple regression model selection using the Akaike Information Criterion (AIC). For the second aim, the same trapping methods were used when comparing seasonal changes to diversity and abundance within the forest core. However at the forest edge, due to the small size of the forest, only 20 Sherman traps were used in each transect with five traps (25 percent) placed in the grassland and 15 (75 percent) placed in the forest along each transect. This study was one of few to survey small mammal diversity and abundance in fragmented forests in the Eastern Cape. Gradient, patch size and mean annual potential evaporation were the variables that best predicted the individual number of small mammal captures while only gradient best explained species richness. It does however, need to be noted that capture rates and species richness were very low and this would therefore effect the analysis of environmental variables. Future studies should have a larger sample size of forest patches and include more microhabitat environmental variables to determine their effects on small mammal diversity and abundance. However, it should be noted that through climatic extinction filtering, forest mammals are resilient generalists that can tolerate fragmentation effects. Furthermore, it was found that forest edges appear to play a significant role in small mammal diversity and abundance in the Beggars Bush Afromontane forest. Some species were habitat specialists such as Rhabdomys pumilio preferring the grassland habitat and Graphiurus murinus and Aethomys namaquensis the forest habitat, while Myosorex varius was the only species that was not habitat dependant. It was found that there was a greater diversity and abundance at the forest edge compared to within the forest core throughout most of the seasons. One possible flaw was that the sampling methods were different at the edge and within the forest and therefore future studies should ensure that the method stays uniform throughout the study.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
- Authors: Junkuhn, Kyle Peter
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Upland ecology -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Mammal populations -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Forest animals -- Adaptation -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Forest animals -- Climatic factors -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Forest animals -- Effect of habitat modification on -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:4270 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1018188
- Description: The Eastern Cape contains the majority of the remaining forested areas in South Africa (95.8 percent Coastal forests and 47.6 percent Afromontane forests), however these occur in fragments. Due to the rapid rise in the human population and its needs, conversion of forests to agricultural land and the extraction of timber increases, natural vegetation are lost and this therefore leads to forests becoming fragmented into small forest patches. One of the main consequences of forest fragmentation is loss of contiguous habitat, which is the dominant threat to species globally as it negatively affects both species richness and genetic diversity. This research investigates the effects that forest fragmentation has on small mammal diversity and abundance. The study sampled small mammals in Southern Mistbelt Afromontane forest patches in the Eastern Cape. The first aim of this study was to identify which environmental variable, or combinations of variables, affect the diversity and abundance of small mammals in fragmented forest patches in the Eastern Cape during the austral summer. The second aim was to compare seasonal changes in small mammal diversity and abundance at a forest edge compared to the forest core at Beggars Bush, an Afromontane forest in the Eastern Cape, South Africa. To identify the environmental impacts that different forests have on small mammals, nine different forests were chosen in the Eastern Cape and sampled during the summer in 2013. These nine forests were: Fort Fordyce Forest, Thaba Ndoda Forest, Hogsback Forest, Dassie Kraans Forest, Langeni Forest, Burchell’s Reserve Forest, Maiden Dam Forest and Kagaberg Forest. At each site, three transects of 30 Sherman Traps each were used. Trapping periods within each forest patch lasted between three to five consecutive nights and traps were inspected once a day in the morning. Nine environmental variables were initially identified and after being tested for normality and colinearity, five variables were chosen. These variables were Altitude, Mean Annual Temperature, Gradient, Patch Size and Mean annual potential evaporation. The number of individuals captures and species richness were then incorporated as dependent variables for best subset multiple regression model selection using the Akaike Information Criterion (AIC). For the second aim, the same trapping methods were used when comparing seasonal changes to diversity and abundance within the forest core. However at the forest edge, due to the small size of the forest, only 20 Sherman traps were used in each transect with five traps (25 percent) placed in the grassland and 15 (75 percent) placed in the forest along each transect. This study was one of few to survey small mammal diversity and abundance in fragmented forests in the Eastern Cape. Gradient, patch size and mean annual potential evaporation were the variables that best predicted the individual number of small mammal captures while only gradient best explained species richness. It does however, need to be noted that capture rates and species richness were very low and this would therefore effect the analysis of environmental variables. Future studies should have a larger sample size of forest patches and include more microhabitat environmental variables to determine their effects on small mammal diversity and abundance. However, it should be noted that through climatic extinction filtering, forest mammals are resilient generalists that can tolerate fragmentation effects. Furthermore, it was found that forest edges appear to play a significant role in small mammal diversity and abundance in the Beggars Bush Afromontane forest. Some species were habitat specialists such as Rhabdomys pumilio preferring the grassland habitat and Graphiurus murinus and Aethomys namaquensis the forest habitat, while Myosorex varius was the only species that was not habitat dependant. It was found that there was a greater diversity and abundance at the forest edge compared to within the forest core throughout most of the seasons. One possible flaw was that the sampling methods were different at the edge and within the forest and therefore future studies should ensure that the method stays uniform throughout the study.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
The roles of black-backed jackals and caracals in issues of human-wildlife conflict in the Eastern Cape, South Africa
- Authors: Murison, Megan Kate
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Black-backed jackal -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Human-animal relationships -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Predatory animals -- Control -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Black-backed jackal -- Food -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Black-backed jackal -- Effect of human beings on -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:5939 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1018667
- Description: [Partial abstract]: Human-wildlife conflict is a widely observed phenomenon and encompasses a range of negative interactions between humans and wildlife. Depredation upon livestock and game species proves to be the prevalent form of this conflict and often results in the killing of carnivores. Within the South African context, despite intense lethal control, two sympatric mesopredators, the blackbacked jackal (Canis mesomelas) and the caracal (Caracal caracal), remain common enough to be considered a major threat to human livelihoods through depredation. Wildlife ranches and livestock farms dominate the landscape in the Eastern Cape Province. Moreover, human-predator conflict within the region is extensive as both the black-backed jackal and caracal are seen to be inimical by landowners. Understanding this conflict is essential for mitigating any potential adverse environmental reactions (i.e. range collapses or extinctions) and requires knowledge of anthropogenic, ecological and environmental factors. I interviewed 73 land owners across five municipal boundaries in the Eastern Cape to quantify perceptions of predator control methods.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
- Authors: Murison, Megan Kate
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Black-backed jackal -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Human-animal relationships -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Predatory animals -- Control -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Black-backed jackal -- Food -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Black-backed jackal -- Effect of human beings on -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:5939 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1018667
- Description: [Partial abstract]: Human-wildlife conflict is a widely observed phenomenon and encompasses a range of negative interactions between humans and wildlife. Depredation upon livestock and game species proves to be the prevalent form of this conflict and often results in the killing of carnivores. Within the South African context, despite intense lethal control, two sympatric mesopredators, the blackbacked jackal (Canis mesomelas) and the caracal (Caracal caracal), remain common enough to be considered a major threat to human livelihoods through depredation. Wildlife ranches and livestock farms dominate the landscape in the Eastern Cape Province. Moreover, human-predator conflict within the region is extensive as both the black-backed jackal and caracal are seen to be inimical by landowners. Understanding this conflict is essential for mitigating any potential adverse environmental reactions (i.e. range collapses or extinctions) and requires knowledge of anthropogenic, ecological and environmental factors. I interviewed 73 land owners across five municipal boundaries in the Eastern Cape to quantify perceptions of predator control methods.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
The tax consequences of a contingent liability disposed of as part of the sale of a business as a going concern
- Authors: Staude, Daylan
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Sale of business enterprises -- Taxation -- South Africa , Sale of business enterprises -- Law and legislation -- South Africa , Tax deductions -- South Africa , Contingent liabilities (Accounting) -- Taxation -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: vital:918 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1017544
- Description: The sale of an entity as a going concern has a number of tax consequences for both the purchaser and the seller. The tax deductibility of a contingent liability upon its transfer from the seller to the purchaser, where the selling price has been reduced by the value of the contingent liabilities transferred, remains uncertain following the decision in Ackermans Ltd v Commissioner for the South African Revenue Service. An expense is either deductible under a specific section of the Income Tax Act, 58 of 1962, or under the general expense provisions in terms of sections 11(a) and 23(g). The Act does not contain a specific section relating to contingent liabilities and therefore a contingent liability will need to be considered for deduction under these sections. The Act further disallows an expense as a deduction under section 23(e), where a reserve is created (for example a leave pay provision). This study analyses the tax deductibility of a contingent liability, where the contingent liability has been transferred from the seller to the purchaser in a sale of an entity as a going concern and the purchase price has been reduced to compensate for the transfer of the contingent liability. The deductibility of the contingent liability was first assessed in terms of the provisions of the Act (sections 11(a), 23(g) and 23(e)) and associated case law. The decision in the Ackermans case and its preceding Income Tax Case 1839 was then analysed in order to establish the principles arising from the decisions. Finally the proposals in the Draft Taxation Laws Amendment Bill, 2011, and the subsequent Discussion Document issued by the South African Revenue Service were discussed. The analysis revealed the continuing confusion surrounding the status quo, thus demonstrating the importance of legislative intervention to provide guidelines for taxpayers.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
- Authors: Staude, Daylan
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Sale of business enterprises -- Taxation -- South Africa , Sale of business enterprises -- Law and legislation -- South Africa , Tax deductions -- South Africa , Contingent liabilities (Accounting) -- Taxation -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: vital:918 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1017544
- Description: The sale of an entity as a going concern has a number of tax consequences for both the purchaser and the seller. The tax deductibility of a contingent liability upon its transfer from the seller to the purchaser, where the selling price has been reduced by the value of the contingent liabilities transferred, remains uncertain following the decision in Ackermans Ltd v Commissioner for the South African Revenue Service. An expense is either deductible under a specific section of the Income Tax Act, 58 of 1962, or under the general expense provisions in terms of sections 11(a) and 23(g). The Act does not contain a specific section relating to contingent liabilities and therefore a contingent liability will need to be considered for deduction under these sections. The Act further disallows an expense as a deduction under section 23(e), where a reserve is created (for example a leave pay provision). This study analyses the tax deductibility of a contingent liability, where the contingent liability has been transferred from the seller to the purchaser in a sale of an entity as a going concern and the purchase price has been reduced to compensate for the transfer of the contingent liability. The deductibility of the contingent liability was first assessed in terms of the provisions of the Act (sections 11(a), 23(g) and 23(e)) and associated case law. The decision in the Ackermans case and its preceding Income Tax Case 1839 was then analysed in order to establish the principles arising from the decisions. Finally the proposals in the Draft Taxation Laws Amendment Bill, 2011, and the subsequent Discussion Document issued by the South African Revenue Service were discussed. The analysis revealed the continuing confusion surrounding the status quo, thus demonstrating the importance of legislative intervention to provide guidelines for taxpayers.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
The transition of Rhodes University graduates into the South African labour market : a case study of the 2010 cohort
- Authors: Ntikinca, Kanyiso Lungani
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Rhodes University -- Graduate students , Labor market -- South Africa , College graduates -- Employment -- South Africa , Labor supply -- Research -- South Africa , Market segmentation -- South Africa , Employability -- South Africa , Race discrimination -- South Africa , Sex discrimination -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSocSc
- Identifier: vital:3395 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1018198
- Description: Recent studies have shown that graduates from historically White universities (HWUs) experience better labour market outcomes than graduates from historically Black universities (HBUs). This is a result of the legacy of apartheid which promoted racial inequality in all spheres of South African society, more especially in higher education and the labour market. Post-1994, government dedicated large amounts for the restructuring of the higher education sector of South Africa in order to level out the playing field. However, graduates from HWUs still experience better labour market success than graduates from HBUs. That said, there is limited information about the labour market outcomes and experiences of graduates from a former White university (especially graduates from Rhodes University). Therefore, the central aim of this dissertation is to show that graduates from a historically White university (Rhodes University) experience varying and unequal outcomes in the South African labour market on account of (among other factors) their chosen fields of study, race and sex. This study is informed by the heterodox labour market approach, which is partly inspired by the critical realist account of the labour market. As a result, this theoretical framework allowed the researcher to use the Labour Market Segmentation (LMS) theory as a tool to inform this analysis. The study has adopted a quantitative survey design and has incorporated some of the key methodological lessons learned from the collection of international graduate tracer studies. The findings from this study indicated that ‘field of study’ is a strong determiner of the outcomes of Rhodes graduates in the labour market. This was visible in the persistence of a skills bias towards commerce and science graduates. Evidently, even when we controlled for race and sex, graduates from the commerce and science faculties experience better labour market outcomes than humanities graduates. This is a result of a skills biased South African economy, which has a higher demand for certain skills over others. However, the findings from this study also show evidence of pre-labour market discrimination and inequality (based on race and sex) in the supply-side institutions such as the family, schooling and university. The findings also show continuities and discontinuities of labour market discrimination (based on race and sex) in the outcomes of Rhodes graduates in the South African labour market. More importantly, this dissertation indicates that Rhodes graduates experience varying outcomes in the labour market as a result of (among other factors) their chosen fields of study, race and sex.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
- Authors: Ntikinca, Kanyiso Lungani
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Rhodes University -- Graduate students , Labor market -- South Africa , College graduates -- Employment -- South Africa , Labor supply -- Research -- South Africa , Market segmentation -- South Africa , Employability -- South Africa , Race discrimination -- South Africa , Sex discrimination -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSocSc
- Identifier: vital:3395 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1018198
- Description: Recent studies have shown that graduates from historically White universities (HWUs) experience better labour market outcomes than graduates from historically Black universities (HBUs). This is a result of the legacy of apartheid which promoted racial inequality in all spheres of South African society, more especially in higher education and the labour market. Post-1994, government dedicated large amounts for the restructuring of the higher education sector of South Africa in order to level out the playing field. However, graduates from HWUs still experience better labour market success than graduates from HBUs. That said, there is limited information about the labour market outcomes and experiences of graduates from a former White university (especially graduates from Rhodes University). Therefore, the central aim of this dissertation is to show that graduates from a historically White university (Rhodes University) experience varying and unequal outcomes in the South African labour market on account of (among other factors) their chosen fields of study, race and sex. This study is informed by the heterodox labour market approach, which is partly inspired by the critical realist account of the labour market. As a result, this theoretical framework allowed the researcher to use the Labour Market Segmentation (LMS) theory as a tool to inform this analysis. The study has adopted a quantitative survey design and has incorporated some of the key methodological lessons learned from the collection of international graduate tracer studies. The findings from this study indicated that ‘field of study’ is a strong determiner of the outcomes of Rhodes graduates in the labour market. This was visible in the persistence of a skills bias towards commerce and science graduates. Evidently, even when we controlled for race and sex, graduates from the commerce and science faculties experience better labour market outcomes than humanities graduates. This is a result of a skills biased South African economy, which has a higher demand for certain skills over others. However, the findings from this study also show evidence of pre-labour market discrimination and inequality (based on race and sex) in the supply-side institutions such as the family, schooling and university. The findings also show continuities and discontinuities of labour market discrimination (based on race and sex) in the outcomes of Rhodes graduates in the South African labour market. More importantly, this dissertation indicates that Rhodes graduates experience varying outcomes in the labour market as a result of (among other factors) their chosen fields of study, race and sex.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
The trophic ecology of the endangered endemic Barau's Petrel (Pterodroma baraui) from Reunion Island, south-western Indian Ocean
- Authors: Danckwerts, Daniel Keith
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Petrels -- Réunion , Pterodroma baraui , Ecology -- Réunion
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:5925 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1017803
- Description: Réunion is the only tropical island that supports two endemic gadfly petrels. Population modelling has indicated that the current threats to the Barau’s Petrel (Pterodroma baraui) may drive it to extinction; this fate is almost definite for the Mascarene Petrel (Pseudobulweria aterrima). Management interventions have therefore been implemented, but conservation potential is handicapped since virtually nothing is known about the former species’ at-sea biology. Thus, following numerous recommendations, this study aimed to combine stomach content, stable isotope, and fatty acid analyses so to provide new information on the at-sea ecology of Barau’s Petrel. Breeding colonies were repeatedly visited over the same season and samples gathered from adults, fledglings, and downy chicks. Stomach contents consisted mostly of accumulated cephalopod beaks whereas structures from fishes, molluscs, arthropods, and crustaceans were less frequently encountered. Fatty acid profiles of blood varied greatly among individuals and the lowincidences of monounsaturated and n-3 fatty acids discounted fish as an important dietary component. δ¹⁵N of blood indicated a niche between the fourth and fifth trophic levels, which proposes that these birds scavenge to a greater degree than other sympatric seabirds and suggests that adults are also reliant on their endogenous reserves during breeding. δ¹³C values confirmed the migratory behaviour of adults since birds returning from the non-breeding grounds were enriched relative to individuals sampled through the breeding period. Significant intra-breeding season variations in δ13C were also observed, which matched this species’ patterns of habitat use as have recently described. These results collectively indicate an opportunistic behaviour, which implies some degree of resilience against shifts in prey availability/accessibility, and suggest that this species’ reproduction isdependent on distant foraging areas. This breeding strategy is synonymous with great vulnerability as over-investing into a single breeding episode may jeopardize future survival and fecundity. Thus, in light of environmental conditions that are becoming increasingly more susceptible to dramatic changes, the birds could rather be prioritising adult survival, over reproductive output. Further work is obviously necessary and should benefit from databases of fatty acid profiles and isotope signatures of potential prey species.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
- Authors: Danckwerts, Daniel Keith
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Petrels -- Réunion , Pterodroma baraui , Ecology -- Réunion
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:5925 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1017803
- Description: Réunion is the only tropical island that supports two endemic gadfly petrels. Population modelling has indicated that the current threats to the Barau’s Petrel (Pterodroma baraui) may drive it to extinction; this fate is almost definite for the Mascarene Petrel (Pseudobulweria aterrima). Management interventions have therefore been implemented, but conservation potential is handicapped since virtually nothing is known about the former species’ at-sea biology. Thus, following numerous recommendations, this study aimed to combine stomach content, stable isotope, and fatty acid analyses so to provide new information on the at-sea ecology of Barau’s Petrel. Breeding colonies were repeatedly visited over the same season and samples gathered from adults, fledglings, and downy chicks. Stomach contents consisted mostly of accumulated cephalopod beaks whereas structures from fishes, molluscs, arthropods, and crustaceans were less frequently encountered. Fatty acid profiles of blood varied greatly among individuals and the lowincidences of monounsaturated and n-3 fatty acids discounted fish as an important dietary component. δ¹⁵N of blood indicated a niche between the fourth and fifth trophic levels, which proposes that these birds scavenge to a greater degree than other sympatric seabirds and suggests that adults are also reliant on their endogenous reserves during breeding. δ¹³C values confirmed the migratory behaviour of adults since birds returning from the non-breeding grounds were enriched relative to individuals sampled through the breeding period. Significant intra-breeding season variations in δ13C were also observed, which matched this species’ patterns of habitat use as have recently described. These results collectively indicate an opportunistic behaviour, which implies some degree of resilience against shifts in prey availability/accessibility, and suggest that this species’ reproduction isdependent on distant foraging areas. This breeding strategy is synonymous with great vulnerability as over-investing into a single breeding episode may jeopardize future survival and fecundity. Thus, in light of environmental conditions that are becoming increasingly more susceptible to dramatic changes, the birds could rather be prioritising adult survival, over reproductive output. Further work is obviously necessary and should benefit from databases of fatty acid profiles and isotope signatures of potential prey species.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
The use of probiotics in the diet of farmed South African abalone Haliotis midae L
- Authors: Maliza, Siyabonga
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Haliotis midae -- South Africa , Abalones -- South Africa , Haliotis midae -- Feeding and feeds , Haliotis midae -- Effect of chemicals on , Haliotis midae -- Growth , Haliotis midae -- Immunology , Probiotics
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:5382 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1018178
- Description: Physiological stress in farmed abalone can lead to immunosuppression and increase the susceptibility to bacterial, viral and parasitic disease, often followed by mortality. Thus, handling and poor water quality can reduce farm production efficiency. Probiotics in aquaculture have been effective in a wide range of species in enhancing immunity, survival, improving feed utilisation and growth. Three putative probionts identified as a result of in vitro screening had been beneficial to laboratory-reared abalone in a previous study. The aim of this study was to produce an abalone feed that contains a suite of probionts that may promote abalone growth and health under farming conditions. The objectives were to compare growth and physiological responses (i.e., haemocyte and phagocytosis counts) of abalone fed a commercial feed (Abfeed®S 34, Marifeed, Hermanus) supplemented with probiotics (i.e., the probiotic diet) to abalone fed the commercial feed without probiotic supplementation as a control treatment in a factorial design with handling method as an independent variable. This experiment was conducted at HIK Abalone Farm (Pty Ltd) for a period of eight months with initial weight and length 36.1 ± 0.05 g and 58.6 ± 0.06 mm abalone-1. Another experiment was carried out at Roman Bay Sea Farm (Pty) Ltd with initial weight and length 34.7 ± 0.17 g and 62.3 ± 0.18 mm abalone-1, but this experiment included one factor only, i.e. the presence and absence of the probionts in the feed. At HIK there was no significant interaction between diet and handling on average length and weight gain month-1 after four (p=0.81 and p=0.32) and eight (p=0.51 and p=0.53) months, respectively. Average length (additional handling = 73.9 ± 0.52 mm, normal farm handling = 75.8 ± 0.57 mm) and weight gain (mean: additional handling = 68.5 ± 1.20 g, normal farm handling = 74.3 ± 1.86 g) increased significantly in animals that were handled under normal farm procedure and were either fed probiotic or control diet after eight months (p=0.03 and p=0.02, respectively). There was no iii difference in length gain or weight gain of abalone fed the probiotic diet and those fed the control diet (ANOVA: F(1,16)=0.04, p=0.84; F(1,16)=0.14, p=0.71, respectively). After four months phagocytotic count was significantly different between dietary treatments with mean values of 74.50 ± 10.52 and 63.52 ± 14.52 % phagocytosis count per sample for the probionts and control treatment, respectively (p=0.04), there was no difference after eight months at HIK Abalone Farm. There was no effect of stressor application (p=0.14) and no interaction between dietary treatment and stressor application for this variable i.e., phagocytosis count (p=0.61). There was no difference in feed conversion ratio between treatments with values ranging from 2.9 to 3.8. At Roman Bay Sea farm, there was no significant difference in mean length gain between abalone fed the probiotic and control diet after eight months (repeated measures ANOVA: F(4,28)=16.54. Mean weight gain of abalone fed the probiotic diet was significantly greater than those fed the control diet after eight months (repeated measures ANOVA: F(4,28)=39.82, p(0.00001). There was no significant difference in haemocyte counts between animals fed either probiotic or control diet after four and eight months at Roman Bay Sea farm (p>0.05).
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
- Authors: Maliza, Siyabonga
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Haliotis midae -- South Africa , Abalones -- South Africa , Haliotis midae -- Feeding and feeds , Haliotis midae -- Effect of chemicals on , Haliotis midae -- Growth , Haliotis midae -- Immunology , Probiotics
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:5382 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1018178
- Description: Physiological stress in farmed abalone can lead to immunosuppression and increase the susceptibility to bacterial, viral and parasitic disease, often followed by mortality. Thus, handling and poor water quality can reduce farm production efficiency. Probiotics in aquaculture have been effective in a wide range of species in enhancing immunity, survival, improving feed utilisation and growth. Three putative probionts identified as a result of in vitro screening had been beneficial to laboratory-reared abalone in a previous study. The aim of this study was to produce an abalone feed that contains a suite of probionts that may promote abalone growth and health under farming conditions. The objectives were to compare growth and physiological responses (i.e., haemocyte and phagocytosis counts) of abalone fed a commercial feed (Abfeed®S 34, Marifeed, Hermanus) supplemented with probiotics (i.e., the probiotic diet) to abalone fed the commercial feed without probiotic supplementation as a control treatment in a factorial design with handling method as an independent variable. This experiment was conducted at HIK Abalone Farm (Pty Ltd) for a period of eight months with initial weight and length 36.1 ± 0.05 g and 58.6 ± 0.06 mm abalone-1. Another experiment was carried out at Roman Bay Sea Farm (Pty) Ltd with initial weight and length 34.7 ± 0.17 g and 62.3 ± 0.18 mm abalone-1, but this experiment included one factor only, i.e. the presence and absence of the probionts in the feed. At HIK there was no significant interaction between diet and handling on average length and weight gain month-1 after four (p=0.81 and p=0.32) and eight (p=0.51 and p=0.53) months, respectively. Average length (additional handling = 73.9 ± 0.52 mm, normal farm handling = 75.8 ± 0.57 mm) and weight gain (mean: additional handling = 68.5 ± 1.20 g, normal farm handling = 74.3 ± 1.86 g) increased significantly in animals that were handled under normal farm procedure and were either fed probiotic or control diet after eight months (p=0.03 and p=0.02, respectively). There was no iii difference in length gain or weight gain of abalone fed the probiotic diet and those fed the control diet (ANOVA: F(1,16)=0.04, p=0.84; F(1,16)=0.14, p=0.71, respectively). After four months phagocytotic count was significantly different between dietary treatments with mean values of 74.50 ± 10.52 and 63.52 ± 14.52 % phagocytosis count per sample for the probionts and control treatment, respectively (p=0.04), there was no difference after eight months at HIK Abalone Farm. There was no effect of stressor application (p=0.14) and no interaction between dietary treatment and stressor application for this variable i.e., phagocytosis count (p=0.61). There was no difference in feed conversion ratio between treatments with values ranging from 2.9 to 3.8. At Roman Bay Sea farm, there was no significant difference in mean length gain between abalone fed the probiotic and control diet after eight months (repeated measures ANOVA: F(4,28)=16.54. Mean weight gain of abalone fed the probiotic diet was significantly greater than those fed the control diet after eight months (repeated measures ANOVA: F(4,28)=39.82, p(0.00001). There was no significant difference in haemocyte counts between animals fed either probiotic or control diet after four and eight months at Roman Bay Sea farm (p>0.05).
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
The ‘obesity epidemic’ : an analysis of representations of obesity in mainstream South African newspapers post-1997
- Authors: Malan, Chantelle Therese
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Obesity -- South Africa , Obesity -- Press coverage -- South Africa , Obesity -- Social aspects -- South Africa , Discrimination against overweight persons -- South Africa , Social medicine -- South Africa , Agent (Philosophy) , Social control -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:2892 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1019751
- Description: This study of 449 newspaper articles from South Africa from 1997 provides an analysis of the representations of obesity evinced in the corpus. The research argues that obesity is overwhelmingly framed as being diseased and that there are four main refrains within this frame, namely, statistics on obesity, the naturalisation of negative assumptions about fat, the social dysfunction of fat and the use of crisis metaphors to describe fatness. This framing lends itself to representations of obesity which are raced, gendered and classed. Fat bodies are portrayed as being in deficit and fat people as lacking agency. The disproportional focus on black bodies in the corpus can be attributed to assumptions of ‘incivility’ which are premised on racial stereotypes which construct black people as being unintelligent, irrational, lacking agency and being largely dependent on others to survive. This disproportional focus on black bodies can also be understood in the context of emerging markets. This study argues that the medicalisation of obesity has contributed to many oversimplifications and contradictions in the representation of obesity in the corpus, which seem to go unquestioned, such as the conflation of weight and health, something I argue is one of the main contributors to the negative consequences of the dominant framing of obesity. Framing obesity as medicalised also promotes fat shaming and acts as a form of social control which maintains existing power relations through the use of discursive practices for the identification and control of deviants. These representations are problematic chiefly because they promote the dehumanisation of fat people, but also because that they do not promote good health as they claim to do.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
- Authors: Malan, Chantelle Therese
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Obesity -- South Africa , Obesity -- Press coverage -- South Africa , Obesity -- Social aspects -- South Africa , Discrimination against overweight persons -- South Africa , Social medicine -- South Africa , Agent (Philosophy) , Social control -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:2892 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1019751
- Description: This study of 449 newspaper articles from South Africa from 1997 provides an analysis of the representations of obesity evinced in the corpus. The research argues that obesity is overwhelmingly framed as being diseased and that there are four main refrains within this frame, namely, statistics on obesity, the naturalisation of negative assumptions about fat, the social dysfunction of fat and the use of crisis metaphors to describe fatness. This framing lends itself to representations of obesity which are raced, gendered and classed. Fat bodies are portrayed as being in deficit and fat people as lacking agency. The disproportional focus on black bodies in the corpus can be attributed to assumptions of ‘incivility’ which are premised on racial stereotypes which construct black people as being unintelligent, irrational, lacking agency and being largely dependent on others to survive. This disproportional focus on black bodies can also be understood in the context of emerging markets. This study argues that the medicalisation of obesity has contributed to many oversimplifications and contradictions in the representation of obesity in the corpus, which seem to go unquestioned, such as the conflation of weight and health, something I argue is one of the main contributors to the negative consequences of the dominant framing of obesity. Framing obesity as medicalised also promotes fat shaming and acts as a form of social control which maintains existing power relations through the use of discursive practices for the identification and control of deviants. These representations are problematic chiefly because they promote the dehumanisation of fat people, but also because that they do not promote good health as they claim to do.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
Through the Camera Obscura : exploring the voyeuristic gaze through Grahamstown's architecture
- Authors: King, Taryn
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Architecture -- South Africa -- Grahamstown , Camera obscuras -- South Africa -- Grahamstown , Voyeurism in art , Gaze in art , Architecture and society -- South Africa -- Grahamstown , Human figure in art , Women in art
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MFA
- Identifier: vital:2511 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1018937
- Description: My study explores the politics of viewing and the gaze. I argue that the gaze both arrests and objectifies the body, which in turn transforms subjects into objects therefore regulating social behaviour. The basic notion of the gaze will be explored throughout this thesis and thereby contextualizes my sculptures, which are casts of my naked body. My particular concern lies in how the ideas of surveillance have had an influence on architecture and buildings in Grahamstown. Throughout this mini thesis, I will explore a number of architectural spaces of Grahamstown such as the Provost prison, Fort Selwyn and the Camera Obscura which I argue were all designed based on the ideas of surveillance. The entanglement of Grahamstown architecture and the female form as a subject of voyeurism forms an important part of this thesis, as the context of Grahamstown architecture is centered on visibility, which in turn subjects people to a form of discipline. The Provost Prison, the Camera Obscura and the forts of Grahamstown are all good examples of this. Outside of this, the female body is also subjected to the gaze, which in turn suggests that the female body is also under surveillance and as a result also becomes disciplined. My installation is a response to Antony Gormley’s Event Horizon, in which he placed 33 steel and fibreglass casts of his own naked body at an elevated level on buildings around Manhattan and Brazil. In this discussion I have contextualized my work with reference to the ideas of different theorists. The three main theorists I have cited are Michel Foucault, Jonathan Crary and Laura Mulvey. Foucault is specifically cited due to his discussion on Panoptic power, surveillance and docile bodies. Crary makes a number of important points with regards to the ideological operations of the Camera Obscura as well as its history while Laura Mulvey’s writings form the basis of the voyeuristic gaze from the perspective of a feminist.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
- Authors: King, Taryn
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Architecture -- South Africa -- Grahamstown , Camera obscuras -- South Africa -- Grahamstown , Voyeurism in art , Gaze in art , Architecture and society -- South Africa -- Grahamstown , Human figure in art , Women in art
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MFA
- Identifier: vital:2511 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1018937
- Description: My study explores the politics of viewing and the gaze. I argue that the gaze both arrests and objectifies the body, which in turn transforms subjects into objects therefore regulating social behaviour. The basic notion of the gaze will be explored throughout this thesis and thereby contextualizes my sculptures, which are casts of my naked body. My particular concern lies in how the ideas of surveillance have had an influence on architecture and buildings in Grahamstown. Throughout this mini thesis, I will explore a number of architectural spaces of Grahamstown such as the Provost prison, Fort Selwyn and the Camera Obscura which I argue were all designed based on the ideas of surveillance. The entanglement of Grahamstown architecture and the female form as a subject of voyeurism forms an important part of this thesis, as the context of Grahamstown architecture is centered on visibility, which in turn subjects people to a form of discipline. The Provost Prison, the Camera Obscura and the forts of Grahamstown are all good examples of this. Outside of this, the female body is also subjected to the gaze, which in turn suggests that the female body is also under surveillance and as a result also becomes disciplined. My installation is a response to Antony Gormley’s Event Horizon, in which he placed 33 steel and fibreglass casts of his own naked body at an elevated level on buildings around Manhattan and Brazil. In this discussion I have contextualized my work with reference to the ideas of different theorists. The three main theorists I have cited are Michel Foucault, Jonathan Crary and Laura Mulvey. Foucault is specifically cited due to his discussion on Panoptic power, surveillance and docile bodies. Crary makes a number of important points with regards to the ideological operations of the Camera Obscura as well as its history while Laura Mulvey’s writings form the basis of the voyeuristic gaze from the perspective of a feminist.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
Towards a framework for building security operation centers
- Authors: Jacobs, Pierre Conrad
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Security systems industry , Systems engineering , Expert systems (Computer science) , COBIT (Information technology management standard) , Computer security
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:4710 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1017932
- Description: In this thesis a framework for Security Operation Centers (SOCs) is proposed. It was developed by utilising Systems Engineering best practices, combined with industry-accepted standards and frameworks, such as the TM Forum’s eTOM framework, CoBIT, ITIL, and ISO/IEC 27002:2005. This framework encompasses the design considerations, the operational considerations and the means to measure the effectiveness and efficiency of SOCs. The intent is to provide guidance to consumers on how to compare and measure the capabilities of SOCs provided by disparate service providers, and to provide service providers (internal and external) a framework to use when building and improving their offerings. The importance of providing a consistent, measureable and guaranteed service to customers is becoming more important, as there is an increased focus on holistic management of security. This has in turn resulted in an increased number of both internal and managed service provider solutions. While some frameworks exist for designing, building and operating specific security technologies used within SOCs, we did not find any comprehensive framework for designing, building and managing SOCs. Consequently, consumers of SOCs do not enjoy a constant experience from vendors, and may experience inconsistent services from geographically dispersed offerings provided by the same vendor.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
- Authors: Jacobs, Pierre Conrad
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Security systems industry , Systems engineering , Expert systems (Computer science) , COBIT (Information technology management standard) , Computer security
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:4710 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1017932
- Description: In this thesis a framework for Security Operation Centers (SOCs) is proposed. It was developed by utilising Systems Engineering best practices, combined with industry-accepted standards and frameworks, such as the TM Forum’s eTOM framework, CoBIT, ITIL, and ISO/IEC 27002:2005. This framework encompasses the design considerations, the operational considerations and the means to measure the effectiveness and efficiency of SOCs. The intent is to provide guidance to consumers on how to compare and measure the capabilities of SOCs provided by disparate service providers, and to provide service providers (internal and external) a framework to use when building and improving their offerings. The importance of providing a consistent, measureable and guaranteed service to customers is becoming more important, as there is an increased focus on holistic management of security. This has in turn resulted in an increased number of both internal and managed service provider solutions. While some frameworks exist for designing, building and operating specific security technologies used within SOCs, we did not find any comprehensive framework for designing, building and managing SOCs. Consequently, consumers of SOCs do not enjoy a constant experience from vendors, and may experience inconsistent services from geographically dispersed offerings provided by the same vendor.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
Towards an evaluation and protection strategy for critical infrastructure
- Authors: Gottschalk, Jason Howard
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Computer crimes -- Prevention , Computer networks -- Security measures , Computer crimes -- Law and legislation -- South Africa , Public works -- Security measures
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:4721 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1018793
- Description: Critical Infrastructure is often overlooked from an Information Security perspective as being of high importance to protect which may result in Critical Infrastructure being at risk to Cyber related attacks with potential dire consequences. Furthermore, what is considered Critical Infrastructure is often a complex discussion, with varying opinions across audiences. Traditional Critical Infrastructure included power stations, water, sewage pump stations, gas pipe lines, power grids and a new entrant, the “internet of things”. This list is not complete and a constant challenge exists in identifying Critical Infrastructure and its interdependencies. The purpose of this research is to highlight the importance of protecting Critical Infrastructure as well as proposing a high level framework aiding in the identification and securing of Critical Infrastructure. To achieve this, key case studies involving Cyber crime and Cyber warfare, as well as the identification of attack vectors and impact on against Critical Infrastructure (as applicable to Critical Infrastructure where possible), were identified and discussed. Furthermore industry related material was researched as to identify key controls that would aid in protecting Critical Infrastructure. The identification of initiatives that countries were pursuing, that would aid in the protection of Critical Infrastructure, were identified and discussed. Research was conducted into the various standards, frameworks and methodologies available to aid in the identification, remediation and ultimately the protection of Critical Infrastructure. A key output of the research was the development of a hybrid approach to identifying Critical Infrastructure, associated vulnerabilities and an approach for remediation with specific metrics (based on the research performed). The conclusion based on the research is that there is often a need and a requirement to identify and protect Critical Infrastructure however this is usually initiated or driven by non-owners of Critical Infrastructure (Governments, governing bodies, standards bodies and security consultants). Furthermore where there are active initiative by owners very often the suggested approaches are very high level in nature with little direct guidance available for very immature environments.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
- Authors: Gottschalk, Jason Howard
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Computer crimes -- Prevention , Computer networks -- Security measures , Computer crimes -- Law and legislation -- South Africa , Public works -- Security measures
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:4721 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1018793
- Description: Critical Infrastructure is often overlooked from an Information Security perspective as being of high importance to protect which may result in Critical Infrastructure being at risk to Cyber related attacks with potential dire consequences. Furthermore, what is considered Critical Infrastructure is often a complex discussion, with varying opinions across audiences. Traditional Critical Infrastructure included power stations, water, sewage pump stations, gas pipe lines, power grids and a new entrant, the “internet of things”. This list is not complete and a constant challenge exists in identifying Critical Infrastructure and its interdependencies. The purpose of this research is to highlight the importance of protecting Critical Infrastructure as well as proposing a high level framework aiding in the identification and securing of Critical Infrastructure. To achieve this, key case studies involving Cyber crime and Cyber warfare, as well as the identification of attack vectors and impact on against Critical Infrastructure (as applicable to Critical Infrastructure where possible), were identified and discussed. Furthermore industry related material was researched as to identify key controls that would aid in protecting Critical Infrastructure. The identification of initiatives that countries were pursuing, that would aid in the protection of Critical Infrastructure, were identified and discussed. Research was conducted into the various standards, frameworks and methodologies available to aid in the identification, remediation and ultimately the protection of Critical Infrastructure. A key output of the research was the development of a hybrid approach to identifying Critical Infrastructure, associated vulnerabilities and an approach for remediation with specific metrics (based on the research performed). The conclusion based on the research is that there is often a need and a requirement to identify and protect Critical Infrastructure however this is usually initiated or driven by non-owners of Critical Infrastructure (Governments, governing bodies, standards bodies and security consultants). Furthermore where there are active initiative by owners very often the suggested approaches are very high level in nature with little direct guidance available for very immature environments.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
Towards large scale software based network routing simulation
- Authors: Herbert, Alan
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Routers (Computer networks) , Computer software , Linux
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:4709 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1017931
- Description: Software based routing simulators suffer from large simulation host requirements and are prone to slow downs because of resource limitations, as well as context switching due to user space to kernel space requests. Furthermore, hardware based simulations do not scale with the passing of time as their available resources are set at the time of manufacture. This research aims to provide a software based, scalable solution to network simulation. It aims to achieve this by a Linux kernel-based solution, through insertion of a custom kernel module. This will reduce the number of context switches by eliminating the user space context requirement, and serve to be highly compatible with any host that can run the Linux kernel. Through careful consideration in data structure choice and software component design, this routing simulator achieved results of over 7 Gbps of throughput over multiple simulated node hops on consumer hardware. Alongside this throughput, this routing simulator also brings to light scalability and the ability to instantiate and simulate networks in excess of 1 million routing nodes within 1 GB of system memory
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
- Authors: Herbert, Alan
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Routers (Computer networks) , Computer software , Linux
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:4709 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1017931
- Description: Software based routing simulators suffer from large simulation host requirements and are prone to slow downs because of resource limitations, as well as context switching due to user space to kernel space requests. Furthermore, hardware based simulations do not scale with the passing of time as their available resources are set at the time of manufacture. This research aims to provide a software based, scalable solution to network simulation. It aims to achieve this by a Linux kernel-based solution, through insertion of a custom kernel module. This will reduce the number of context switches by eliminating the user space context requirement, and serve to be highly compatible with any host that can run the Linux kernel. Through careful consideration in data structure choice and software component design, this routing simulator achieved results of over 7 Gbps of throughput over multiple simulated node hops on consumer hardware. Alongside this throughput, this routing simulator also brings to light scalability and the ability to instantiate and simulate networks in excess of 1 million routing nodes within 1 GB of system memory
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
Tug of war : a critical discourse analysis of Punch and Daily Trust newspapers' coverage of polio eradication in Nigeria
- Authors: Oyewo, Ayanfeoluwa Olutosin
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Punch (Nigeria) , Daily Trust (Nigeria) , Poliomyelitis -- Nigeria , Communication in medicine -- Nigeria , Journalism -- Political aspects -- Nigeria , Journalistic ethics -- Nigeria , Journalism -- Objectivity -- Nigeria , Critical discourse analysis
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:3546 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1017787
- Description: The resurgence of the polio virus in Nigeria following vaccine rejections poses a severe threat to the total worldwide eradication of polio. Vaccine refusals are a huge problem in Nigeria, especially in the North, which accounts for about 60 percent of polio cases in 2013. These refusals were informed by claims that polio vaccines contained anti-fertility properties that were designed by the ‘West’ to reduce the Muslim population. These claims and subsequent vaccine rejections culminated in the killing of health workers during an immunisation exercise in February 2013. This study is an analysis of the coverage of the polio eradication controversy by two newspapers- Punch and Daily Trust, following the killings of the health workers. Daily Trust is situated in Northern Nigeria, while Punch is situated in the South. The choice of these newspapers is based on the argument by Ayodele (1988) and Omenugha (2004) that the Nigerian press has been accused of escalating tension in the country because they view many aspects of the Nigerian reality from the lenses of religious, political and cultural prejudices. Because it is a text-based study, the chosen research method is Fairclough’s (1995) model of Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA), following a preliminary thematic content analysis. In addition to Fairclough’s model, the study employs textual analytic tools such as narrative analysis and rhetoric/argumentative analysis. The selected texts, which comprise editorials and news stories are analysed based on the themes identified during the thematic content analysis. The study concludes that while the two newspapers differ in their locations and stylistic approach to news, they are similar in their coverage of the polio eradication crisis. They both side with the Federal Government and help perpetuate the South versus North animosity thereby ignoring the intricacies involved in the polio eradication controversy.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
- Authors: Oyewo, Ayanfeoluwa Olutosin
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Punch (Nigeria) , Daily Trust (Nigeria) , Poliomyelitis -- Nigeria , Communication in medicine -- Nigeria , Journalism -- Political aspects -- Nigeria , Journalistic ethics -- Nigeria , Journalism -- Objectivity -- Nigeria , Critical discourse analysis
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:3546 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1017787
- Description: The resurgence of the polio virus in Nigeria following vaccine rejections poses a severe threat to the total worldwide eradication of polio. Vaccine refusals are a huge problem in Nigeria, especially in the North, which accounts for about 60 percent of polio cases in 2013. These refusals were informed by claims that polio vaccines contained anti-fertility properties that were designed by the ‘West’ to reduce the Muslim population. These claims and subsequent vaccine rejections culminated in the killing of health workers during an immunisation exercise in February 2013. This study is an analysis of the coverage of the polio eradication controversy by two newspapers- Punch and Daily Trust, following the killings of the health workers. Daily Trust is situated in Northern Nigeria, while Punch is situated in the South. The choice of these newspapers is based on the argument by Ayodele (1988) and Omenugha (2004) that the Nigerian press has been accused of escalating tension in the country because they view many aspects of the Nigerian reality from the lenses of religious, political and cultural prejudices. Because it is a text-based study, the chosen research method is Fairclough’s (1995) model of Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA), following a preliminary thematic content analysis. In addition to Fairclough’s model, the study employs textual analytic tools such as narrative analysis and rhetoric/argumentative analysis. The selected texts, which comprise editorials and news stories are analysed based on the themes identified during the thematic content analysis. The study concludes that while the two newspapers differ in their locations and stylistic approach to news, they are similar in their coverage of the polio eradication crisis. They both side with the Federal Government and help perpetuate the South versus North animosity thereby ignoring the intricacies involved in the polio eradication controversy.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
Understanding Grade 10 Life Sciences teachers’ perceptions and experiences of teaching topics on human reproduction
- Authors: Silas, Fenni
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Life sciences -- Study and teaching (Secondary) , Human reproduction -- Cross-cultural studies , Human reproduction -- Social aspects -- Namibia -- Ohangwena , Ohangwena (Namibia) -- Moral conditions , Taboo -- Namibia -- Ohangwena
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: vital:2062 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1020305
- Description: This study was conducted in order to understand Grade 10 Life Science teachers’ perceptions and experiences of teaching human reproduction topics in the Ohangwena political region in the northern part of Namibia. It also explored how the culture of the majority of the inhabitants of Ohangwena region who are Oshiwambo speaking impacts the teaching of human reproduction topics. The study was prompted by the fact that the Grade 10 Life Science syllabus requires learners to learn details of human reproduction although in Oshiwambo culture such things are not discussed openly. And this section has proven to be one of the poorly answered sections in the Grade 10 national examinations. A total of thirty five (35) Grade 10 Life Science teachers participated in this study. It is a qualitative case study underpinned by an interpretive paradigm. The unit of analysis for this study was teachers’ perceptions and experiences of teaching the topic of human reproduction. Data were generated through document analysis, questionnaires and tape recorded semi-structured interviews. Such data were analysed inductively by sorting them into categories and then into emerging themes. Categories included teachers’ views and experiences of being taught and teaching human reproduction, how culture influenced the manner in which teaching and learning of human reproduction takes place as stated in the socio-cultural theory, and how teachers of different gender perceived and experienced the teaching of human reproduction according to the feminist standpoint theory. The emerging themes were colour coded and then developed into analytical statements. Data triangulation, member checking, and follow up interviews ensured data validity and trustworthiness. This study revealed that the cultural belief of the Owambo people that prohibits adults to talk to children about things related to sex because it encourages them to practice sex is still strong among individuals in the community including teachers themselves. As a result, teachers are not comfortable with teaching human reproduction topics. From the findings, it is recommended that teachers should be empowered to teach Life Science, specifically human reproduction topics, with confidence. Furthermore, parents should be made aware of the importance of including human reproduction topics in the school curriculum so that they can motivate their children to study it with an open mind.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
- Authors: Silas, Fenni
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Life sciences -- Study and teaching (Secondary) , Human reproduction -- Cross-cultural studies , Human reproduction -- Social aspects -- Namibia -- Ohangwena , Ohangwena (Namibia) -- Moral conditions , Taboo -- Namibia -- Ohangwena
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: vital:2062 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1020305
- Description: This study was conducted in order to understand Grade 10 Life Science teachers’ perceptions and experiences of teaching human reproduction topics in the Ohangwena political region in the northern part of Namibia. It also explored how the culture of the majority of the inhabitants of Ohangwena region who are Oshiwambo speaking impacts the teaching of human reproduction topics. The study was prompted by the fact that the Grade 10 Life Science syllabus requires learners to learn details of human reproduction although in Oshiwambo culture such things are not discussed openly. And this section has proven to be one of the poorly answered sections in the Grade 10 national examinations. A total of thirty five (35) Grade 10 Life Science teachers participated in this study. It is a qualitative case study underpinned by an interpretive paradigm. The unit of analysis for this study was teachers’ perceptions and experiences of teaching the topic of human reproduction. Data were generated through document analysis, questionnaires and tape recorded semi-structured interviews. Such data were analysed inductively by sorting them into categories and then into emerging themes. Categories included teachers’ views and experiences of being taught and teaching human reproduction, how culture influenced the manner in which teaching and learning of human reproduction takes place as stated in the socio-cultural theory, and how teachers of different gender perceived and experienced the teaching of human reproduction according to the feminist standpoint theory. The emerging themes were colour coded and then developed into analytical statements. Data triangulation, member checking, and follow up interviews ensured data validity and trustworthiness. This study revealed that the cultural belief of the Owambo people that prohibits adults to talk to children about things related to sex because it encourages them to practice sex is still strong among individuals in the community including teachers themselves. As a result, teachers are not comfortable with teaching human reproduction topics. From the findings, it is recommended that teachers should be empowered to teach Life Science, specifically human reproduction topics, with confidence. Furthermore, parents should be made aware of the importance of including human reproduction topics in the school curriculum so that they can motivate their children to study it with an open mind.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015